Book'em Sadie (Iron Badges #1)

by Danielle Norman

  “Oh, hell no.” Polly stepped in front of her. “I want to know what is going on.”

  “Polly.” Becky’s one word had her shutting up and stepping aside. I didn’t mind at all if Polly sat in on the meeting.

  “It’s okay, I don’t mind if she hears. I trust both of you completely.”

  We sat around their dining table, and while Becky read over the papers, I pulled up the emails. “I will file for an emergency hearing with the judge. Until then, just lie low, conveniently be unavailable, and avoid them. I’ll contact the DCF and get the caseworker to get her notes over to the judge.”

  “Tell me that this is all bullshit.”

  “This is all bullshit.”

  “Then how was she able to sue me?”

  “You can sue for anything nowadays. Have some money, find an attorney who believes you or wants your money, and you have a case. We’re hoping that the judge sees this for what it is, vindictiveness.”

  “She’s not going to get my daughter, is she?” My heart pounded; Callie was my life.

  “Grandparents can gain rights only if both parents are deceased, in a vegetative state, or incarcerated for felonies involving violence against minors—none of which apply to you. If you choose to move to another country and leave them no information, then that is your right.”

  “The problem is that I don’t want to keep them from seeing Callie, she loves them. I just need this to stop. I need to be allowed to move on with my life.”

  “I think that is fair of you, but if you allow visitation, you should ask for supervised. Playing devil’s advocate here. You’re telling me that Louise has become erratic and, at the same time, you’re telling me that you want Callie to have a relationship with her. Which is it? If she’s so bad, then why aren’t you protecting your daughter? Oh, she’s not that bad? Then what, you’re just being mean, you’re lying?” I was shocked by what Becky was saying. “See my point? This is how a judge is going to look at it.”

  “I got it. Are there places that do supervised visitation?”

  “Of course, it’s done all the time for divorced parents. But you’re in charge, where would you prefer to have Callie supervised, or who should I say would you prefer to supervise your daughter?”

  “Me, my mom, or one of you two.”

  “Okay. And you’re offering her visitation with Callie at your home and nowhere else, correct?”

  “Yes.”

  “How often?”

  “On Wednesdays for a few hours.”

  “Starting immediately?”

  “No. I’d like to see her get grief counseling before I allow her around Callie again. I’m tired of her blaming me for Deirdre’s death and putting Callie in the middle.”

  “We can add that as a stipulation if you’d like. As long as DCF doesn’t come back with proof that you are part of a sex-trafficking ring, you sell heroine to minors, or you abuse Callie, then nothing . . . and I mean, nothing Louise says will hold any weight.”

  “Nope, not been busted for any of those lately, but maybe we can make a three-way with two hot lesbians happen.” I stiffened as a punch landed on each arm, one from Polly and one from Becky. “You know that I can’t say shit like that at work, so I need a little leeway when it is just us.”

  “I wish that you could, I haven’t been called hot in thirty years. Plus, we love you—or rather, your daughter.” Polly smiled.

  “Don’t worry about this, Ryan. We’ll get in front of the judge early this week.”

  “How will this work? I mean, should I prepare Callie for anything? I don’t want her to be scared. Is it like I see on television?”

  “No. Since Callie is under the age of twelve, this case will be heard on its own. She will likely be asked to talk to the judge along with a guardian ad litem in his private chambers.”

  “Why?”

  “The thought behind this is, no child should ever have to face those they love and be asked questions about them, especially if the child believes those questions might get someone in trouble. So, plan on bringing your mother—”

  “I don’t think you could keep her away.”

  “She’ll more than likely be asked to stay out of the courtroom with Callie while you’re inside talking, but I mean it when I say that you don’t have anything to worry about.”

  I left their home not feeling any better than I had when I arrived. Sure, I knew that I was a good person, but to realize that my daughter’s fate rested in the hands of one person was scary.

  It took two days before I was in front of the judge, and as I stood next to Becky, I couldn’t help but glare over at Louise and Sonya. Fred was here, but Martin wasn’t, which was kind of surprising. I would think that Sonya’s husband would be here for something like this.

  Not that it mattered since I wouldn’t allow any of them to speak to or even see Callie. She had come in and spoken with the judge earlier and was in another room with my mother while I waited. I had no clue how I would go on if he didn’t see the truth.

  “All rise.” A sheriff’s deputy stood by the judge’s bench. “The honorable Walter J. Mancos presiding.”

  “You may be seated.” The judge was an older man and reminded me more of Ernest Hemingway than a judge. “I have had a chance to read over the notes from the Department of Child and Family Services, and I’ve had a moment to speak with the child, Caroline, who had no problem telling me about this situation or that she would like to be addressed as Callie.” I fought back my laugh. “Doctor Montgomery, from these notes and from your daughter’s testimony, I want to commend you on doing a spectacular job raising a strong, independent child. I’m sure that it hasn’t been easy over these past few years to balance the demands of your career and the demands of a child. From everything I see, you are a great parent and Callie is fortunate to have you. I’m dismissing the suit made against you. However . . .”

  However? What the hell?

  “Mrs. Louise Hazelton and Mrs. Sonya North, after speaking to Callie, it seems that the two of don’t always act with the child’s best interest in mind. Mrs. Hazelton, I’m sorry that you lost your daughter, but your involvement in Callie’s life is only by Doctor Montgomery’s allowance.”

  “But she’s my blood.”

  “No. She is your daughter’s blood and that man’s blood, and you would do well to remember that.”

  “My daughter is no longer with us.”

  “And in the state of Florida, that has no bearing on the legal custodial rights of the surviving parent.” The judge shifted his attention to my ex-sister-in-law. “Mrs. North, legally speaking, you have nothing, siblings have no claims whatsoever at any time. Your involvement simply falls into the categories of harassment and stalking.” Judge Mancos slid the stack of papers away and folded his hands in front of him. “I also spoke with Deputy Sadie Lazar, she shared with me her observation of Callie’s welfare, and I also gleaned some added information. I’m not sure whether Mr. Montgomery has filed stalking charges against either of you, but if he has—”

  “I’m not stalking,” Louise interrupted the judge.

  “Mrs. Hazelton, stalking is repeated harassment for no legal reason, which I have credible information indicating you have done. Your actions fall into that legal rationale.”

  Her face went bloodless, and she glanced my way nervously.

  “Is there ever a legal reason to harass someone?” I whispered to Becky.

  “Debt collectors can’t get charged with stalking if they call you repeatedly since they have a legal reason.”

  “Ohhh.”

  “Please be advised that stalking is a felony. So, if Mr. Montgomery has filed for himself or Caroline or if Deputy Lazar has filed on behalf of herself, then you also are looking at criminal charges. Mr. Montgomery has requested that you attend grief counseling, I’d advise you to consider it. It will show a good-faith effort to everyone.” Judge Mancos flipped through the pages on his stand. “Doctor Montgomery, I wish you and Callie all the best. Eve
ryone is dismissed.” Judge Mancos hit his gavel and then stood.

  “All rise,” the bailiff boomed. Then the judge was gone. I turned to Becky and let out the breath I had no clue I’d been holding.

  “I told you there was nothing to worry about.”

  26

  Sadie

  My feet were kicked up, and I was leaned back on the couch when someone rang my doorbell and Wasabi freaked the fuck out. As I scooped him up to quiet him, the telltale noise of my friends’ laughter hit me, and I cringed.

  “Really?” I asked as I swung the door open wide. “You know that he hates that damn doorbell.”

  “That’s why I ring it, I love hearing him growl and bark. It’s so fucking funny.” Harley reached out and took Wasabi from me before walking into my house. Bridget, Piper, and Kat were following right behind her.

  “I told her not to,” Bridget whispered.

  “Why aren’t you ready?” Piper asked.

  “Ready for what?”

  “Umm, comedy night at Bananas.” Piper bobbed her head like a doggy on a dashboard.

  “Because she’s in the depths of despair. She’s forlorn, prostrated with grief—”

  Kat threw her hand over Bridget’s mouth. “She’s been watching Anne of Green Gables again. Just because Anne has red hair like she does.”

  I cracked up laughing, because she was kind of right. “Okay, give me ten minutes.”

  “Hurry, Adeline, Stella, and the others are meeting us there!” Piper hollered.

  “So, we’re taking over the whole place?”

  “Pretty much.”

  The last time there was an event, Everly, a friend of ours who was with Orange County Fire and Rescue, brought a few other paramedics and firewomen. Then there was the standard group, the original Iron Orchids, which included my sergeant’s wife as well as my lieutenant’s.

  Ten minutes on the dot I walked out of my bedroom wearing deconstructed jeans, my Freebird boots, and a camo T-shirt.

  “I’m not sure whether I want to go hunting with you or fuck you, but you look hot,” Harley said. “Now let’s go.”

  I took Wasabi from her and set him on his bed before locking up.

  Bananas was one of those places that once you learned of its existence it became your favorite place. Sure, their Sunday morning Southern family-style breakfasts were epic, with drag queens dressed in choir robes singing old church hymns, but it was their special events that I loved most, like tonight.

  When we walked in, I could hear them before I saw them. The large group of women were crowded around four large tables. There were exactly five empty chairs left.

  “Hey, sorry we’re late. It was my fault.” I took the blame. “I forgot about tonight.”

  “Forgot? How the fuck you could you forget tonight?” Stella, my sergeant’s sister, asked.

  “Excuse her, our Sadie is feeling a little melancholy,” Bridget cut in.

  “Will you stop with the Anne of Green Gables shit? I’m going to knock the shit out of you.” Everyone laughed.

  “My work here is done. Oh, one more, you seem to be coming out of the blue johnnies.”

  “What the hell does that even mean?” I asked as I pushed her into a seat and then sat far away from her.

  “It means that”—she pointed at me—“you’re now smiling and not so grumpy.”

  We placed our drink orders, and not ten minutes later, our conversations were cut off by the dimming of the lights. When they came back up, one of the normal singers was on stage. “Welcome, I’m Gypsy Rise, it’s like Gypsy Rose but mine”—he looked down at his cock—“isn’t a has been. Anyway, I’m going to be your emcee tonight, and to get you started, let me introduce you to the slut of all sluts.” Harley cracked up laughing a little too loudly. “Honey, it’s a joke, not roll call.” He waited a few seconds for us to quiet down. “As I was saying, she’s a narcissist, a sociopath, and has a below-average IQ. In other words, she’s a really mean Forrest Gump, let’s get it up for Ringo.”

  Ringo was our bitch. He owned Bananas and was one of the gang, and wherever we were, he seemed to be as well. I’d always thought it was just us—meaning me, Piper, and the other deputies. But, no, he was close to all of our groups.

  “Let me say hey to my posse down in front, hey.”

  In unison, we said, “Hey,” back to him.

  Ringo’s voice got louder to pull everyone’s attention to him. “Now, I know that I’m fabulous, which means finding dates is easy, but do you know who has a hard time dating? My younger sister, who is gorgeous. Anyway, she’s tried everything, and online dating is the worst. Every time she meets someone and thinks he might be the one, he lands in jail. Of course, she comes to me crying and expecting me to give her advice. So, I told that maybe she should try the online dating thing when she’s thirteen.”

  “Fucking hysterical!” I shouted.

  When Ringo was finally finished with his set, we jumped up and cheered. I wasn’t being biased, but the rest of them weren’t nearly as funny. “So, bitches, you think we should have comedian night more often?”

  “Yes!” the group shouted.

  Ringo scanned the group but stopped when his eyes landed on me. “Girl, where you been? I tried calling you the other day. I saw you on your bike, but you didn’t answer.”

  “You’ll have to excuse her, she’s—”

  “Shut up!” I shouted at Kat.

  “I’ve had a lot going on, and right now, I’m rezoned to a different area, so I’m not too happy.”

  “Yeah, but I bet you’re happy with that doctor I heard about. When do I get to meet him?”

  “You don’t.”

  “Why not?”

  “Dumped me.”

  “He didn’t dump you,” Harley interrupted.

  “Fine. He ghosted me.”

  “No. You chewed him out about other people affecting your job, but he can’t control them any more than you can. Maybe he’s decided you’re better off without him. Have you ever thought of that?”

  I stared at Harley, totally dumbfounded. “Who are you? Since when are you the wise one?”

  “I’m quite the prophetic one.”

  “Pathetic, did you say pathetic?” Piper asked.

  “Ha ha—fuck you.” Harley flicked her off. “Think about it, try calling him. Even if you’re only calling to see how court went.”

  “I’ll think about it. Enough about this, what have I missed? I’ve sort of stayed away from the station. I know it isn’t Kayson’s fault, but I blame him for putting me on radar.” I glanced over at his wife Ariel and mouthed an I’m sorry.

  It’s okay, she mouthed back.

  “We’ve sort of noticed,” Bridget said in regards to my absence. “Harley and my brother are still assholes and driving everyone crazy.”

  “Hey, what’s going on with the Blood Roses?” I asked.

  “The MC?” Harley gave me a strange look, but her attention was totally focused on me. “No clue, why?”

  “I’ve seen several groups of them rolling into the area. I thought maybe there was a rally or something going on,” I explained.

  “I don’t know, I’ll call Ridley,” Harley offered. Harley didn’t talk about it a lot, but her cousin was the vice president of an all-ladies MC, not the kind of MC we played at, this was a real one. Well, they didn’t peddle flesh or drugs, but they skirted the law and there were a few in the prisons serving life sentences. They had good intentions, defending those who couldn’t defend themselves, but their retribution is what got out of hand.

  “Don’t think I didn’t notice,” Kat whispered.

  “Notice what?”

  “How you shifted topics from you to the MC, smooth, real smooth.” Kat leaned over and rested her head on my shoulder. “It’s all going to work out, don’t you worry.”

  When the night was over and I got dropped back off at my house, I couldn’t get Harley’s words out of my mind. Call Ryan. Maybe.

  27

  Sadie<
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  Arching my back, I waited for the pop before I twisted at my waist. I did this at least ten times a day now. All because my job was fucking boring, and sitting on the side of the interstate and clocking cars was not why I became a deputy.

  “Orange County, signal four. Reports of multiple vehicles, probable injuries, high chance fatalities, location I4, eastbound at Michigan. All units responding please report back on channel twelve Charlie.”

  I turned my radio to C band and then channel twelve. “Thirteen twenty-two. I’m ninety-seven in the area.”

  “FD with rescue is en route.”

  “Ten-four.”

  I flipped on my light and sirens and gunned my throttle, zipping around cars as I headed up I4. Traffic was already coming to a halt, but when I saw the first sign of wreckage, I started counting, one, two . . . four, six, eight . . .

  “Thirteen twenty-two, will need additional FD and units, seventeen cars involved, nine have probable life-threatening injuries.”

  “Orange County copies, eleven thirty-two.”

  Then via the main channel, dispatch came over the line and repeated the call out for more units.

  Jumping off my bike, I reached into my saddlebags and grabbed my first-responder kit that contained gloves and CPR mouthpieces and ran to the first car.

  “This one isn’t breathing!” someone shouted, and I stopped and pivoted, looking at the man who’d shouted. He was four cars over, so I made my way to him first. Nearing the crumbled metal, I saw immediately there was nothing I could do.

  “Move on to another car!” I shouted as loud as I could. “Only assist people who can move. You don’t want to cause more damage. If in doubt, shout it out.”

  I let out a sigh of relief at the sound of sirens getting closer, finally there would be help. I lifted the door handle of the gray Maxima, but it was locked so I rapped my knuckles against the glass, trying to get whoever was inside to unlock the fucking door.