Book Four - Part 8 - Rhyming Evil - Chapter Fifty-Nine
Wednesday – August 15th
The Twenty-Second Precinct – 8:53 a.m.
“Okay, guys. Just before we all head out for the day, Mayor Marsh has an announcement to make. It’s why I asked you all out here in the parking lot where everyone can hear her.”
“Ladies and gentlemen; first off, I want to thank each and every one of you for your selfless courage and outstanding performance and diligence to not only the safety of our city, but to our residents and our children.
“I was never prouder of each one of you on the day the vice-president was here and handed out your citations. That was the first time on record an entire police force received that much recognition. You do yourselves proud.”
The outside exploded into applause and whistles, then quieted down when she raised her hand.
“I have here, two awards; one of which is given to the top qualifier at Brewster's Gun Club. And I am happy to announce that Andre Devon is this year’s winner.”
Andre step forward as more applause and calls of, “Way to go, Cisco!” filled the air.
Jean Marsh pinned the Expert Medal on his shirt just below his badge. Andre thanked her, waved to all his partners in the parking lot and went back and stood next to J.W.
“This Next award is brand new. It is named the Davenport Award. As many of you know, Patrick Davenport owns and runs our animal clinic and shelter.
“He came to me a while back with an idea I instantly agreed with. This award not only speaks about individual bravery, but also speaks about care, concern, and a love for animals. This award, I and proud the say, goes to the officer who, at significant risk to her own life, made sure every pet, both in the clinic and personally owned, were kept out of harm's way when the tornado struck.
“Our first recipient and hopefully not our last, and may we follow her example; I am proud to give this medallion to Officer Dianne Andrews.”
Blushing and smiling, every cop there applauded her as she made her way to Mayor Marsh. She heard many voices as she made her way to receive her medallion as everyone was practically saying the same thing, “Congratulations! You deserve this! You’re one hell of a cop!”
Mayor Marsh placed the medallion over Dianne's head. on one side we're three engraved faces of animals. on the reverse was an engraved etching of a policeman with the dog with these words surrounding it: Preserve – Protect - Defend – Honor – Courage.
Looking down at the medallion. She thanked Mayor Marsh, then she looked out at her peers.
“When I decided to be a cop, I knew the risks I took, especially being a woman and being accepted by my peers. Over time, the acceptance came easier than I expected, but I also found the risks worthwhile when doing the right thing.
“Again, thank you Mayor Marsh, and thank you, Mr. Davenport. This is one award that will always remain special to me.”
There were a few more whistles and applause before Baker took back control of the area.
“Thank you, Mayor Marsh, and as Officer Andrews said, thank you Mr. Davenport on behalf of the Twenty-Second, to recognize one of our own.
“Now, after all this excitement, if there isn’t anything else, if there are no questions, I just want to add one thing; celebrity photos and autographs will be held at five this afternoon for anyone interested in having their picture taken with Devon and Andrews.
“Otherwise, we are running late, so get out there and stay safe and keep our streets safe.”
Davenport Animal Clinic – 9:47 a.m.
“Hello, this is Patrick Davenport.”
“Hello yourself, Patrick.”
“James! This is a surprise.”
“No, you are the surprise. That was a wonderful thing you did, having an award given to Andrews.”
“Ah, I see. So then, Mayor Marsh was able to get it to her.”
“Yes, but why didn’t you give it to her yourself?”
“I know you said the Lieutenant and the Captain knows you are gay as well as your partner, Andre, but forgive me, I was afraid I may have spent more time looking at you than Dianne Andrews.”
J.W. rolled his eyes.
“Whatever, Patrick. How Does a trip back to Brighton sound to you this weekend?”
“Love it.”
“Then be ready after five come Friday. I’ll pick you up at your place.”
“Love you, James.”
“You too, Patrick.”
J.W. looked at the grin on Devon’s face.”
“What?”
“You, that’s what.”
“Huh?”
“Maybe No one else can see what I see, but I see a man very much in love. And I say it's about time.
“Now, let's go and see if we can avoid catching some bad guys today!”
3649 Hester Avenue – 11:17 a.m.
Stevie drove up to Ellie's parent’s house and parked in their driveway. As he walked to the front door, he carried a paper bag holding T-shirts.
Ellie Saw him pull in had opened the door just as he was about to ring their doorbell.
“Hi, Stevie. This is a surprise.”
“Hi, Ellie.”
As He entered the house, they gave each other a quick kiss.
“So, what's in the bag?”
“Tee’s for you and your parents. I’ve Already handed out T shirts to all the guys who will help us raise money for MDA. Tell me what you think.”
Stevie reached in the bag, pulled out a T shirt that had the words: I Am A Volunteer for MDA, printed in an arc over a graphic picture of Jerry Lewis and a small child, and underneath it read: For Jerry’s Kids.
“That is so cool, Stevie! Mom and dad will just love this.”
“I hope so. There are 10,000 more just like these.”
“What!”
“I came up with the idea on my own a few days ago. I went to a print shop and he made a deal with me for just his cost. We sell 10,000 shirts for ten dollars, he gets four, and the rest goes to MDA.
“We can sell these door-to-door, and the police can sell some at the Arena. It’s a win-win situation.”
“You rock, Stevie. That is a great idea.”
“So, ah … you want to go out to the Lake today?”
“Oh, I forgot to tell you, sorry. Mom’s sister is coming in from Salt Lake City sometime today with her two sons, and I promised I’d stay home in case they showed up before either mom or dad get home from work.”
“Okay. How long are they staying?”
“I really think for good. Aunt Violet and Uncle Victor are separated right now, and it doesn’t look good. I guess Aunt Violet caught Uncle Victor cheating on her or something like that.”
“Ouch! Not good. The only time someone should see another person is if they are already single, divorced, or widowed. Otherwise, work your problems out, get past them and keep the marriage or relationship going.”
“Is that what you would do? Work on the problem?”
“Sure, I would, Ellie. I’d be a coward if I said I would quit and walk away and not try to make things right or better somehow.
“I sometimes think that that’s part of the world’s problem. A situation or crisis happens, and instead of finding a way to peacefully resolve things; people just let things get worse until it’s too late.”
“Stevie? Will we always love each other?”
“I don’t know how long always, is; but however long it is, that’s how long I want to stay in love with you and have us be the best of friends, too.”
Ellie threw her arms around his neck, kissing and hugging him tightly to her body.
“Me, too. I hope we always stay best friends. I pray we never lose the love we have.”
Pulling back a tiny bit, Stevie said, “As long as we remain true to each other and do for each other, we can make what we have right now a little stronger each day of our lives together."
Ellie pulled back and looked into Stevie’s eyes.
“It’s times like this, I am happy you are in my life.”
The Twenty-Second Precinct – 1:47 p.m.
“So, where is he Spinelli?”
“Up in your office, Baker. He’s been up there right after I called you.”
Walking the flight of steps to her office with Dian ne right behind her, this was to be an unexpected surprise. On the way back to the Stationhouse, she mentioned him to Dianne.
“I remember him. He's the guy who saved the mother and her baby in town from a burning car moments before it exploded.”
“One and the same,”
“Now that guy is a real hero.”
“I agree, but I wonder what he's doing back here?”
As Baker walked into her office, Ronald Gunderson stood, turned, and smiled at her.
From what she could remember the long dark hair was now cut much shorter, his face clean shaven, and he traded in jeans and boots for a two-piece suit.
“Lieutenant Baker, It is a sincere pleasure to see you again.”
He extended his arm, and both shook hands.
“Ronald Gunderson, right? Headed West for a job.”
“Good memory. Because of your help, I made it there in plenty of time. Since then, up until two months ago, I've been able to have visitation rights with my kids. Again, all because of your help. I can never repay you enough for your kindness, but I can at least repay the loan.”
Ronald reached inside his coat pocket and extracted a white envelope he handed to Baker.
Baker looked inside and counted $4,000\.
“Mr. Gunderson, I gave you $1,500. This is far too much.”
“Not really, Not when you consider a new belt, a rebuilt engine, new tires and labor; I'd say that pretty much spot on.”
“Sorry,” she said. “What I gave you was a gift. I never take a gift back once it's been given.”
Ronald started to reach for it when he pulled back.
“Then what if you take it and use it to help someone else or donate it to a charity of your choice.”
“Now that I can do. We will be starting our MDA drive shortly. I can drop this in along with other contributions.”
“Then it’s settled. I’ll be leaving now, but I want to thank you one more time for all your help.”
He handed Baker one of his business cards and on the back he had written his home address.
“I’d you and your family ever make it out my way, stop in. I have a few spare rooms. I’d be honored to have you and yours as my guests.”
Baker looked at the card and smiled. Ronald Gunderson, Director of Operations.
“You Have made progress. I'm delighted everything worked out for you. And, if my son and husband and I ever do get out your way; will be sure to stop by.”
She watched as Ronald walked out of her office and it did her psyche good knowing that something positive can happen in people’s lives that venture through Montie.
She looked at the card again. Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
She sat down in front of her computer and Googled the city and population. She found it was a little larger than Montie in both size and population. Ronald has seven acres of flatlands about twenty-five miles northeast of Jackson Hole. the company he works for, Western Industries, which drills for oil, was twenty miles South of him.
Baker mused a thought to herself; Dianne voiced that same thought\.
“Makes you wonder if he has horses, doesn't it?”
The Rest Of The Day In Montie
As most people do, they worked. Some we're on deadlines trying to finish up July's monthly report to their corporations by the twentieth.
Other people were meeting immediate order deadlines such as the drive-thru’s at McDonald's, Burger King, and Taco Bell.
No matter who did what, no matter what pressures may be faced, the residents and employees of Montie could feel other pressures of danger long gone; faded away like night changing today.
Single or married, mattered not. People would relax tonight and enjoy a night filled with peace and quiet.
Even Channel 08 news couldn't dredge up anything locally that could be considered horrifying or dangerous.
But there was a bit of personal sadness at Jack and Peggy Anders house. Lee informed them he had just taken on his first case as an investigator. It would involve a lot of surveillance and that he could be gone for as long as three months.
His rent was paid at his apartment for six months in advance, so there wouldn't be any questions there. He promised to call Jack and Peggy if there were any problems.
Later that night when he was in his own place, he bought a one-way ticket to Lebanon. Showing his passport at the gate wouldn't be an issue Top of the line forgery by a close friend.
According to news around the world, there was a lot of civil and political unrest there. A Syrian general was making claims to take control of Syria, Lebanon, and Damascus.
Would General Masya El Kaliya, be the next target? Lee would find out soon enough.