Page 66 of Better Late Than Never

Everything that happened once a call was started got updated in the notes of the original call, so I kept my eyes glued to my screen, frantically scanning the call signs that were dispatched. Adam was one fo the officers sent to the barn. My stomach twisted into knots at the thought of him heading straight into the unknown like that. This entire thing could be some kind of setup or a swatting call. People did that sometimes, made up awild story just to see how the department would respond for one reason or another.

But the fact of the matter was… this call had the potential for danger, and I didn’t like imagining Adam smack dab in the middle of it.

I never did.

I glanced at another the screen, studying the map and details about the barn. Maybe I could help give him some clarity. The more info the officers had when they went somewhere, the better. If there was anything that could help Adam or give us some insight into what was going on, I had to find it.

And the first thing I’d check? Who owned the barn.

No one, it turned out. But then I dug deeper, finding information on the previous owner. An idea formed in my mind, and I turned to Hope. “Can you grab the phones for a sec? I have an idea.”

“Sure,” she replied, switching on her phone so she’d receive incoming calls in addition to dispatching.

I dialed the number for the bait shop, hoping that the man who answered would be able to help us. The line clicked, and a gruff voice answered, “Bobby’s Bait Shop, what can I do for ya?”

“Hey, it’s Paisley,” I began, trying to sound friendly and professional at the same time.

“Look, I don’t need any more bright ideas on how to improve my store’s operations,” he grumbled, clearly mistaking my intentions. “You’ve got yourself a good job down at the station, and you should keep it.”

“Actually, that’s not why I’m calling,” I assured him, loosening my jaw so I didn’t have the whole conversation through my teeth. “This is official police business, and we could really use your help.”

That got his attention. “Oh, well in that case, I’d be happy to help the Charlotte Oaks PD. Look at you, doin’ the thing. What do ya need, sweetheart?”

I’d laugh if I weren’t so stressed. Instead, I just got on with it, hoping this wasn’t a wasted call. “We’re dealin’ with a situation involvin’ that old barn you used to own. How many points of entrance does it have?”

“Uh, one in the back and one in the front,” he replied. “Oh, and a side door on the right.”

I glanced at the map. “On the right… As in, when you’re facin’ it, the door is on your right?”

“Yeah.”

“Okay, so that’s on the… East side of the barn, correct?”

“If you say so, darlin’.”

I typed the info about the entrances into the call notes, knowing Hope would see it and then pass the info over the radio. “Is there anythin’ else you can tell us about it? Any hidden rooms or anythin’ else unusual?”

“Hidden rooms? No, nothin’ like that,” he replied with a stiff chuckle, pausing for a moment as if thinking hard. “But there is an old storm cellar around back. It’s padlocked and hasn’t been used in years, but I suppose someone could still get in there.”

“Thank you, that might be very helpful,” I said, entering that tidbit into the notes for the officers, too. “Could you also tell me if you’ve seen anyone hangin’ around the barn lately? Anyone suspicious?”

“Can’t say I have,” he admitted. “The barn ain’t mine anymore, so I haven’t been by there in a while. But I’ll keep my eyes peeled from now on.”

“Thank you,” I told him sincerely. “Stay safe, and please call us if you hear of anythin’ unusual or remember more about the barn that might help.”

“Will do,” he promised. “Take care, now.”

“Thanks, you too,” I replied before ending the call.

My heart raced as I spun to face Hope, and my trainer gave me a nod that was akin to a “good job”. The stakes were high, but we had to have faith in our team. As for Adam, I couldn’t help but worry about his safety, but I knew he was one of the best and would do everything in his power to resolve this situation and still make it home. He knew Momma Wilson would kill him otherwise.

“Well,” Hope said, her tone soft, “hopefully it’s nothin’. It usually is, right?”

“Right. But… what else can we do just in case it’s not nothin’?”

She shook her head. “We’ve done what we can. Now, it’s up to them.”

I glanced down at my bag, then lunged for my Skittles. Opening my grandmother’s pill case, I snagged a green one for good luck and popped it into my mouth.

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