Page 32 of Storm

Umm… If you see this, which I’m not sure you will since it doesn’t seem as if you’re very active online, would you message me? I’d say to give me a call, but I don’t know how to unblock a number I’ve deleted. Phones and I aren’t the most compatible.

It’s really important I get in touch with you. I hate the idea of saying why over message, so I’ll wait until I hear from you. Thanks in advance. – Miriam

Reading over my message, I groan, then delete the line where I call them all assholes. It’s probably not the best way to encourage someone you insulted to get in touch with you.

Moving on, I do an online search for Captain Kevin Cooper to find out what precinct he actually works for. Multiple news articles pop up describing his heroic acts of civil service, along with cases he’s issued statements to the public.

Seeing photos of him standing behind a podium in uniform, firm and foreboding, does something to my body, so I quickly click out of the photos. Fuck this guy for even suggesting I go with him to meet his friends, but he’ll probably respond the quickest. While he’s a rigid man, he also gave me the sense of sticking to what’s right.

I search the number for his office but can’t find a direct line. Instead, I call the non emergency line, biting my lip to stave off the nerves of speaking with him again. The phone is answered by a male officer, but I don’t catch his name.

“Hi, I was wondering if I could be transferred to Captain Kevin Cooper’s desk?” I ask, tapping my fingers nervously on my thigh.

“I’ll transfer you to his office. Please hold.”

Without waiting on me, elevator music streams through the phone and I wait for a minute before a woman picks up.

“Captain Cooper’s office. This is Sandra. How may I help you?”

Allowing my shoulders to fall, maybe a touch in relief that it’s nothisvoice I hear right away, I do my best to sound professional.

“Good morning. My name is Miriam Delgado and I’m looking to speak with Captain Cooper, if he’s available?”

“Is your call business or personal?” I jerk my head back, surprised at the tone of annoyance lacing her words. Maybe she’s just busy.

A touch confused, my answer comes out as a question. “Personal? But it’s very important I speak with him.”

“I appreciate the urgency, but unfortunately at this time, the captain isn’t accepting personal calls. I’d be happy to take a message and have him call you when it’s convenient for him.”

Irritated, I ask, “Can I have his email, then? I’ll just reach out that way so he can respond when it works within his schedule.”

Her answer is quick, and I can’t help but think she’s gatekeeping his calls. “I apologize for the inconvenience. That’s not information we release to the public. Again, I’d be happy to take a message if you’d like.”

My eyes fall back to the police station’s contact page and right fucking there, under his name and photo, is his email. “I think that’s wrong considering I just found his email online. It won’t be necessary to leave a message. Thanks for your time.”

Hanging up the phone, I click on the link and a new email window opens up. With frustration over Sandra’s bullshit riding me hard, I quickly type out an email, then hit send.

Dear Capitán,

I’m sorry for contacting you this way, but it’s really important that I speak with you. I would have called your cell, but clearly I’m my own worst enemy and blocked, then deleted your phone number.

I have something I really need to discuss with you in person. If not, at least over the phone. If you give me your number again, I’ll get it unblocked on my phone and call if that works, or maybe you can let me know a good time to call you at your office? Maybe Sandra can put me on your appointment schedule or something.

Again, sorry for reaching out this way, but I wouldn’t unless it was urgent.-Miriam

I sneer at Sandra’s name when I type it, but the little dig makes me feel better, even if he has no idea. I’m not in the business of calling someone out unless it’s to their face, and it’s entirely possible that heisbusy and asked her to field his calls.

Hitting send, I feel sick. I’m past the point of no return now. I could go back and delete my message to Tatum, but I can’t unsend this one.

Dreading the idea of reaching out to Richard, I instead choose to search for Ezra next. I pause after typing his first name, unsure if his last name is Hill or Hall. I can’t quite remember, but I’m fairly positive it’s Hall.

After searching for a solid twenty minutes, even in connection to national parks as well as search and rescue affiliations, nothing shows up for him. I do it all again with Ezra Hill, but still, nothing.

Giving up for now, I sit in front of my computer, unable to bring myself to search for Richard’s contact information. I know he won’t be difficult to find. There can’t be more than oneRichard Leigh within a five hundred mile radius who’s also a lawyer.

I just don’twantto get a hold of him. I was hoping for anyone other than him, but if I don’t try now and start this process, I’ll keep dragging my feet. Ignoring my phone as it buzzes with a text message, I glare at my computer. “Alrightpendejo. Where are you?”

Same as Kevin, it only takes a minute to find Richard’s law office and I’m staring at his phone number and extension. I see a text from my brother when I pick up my phone, but pull up the screen to dial numbers.

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