Page 6 of Cop Blocked

Less than five minutes later, Miss Beasley is waiting on the front porch when I pull up. Her smile widens as I step from the car and make my way up the driveway.

“Hey, Miss B. What’s going on?”

“Well. You know, I heard all this ruckus outback, and I haven’t seen Kitty all day. I’m worried she may have gotten into a scuffle again.”

Miss Beasley is a regular, and if she can have it her way, it’s always me who she requests to visit her when Kitty gets into trouble. The first time she called in, another one of the guys came out and called the Fire Department to get Kitty down from the tree. Miss Beasley was not happy. The second time, I was in the area and got the call. Now I’ve been dubbed “The Pussy Whisperer” at the station, all because I can talk Kitty from the tree without needing a ladder.

“I’ll go take a look,” I assure her.

“When you find her, I’ve got some fresh baked cookies waiting.” She gives me an innocent grin.

Visiting Miss B does have its perks.

It takes me all of five minutes to find Kitty. She’s hiding in the back of the yard behind some of Miss B’s landscaping. Unscathed, she trots over when I call her and purrs at my feet.

“You know, you’re rotten, Kitty. How about you stay inside with your momma for a while and stop escaping.”

Miss Beasley is waiting at the back door for us as I cross the yard. “You found her,” she holds out her arms and takes Kitty from me. “And she’s in one piece.” Holding open the door for me; she urges me inside, “Good thing that didn’t take long, those cookies are still warm.”

Knowing I won’t get out of here with declining her offer, I step inside and wash my hands at the kitchen sink like I’ve done a dozen times before. A sugary sweet aroma fills her tiny kitchen, welcoming me in its homely feel.

“Milk?” Miss Beasley asks after opening a can of food for Kitty and sitting her down.

“You don’t have to.”

“Nonsense. Sit for a spell and enjoy a glass of milk with these chocolate chip delights. I could use the company.”

I enjoy two of the cookies and listen to Miss Beasley tell me about the ladies at Bingo and her latest disagreement with Hank - the grumpy old man who lives across the street from her, (her words - not mine.)

“Now, Miss B, I’m not going to have to cite you for causing trouble, am I?” I tease, and she gives me a gentle smile.

“Oh boy, don’t you wish you could. Hank needs to keep his nose on his side of the road, and we’ll be fine. Why does he care that my rose bush blooms more than his?”

I stifle my laughter. “I’m not sure, but Hank should know by now you’re not going to give up your secrets.”

She stands and pats my cheek, “I always knew I liked you. Smart kid.” Miss B shuffles over to the countertop and bags up a few more cookies. “I guess I should let you get going before the police department sends a search party for you.”

As usual, I carry my empty glass to the sink and run water in it and toss my napkin in the trash. “Thank you for the cookies.” I wink at her, making her blush.

At the front door, she stops me and puts the extra cookies in my hand. “Say, Logan, you should come by for dinner one day. My granddaughter comes over every Thursday, and truth be told, she could use a young man like you in her life.”

This time I can’t fight back the chuckle. “Didn’t you tell me your granddaughter has a little girl of her own?”

“She does, and that little girl needs to see her mom with someone who loves her.”

I shake my head. “I appreciate you looking out, but I’m good. Kids aren’t my thing.”

“Nonsense. I don’t believe that for a minute.”

When my radio cracks to life, I’m thankful for the reason to escape.

“Always a pleasure, Miss B, but now I’ve gotta run.”

“Stay safe out there. Thursday at five,” she calls out as I walk away. “You know, in case you can make it.”

I wave as I climb in my patrol car and hit the lights, letting dispatch know I’m responding to the call for a domestic dispute near the college. Something tells me Miss B’s going to call the station Thursday looking for me if I don’t show up to dinner.

FOUR

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