Page 64 of Unexpected Danger
“I do believe I have found the one.” Juanita clapped her hands together and beamed. A smile lit her chubby face, and her thin eyes had disappeared into her abundant cheeks.
A woman in her twenties, Juanita had not been Brodie’s first choice for the temporary position. Not that she was incompetent, but her overzealous excitement made her more suitable for a position that didn’t require, at most times, a serious demeanor, and at all times a firm head on one’s shoulders. Juanita, however, did possess the necessary characteristics of communication, decision-making, multitasking ability, and compassion. That was why the majority of the hiring board agreed to recruit her. That and she had a clean record with not even so much as a parking ticket.
Perhaps Brodie was just biased in favor of their permanent dispatcher, who’d been with them since his dad was sheriff.
“That’s awesome.” Overton, a self-proclaimed health freak, munched on a bowl of fresh fruit.
“I know. Who would have thought? I’ve only lived here for two years, and in that time, there has been no one. Zilch. Nada. But I went to the bar with friends and there he was—the man of my dreams.” Juanita paused, closed her eyes, and swooned. She reopened her eyes and held a hand to her heart. “Not only is he hot, but he is so sweet. He’s already sent me flowers.”
Overton nodded. “Sounds like a winner.”
“Oh, he is. We just had our fifth date. Can you believe it?” Her voice rose several octaves. “Five dates in a matter of less than two weeks. I don’t even remember the last time I had that many dates in a span of six months.”
“Congratulations.” Overton forked a piece of cantaloupe. “Is he from here?”
“Thanks, and yes, he is. Grew up here as a matter of fact.”
Brodie wondered who it could be who had taken such an interest in the temporary dispatcher. He was about to ask his name, but Juanita’s droning on and on allowed for zero interruptions.
She finally noticed Brodie for what was probably the first time. As though a deer in the headlights, her eyes enlarged, and her mouth fell open. “Oops! I guess I really didn’t notice the time. Suppose my break is over, and I should return for duty.” Without another word, she rushed from the break room, a glazed doughnut in each hand.
“How is she working out?” Brodie asked.
Overton shrugged. “Fine, I think. She’s enthusiastic, and I haven’t heard any complaints. Yesterday, she walked someone through CPR.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ll be sure to let her know we appreciate her hard work. You off for the day?”
“Yes, sir. Just have to finish a report.”
Overton was turning out to be a good choice. She was committed, knowledgeable, and a leader. A transfer from a neighboring county, she’d moved to Pronghorn Falls when her husband relocated for his job.
“Thank you for your diligence. Have a good afternoon.”
Brodie believed in awarding his staff with praise, and when the governing body allowed it, periodic raises or bonuses. Somewhere along the way, he’d missed things with Garriot, much to his irritation and a generous slice of guilt. Could hehave been more observant? Paid closer attention to his deputy? Watched for signs? Hindsight, as they said, was twenty-twenty, but at least the entire situation grew Brodie in his own career.
Roarke always said Brodie was too trusting. Maybe so. But while he’d never be a micromanager or opted to look for the worst in others—that wasn’t his M.O., hewaswiser about who he chose to work for the department he’d been elected for. He kept an open-door policy, attempted to be an effective communicator, and endeavored to be fair in his assessments. Most of all, he wanted to do what would have made Dad proud.
Brodie left the staff room and entered his office. He settled into his chair and took a deep breath, hoping for even ten minutes of downtime. He reached for the blue stress ball and squeezed it several times in rapid succession. While he did so, he pressed the voicemail button on his phone to listen to his messages.
The first was Mom inviting him for dinner tomorrow night. The second was from the local homeschool co-op asking if he would be willing to come to their career day. That was one of his favorite parts of his job, encouraging young people. Who knew if his words could make an impact on someone desiring a future in law enforcement? Not to mention, he wanted kids to feel comfortable approaching law enforcement if they ever needed to. It was all part of cultivating a culture where citizens and law enforcement worked together for the betterment of the community.
He listened to the remaining three messages when he received the call.
Suspicious person on Esther Lane.
It took exactly one point five seconds for the address to register. It was Roarke and Mila’s house.
Deputy Dwyer was on the other side of the county, but said he was en route.
Some suspicious person calls resulted in a hiker or someone lost who’d wandered inadvertently onto someone’s land. Or maybe a trespasser or poacher.
But with Dustin Haack determined to stalk Londyn, the termsuspicious persontook on a whole new meaning.
Brodie answered the call in the affirmative, and minutes later, he was on his way to the ranch.
Calls came in all the time, and Brodie answered many of them if he was able to do so. But never had he answered so many that pertained to probable danger involving Londyn. And this time, Mila and Xander.
He pressed his foot on the gas and maneuvered his service truck as fast as safely possible along the country road to Roarke and Mila’s. The dust rose behind him, making it difficult to see Deputy Dwyer, who’d pulled in behind him just off Main Street.
