Epilogue 3
The end of the week.
LAW
I'm standing on the sidewalk outside the J Bonds building, surveying the front window, when I see Sheriff Tobias Trenton's reflection as he pulls up to the curb. Getting out of his truck he saunters over, every bit the small-town lawman despite what we've just been through.
“Law.”
“Sheriff.” We nod to each other. “Glad it's over?”
“Yes sir. Man, he was an annoying shit.”
Chuckling, I agree. “Yes, he was.” I whistled, “and what an ego.”
“Don't even get me started. We had a pool on what the highest cash amount he would offer to buy his release.”
“And?”
Tobias shook his head. “Four million. Idiot offered it to Rogers. Dudes on a federal warrant for crimes against women, and he offers a married masc lesbian with three little girls four million to help him escape.”
“Shit, I'm surprised she didn't take him up on it, have him transfer the money, then shoot him for attempting escape.”
Tobias, smiling. “I'm sure she thought about it. So, what's going on here? I saw you standing there looking like a lost puppy.”
“I was just thinking about where to put my logo.” I cock my head to the side, still studying the window.
“Your logo?”
“Yes, sir. I just bought the business from old man Johnson. He showed up at Mom's yesterday and said he was ready to retire.”
“Well, hot damn. Congratulations.” The chief offers his hand, and I shake it while grinning. “Wait, are you closing the New York office?”
“No, I'll be here on and off to start, but eventually I'll make it more permanent. Mom's health isn't what it used to be, and New York is a long way from Whispering Pines. Plus, none of us are getting any younger. So, when the opportunity showed up, I jumped on it. The guys like it here too. I'm sure they'll want to cover this office as well.”
“Makes sense. It'll be nice having you around more.”
A car door closes behind us. We turn to see a hot pink minivan, its side panels covered in lavender and white flowers. A pretty, voluptuous redhead wearing bright green glasses and a bright yellow dress with white polka dots emerges from the driver's seat. Opening the side door, she retrieves a large vase filled with spring flowers.
“Hi,” she says, smiling at me. “Tobias,” she stops in front of
him and smiles, her cheeks flushing pink.
“Ah, hello Ruth. Umm, nice arrangement.” The great Sheriff fidgets uncomfortably.
“Oh, thank you. They're for Mrs. Pine's birthday.” She looks at the flowers, then back at Tobias. Awkward silence follows as they just look at each other.
“This,” he paused, “this is Law.” Tobias points at me.
“Hi Law, I’m Ruth, I run the flower shop.”
“It’s nice to meet you.” I nodded.
“Well, I better deliver these.” She spins on her heel and heads toward a building two doors down.
I notice the Sheriff doesn't take his eyes off her as she walks away.
“Ah, something going on there?” I ask, trying to contain my smile.
Looking incredibly uncomfortable, Tobias finally turns to face me. “What do you mean?”
“HA! What do I mean?” I cuff him on the shoulder. “You and the flower lady have something going on?”
“Who? What? Roo and me? No, nooo.” Tobias fumbles over his words, answering way too quickly.
“Roo? Man, if you don't, you should. The sparks flying off you two are enough to start a bonfire.” I tease him.
“No, nope, nothing there, ah, here. Listen, I've got to,” Tobias freezes as his phone and mine ring simultaneously. Exchanging glances, we both answer.
“Tobias here.”
“This is Law.”
“Law, this is Senior Field Agent Richardson. I'm calling to let you know Michael Thorne escaped custody today.”
Tobias drops his head. “HE WHAT?”
From his reaction, I know he's getting the same news. “Agent Richardson, hold on a second. Let me get somewhere I can talk.” I mute my phone, motioning for Tobias to come inside. “Who do you have?”
“The office, they heard,”
I cut him off, lifting my phone. “I've got the FBI.”
“I'll call you back.” Tobias ends his call.
“Richardson? I'm here with Sheriff Trenton. Tobias, this is Senior Field Agent Richardson. Go ahead, Richardson. We want to know what happened.”
“Fine, Sheriff Trenton was on my list to notify. Michael Thorne escaped custody today. The plane had a layover in Chicago. When it landed, Thorne complained of a stomachache and requested the bathroom. Agents cleared a bathroom, then waited for him. The rest is fuzzy. A flight landed and began unloading at the gate next to the bathroom, so there were a lot of people milling around. Near as we can tell from the hall footage, a couple of men approached the agent blocking the entrance. Then the men left, presumably to go to another bathroom. But when they walked off, the agent wasn't at the door anymore. Now, it could have been that the agent went back into the bathroom. We don't know. We do know is that both agents are dead and Michael is gone.”
“Fuck!” I say, shaking my head.
“Didn't the hall footage catch Michael leaving the bathroom?” Tobias asks, pacing.
“No, we did an identification facial search, but got no hits.”
“Shit.” Tobias stops. “So, you're telling us that you have no idea where he is?”
“Unfortunately, yes.”
“Damn it.” Tobias and I echo each other.
“If we get word, he's heading your way. We'll let you know.” Richardson ends the call.
Tobias and I lock eyes.
The End. Or is it?
The story continues in book two, Rules.