Bring Me A Bluebird

Chapter 1

It had been fourteen years, since he’d first walked up the driveway to the Borski farm. Scott was sitting quietly on his own front porch. He watched the gray sky while a gentle rain fell softly on the grass. It seemed as if all of heaven wept. His grandmother had told him many years ago that when rain fell, it meant that a child told a lie and angels would weep. Scott Lawford wondered how many tears had to fall before that child’s lie could be forgiven.

The funeral had been over a week ago. Now, he had nothing left and slowly stood up to grip the porch railing. Behind him, the inside of the house was silent. The only sound was rain hitting the driveway and front lawn. He sighed and sat back on the bench.

Scott glanced to his right at the sound of a vehicle coming down the road. It appeared to be moving very fast and he saw a large black pickup truck brake abruptly, before pulling into his driveway. When it stopped, Harry Borski exited the driver’s side door and Scott felt his eyes fill with tears. He watched the large man come up the steps and onto the porch.

Scottie.

Mr. Borski, he hesitated for a few seconds. Thank you and all of your family for attending the funeral. Please, tell Juan and Maria... Scott held his hand over his mouth for a couple of seconds. ...Ralph, and all the others, I said thanks again.

His old friend took a seat next to him on the bench. Both were quiet for a short moment until, Harry turned to him. I had to get away from the damn kids. They drive me crazy with them wanting me to play with them all the time. Thought I’d take a little drive and visit.

A little drive! It’s a hundred miles to your farm. Scott looked down and felt a tear fall from his eye.

I ah, oh hell... Harry cleared his throat and pointed at the truck. ...walk in the park for that big bastard. Gretta and the boys bought it for my Christmas present. I made it here in an hour and twenty minutes flat!

That’s a nice looking truck, Mr. Borski. Scott looked closely at the vehicle. Are those flames painted on the side?

Yeah, I didn’t want them on there. Tommy had them put on the sides, ‘cause he thought it was real funny. I’ll tell you though, the grandkids love that truck. Sometimes, I let them ride in the pickup bed. Of course, I go real slowly. Damn tractor pulling a plow, could beat me.

How’s the family doing, Mr. Borski?

Real good. However, Karen still has a problem with her hearing. Evita says it’s some residual thing from when she had mumps. That girl is strong as a horse and twice as feisty. I pity the poor man that marries her. Harry shook his head and quickly glanced at his friend.

Yeah Karen, she’s just a little thing. I hope she’s okay.

Scottie, she’s not a little girl anymore. Did I tell you she and Maggie blew up my old ale house a long time ago?

Yes Sir. You told me that and many other things. I still remember mobility, chasing the ball and all your other lessons of life. I’m still a... Scott’s voice broke. ...damn republican.

Scott, I want to ask you a question. You don’t have to answer immediately. Gretta and I want to make a proposal. Of course, as CEO of Borski Enterprises... Harry cleared his throat. ...I decided to consult with the board of directors. As you know, it was just a courtesy. The vote was the first ever -unanimous. Gretta, our boys, my oldest grandson, Stan and everyone else participated. We want to offer you a job helping run the corporation. Come home to us.

Scott put his hands over his eyes and cried. Harry rested his huge hand on the young man’s shoulder and was very quiet. He just sat there as his friend shed tears. Mr. Borski wiped his own eyes and blew his nose loudly into a red handkerchief. Whatever you make at your job, we’ll double. I could use your help, Scottie. You let us know.

Harry stood up and took a step away from the man. He quickly wiped his eyes again and moved back. You were Hazel’s damn kid, but you’re ours too. Harry lost his fragile composure for a few seconds and hesitated, before he stood up a bit straighter and used his most official voice. Of all of them, even my own boys. Hell Scottie, you always reminded me the most of our little dog, Otto. You never - once in your life - stopped chasing that damn ball.

Scott never looked up, instead he just sobbed. He again felt the reassuring hand of Mr. Borski on his shoulder. Scott heard him say, Short drive back. I guess all those damn kids are waiting for me to play with them. Hell of a thing, when the CEO of Borski Enterprises has to babysit.

Yeah, it’s not right and... Scott cried harder. ...in my opinion, you need to set things straight on that farm." He felt the man’s huge hand squeeze his shoulder for a couple seconds.

I damn well intend to. Scottie, I’ll say no more, except another lesson of life. One more, just for you. Listen closely to the last one. Friends are as important as family. Harry leaned down and quickly kissed the top of Scott’s head. "Come home, Scottie!

He couldn’t look up at his old friend and just sobbed into his hands. Mr. Borski’s truck started a few minutes later and Scott heard it driving away into the rainy afternoon.

***

Two nights later, he rested his head against a down pillow as he stared at the bedroom’s ceiling fan. It was on its lowest setting and the blades moved slowly. Scott tried to count the rotations. It sometimes helped him fall asleep. If he concentrated on the number and not the memory of his wife and child, he could drift off. One hundred twenty three, four, five... He glanced at the alarm clock on the nightstand. ...two in the morning.

Scott got up and moved from the bedroom into the dark living room. He pulled down on the cord to the venetian blinds and stared out into the moonlit night. Damn you! He moved from the room and out onto the front porch where he sat on a bench. For the hundredth time, he went over that Saturday morning in his mind. It’s my fault! He put his hands over his eyes and was thinking about the events as they had transpired.

***

Rebecca had finished the breakfast dishes and turned to him from the kitchen sink. Honey, you sure you don’t want to go with me to Annie’s house? She had smiled just a fraction as she waited for the answer she knew she’d get.

Becky, ah, you know I just don’t want to sit there with Annie while you two talk. Scott hesitated for an instant. Look, I’ll drive you over with Eric and drop you two off. I guess that I could visit the Borski farm for a couple hours. He sighed and looked resolved to the long drive.

His wife chuckled for a few seconds, before she moved next to him at the table and put her hand on his. Scott, I am quite capable of the trip to Millville. It’s only two hours. She bent down to kiss his cheek. I need to see Annie’s new baby girl and besides, I want to show off our Eric.

She left a few minutes later and Scott waved from the driveway as they backed out.

***

Rebecca glanced in the rearview mirror at little Eric, who was sound asleep in his car seat. She smiled to herself and saw a mail truck halted on a side road at a stop sign, to her right. There were no cars at the side road’s stop sign, to her left.

Jimmy Flint saw the stop sign at the last second and braked hard as he swerved left onto the main road. From the back seat he heard, LOOK OUT! A blue car was just behind and he pulled the steering wheel left. The right back panel of his white sedan impacted the blue car, just behind its left front fender.

Rebecca had jerked her wheel right, in a desperate attempt to avoid the collision. At forty miles an hour, her vehicle left the road and flipped into a deep ditch. The airbags deployed and the car lay on its roof in five feet of water. Rebecca was upside down in the driver’s seat and struggled to find the seatbelt’s release. Her right arm was numb and she couldn’t move it. The airbag prevented her from reaching the seatbelt’s release with her left. Rebecca saw the water rushing in the broken passenger side window. My baby!

The white car swerved from side to side after the impact and Jimmy managed to control it, after a few hundred feet. He braked hard and stopped. Lord, it rolled in that ditch full of water. We got to help them! He reversed and they started to back up.

WAIT! STOP! he heard from the backseat. A mail truck is pulling up right behind them. Get us the hell out of here!

Tom Jenkins stopped the postal vehicle and ran as fast as his tender hip would allow. He slipped on the side of the ditch and went down hard. The old man moaned and slid further down. He managed to turn and went under the water with his eyes open. The swirling mud made it impossible to see and Tom felt for the door’s handle. He gripped it firmly and tried to pull it open. It was locked from the inside and he beat his fist against the driver’s side window. Tom surfaced and took a deep breath. He turned and kicked against the window below the muddy water’s surface. His hip was on fire. Still he kicked with one leg, despite the agonizing pain in his side.

It was several minutes until, a pickup with two young men in it screeched to a halt a few feet ahead. Both ran toward the ditch and Tom Jenkins yelled from the muddy water. The driver is trapped inside; get something to break out the windows!

Seth Adumenson pulled the mailman from the ditch and handed him a cell phone. Call for help!

His brother, Hank, sprinted back to their pickup truck and grabbed a large pipe wrench from the bed. Both young men entered the water and tried to break out the driver’s side window glass. One went under and immediately surfaced. Window is busted out! Seth, hand me your pocketknife, airbag is inflated and the seatbelt is still on the driver. I got to puncture the bag, the belt release is too far to reach.

He gave Hank the knife and moved through the muddy water to the passenger side of the car. Seth went under and managed to reach the seatbelt release through the broken window on that side. He surfaced immediately and yelled. IT’S RELEASED! He scrambled around the car and reached down to his brother and pulled him above the surface. I got it off and both of us go under and drag that driver out.

They had to surface once, before they managed to lift Rebecca’s limp body from the muddy water and dragged her to the road’s surface. Hank and Seth were performing CPR on the woman. Is there anyone else in that car? Seth glanced at the mailman while he compressed the woman’s chest.

All I saw was her and I’m just not sure! Tom pointed at the almost totally submerged blue vehicle. He looked over at the woman. Oh Lord, that’s Becky Lawford! Tom Jenkins put his hand over his mouth and shook his head. He glanced toward the ditch. God, please don’t let her baby have been in that car!

Seth heard his remark and hurried into the deep ditch. He went under the brown water again. Almost a full minute later, he surfaced and lifted up the infant. Tears started and he looked at the mailman.

***

Sheriff Richard Meyers walked out of his office thirty minutes later and pointed at his second in command. Earl, get every cruiser on the road now! Including you. We’ve got a hit and run with two dead! He turned to the dispatcher, APB, large white sedan, possible blue paint from Becky Lawford’s car on the side from the collision. Not a Wisconsin plate! Statewide Margie, every white sedan without a Wisconsin plate is to be checked within a hundred miles of Millville. Tom Jenkins was at a stop sign with his mail truck. He saw four men, their vehicle, and the accident. He swears the plate isn’t from Wisconsin! Tom couldn’t get the number. Do it now, we’re getting those bastards!

He hesitated for a few seconds and glanced at Earl who was walking rapidly toward the door. Earl, we’ll concentrate on back roads. I’ll notify Randy, at state trooper headquarters. We’ll ask him to cover all the major thoroughfares and the interstate.

Earl nodded at his boss and left quickly. Rich turned to Deputy Nick Harris. We’re all going on overtime until, we get them. Call everyone in! Have all the deputies report here and give each one of them hand held radios. They’ll have to use their own vehicles. There aren’t enough cruisers.

Rich Meyers glanced at a map of Wisconsin mounted on the wall and walked over to it. The sheriff picked up a red magic marker from a desk top. He drew a large circle on the map around Millville. I want this tight as a Goddamn drum. Nick, Margie, you coordinate where the patrols go. Don’t worry about crossing county lines and make sure you got the cars well-spaced.

***

After the collision, Jimmy Flint had been driving for several minutes and glanced to his right. Everybody, look for a country road we could pull off on and hide ‘til dark. That mail truck probably saw us brake, he shook his head. We’ll wait, until they look beyond this damn area! Jimmy motioned with his hand toward the backseat. AND, CHANGE CARS! He glanced in the rearview mirror. Linc, you’re going to have to give me lift in your car, after we get the other vehicles from that town.

Several miles later, Lincoln Simms saw it from the backseat. There, it looks as if it runs into the trees. Jimmy, on the left is a dirt road! Stop and back up!

The vehicle had moved several hundred feet down the rutted lane when Jimmy braked and shook his head. This could be a driveway for all we know. You three get out and see if there is any spot we can pull off into the trees. We got to hide this car!

Jason Biggs and Richard Beaumont walked on the left side of the dirt road and Lincoln Simms was a feet ahead on the right. Jimmy drove behind them slowly and saw Lincoln point into the trees.

It took several minutes for them to maneuver the vehicle a few hundred feet into the forest. Jimmy parked it behind a dense stand of brush. He exited the vehicle and stood with the other three while they closely examined the right rear portion of their car. Lincoln put his hand on top of the trunk. We can’t drive this vehicle for ten minutes without being seen. He bent closer and stated, Damn, blue paint is all over it from the car we hit.

All of them turned to Jimmy Flint who said, Yeah! He’s right. Wait ‘til dark and we’ll walk to Millville. Get the other three cars and meet back here to split it up. The only thing that’s changed is one fact, we aren’t driving this one anymore. Hell, it can’t be more than five miles or so to town. When we get there, we’ll go in one at a time. It would be stupid to let someone see us all together. He rubbed his hand over his chin while he thought. Lincoln, go out near the dirt road and keep hidden. Just watch for anyone. You other two, start wiping down every square inch of this car. No prints!

Jason Biggs was frowning and put his hand on Jimmy’s arm. You’re going to leave it all in the trunk while we get the other cars?

You’re an idiot! Nobody will find this car after dark. He jerked his arm away from Biggs and pushed him away. You got a better plan, Jimmy stepped closer and Jason Biggs shook his head.

***

An hour later, the telephone was ringing. Scott always smiled at the telephone when it rang. It consistently reminded him of Harry and Gretta Borski responding to a phone call with - ‘Borski Enterprises’.

He picked it up and said, Hello, this is Scott Lawford.

Scott, it’s Rich Meyers. There has been an accident. The sheriff had known Scott for many years and considered him a good friend. Rich had even attended the man’s wedding. He swallowed hard as he waited for a response.

Rich, my wife and child, are they okay? Scott gripped the phone’s handle and felt perspiration breakout on his forehead.

Scott, both are being transferred to the hospital in Rhinelander. Rich paused as he tried to find the right words and cleared his throat. In a few minutes, I can have a sheriff car pick you up and take you there. He was talking to empty phone. Scott had already dropped the receiver and grabbed his truck keys, before he ran out the back door.

Rich hung up the phone and sat back in his chair. He bent over his desk and placed his hand on his forehead. God, oh my God! He thought for few seconds and picked up the phone again. He dialed quickly.

Borski Enterprises, Gretta speaking.

Gretta, Rich Meyers, we have a terrible hit and run accident, just outside Millville. Is Harry there?

She was thinking quickly and knew all her own family was at the farm. Rich, is it the Riveria Family?

NO! Oh my God, Gretta. Scott Lawford’s wife and baby are dead! He swallowed hard and tried to maintain his composure.

She looked down at the floor and felt tears in her eyes. Gretta gripped the phone and simply said, Rich, I’ll get Harry and have him call you immediately. She hung it up and ran out the back door yelling, HARRY, HARRY!!!

***

It had been almost, six hours since the accident. Scott sat in a small Rhinelander Hospital consulting room, after he had identified the bodies of his wife and infant son. He turned to Rich Meyers and glanced at Harry Borski before he spoke. What are the names of the other two men that tried to save my family?

He shook his head slowly and said before Rich could answer, I already know Tom Jenkins. He was our mailman when I was a boy. Scott cleared his throat and paused for a couple seconds. Tom would let me ride on the mail truck for two houses from my grandma’s place. He used to let me put the letters in those mailboxes and tell me I should be a postman when I grew up. Scott smiled grimly to himself as he looked down at the table. How is old Tom doing?

Rich shook his head and turned to look at Harry before he answered. Well, looks as if Tom fractured a hip when he fell on the side of that ditch. Scott, that old man went under the water and was still trying to kick in the window with his good leg.

Scott nodded and slowly rubbed his hand across his forehead. The two young guys, do they live in Millville, Rich?

Yeah, Hank and Seth Adumenson, they work on their dad’s farm. Good boys, normal kid stuff, no real problems.

From what you’ve told me, they ah, deserve some recognition, as does old Tom. Scott looked directly at Meyers and waited for a response.

I can promise you that they’ll be recognized, responded Sheriff Meyers immediately.

Scott looked down at the table for a long moment. The person that did this to my family, I want caught. Start the reward and make it ten grand. The longer it takes, the higher I’ll make it. Sheriff Meyers, would you please handle that for me?

Ah Scott, under normal circumstances, the reward process doesn’t happen, unless we fail to catch the offenders.

Sir, I don’t consider this a normal circumstance. Can you handle it for me? Scott stared at the sheriff and Rich nodded.

Scott reached across the table and shook Sheriff Meyer’s hand. He shook Mr. Borski’s next. Thank you both. He stood up and quickly walked out.

Harry looked across the table at Rich and frowned. Funny, I know him and there wasn’t a tear in his eyes! Harry wiped perspiration from his forehead and pointed to Sheriff Meyers. What kind of car were the men driving that killed Becky Lawford and little Eric?

Four men in a white sedan, Rich responded. Why?

You got six sheriff cars, seven at the most. Let me get everybody on the back roads. No hero shit. We’ll just drive around and look for it. I can have twenty trucks moving in thirty minutes.

You can’t do that, Harry. No way!

We’re friends! You never told me about the car, ‘cause I never asked. Harry stood up and left very quickly. He hurried down the hall and found a pay phone. He dialed and heard her voice simply say, Gretta.

Gretta, there were four men in a white sedan. Send out everyone with cell phones and in trucks only! On the back roads! Tell them they’re just looking and THAT’S IT! Anyone sees it and they call the sheriff’s office. Honey, get a hold of Juan too! All the Riveria Family knows Scottie and they’ll help. See you later, Harry hung up and was confident. With his family and Juan Riveria’s looking, if that car was anywhere around they’d find it.

Chapter 2

Sheriff’s Deputy Earl Karginski had been driving country roads for hours, just as Sheriff Meyers had instructed him. He picked up the cruiser’s mike, hit a button and transmitted, Dispatch, Unit Two, heading into Millville for fuel and takeout sandwich.

10-4, Unit Two, Margie responded and made a quick note on her clipboard where she was tracking the patrol cars. She turned around and said to a deputy manning the phones. Nick, Unit Two to Millville. Earl needs fuel and food. Margie watched the deputy get up and move a small pin on a map to designate, Unit Two in Millville.

Earl pulled into a service station and quickly filled his cruiser. He moved the vehicle off to the side and hurried across the street to Janie’s Diner. Earl went directly to the cash register and motioned at a woman in a red and white checked apron. Patty, need a favor. Could you please make me a ham and Swiss? Also, I need a large coffee. Both for takeout, as quick as you can, please.

You bet. She moved to a window that faced into the kitchen. Ham and Swiss Special to go. Henry, please make that next. Earl needs it right away. Patty filled a large Styrofoam cup with coffee and secured the plastic lid.

Deputy Karginski said quietly, Patty, you see any strangers in here today?

Mostly ah, regulars and there was an old woman and man earlier that I don’t know. She shook her head and frowned for a moment. Why?

Do me a favor; you see anything out of the normal you call it in. Anything or anybody! Earl nodded at her. Even if you don’t think it’s important, he stated and the urgency in the man’s voice was easily detectable.

The cook placed a foil wrapped sandwich on the window’s counter and Patty put it in a paper bag with his coffee. Earl handed her a ten. Keep the change, thanks. Patty, I got to run.

She bit her lower lip for an instant and hurried from behind the counter and followed the deputy outside. Earl, hold up a second.

He turned and walked rapidly back. Patty motioned down the street. Probably nothing, but I did see a couple cars that didn’t have Wisconsin plates. They were in public parking lot next to Elsie’s candy store. That’s where I put my car every morning. They were in back and I have absolutely no idea why I remembered that.

Earl put his hand on her shoulder. Thanks, I’ll have a quick look. He ran across the street to his cruiser. Five minutes later, he pulled a pocketknife and scraped mud off the first plate. Louisiana, this fellow is a long ways from home. He checked the next car and saw it was an Iowa License Plate. Earl also found a car with a New York Plate.

He carefully wrote each tag number on a small pad and ran back to his cruiser. Earl reached in and grabbed the mike to his radio. He clicked the button. Dispatch, Unit Two, over.

Margie acknowledged, Unit Two, report location.

Karginski hesitated for an instant and broke radio protocol. Ah, leaving Millville. Margie, I’ll give you a call back. He started the cruiser and drove to the front of Janie’s Diner. He went behind the counter and said, Patty, I need your phone. He had realized that if the three out of state cars were in any way connected to the four suspects, he could compromise the search. If they had a police scanner, they might hear that he had located out of state vehicles.

***

Jimmy Flint had walked toward the dirt road and watched with Lincoln, while they hid in the dense trees. Jimmy stepped closer to the road and pointed down it. I’m going to see what’s down there.

You want me to come with you? Lincoln moved to his side.

No, stay here and keep watching, I’ll be right back. Flint walked off quickly.

It was almost forty minutes later, when Jimmy jogged back. He moved into the trees and stopped next to Lincoln. A damn lake is down there and there’s a chain across the dirt road. It’s got a sign that says private property and nobody is around, Jimmy smiled. It’s the first damn break we got today! He motioned with his thumb back toward the damaged car hidden behind them in the trees. They’re both stupid. I ought to put a bullet in the back of their heads.

You know the rules as well as I do. Jimmy, you can’t kill them. Millville is where we split and drive off in different directions. It’s always worked before and all we have to do is get the other cars. We’ll come back, grab our share and go. By morning, we’ll be hundreds of miles away and they’ll never even know where to look.

Lincoln, you think anyone was hurt in that car we hit? I was driving and that worries me, he put his hand on his chest. If, for any reason we get caught, Jason was behind the wheel.

Yeah, Jason was the driver, he answered and looked at Jimmy’s face.

I’m going back to see if those two got the car cleaned. Jimmy turned and moved deeper into the trees.

Lincoln watched him walk away and realized he wouldn’t be able to turn his back on the man for an instant. He might decide to kill all of them.

Jimmy saw them wiping the outside of the car when he returned. You idiots get the inside clean?

Jason nodded at him and frowned over at Richard. They watched Jimmy take off his shirt and use it to open the door. He had done all the driving and wiped the steering wheel and everything in the front seat again, to be sure. Jimmy Flint stepped out of the car. The license plates were stolen and the vehicle’s ID number was completely filed away. Jimmy’s father knew about this type of thing and had taken every precaution, before he’d sent him to Wisconsin. He rubbed his hand quickly across his chin and decided to take the plates off and hide them anyway. He unscrewed the bolts holding them in place and walked further into the trees to bury them.

Richard Beaumont turned to Jason Biggs. That son-of-a-bitch! He’s the one that ran the stop sign. I’d like to blow his damn head off! He pointed into the trees where Jimmy had disappeared.

He’d walked well out of sight of the others and squatted while he thought. Jimmy was twenty six years old and a career criminal. His entire family thrived on illegal activities and none of them had done an honest day’s work in their lives. Only his cousin TJ had full time employment, as a postal worker.

The other three men had deferred to him as the leader. They were afraid of him and Jimmy knew it. I got to make a plan, he nodded to himself while he thought.

Jimmy went over each detail in his mind. This was the fourth run to Northern Wisconsin. Each time, they’d left three cars in the Millville lot, while they picked up the shipment in another. The rules were explicit and the young man realized that his life was at stake. If he deviated, he was going to be killed and his family would be in jeopardy as well. He thought about his existence in rural Missouri and decided immediately, his only concern at the moment, was himself. He got up and buried the license plates. Jimmy turned back toward the others. Damn that blue car, everything was going perfect!

***

Sheriff Meyers stood in the Millville Public Parking Lot with Earl and two other deputies. It just seems strange, but I guess there’s a chance they may have parked their cars in here. Hell, I guess all four men could have been in one car for some unknown reason. He shook his head. I just can’t fathom why there would be three out of state cars in here. Millville, of all places, why tiny Millville? Four men were in the white sedan. He motioned around the lot. If these vehicles were all from the same state, it could be a family reunion, or maybe a fishing trip. Three different states! This just doesn’t make sense!

I agree, that’s why I called it in, Deputy Karginski added his thoughts.

Rich Meyers motioned for the others to move closer. I hate to take too many of our cruisers away from the active search. My gut tells me they’re holed up somewhere for a few hours. If these are their cars, they’ll wait ‘til dark. He turned to his chief deputy. Earl, you found the cars. See if Tim, over at the service station, can put your cruiser in one of his bays and shut the overhead door, Rich pointed across the street at the garage. There’s only one way in or out, of this parking lot. I’ll talk to Elsie in The Candy Shop and we’ll have you watch from there.

He turned to the other two deputies. Guys, let’s get back on the road. Craig, as soon as the sun starts to go down, get back here to assist Earl. Park the cruiser on a side street and walk to The Candy Shop. I want two men in there. Sheriff Meyers motioned for the men to get going and the deputies moved toward their cruisers.

Rich, you think they would be stupid enough to drive that white sedan near Millville? Earl frowned after he asked.

Not unless they’re idiots. They’ll probably try and walk in, if they’re hiding anywhere near here. Rich pulled a pen out of his shirt pocket and held it up. You got one?

Yeah, Deputy Karginski was puzzled and pulled a pen from his shirt pocket.

We got to patrol Millville more often. The sheriff shook his head. Damn kids use a screwdriver, or pens to let the air out of tires by pressing inside the valve stem. Doesn’t ruin ‘em, just flattens them. Did you notice that kids let the air out of all the back tires on those out of state cars? I guess nobody could drive very far with two flats. Rich smiled, winked at his deputy, and started walking into the lot.

Earl and Rich finished and stood at the entrance to the lot. You’ll be in there with your hand held radio, he pointed at the store. You see anything suspicious simply transmit, Margie, Unit Two, I got a flat tire. That will be our signal, if they’re monitoring with a police scanner. He slapped Earl on the back and started toward his own sheriff’s car. Rich turned. You best get some extra cuffs from the trunk of your cruiser and the shotgun. Just in case.

***

Jimmy glanced to the west and saw the sun was almost down. Okay, come on. Biggs and Beaumont followed him. He saw Lincoln Simms still behind a tree a few feet from the dirt road. Linc, get over here, Jimmy ordered.

When all four men were gathered, Jimmy outlined the plan. Drugs stay in the trunk of my white car, until we get the others from the parking lot. We’ll walk to Millville and go in one at a time. Five minutes apart. No smoking, no matches get lit, no lights and no talking loud. We’ll go single file and if we see headlights, we’re off the road and in the bushes while we wait for the vehicle to pass. Linc, you’re last in line and you watch behind us for cars coming. He pointed over at Richard. As soon as it’s a little darker, I want you and Jason to grab some branches and pile them on this dirt road fifty feet from the turn off onto it. When we get back, if they are broken or moved, somebody went up this road while we were gone. It could be anybody, kids parking, cops, who knows. He frowned at the other men. That means we don’t pull in here. Instead, we’ll meet in Spirit, Wisconsin at the only motel they got. I stayed there two nights ago. We’ll figure out how to get the suitcases later. He smiled and pointed first at Jason and then at Richard. This isn’t complicated and don’t screw it up, Jimmy put his hand on his chest. I’ll kill you if you do! He touched the gun inside his coat.

Jimmy’s voice softened and he smiled briefly. This is our fourth run and it’s still going to work. You don’t know my last name and I don’t know yours. That rule has been for our own good. Other people know our names and everything about us. If by chance, any of us get caught and we talk, you know we’re dead. Jail won’t save us from them! They’ll still get to us, or our family. Any questions?

***

Rich Meyers had been thinking about the cars in Millville as he drove back to the station. As soon as he arrived, he went in and told Nick and Margie about the vehicles they’d found in Millville. Margie, if you get a transmission from Earl or Craig, that says, Margie, Unit Two, I got a flat tire. You order all cruisers to The Candy Shop, on Main Street in Millville. Send them in silent mode. Lights only, no sirens.

Got it, Sheriff Meyers, acknowledged the woman.

He went in his private office, picked up the phone and dialed Major Randy Stevens of the Wisconsin State Troopers. He waited as the operator put him through.

As soon as he was connected he said, Randy, it’s Rich Meyers. He explained in detail all that had transpired that day, since they’d last talked.

Major Stevens glanced down at the yellow legal pad where he’d made notes. Rich, after dark, you got Earl and another deputy watching the lot. If those men walk in and refuse to provide any answers, what’s your plan from there?

Randy, we’ll have to find that white sedan and that’s one of the reasons I called. Dogs, we’ll back track with your dogs and I’ll bet my badge we find the white car! He hesitated for an instant. We’ve both been in law enforcement a long time and I need your help. Ah hell, I went to the dead woman’s wedding and her baby drown in the backseat! Only ‘cause, those men didn’t stop to help. Rich swallowed hard and forced himself to concentrate on the phone call.

You got the dogs. I’ll alert the handlers to standby and get the trackers ready. Major Stevens thought about the baby and added, You know damn well that I’ll help you.

Thanks Randy, Rich took a deep breath and relaxed a bit.

No thanks necessary, Rich. This is our job. If you catch them at the parking lot, call and we’re on our way with the dogs. It’ll take about forty minutes to get there. See you, Pal.

After they hung up, Sheriff Meyers sat quietly at his desk and tried to think. As far as he could tell, every minor detail was covered. He stood up and said aloud, Come on you sons-of-bitches, pick up your cars!

***

Elsie usually closed her candy store at Seven PM every Saturday night. She moved from behind the counter at seven ten and went into the back of the store. The folding chair wasn’t heavy and Elsie carried it out to the deputy. Earl, front door is unlocked. You want me to shut off all the lights?

Please, he took the chair from her and put his hand on her shoulder. We really appreciate this, Elsie.

Ah, I live in my apartment upstairs. I could leave the lights off up there and watch out the front window. There’s a good view of most of the street from the second floor. You’d have to tell me what I’m looking for, she put her hand on her chest and waited.

Know what? Deputy Craig Alverson will be here, prior to sunset. Would it be okay, if I sent up there to watch from that vantage point?

Absolutely, have him go in back, she turned a bit and pointed to the rear of the small shop. The stairs are on the right side. I’ll leave the lights off in my upstairs apartment. I really want to help.

You already have. Elsie, thank you!

The woman left and Earl sat on the chair. He’d never been a fan of chocolate and the almost overwhelming aroma of the sweets made him grimace. He whispered to himself, That candy stinks so badly. Darn you Rich, you put me in a store full of that stuff!

***

It was almost midnight. Jimmy and the others had taken much longer than they’d originally anticipated. Each car had forced them to move off the road and hide. Okay, it’s about a quarter mile. Jimmy put his hand on Jason’s back. You first, Richard and Linc, in that order. I’ll go last and stay just outside town. Lincoln, you pick me up on this road, after you get your car. On this side of that little bridge we just walked across, Jimmy pointed back.

Jason whispered back, Why do I go first?

The first one in, takes the least risk. You want to go last, you asshole? Jimmy shoved him.

No!" Jason swallowed hard and glanced at the lights of Millville, just a few hundred yards away.

GO! Jimmy shoved him again and Jason took off. He waited, looked up at the half moon, and glanced down at his cheap watch for several minutes. Richard, GO! Jimmy gave the man a slap on the back.

Linc and Jimmy waited in the darkness. He glanced down at his watch again and moved a step closer to Lincoln Simms. Change of plan, I’ll go in with you and wait in the alley across the street. As soon as you pull out, I’ll run over and get behind the wheel. He chuckled for a few seconds. I don’t want anything to go wrong. Besides, you want to trust those two to keep their mouths shut? The faster we get back to my car in the woods, the quicker we fix everything.

How are we going to fix everything? Simms glanced over at Jimmy.

I mean, split the shipment. You give me a ride to Jefferson City, Missouri. I’ll have my dad, or one of brothers pick me up there. Jimmy wasn’t worried about sharing that destination with Lincoln. He and the other two would be dead in a couple hours anyway. He’d execute them all at the hidden white car.

Lincoln Simms was very uncomfortable and distinctly remembered Jimmy saying he wanted to put a bullet in Jason and Richard’s head. He was thinking about Jimmy wanting to drive and swallowed hard. He could envision the man shooting him, once he’d moved over into the passenger seat. Next, Jimmy would kill Richard and Jason back at the white vehicle in the trees.

Jimmy gripped his arm. Let’s go!

They moved toward Millville and Linc carefully reached up and felt the forty-five under his coat. The rules that they’d been told were explicit. They would use first names only. All the transporters would pick up the shipment together. They were to go off in different directions from the split point. One suitcase each.

He swallowed hard as Jimmy and he moved toward Millville. Linc had decided that when he pulled out of the lot and saw Jimmy coming toward the driver’s side of the car, he’d kill him. The other two would believe him when he told them Jimmy was planning to shoot them all. He’d take two suitcases and explain it later. At least, he’d be alive.

***

Craig saw him first and tapped his knuckles firmly on the floor just above Earl three times, in their prearranged signal. He hurried down the darkened stairs and into The Candy Shop. Deputy Craig Alverson whispered. Earl, right side, in the alley. A man just looked out. He’s in the shadows.

Earl squinted and saw him look out again. The man hesitated for an instant and hurried across the street into the public parking lot. Come on, Craig!

The two deputies ran out the front door and stopped as they watched the man pull keys from his pocket to unlock the door of one of the out of state vehicles. HOLD IT! Earl shouted. He had the shotgun pointed at Jason from thirty feet away and the man quickly raised his hands.

Don’t move a damn muscle, Deputy Karginski stepped closer. That your car, with the New York plates?

Ah, well sure it is. Jason realized his only hope was to be honest about the car and try to bluff the cops.

Craig was close to him and had his handgun pointing at Biggs. Sir, you have any weapons on your person?

Jason was thinking about grabbing the gun under his coat and glanced at Earl’s shotgun barrel that was now ten feet from his face. Ah, I have a pistol. My New York permit to carry ah, is in the glove box, he lied immediately.

Turn around slowly, and put your hands behind your back. Deputy Alverson cocked his pistol. Earl, you got him covered?

Karginski moved a few steps to the side and answered, Yeah, cuff him and find his gun.

Less than two minutes later, Jason was lying on The Candy Store floor with cuffs on his hands and ankles. Both deputies stood off to the side of the front window and waited. Earl made the transmission- Margie, Unit Two, I got a flat tire.

She heard it immediately and sat up straighter. Two seconds later, Margie took a deep breath and transmitted loudly, ALL UNITS! SILENT MODE, REPEAT, SILENT MODE! OFFICER NEEDS ASSISTANCE MILLVILLE. THE CANDY STORE, MAIN STREET! RESPOND IMMEDIATELY! She repeated the entire call again. Margie stood up and yelled, RICH, EARL JUST CALLED IN THE FLAT TIRE!

Earl and Craig arrested Richard next in the parking lot and had him sequestered in the store. Both suspects were secured with a cuff on their right hand and the other handcuff bracelet attached to a railing under the counter.

Karginski whispered to the two cuffed men, You make one sound and I swear to God Almighty, I’ll blow your damn head off!

Lincoln peeked out of the alley and ran across the street. Jimmy had followed closely and waited in the shadows. He saw The Candy Shop’s door open and two cops run after Lincoln into the parking lot. Oh shit! he turned and sprinted away from Millville.

Jimmy had to hide in the bushes as two cop cars went flying by with their lights flashing. He watched them recede into the distance as they sped toward Millville. No sirens? They’re going to comb that town for me. The cops think I’m in there and don’t want me to know they’re coming! He stood there and thought about the hidden white sedan. There’s no way they’ll all keep their mouths shut. Cops will find it in an hour, he turned and ran in the other direction.

Chapter 3

Millville was lit by the flashing lights of numerous law enforcement vehicles. Lincoln Simms, Richard Beaumont, and Jason Biggs sat in the back of separate sheriff cars with their hands cuffed behind their backs.

Rich Meyers stared in the cruiser where Richard Beaumont sat. Damn guy is sweating like a pig, he whispered to Earl. He motioned for the two arresting deputies to follow him. Rich stood in front of The Candy Store with Earl and Craig. You absolutely positive you read them their rights?

Earl acknowledged the sheriff’s question before Craig. You bet we did. Twice! Once, real quick in the lot and again in The Candy Store, after we secured them. Deputy Karginski smiled over at Craig Alverson. Not a one of them said a word after that. All three had concealed weapons. No permit to carry on their person. That’s enough for the initial arrest, Sheriff Meyers.

Rich Meyers was exhausted and took a deep breath. It’s been a long damn day. Craig, Earl, I’ve been a cop thirty years and today I saw some of the best investigative work I can recall. You two did a great job! Thank you! I’m proud to work with officers like you.

Earl chuckled a bit. All ‘cause Patty saw out of state license plates. Rich, you think these are the ones that hit the Lawford vehicle?

Yeah, we’ll confirm it when the troopers get here with the dogs. Those trackers will start in the alley where they came from and lead us to that damn white car. If they walked, the trail should be fresh as a daisy. He smiled grimly and glanced up the street. Here they come now. He thought for couple seconds. Craig, please stop their van and tell them to hold the dogs back, so they can start on the far end of the alley. We’ll need to backtrack.

He motioned for Earl to walk with him. Rich put on a plastic glove and motioned two other sheriff deputies over as he walked toward the car that Richard Beaumont was sitting in. Listen closely to what I tell him, he instructed Earl and the other two officers.

Nervousness was making Beaumont perspire badly and sweat ran down from under the brim of his ball cap. Sheriff Meyers opened the door and smiled at him. Sir, would you prefer that I removed your cap? It looks wet from your perspiration. I realize it’s warm in the back seat. I can put it in an evidence bag and return it, after you’re transported.

He was blinking rapidly as stinging sweat dripped into his eyes and Richard nodded. Yeah, please take it off. Could you wipe off my face?

Of course! Rich Meyers reached in with his gloved hand and wiped Beaumont’s face with the cloth of the hat. He slammed the door and looked down at the ball cap. Earl, please get me an evidence bag. He smiled broadly and waited.

When Earl returned, Rich dropped the hat in the evidence bag and chuckled. You all heard him give me permission, he laughed out loud. He turned to one of his deputies. Paul, run this over to the canine officers. Be sure to tell them I need it back, after the dogs get a good whiff and they’re finished with it. He laughed again and pointed at the car that Beaumont was sitting in. I promised that I’d return it. Sheriff Meyers put his hand on Earl’s shoulder. Let’s go sit down, my old ass is dragging.

Both of them sat in Rich’s cruiser. Where the hell is the fourth man? He turned to Earl after he asked.

He could be hiding in Millville. Maybe ah, he broke in a home. All three of the others had a gun, Earl voiced his concern.

Shit, okay, we got about twenty cops out there standing around. A house to house search is a good idea. All the businesses, we’ll have them check front and back doors. He took a deep breath and glanced over at his second in command. You can go home anytime you want and get some rest.

When are you going home? Earl smiled over at his boss and good friend. Let’s get them moving, house to house.

***

The sun was coming up and the eastern sky had brightened. Major Randy Stevens had finished his breakfast when the phone rang. He sighed and picked it up. Randy answered it and listened for a few seconds. You mean the dogs have crossed the county line? That could mean, if they find the white sedan it’s no longer Rich Meyers case. He shook his head and glanced down as he thought. Okay, it’s Sunday. Alert the investigators and call in a five extra troopers. I want this airtight. Right away, have Captain Smith go over and talk to Judge Donaldson. See if we need, or can get search warrants for the three vehicles they found in Millville. We have the plate numbers and descriptions of those cars. Also, one for a white sedan that has been involved in an accident. That vehicle license and ID is unknown. I’ll head over to talk to Sheriff Meyers. I’m on the road in ten minutes. He hung up the phone and turned to his wife. I’m working again today.

Forty five minutes later, he parked next to Rich’s cruiser in Millville. Randy glanced over and saw his friend’s head back. Rich was sound asleep. He sighed loudly and exited his trooper car to wake Sheriff Meyers.

A few minutes later, Rich looked down at the ground. In a nutshell, jurisdiction depends on what’s in the white car. Is that right?

Yeah, if they’re out of your county who knows. Randy smiled grimly and paused briefly. Rich, if the men crossed state lines with the intent to commit a felony, the Feds may want the case.

Randy, can you have the troopers cover my county for about nine hours? I have to get my folks some food and sleep. We checked the entire town. The fourth guy isn’t here.

Good move and you bet we’ll cover for you guys. He put his hand on his friend’s shoulder. Rich, this might not be my call about who has the case.

I know! Sheriff Meyers walked away to order his officers to stand down and go home.

The radio in Major Steven’s cruiser was crackling and he heard his call sign. Randy hurried over to answer the transmission. He listened for several seconds and acknowledged.

He moved back out of the car and found Rich Meyers. Judge Donaldson issued warrants and gave us permission to have the vehicles searched. He pointed toward the parking lot. Rich, we need to employ the state trooper forensic resources. Randy saw the sheriff nod in concurrence. I’ll have them towed to the impoundment facility in Rhinelander. Forensics techs will be standing by and we’ll open them there. We’ll get a photographer here and take photos, prior to moving them one inch. No shortcuts, no mistakes on this one. He looked away for a few seconds. Rich, one thing and you listen closely. Get your ass out of here and go home. My word, I’ll call if anything breaks. He stuck out his right hand and Sheriff Meyers shook it.

Thanks, Randy. Meyers walked slowly toward his cruiser.

***

Jimmy had little problem hotwiring a small compact in the early morning hours and was a hundred miles south of Rhinelander by seven that Sunday morning. Flint stopped in Wausau, Wisconsin and left the car in a shopping mall, after wiping it clean of prints. He walked to a cheap motel and booked a room. Jimmy collapsed on the bed and stared at the ceiling. In the morning, I’ll catch a greyhound to Missouri. He was snoring loudly thirty seconds later.

***

It was almost ten that Sunday morning, when the dogs turned onto the dirt road. An hour later, Major Randy Stevens answered another transmission with, Good job! Stay away from that white car with the dogs. We’ll tow it after photos and have completely scoured the area for anything they might have left behind. I’m on my way.

He put the mike back in its holder and sat quietly for a few seconds. Let Rich sleep. Hell, it’ll be hours before we get it moved to Rhinelander.

***

Lincoln Simms sat in the cell and was trying to plan what he was going to say. He put both his hands on his head and squeezed. Think! Simms felt tears start and knew that they were in deep trouble. At that instant, he realized he was going to serve prison time, if they found the damaged white car in the trees. I need a lawyer, he got up and stared at the door of his cell. If I talk, they’ll kill my family. I know they will!

Jason Biggs paced in his small cell and said to himself. If I talk, I’m dead. If I don’t, I’m in so much shit!

Richard Beaumont was still in the trooper’s interrogation holding room alone and cuffed to a floor ring by his ankle. They hadn’t questioned him at all. The cops had given him a bottle of water and asked him, if he needed anything. Of the three in custody, he was the one that had the most optimistic outlook. I wasn’t driving and I know nothing about what was in the trunk. All they got on me is carrying a gun. Weapons charge, maybe I’ll do a year! He nodded his head and said quietly, I can handle a year.

Both, Lincoln Simms and Jason Biggs considered Richard stupid and were extremely worried about what he’d say.

***

Late Sunday night, Sheriff Meyers and Major Stevens stood side by side in the Rhinelander Impoundment Facility, as technicians popped the trunk. It was filled with fishing equipment that obscured four large suitcases. A photographer took shots from several angles and backed away. Technicians moved in and dusted the equipment for prints. It took almost an hour, to carefully remove the poles and tackle boxes. Each individual item had to be carefully examined for fingerprints and photographed.

Randy and Rich moved closer and looked at the cases that had been hidden under the fishing tackle. A technician turned to look at the officers. Got prints on the handle of this suitcase.

Major Stevens pointed at the lead technician. Don’t open them, ‘til we get back. He gently took Rich’s arm and moved him toward the rear. It’ll be a few minutes, at least, before they get them all out of the trunk and checked for prints. Let’s grab a cup of coffee.

Rich Meyers walked with Randy and both entered a small office. Each trooper poured a cup of coffee from a large container. Rich took a sip and looked at his friend. Randy, what the hell were all four men doing in that same white car?

Pretty standard behavior, if they’re running drugs or contraband. They don’t ever go alone, he chuckled for a bit. They can’t trust each other. Especially, if they’re going to take a portion each. They get the shipment together and make the designated split point. Everybody goes off in different directions with their share.

An hour later, the lead technician called from outside the office. We’re ready to open the first one. Both officers hurried out to the garage. Rich Meyers licked his lips and frowned.

The technician glanced up at them. All four cases weigh exactly, fifty one point five pounds. We have prints on three suitcases, the fourth is clean. The expert inserted a tool into each latch and popped them. The technician lifted the lid and exclaimed, OH MY GOD! He glanced up and back down again. Looks like fifty some pounds of coke and the others may contain this same amount. The man moved his face closer to the suitcase contents. These are little tiny bags! I’ve never seen it split like that. What the heck is it all in those little bags for?

Other technicians were checking the inside of the white car for fingerprints and one said loudly, The ashtrays are full! All of them. This one has got chewed gum and a foil cigarette wrapper from a pack. No prints on the inside of the car! Rich and Major Stevens heard him laughing as he backed out of the car’s inside. Damn fools wiped the inside of the car down. Jackpot! They forgot the ashtrays!

Rich Meyers slapped Randy Stevens on the back. We got the bastards!

Major Stevens shook his head and looked at his friend. If the suitcases all contain the same amount of cocaine... He glanced down at the technician who had just lifted the next lid. ...here comes the Feds! Randy pointed down. Depending on the purity, we’re looking at a few million bucks worth.

***

Scott had arranged to have Becky and Eric buried a few feet away from his grandmother in Millville. He had thought that Harry and Gretta Borski would attend the funeral service, but anticipated very few others. There had been no open viewing of his wife and son as he couldn’t handle it. He’d been touched to his soul when he’d pulled up next to the funeral home and saw so many people standing outside.

Scott put his hands over his eyes and sat in the truck, unable to get out. The vehicle’s door opened and he felt a firm grip on his left arm, Scottie, it’s time to go in there. Gretta Borski gently led him from the truck and Harry stood next to her. Both of them gripped one of his hands firmly and the crowd parted as they moved aside for them to enter.

Scott wiped his eyes and nodded at the people lining the walkway. He stopped and sobbed as he looked down and heard Gretta. Little Scottie, we’ll get through this together, she squeezed his hand even tighter.

He managed to