Gangs, In-Laws, and Outlaws

Chapter 1

Something made me stare at the computer monitor propped on the hood of my car as I talked to my husband on the phone.

Uh-oh. Peter. Get someone over here right away. Someone's at the top of the water tower right beside the playground with a shotgun. I watched the guy lift the gun and point. He's aiming at the kids on the playground! Quick! Get help!

I waved my hands toward the gym teacher at the North Elementary School in De Pere, where I'd been working on adding cameras for extra security. Get off the playground! Now! Someone has a—

The shot rang out and the gym teacher fell. The stunned kids stopped dead in their tracks.

Run! I waved my arms again and pointed at the water tower. He's got a gun!

The children screamed and ran in all directions, back toward the school. They tried the doors but they were all locked.

Go to the front of the school! The kids took off, out of harm's way. The guy seemed to be reloading, so at least we had a little time to be safe.

Once I was sure the kids were gone, I grabbed the laptop off the hood and crawled beside my car, hiding myself.

Natalie, are you okay? I heard over the phone. Natalie! Answer me!

I put the phone back up to my ear. I'm fine. I'm hiding beside my car. Now do you see why I need to carry a gun with me?

I'm on my way. The line went dead. Great. I'd been abandoned by my wonderful husband.

~~~~~

Chapter 2

I dialed the phone to get Keith, still hiding beside my car for protection. He was another computer specialist with the police. The De Pere and Green Bay Police Departments were working together on the project, because the two cities were so close to each other. De Pere was a small city within the Green Bay, Wisconsin metropolitan area and I worked for both departments as a computer specialist.

With the laptop beside me, I watched the person on the tower through the cameras. The guy took aim again and a loud crack rang through the air. A window in the school broke with a bang.

I couldn't do anything else, so I waited until Keith answered the phone. At least I could keep an eye on the shooter.

Keith here, he said.

It's Natalie. Someone's shooting up the elementary school.

We know. They're on their way.

But the office is only a block from here. What's taking so long?

Uh, they were all out on a donut run on the other side of the river. Don't ask.

I heard a car speeding around the corner and looked over to see Peter's car racing toward the water tower. Peter's here. Guess he didn't need donuts this morning. Peter was a police psychologist and detective with the Green Bay police.

Yeah, you buy him the good ones, Keith muttered. They'll be there in a minute. The school's on lockdown and I suggest you hide.

I stared at the monitor. I'm hiding beside my car and watching the guy on the laptop.

Me too, Keith said. He's trying to get a shot toward your car, I think.

I heard sirens in the distance. They're coming. As soon as I ended the call, my cell phone rang. Hello?

Natalie, I'm at the water tower. It was Peter. Where is he pointing the gun?

Toward me, at least Keith thinks so. I watched the monitor. He moved the gun. He's pointing at the school again.

I'm on it.

I heard some shouting. The man turned away from the school, trying to aim again at something else. I hoped it wasn't Peter, but there wasn't much else to shoot.

I crawled to the back of my car so I could see what was going on. Another shot rang out and the man's shotgun fell to the ground. I got to my feet and ran toward Peter, who was still aiming his gun toward the top of the water tower.

You okay? I asked Peter.

Yep. See if that body over there on the playground is still alive. He nodded toward the teacher. He then turned his attention back to where his gun still pointed at the suspect. Now I want you to come down here, or I'll shoot you up there. It's your choice. His voice was loud and angry. I couldn't blame him.

The sirens sounded very close. Two police cars rounded the corner and pulled onto the grassy area near the school parking lot. The cops got out and aimed at the young man on the water tower. One of the cops was my nemesis and sometimes friend, De Pere police officer, Bill Jericho.

Since the cops were all busy, I ran toward the teacher who was down on the playground, hoping he was still alive. The ambulance followed closely behind me, driving right up onto the playground.

Help! the man's weak voice screamed out. I could hardly hear it above the sirens that were still blocks away.

Help's on its way. I reached him and saw the blood oozing from his leg. The ambulance is here right now.

Why didn't you run to me after I got shot?

The shooter's still on the water tower and I was calling for help. He was aiming at me, too. Besides, I had no medical training. I probably would've killed the guy by trying to help.

Oh, right, the guy said. I don't blame you. Thanks for taking care of the kids.

No problem. Hang in there.

The ambulance guys took over and I left the scene, returning to my car. My head really hurt from the noise, so I got into my car and lay down with my head on the passenger's seat. I was able to see the top of the water tower as I looked out the side window.

After the young man descended the huge ladder on the side of the water tower, he climbed down a stepladder under the tower stairs. Bill and his men took him into custody, handcuffs, and all. He was a young kid, probably high school aged, wearing a dark blue T-shirt and jeans.

Are you okay? I heard.

I sat up and stared at Peter, standing beside the car. Sure, why?

You're lying down. Are you sure you're okay?

I was watching the man climb down the ladder. I can see how he got up there, too. There was a piece of wire padlocked on the bottom of the big ladder so he couldn't climb up. He cut that part and reached it by using a regular ladder. Something's got to be done about that.

Peter half listened to me while he felt my head. Go home. I can tell you don't feel well. I wish you'd told me you were sick.

I was good at hiding it from everyone, especially him.

I crossed my arms. I'm not going home. I feel fine. I'm working here.

No, go home. You look awful.

He wasn't about to win this one. Nope. It's just a migraine. I have to work.

No, you don't have to work and you know it. Go home, or I'll have Bill Jericho arrest you and take you home, then handcuff you to a chair.

He was such a joker and I knew he wasn't serious. Our home is out of his jurisdiction. So there, brat.

Fine. Peter crossed his arms. Then I'll have him put you in his jail and you'll have to listen to him all afternoon. Tonight, we have that dinner with my parents. I'll make him release you for that. Is that better?

He knew I hated his family. His mother was just an evil woman.

I moved into the driver's seat and shut the door, making him move out of the way. Pig, I muttered.

You bet, he said. And you love me for it, too.

It was just a shame my window was open or I could've muttered something else.

I turned the ignition and started to back out of the driveway to the school.

Peter ran to my window, making me stop the car. Hey, don't I even get a kiss goodbye to make Bill jealous? That's your favorite thing to do.

Not today. Unless he wanted me to vomit all over him.

I knew what was wrong with me but I was trying to hide any illness at all. I figured I'd keep it a secret for nine months then tell him on the way to the hospital.

As I backed onto the road, I watched Peter frown at me. Bill yelled, Marriage problems? to Peter, but I kept on driving. Since it was an unseasonably warm mid-October, it was too hot to wind my windows up in the car. But I should have, just so I wouldn't hear Bill bug Peter about me.

~~~~~

Chapter 3

I drove to the Green Bay Police station and took my things inside. As soon as I got into my office and sat down in front of my computer, the chief appeared at my door.

Peter called, he said.

That's nice. I kept typing. I had a report due before five and I was going to get it done, no matter what Peter said.

You're supposed to go home.

I feel better, I said, not looking at him.

The chief spun my chair to face him and I lowered my head. If he did that again, he'd be wearing the lunch I didn't eat. Please don't do that, I said.

I thought so. When are you going to tell Peter?

I looked up at him. Tell him what?

The chief closed my office door. You know what. How long have you known?

I looked up just a bit. Known what? I have a migraine.

Natalie, it's written all over your face. You're pregnant. When are you going to tell Peter?

I crossed my arms. I'm not. This guy knew too much.

You're not going to tell Peter or you're not pregnant?

I'm assuming you can keep a secret?

The chief laughed. Like you can keep this a secret?

Don't tell Peter. It's not that I don't want him to know, but his mother would be taking over and butting into everything if she found out. That's the real problem here. I don't want her interfering. She's a doctor and will want to know everything.

The chief nodded. I see. How long have you known?

Two days. Please don't tell Peter?

Have you seen a doctor? the chief asked.

Not yet. I have an appointment after work tomorrow. I've already told Peter I'm working late.

The chief all but laughed. I have a feeling he knows. He's very good at detective work, you know.

Yes, it's a problem. I stood up. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to run or my stomach contents will make an appearance all over my computer.

Don't worry. I'll keep your secret.

I walked out of my office and took some deep breaths until I got to the ladies' room. After I entered a stall, I lost everything in my stomach, which wasn't much at all. I couldn't eat and knew I had to do something about it. I couldn't live like this.

I washed my face and willed myself to feel better. I had to get moving. That might help.

As I began to open the door to the bathroom, I heard Peter's voice in the hallway, so I let it shut again. That rotten guy. I had to get out of there so he wouldn't see me. My car was in the parking lot, so he had to know I was there. I waited until it got quiet and I figured he'd hunt for me somewhere else. I'd just grab my purse and go to the mall instead. He'd never know.

I opened the door to the bathroom and turned the corner, almost running into Peter. He donned the most obnoxious smirk, too. He had to know, but I wasn't about to admit anything.

Well, look who I found after I sent her home, he said. Natalie, why are you here?

I had to bring the laptop back, why?

I don't think so. You've been here too long for that. He took my arm and practically dragged me to my office. I told you to go home, didn't I?

Maybe, but I don't report to you, now do I?

Not here, but at home you do. He glanced at his watch as we stepped into my office. It's time to go home anyway.

I have just a few more things—

Nope. He grabbed my purse and handed it to me. Since he still had hold of my arm, there was no way I could get away. We have a date at my parent's house for dinner, remember?

I'd never forget something as lovely as that. I hoped he heard the obnoxious sarcasm in my voice.

He seemed to ignore me. It was such a good line, too.

Instead, he directed me outside and to my car. How's your head?

Better, actually, until you mentioned our little date.

If you don't want to go, just say so and I'll tell Mom you hate her guts. It's not a problem.

I had to call his bluff. Go ahead. It's not a secret. She pries so much and it's really annoying.

You don't mean that. She pries just because she wants more grandkids. He studied my face. You still don't look that great. Are you sure you're up to this?

No.

He stopped suddenly. You hate my family, don't you?

He, of all people, should know the answer to that. But I had to play like a doting wife who got along with his family, just from his tone. Your dad's nice.

You hate everyone else, right?

I grinned. I like you. Does that count?

I guess so. He wasn't happy, but I was done playing games with them. I hated going to his parent's house. Since it was Peter's family, I thought I had to be nice, but they were never nice in return.

I had no family since my parents were killed while on a mission for the FBI. Granted, my ghost parents visited our house when they and their friends came to see us from the great beyond, but it wasn't the same.

I needed to change the subject. I wanted to ask you. How did you get to the elementary school before the De Pere guys?

I was at our new house. The contractor had to ask me a few questions.

We were building a bigger home in De Pere with more land, because I'd inherited quite a bit of money. We were going to sell Peter's home in Green Bay and maybe, just maybe, the ghosts that visited us would find other places to live.

I willed the pending nausea away, because I still wasn't feeling that great. Oh yeah? What kind of questions?

Like where light fixtures and outlets should go, things like that. He took a deep breath. He also wanted to know what color to paint the small bedroom beside the master bedroom.

That was supposed to be the nursery and he knew it. But he never called it that, because he was sure we couldn't have kids. We'd tried since we were married in May, but nothing ever happened…until now. That was another reason not to tell him I was pregnant. He'd be so worried about me that I wouldn't be allowed to do anything without him questioning it.

What did you tell him? I asked.

He glanced at me, biting his lip. I told him to give me a few days and we'd talk about it.

Good answer. I got into my car.

Still no kiss?

At work? He really had a vomit wish.

Yeah, right. I'll see you at home in a few minutes.

We didn't live too far from the station, so I sped home and gobbled up a few crackers and some ginger ale, just finishing when he entered our house.

I'm home, he yelled.

Our new St. Bernard puppy bounded down the stairs and ran right to Peter. She liked Peter better than me, which was fine, even though I was the one who fed her and took care of her.

Hi, baby. He knelt down and scratched her back and tummy. She licked his neck.

At least it wasn't his mouth. I hated that thought.

Peter wrapped his arms around me and gave me a kiss. Hi, sweetheart.

I hoped the crackers and ginger ale wouldn't decide to make a sudden appearance. Hello handsome.

I have to take Cassie out. Want to come with me?

I'd love to.

We walked out the back door and sat down on the patio chairs. Cassie ran around the fenced-in backyard while we watched her and held hands. Since we both stopped by the house and let her out during the day, she didn't care whether we were there or not.

So how was your day? I asked.

I had to rescue a damsel in distress at an elementary school, Peter said with a grin. She was beautiful, too, but told me she had a migraine, so I didn't attack her right away.

How beautiful?

So beautiful that the gunman couldn't keep his eyes off her. He touched my hair. Blonde hair, blue eyes…you know, she looked just like you.

You don't say, I said, playing along. Are you going out with her later?

Oh, yes…to my parent's house.

I hope you have fun. If you play your cards right, you might even get lucky. I winked at him but he wasn't amused.

He even frowned. You hate going over there, don't you?

I sighed. The last time I was there, your mother asked me when I could have kids. She wanted to know if I was retaining water and more. I'm keeping it PG for your ears because you'd be appalled.

Thanks for that. I don't want to know details.

Now, tell me, Peter, if my father asked you stupid questions like that, what would you think?

Peter chuckled. Well, if your father asked me about retaining water and more, I'd wonder what he was smoking in the afterlife.

You know what I mean. She's so nosy. I can't get away from her, either. She even asked me how often we…uh…made out. I know PG is your thing, so I'm keeping it clean.

PG stands for pretty good, you know. He shot me a grin. But I appreciate it. I like classy and not crass. What did you tell her?

I hated this conversation. I asked if she meant in one night or if she meant in a week, because that number was too high to count. She shut up right away.

How PG of you. Peter laughed aloud. I bet that put her in her place. She probably thinks we make out all the time.

I glanced over at him. Well, we sort of do, thanks to your new games.

Yeah. That's a lot of fun, but I had to get creative because I really want kids. Otherwise, you'd get bored.

Kids. The thought made me mentally sigh. If he only knew.

I chose to ignore that topic and got back to the real subject at hand. The point is, you're supposed to protect me from her, and you don't. I have to be nice, too, or she'll write you out of her will.

Peter snorted. I don't care if I'm in her will or not. I don't need her money.

True, because I was rich. It's still not nice for me to be mean to my mother-in-law. Does she know she drives me nuts?

He nodded and looked out over our backyard. Who knows? She bugs everyone, though. Why do you think my brother and sister don't visit very often? It's not because of Dad. He's nice.

Yeah, I like him. He even plays board games with me to keep your mom from driving me crazy. But she keeps stealing me away.

He finally turned toward me and stroked my cheek. Well, tonight, Mark and his family will be there too. At least you'll have more people protecting you from Mom.

I didn't even want to start in on his brother and his family. What happened to the shooter from today?

Cassie ran up to Peter, licked his hand, and ran out into the yard again while Peter watched her. He was a kid. Probably high school aged. When I shot, I grazed his hand, so now his lawyer wants to press charges against me.

Rotten rich kid. What'll happen?

We're hoping it goes to court so it'll be played out in the media. He looked over at me again. If you wouldn't have been there and on the phone with me, a lot of kids could've been killed.

Yeah, I know. I stared at Cassie chasing a leaf. How's the gym teacher?

He'll live and wants to thank you for helping out the kids. He's sorry he yelled at you.

He had every right to. I didn't go to him right away but was more worried about you.

I'm glad you didn't go to him. The shooter would've gotten you too. He kissed my hand. My life could've been changed forever and I don't like that idea.

I checked my watch. I guess we'd better go.

Yep.

He called Cassie and I took my time getting out of the chair so I wouldn't get sick. I headed back inside, went upstairs, and changed into clean clothes so I could be presentable for the in-laws. I considered them to be more like the outlaws.

Both Peter's parents were pediatricians. I really