Twenty-one Year Rule Read online

  Grace walked across her apartment holding her phone to her ear while towel drying her hair. “Bash are you okay? What’s going on?”

  “Everything’s fine,” He answered wincing as another shot of pain rang through him. “I’m just on edge because of what happened.”

  Bash stayed on the phone with Grace until Ed arrived. Randy sat and watched his face light up as they spoke. Bash was in love.

  “Bash,” Randy leaned forward in his chair as Bash hung up, “You have to tell Grace.”

  **********

  Beth climbed into bed and Josh’s waiting arms. She kissed his neck as he stared up at the ceiling. He could feel the tension of the day flow from his body as her hands explored his chest. “Beth,” he said softly as she moved to nibble his ear. “You are the most incredible woman I’ve ever known. I can’t imagine my life without you. I love you more than you’ll ever know.”

  Beth lifted her head and gazed into his eyes. “I love you too Josh.” She studied Josh’s face, “What’s wrong?”

  Josh wrapped his arms around her and with one swift movement rolled over on top of her. “I suddenly realized how incredible it is that you are so dedicated to my children. They think you are fantastic. You love them as if they’re your own. It has to be hard to stand by and watch as others make decisions about the children you love. I want you to know how much I appreciate what you do for me and the kids.”

  “What happened?” Beth gazed up at him.

  He smiled and said, “Nothing, it looks like Joanne is finally settling into the mom role, which is a huge relief.”

  “And?” Beth added with a raised eyebrow.

  Josh chuckled and kissed her softly, “And since things are calming down, and we are in a great place I was wondering if you’d like to discuss a kid brother or sister for Jake and Molly?”

  Beth stared into his eyes. “I’ve been thinking a lot about that lately. When Emma was born, I was scared to hold her. Now look at me, I’m taking Emma overnight without hesitation. I think I’m ready for a baby.”

  Josh smiled and kissed her deeply.

  ********

  The cloudless blue sky was a good indication the glaring heat of the golden sun was going to work its magic on the thermostat today. Temperatures were shooting up toward 100 degrees by the time Amy arrived at the hospital. Grace lay nestled up next to Bash; both were sound asleep. Amy glanced back at the State Trooper, who once again guarded Bash’s door, only this time it was for his protection.

  Amy touched Bash’s forehead. She knew his fever was gone, but she couldn’t help herself. Bash’s eyes flew open. He jerked awake causing Grace to jump and nearly fall off the side of the bed.

  “Good morning,” Amy smiled down at them. “Has the doctor been in yet?”

  “No,” Bash yawned and closed his eyes adding, “Go away.”

  Grace smiled and climbed off the bed, “He was grouchy all night.”

  Amy shot Bash a quick pout and added, “Cheer up Bash. Randy will be here at 11 o’clock, we expect the hospital to send you home today due to lack of insurance. That’s why I wanted to be here for the doctor’s visit.”

  “That sounds great!” Grace announced, “I’ll be back in a couple of minutes and hopefully the doctor will be here when I get back.”

  “Where are you going?” Bash’s eyes flew open. He tried to sit up, and then fell back on his pillow with a grunt of pain.

  Grace frowned at him, “Bash, I’m just going to the cafeteria to get some fruit. I’m starving. You wouldn’t let me leave to get a snack last night, remember?”

  “You can have my breakfast.” Bash offered quickly.

  Grace smiled at him in confusion, “Bash, I’m not eating your breakfast. I’ll be right back.”

  Amy dug into her purse and pulled out a banana. “How about this?” She offered it to Grace and added, “I always keep something on me because of the breastfeeding.”

  Grace accepted it with a surprised smile, “Well I guess this will tide me over until after the doctor comes.”

  ********

  Josh rolled over and grabbed his buzzing phone off the nightstand. “Yeah,” he answered in a sleepy voice. “What?” He bolted upright, startling Beth out of a sound sleep. “Call the Sheriff, I’m on my way.”

  Beth sat up as he sprang from the bed and scooped his jeans off the floor. He turned to her and said, “There’s been a break-in at my office. Someone’s ransacked it.” He stormed over to the closet and yanked a shirt off the hanger. “I’ll call you later.” He added and disappeared out the door.

  Josh's office sat on a rocky bluff overlooking a small industrial court filled with warehouses and storage units. It was a small freestanding brick building. It held his office, a reception area and a conference room. Randy's truck sat out front when Josh arrived. When he walked through the door, Josh stopped to stare in disbelief at the devastation.

  The reception desk was on its side. The computer and phone were in pieces scattered across the floor. Josh found Randy in his office staring at the two large filing cabinets that lined the far wall. The drawers were open and empty. Josh's heart sank. He clenched his jaw as the color rose up his neck and rushed across his face.

  Randy asked, "I take it your files were in these cabinets."

  Josh moved to his desk quickly pulling a set of keys out of his jeans. "Yes, my customer's files were in those cabinets. Personal information, credit reports, copies of loan applications, credit card numbers and copies of checks.”

  His desk chair was nowhere in sight. Josh leaned over and unlocked his desk drawer. He pulled it open and sighed in relief as he pulled out his Colt 45. He turned to Randy and said, "They didn't bother my desk. I take my laptop home each night, but they didn't even try to jimmy the desk drawers."

  Josh walked out of his office and went to the storage closet at the end of the hall. He unlocked the door and stared at the contents. They were untouched. Josh turned around and locked eyes with Randy. "They didn't even try to get into this closet. I just bought a three thousand dollar industrial plasma cutter and it’s still here."

  Randy nodded, "They knew where to look."

  “Identity thieves.” Josh didn’t need to say it.

  “Josh,” Randy came to his side and said quietly, “I’d like to send Kilo home with you today. Keep him inside, especially when you’re gone. Beth should also keep the security system on when she’s home alone with the kids.”

  Josh stared at Randy’s grim expression, “What are you saying?”

  Randy glanced behind him then turned back to Josh and said quietly, “First your luxury build site and now your office. I’m concerned the next target will be your home. I want a list of all your current and past employees for the last two years. This smells like an inside job. Have you fired anyone recently?”

  Josh locked eyes with Randy and said, “Yes.”

  It was one o’clock before Randy arrived at the hospital. Amy, Bash and Grace were sitting in the reception area waiting for him. Amy rose to greet him with a quick kiss.

  Randy smiled and said, “Sorry, I’m late, but you didn’t have to meet me at the door. I could have come upstairs. I have Bash’s clothes.”

  Amy glanced back at Bash as Grace helped him out of his chair. “This hospital sucks.” Amy said in disgust. “They forced us to wait down here because Bash doesn’t have insurance.”

  Bash shook his head and smiled at Amy, “That’s not what the nurse said, Amy. They needed the room; that’s all.”

  Amy spun to face Bash and snapped, “They wanted to use the room for someone else because you don’t have insurance.”

  Bash added, “She was a nice nurse, she gave me these scrubs for free.”

  Grace interjected, “Bash, I’m sure that will be added to your bill. I don’t think hospitals give anything for free unless it’s donated.”

  Randy reached out and took hold of Amy’s hand. “Let’s get Bash home.”

  Bash was exhausted by the time they got
him upstairs. He needed help to get into bed. Grace sat on the edge of his bed as Amy went to get him some water.

  Randy stood at the end of Bash’s bed. He waited until Bash fell asleep and said to Grace, “He’s going to sleep for a while. Do you need a ride home?”

  Grace rose from the bed and said, “Yes, I need to get back to work. My boss isn’t going to be happy if I miss another day.”

  Randy smiled and said, “Let’s get you home then.”

  She leaned over and kissed Bash lightly on the forehead, then followed Randy downstairs. Amy met them at the bottom of the stairs.

  Randy explained, “I’m going to take Grace home. Do you want me to pick up Emma?”

  Amy smiled at Grace, “No, Beth is bringing her by in a little bit.” She added, “Grace, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for Bash. I’m glad he has someone like you in his life.”

  Grace hugged Amy and smiled, “Bash is great. Can I come by after work if it’s not too late?”

  Amy’s smile brightened, “You can come by anytime, even if it’s late.”

  Grace’s apartment was only a few miles down the mountain. Randy knew he didn’t have much time. “Grace, I’m sorry to push you on this, but I need more information about the three men you saw at Sadie’s. Do you think you would recognize them if I showed you some photos?”

  “Maybe,” Grace said turning to look at him. “Is Bash in danger?”

  Randy glanced at Grace, “Yes, and you might be as well. I think it’s a good idea for you to stay at your parent’s house for a few days until things calm down. If you can identify these men, this could all be over in a matter of days. If we don’t find out who they are, there’s no telling how long you’ll be looking over your shoulder everywhere you go. So will Bash.”

  Grace’s eyes opened wide in shock. She turned and gazed out the window. “Will I put my family in danger if I stay with them?”

  Randy’s heart went out to her. He reached out and touched her shoulder, “I don’t know. You can stay with us if you like. I won’t let anything happen to you Grace.”

  She turned to Randy as tears welled up in her eyes. “I think I’d rather do that. Is it okay if I go to work?”

  He released her shoulder and turned onto the main road into town. “Why don’t I take you home so you can get your things? We’ll swing by my office and have you look at some pictures. Then we’ll talk about your job.”

  **********

  Josh pulled into the driveway as Beth was loading Emma into her SUV. He climbed out of his pickup and held the door open as Kilo jumped out. Beth glanced at the white malamute in surprise and asked, “Has Kilo come to play with Charlie?”

  “Yes,” Josh smiled in appreciation of Beth’s shapely behind as she climbed into the truck and leaned over Emma’s seat to fasten the seat belt.

  Beth said, “Molly will be thrilled. Alice went into Salt Lake today to shop with her grandma. Jake wanted me to drop him off at his mom's this morning. He wants to spend the day with her as well as spend the night. Molly was feeling a little left out. Did Jake call you?”

  “Yes, and I called Joanne, she’s good with it.” Josh came to her side and offered his hand to help her step back down. “I’m going to work from home today, so Molly can stay here with me if she doesn’t want to go to Amy’s.”

  “Daddy!” Molly called to him from the house. Josh looked toward the front door to find Molly and Jake heading toward them.

  “Kilo!” Molly shouted as he trotted around the side of the truck to greet them. “Charlie is going to be so happy to see you.” She hugged Kilo’s neck then rushed to hug Josh. “Daddy, can we take the dogs down to the lake to swim? They are so funny when they swim.”

  Josh chuckled and said, “I’ve got some work to do this morning, but after lunch we can go swimming in the lake.”

  Josh moved past the SUV to greet Jake. He knew better than to expect a hug from his fourteen-year-old son. He patted Jake on the shoulder and said, “Have fun at your moms. I’ll come by in the morning to pick you up.”

  Jake smiled and said, “Mom said we could go to the drive-in tonight.”

  “That’s great, Jake.” Josh smiled and waited until he and Beth were in the truck before he followed Molly and Kilo inside.

  He checked the security system and set the controls to issue a loud beep when a window or door opened when someone was home. Molly tossed a purple rubber pig across the living room to see which dog would reach it first. Josh went down to the basement. He grabbed his laptop off its charging base and headed back upstairs to work on the kitchen table.

  He set his laptop on the table and hesitated. He glanced out the back window and scanned the yard, then headed upstairs. He grabbed his Glock 9mm handgun from its resting place on the top shelf of his closet. The holster clip snapped snuggly to his belt. Satisfied he was equipped to handle anything, he headed back downstairs.

  Molly was heading toward the backdoor when he returned. “Molly, stay inside. It’s too hot to play outside with the dogs today.”

  “Can I watch them from the deck while they go potty?” Molly asked with a hopeful smile.

  “Okay, but stay on the deck where I can see you.” Josh answered feeling like a worried old woman.

  **********

  A rare summer storm rumbled over the mountains. The growing darkness caught Randy’s eye. He glanced at the clock on his office wall, 3 o’clock. He rose and walked over to Ed’s desk where Grace sat still looking at mug shots.

  “Grace,” Randy said softly, “Why don’t you take a break. Can I get you a soda or something from the snack machine?”

  “I’d love some juice or an energy drink.” She said with a sign glad to pull her eyes away from so many angry, glaring faces.

  “Stand up and stretch your legs. I’ll go see what I can find.” Randy smiled and headed down the hall to the small break room that doubled as a booking station.

  His desk phone was ringing when he returned. He handed Grace a bottle of apple juice and an energy bar and rushed to answer the phone.

  “Sheriff’s Office, Sheriff Connor speaking,” He said as he sat down at his desk.

  “Randy, Scott Parker, L.A.P.D. I just emailed you the mug shots of Joel Ferrell’s known associates. Let me know if there is anything else you need.”

  “Thanks, Scott. I really appreciate your help on this one.” Randy smiled and hung up.

  He opened his email and clicked on the pdf file Scott sent. “Grace, Can you take a look at these pictures real quick. If you don’t recognize anyone, we’ll call it a day and head to the house.”

  Beth gazed down at Emma sleeping soundly in her arms and tried to imagine holding a child of her own. Until she met Josh and spent time with Molly and Jake, Beth always thought of herself as a childless career woman. She rose from the recliner and walked to the bay window that overlooked Amy’s front yard.

  Amy disappeared into the trees at the far end of the yard heading for the stables. Beth found it extremely ironic that her young protégé was coaching her on how to care for a baby. Beth carried Emma upstairs and laid her in the baby bed in the nursery. She stuck her head in Bash’s room. He was sleeping off the pain meds, again.

  She went back downstairs to start dinner. Josh and Molly would be arriving soon. Pulling some steak from the fridge, Beth sat them in a bowl of marinade and placed them back in the fridge. She did the same for a plate of chicken breasts, and then added a pot of water to the stove to make some pasta salad.

  Amy came in and washed her hands in the kitchen sink. “The horses have plenty of water and a bucket of oats. The rain really cooled it off outside. We should eat out on the deck tonight. I’ll go light the citronella torches.”

  It wasn’t long before Josh and Molly walked through the door. Molly rushed upstairs to see if Bash was awake while Josh headed out to the deck to get the grill going. Molly came quickly back down the stairs looking for Amy. “Bash is awake and he’s getting out of bed to come downstairs. Is th
at okay?” She asked Amy, who was wrapping some potatoes in foil.

  “If he’s up to it, that’s fine.” Amy said putting down the potatoes and heading for the stairs.

  Bash was already at the top of the stairs when Amy started up. She went to his side, and he put his arm around her shoulders as they walked slowly down the stairs. Josh came in and hurried over to take Amy’s place and help Bash sit down in the recliner. Molly ran upstairs and got a blanket.

  Bash smiled as Molly pushed the button to raise his feet; then she tucked the blanket in around him. “Doctor Molly,” he teased her, “I don’t have insurance. How much do you charge?”

  “I’m very expensive,” She answered with a serious expression, “But you get the family discount. So today only, there’s no charge.” She turned and headed into the kitchen to return with a bag of ice. “This is for your cut, what do you call it?”

  “Incision,” Bash corrected, “This is exactly what I need. You’re a great doctor.”

  Molly beamed with pride as she grabbed the remote and turned on the TV.

  Randy and Grace arrived. Randy took Grace’s bag and headed upstairs while Grace said hello to everyone and gave Bash a quick kiss. “You look good,” She told him, “The dark rings under your eyes are almost gone.”

  Bash spent the evening in the recliner. He resisted the urge to take another pain pill. They made him so sleepy. Molly kept his ice bag fresh. Randy cheerfully rushed around the house helping with dinner. He insisted Beth and Amy sit down and watch a movie with Bash and Grace while he and Josh cleaned up, much to Josh’s dismay.

  Josh went outside to clean the grill and wipe off the patio table while Randy put away the leftovers and loaded the dishwasher. When they finished, Randy pulled two beers out of the refrigerator, and they headed out onto the deck to relax.

  Randy sat down on the bench that sat overlooking the yard and forest beyond. Josh sat beside him and opened his beer. Randy gazed at the purple horizon as the sun sank behind the mountains. He said, “Grace identified one of the men at Sadie’s. His name is Pete Sanchez. If he’s still around here, we’ll find him.”