Twenty-one Year Rule Read online

  That was all behind them now. Bash was starting over. Her biggest problem now was figuring out how to break the news to her husband, Randy. He was the mountain towns’ Sheriff. Randy was kind and gentle, but fiercely protective of his family and friends. How would he react to a convicted murderer coming to live in their home with their brand new baby?

  **********

  Randy walked slowly up beside the small, rusty, blue pickup truck, his hand on his gun. He waited as the window slowly slid down. A cloud of heavy, pungent smoke drifted out of the car, pot. As the smoke cleared, Randy peered cautiously inside. A scruffy faced young man glared up at him then flicked his cigarette out the window.

  Goodbye hot dinner at home, Randy frowned, “License and proof of insurance please.”

  A young man, barely old enough to drive shifted in his seat as he reached into his rear pocket for his wallet. “I ain’t done nothin’.” He muttered.

  Randy looked past him to the passenger. A slightly older man with dark hair and black eyes sneered back at him. Randy shifted his gaze to the back seat as the third young man slid his hand nervously over his greasy brown hair. Reaching out, Randy took the license and insurance card from the driver. Glancing at the license Randy gazed back at the driver. “Mr. Salvir from Cleveland, Ohio. Are you aware you were driving erratically?”

  The driver glanced at the passenger then looked up at Randy and said, “No sir,” slurring his words.

  Randy leaned closer to the window. There was a distinct odor of alcohol. He asked, “Have you boys been drinking?”

  “No sir.” The driver answered slowly taking care to speak clearly.

  Randy opened the car door and said, “Mr. Salvir, please step out of the vehicle.”

  He escorted the driver to the rear of the car. Randy’s finger slipped the safety off his gun as the two doors on the other side of the car opened. “Please remain in the vehicle while I speak with Mr. Salvir. I will speak to you both momentarily.”

  Chapter Two

  A soft yet urgent knock on the front door woke Amy. Her head jerked up, and she glanced at the clock on the mantle, eleven o’clock? A knock came at the door again. Amy glanced up the stairs; Emma should be waking up soon.

  Another knock, Randy must have lost his keys. She rose from the sofa with a yawn and went to the door. As soon as she opened the door, Beth and her husband Josh, rushed inside. “Amy,” Beth said calmly, “Randy is all right, but he’s been hurt and is in the hospital. Josh is going to take you to him; I’ll stay with Emma.”

  Amy stared at them in confusion. Josh’s dark brown hair was damp and mussed. Beth’s hair was also wet and pulled into a hasty ponytail. What were they doing here, where were the kids?

  “Amy,” Beth touched her shoulder, “Randy’s in the hospital. He’s been hurt.”

  “What?” Amy snapped out of her sleepy stupor. “Randy’s hurt?” Her heart raced as her breath came in gasps. She couldn’t breathe.

  Josh gently took hold of Amy’s shoulders and gazed into her eyes. “Amy, he’s okay. He had a run in with a drunk driver and got roughed up a bit, but he’s going to be okay.”

  Josh stopped; his eyes moved to the stairs behind Amy. His face turned to stone as a young blonde man moved cautiously down the stairs. Josh’s deep blue eyes locked on Bash.

  Beth offered quickly, “Josh, this is Amy’s brother, Bash.”

  Josh relaxed slightly releasing his grip on Amy as she spun and rushed to Bash. “Randy’s been hurt. I have to go to the hospital!”

  Bash nodded, his eyes never leaving Josh. Beth added, “I’ll stay here with Emma and Bash. Don’t worry about us, we’ll be fine.”

  Beth added the last bit as much for Josh as for Amy. He grew up with Randy. She knew Josh was more upset about Randy’s attack then he let on. Josh’s eyes narrowed on Bash. He knew Bash’s history. Forcing back a protest, Josh simply nodded his assent. They didn’t have any other option.

  Josh met Beth’s eyes and said, “My foreman, Mike, is just down the road. He can be here in five minutes if you need him.”

  Bash glanced at the floor suppressing a disgusted smirk. He got Josh’s meaning. He arrived less than ten hours ago, and they had already labeled him a bad boy.

  Beth grabbed Amy’s purse from the sofa and escorted her to the door. She gave Amy a quick hug and said, “Call me when you can.”

  “He’s at Ogden General.” Josh explained as they headed outside.

  Amy glanced at him as her stomach leapt. “Ogden? Is it that bad?”

  “No,” Josh said quickly.

  “Where are Molly and Jake?” Amy asked glancing at the back seat of the truck.

  “Joanne’s duplex,” Josh answered as they climbed into his pickup.

  He threw the truck into gear and roared down the gravel drive toward the main road. “I need you to take a deep breath and stay calm.” Josh glanced at her. “We’ve got a 30 minute drive and if you start crying it’s only going to make it worse.”

  “Josh!” Amy snapped, “Tell me everything!”

  He turned onto the main road and raced toward the highway. Reaching out in the darkness, he took hold of her hand. He spoke softly, “Randy pulled a car over off on I-84. The occupants ganged up on him as he attempted to handcuff the driver. There were three of them; they had knifes. It was a close struggle. He managed to shoot one of them. One got away, but the driver was drunk, so he didn’t put up a struggle. Randy was able to tackle him as the other one ran for the car.”

  Amy squeezed Josh’s hand and asked, “They stabbed him?”

  Josh’s jaw was set, but he answered softly, “Amy, when someone is coming at you with a knife you know you’re going to get cut. The best thing you can do is make sure the blade doesn’t hit any vital organs.”

  “Did it?” Amy released his hand and turned to gaze out the windshield.

  Josh gripped the steering wheel hard and said, “There were three of them, Amy. It’s hard to say. The good news is he was able to call for help, and they got to him fast. He was taken into surgery right before Ed called. He said Randy lost a lot of blood, but he’s alive and they are going to keep him that way.”

  **********

  Bash opened the refrigerator and inspected its contents as Beth went upstairs to check on Emma. He frowned at the six-pack of beer sitting on the bottom shelf. He supposed now was not the time. At least there was soda. Bash opened a can of soda and went to the living room to search for the television remote.

  Beth returned and sat down on the far end of the sofa from him. She said, “Emma’s sound asleep, but should be awake soon for a feed. Are you hungry? I could make us some sandwiches.”

  “I’m good,” He answered scanning the channels on the small flat screen TV.

  Beth smiled and gazed at the TV adding, “Amy was so excited to see you. She’s missed you so much.”

  Bash shot her a sideways look and said, “I missed her too.”

  Beth focused on the TV and said, “There’s a muscle car movie marathon on channel 362 if you like that sort of thing.”

  Bash hit 362 on the remote and a car chase flashed across the screen. “I don’t have my license.” He offered quietly watching the chase.

  Beth flinched as the first car in the chase rolled over and burst into flames. “Have you ever ridden a horse?”

  “No,” He answered leaning back and tossing the remote onto the sofa beside him.

  Beth leaned back and kicked off her shoes. “I am not a good driving instructor, but I can teach you how to stay on a horse.”

  Bash rolled his eyes and smiled, “Well if you and Amy can do it. I shouldn’t have too much of a problem. How hard can it be?”

  Beth turned and smiled at him. “Driving a car or riding a horse?”

  “Both. Why is your hair wet?” Bash turned to face her.

  Beth glanced over at him and said, “We were in the pool when we got the call.”

  Bash flashed a wicked grin and said, “Your man is smoother than I tho
ught.”

  **********

  Randy’s Deputy, Ed Baines, met Josh and Amy as they stepped off the elevator outside the surgical waiting area. His face was pale and worn, but he smiled in greeting. “He’s out of surgery and in recovery. The doctor says he’s going to be okay. They will come get us when he can have visitors.”

  Amy hugged the elderly deputy fiercely and allowed him to lead her to the waiting area. It wasn’t long before the doctor appeared. The tall, dark haired surgeon looked fresh out of medical school. He smiled at Amy and said, “Mrs. Connor, I’m Dr. Lund. Randy is doing well. He had several superficial wounds on his arms and chest. The abdominal wound was our biggest concern. It lacerated his spleen, and he experienced substantial blood loss. We removed the spleen and gave him some whole blood. He’s stable now. He’s young and strong. I expect a full recovery. You should be able to see him in a few minutes.”

  Josh wrapped his arms around Amy as the doctor left. She buried her head in his chest and sobbed.

  The nurse appeared a few minutes later and escorted Josh and Amy to the recovery area. Randy lay on a gurney attached to several IV’s and a monitor. Amy rushed to his side and kissed him gently on the mouth. “Randy, honey I’m here. The doctor says you’re going to be okay.”

  Randy’s face was white as a sheet. A dark purple bruise ran down the side of his face encompassing his right eye. Bandages spotted with blood covered both forearms. Amy bit her lip, suppressing a sob as she brushed his light brown hair from his eyes.

  He took a deep breath and slowly opened his eyes. Gazing sleepily up at her, he whispered hoarsely, “Amy, I’m sorry.”

  Amy’s eyes filled with tears. “You have nothing to be sorry about. Just rest and get better.”

  Josh stepped forward into Randy’s line of sight and said, “Beth is with Emma. The state police arrested the driver. They found the one that got away. He rolled the car into the creek about a mile down the road.”

  Randy’s eyes opened wider as he became more alert, “The kid I shot...” He managed weakly.

  Josh locked eyes with Randy and said, “You had no choice; they were going to kill you.”

  Randy held Josh’s gaze. Josh sighed and added, “They weren’t just on a joy ride, Randy. The trunk was packed with Meth. It looks like they were moving drugs across country.” Josh hesitated and finally answered Randy’s question, “He was dead at the scene.”

  Randy grimaced and closed his eyes. Amy squeezed his hand. Killing a youth no matter the reason or justification was a horrible tragedy. Randy spent a weekend every month in Salt Lake City working with troubled kids. He was going to take this hard. Amy glanced at Josh as his face flushed with anger from his friends anguish.

  **********

  Beth covered Bash with a blanket after he fell asleep on the sofa during the second movie. Once Emma finished her feeding Beth carried her upstairs and put her back to bed. The phone began to vibrate in the back pocket of her blue jeans. She pulled it out. It was Josh.

  “Josh,” Beth answered softly, closing the bedroom door behind her and heading into the master bedroom. “How is Randy?”

  “He’s out of surgery and doing fine. They had to remove his spleen, but the doctor says he’s going to be okay.” Josh answered in a tired voice.

  “I’m so glad.” Beth sighed with relief moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “How’s Amy?”

  “You know Amy,” Josh said in a better tone, “She was a wreck all the way here. Now that she’s had a good cry and Randy’s conscious, she’s bouncing back. She wants to stay here with him tonight. I’m going to head back and help you with Emma.”

  Beth smiled; Emma wasn't the source of his concern. “We are fine here. I just fed Emma and Bash is asleep on the couch. I was just about to head upstairs to bed.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you in about an hour.” Josh answered.

  Just as she hung up, the house phone rang. Beth rushed across the hall into the master bedroom and picked up the received on the bedside table. “Connor’s residence,” Beth said softly hoping the phone didn’t wake up Emma.

  Bash picked up the line in the kitchen as Beth answered. There was no reply.

  “Hello?” Beth added.

  A raspy low voice answered, “Wrong number.”

  A sharp stab of fear spread through her stomach, “Who is this?” She managed.

  The call disconnected. Beth stood frozen in shock. Bash replaced the receiver and headed back to the sofa. He knew that voice; it was Pete; this was bad, real bad.

  Chapter Three

  Josh walked into the kitchen dressed only in his shorts. Beth stood at the stove scrambling some eggs in a skillet. She loved how he looked in the morning. His short, brown hair was all messed and his face unshaven, it made her pulse race. She allowed her eyes to linger on his muscular chest and arms. A wistful smile crossed her face. “Hey sexy,” She said in a throaty tone.

  Josh flashed a sleepy smile and kissed her neck as he wrapped his arms around her small waist. “Is it really 9 o’clock?”

  Beth set the plate of bacon and eggs on the island in the center of the kitchen as Josh poured himself a glass of orange juice. He sat down at the island and dug into the plate of food.

  Beth walked to the baby swing in the corner of the living room and offered Emma her pacifier. She said, “You didn’t get in until 4 o’clock. You must be exhausted.”

  Josh glanced out at the deck. He could see Bash standing near the steps smoking a cigarette. “I’m fine. What’s the deal with Bash?”

  Beth moved back into the kitchen and poured herself a cup of coffee. She turned to face Josh; he was still staring at Bash. “He’s finally reaching out to Amy.”

  Josh forced his eyes away from Bash. He met Beth’s gaze. His expression softened. Her deep green eyes were full of compassion. “I know, I know. He’s been through hell. I just want to make sure he didn’t bring it with him. Where has he been the last three years since he got out? Why has it taken him so long? Why has he finally reached out now?”

  Beth stared at him with a raised eyebrow. “Well officer, I don’t know.”

  Josh chuckled and scooped up the last bite of his eggs. “Amy’s so trusting, so giving. I just want to make sure she and Emma are safe while Randy is in the hospital.” He stopped and glanced around. “Where’s Kilo?”

  “Oh no,” Beth gasped, “Amy dropped him off at the vet yesterday to get neutered. I should call them. They’re probably wondering where Amy is.”

  “I tell you what.” Josh rose and headed for the backdoor. “Let them know I’m on my way and I’ll take Bash with me. I’m sure he’d like to get out of the house and look around. We’ll take Kilo up to the lake and let Charlie out. She’ll be eager to get outside by the time I get home.”

  Josh walked out on the deck and headed toward Bash at the far end. “Hey Bash,” He called as he neared him.

  Bash flicked the cigarette away that he’d only half finished and turned to face Josh. Josh ignored the skunky smell to the smoke and Bash’s red eyes. Instead, Josh said, “I’m going to pick up Amy’s malamute, Kilo from the vet. Then I’m heading home to pick up our golden retriever, Charlie at our lake house. You want to ride along?”

  Bash glanced past Josh toward the kitchen. Josh added, “Beth is going to take Emma up to the hospital to see Randy.”

  “Okay,” Bash said in a matter of fact tone, “beats just sitting around here.”

  Josh nodded and turned to head back inside. “We’ll head out in about fifteen minutes. Also, if I were you, living in a cop’s home; I’d choose a different kind of cigarette and find that butt before we leave.”

  Josh didn’t say anything to Beth about the pot. He walked over to Emma, tickled her tummy and kissed the top of her head then headed upstairs to shower.

  Bash was loading Emma’s stroller into the back of Amy’s small SUV when Josh walked down the porch steps. Bash shut the rear hatch and headed toward Josh’s truck.

  “Beth and Emma a
re loaded up.” Bash smiled brightly.

  Josh nodded his approval and headed toward his large blue extended cab pickup, “Thanks, let’s get going.”

  They climbed into the truck and headed toward the main road, half a mile down the gravel drive. Turning onto the two-lane country road, Josh glanced at Bash. He wasn’t wearing a seatbelt. Josh said, “Call me old fashioned, but I’d prefer it if you buckle up.”

  Bash glanced at him with a raised eyebrow then buckled his seat belt. Taking a deep breath, Bash said, “I think we started off on the wrong foot. Amy’s emails are always talking about you and Beth. I appreciate how great you’ve been to her. She’s a good person and deserves good friends like the two of you.”

  Josh kept his eyes on the road. “Amy is a very loving and giving person. She’d do anything for the people she loves.”

  “I know,” Bash added softly looking out the window. “I’d do anything for her.”

  “Would you?” Josh asked quietly.

  Bash glared at Josh. “It’s just pot. I don’t do drugs.”

  “How do you think Amy would feel if Randy arrested you?” Josh turned back to the road. “You think she’s going to take that lightly. You’re putting them both in a potential situation that could hurt their marriage.”

  Bash’s eyes shot daggers at Josh. “If that’s what this drive is about you can pull over right now and let me out.”

  Josh couldn’t hide the smile that crossed his face. “Relax, I made my point. I won’t say it again. Do you fish?”

  Bash relaxed back into the seat. “No,”

  Josh shot him a sideways glance and said, “My son Jake and I are heading up to Picket Creek this Saturday to do some trout fishing. Randy was supposed to come along. Do you want to join us? I’ve got a spare rod.”

  “Maybe,” Bash muttered.

  “We’ll take the dogs.” Josh added, “Of course it’s always a challenge keeping Charlie out of the creek long enough to catch some fish. She’s a water hound.”