Chapter 10

Nick couldn't stand the thought of Judy being hurt again. Although she had some out with stitches and a bump to the head he wouldn't let it happen again. He spent the next couple of days attempting to convince her, promising the moment Ross was found they would move back to the city. Judy was apprehensive. Although she would do anything to keep her best friend safe she didn't want to leave all that she had worked for here in the city. She took the full 48 hours to decide. He had left the choice up to her, he didn't want her to be a little safer at the cost of her happiness. She came to him Tuesday night with her answer. She agreed to relocate only until Ross was found, the moment that happened they would move back. Nick agreed. If Judy hadn't been in the picture he might try to risk it but she was the biggest and most important part of his life. They drove hand in hand to their meeting with chief, still unsure if it was right.

"Well what have you decided?" they were still clasping hands as they sat in front of the chief's desk Nick still confined to his wheel chair.

"We have decided to relocate for safety reasons, but with some conditions."

"Very well." The chief looked intently at them.

"We of course want to be relocated together." Judy responded. Looking at Nick as she spoke.

"Not even a question" The chief waved off the first request.

"We want our jobs saved for us here and the moment Ross is captured or deemed no longer a threat we want the opportunity to move back." Judy was a little more hesitant with the second request.

"I might have to find some temporary replacements, but your positions here are safe." The chief tentatively agreed.

"Anything else?"

"Yes we ether want to go to Fox Hollow o Bunny Burrow. We feel the transition might be easier with some family nearby."

"Very well which is it?"

"Bunny Burrow" Nick responded cutting the other two off "I don't talk to my family mush as it is and I would prefer her to be close to hers."

"Very well, Nick I trust you still have the department debit card. Use it to rent a moving van me and some other officers will be by after work to help you load up and say our goodbyes." He smiled at them and they returned the smile. They had decided to rent a large trailer to pull behind Judy's truck. The loaded Nicks apartment first opting to put most of his older furniture in storage or simply sell it using a classifieds add on his phone. Nick was only limited help in is state he packed boxes and labeled them for when the other officers arrived. Night came faster than they had expected and it wasn't long before they were a standing outside Judy's now vacated apartment with their friends talking and laughing one more time. Although Nick couldn't walk he would be able to drive his car to Bunny Burrow. Judy helped him in his car before wedging his wheel chair in to the full truck bed. Judy led the way. The 211 mile drive went quickly

. Soon they arrived at the small farm house they would be using. It was only a short drive from Judy's family home and was set back in the hills surrounded on all sides by trees. It was a small two bedroom one bath cottage style house. It had a wraparound porch with a swing. Judy had called her parents several times over the last week. They had been fully informed about the move and were waiting at the house for them. They stood in front of the house with several of Judy's younger brothers a sisters. Once the truck was stopped, Stu grabbed the wheel chair out of the back of the truck and headed for Nicks car. Opening the door he gave Nick a hearty welcome "Welcome Home!" He seemed really excited to have both of them there. The kids did most of the unpacking. Carrying in all the boxes and furniture. Judy and her mom were inside directing the chaos, Nick and Stu sat out on the large porch. They were having a nice conversation, sipping iced tea. Stu felt the need to keep Nick entertained since he was "out for the count" as he put it. The porch faced the sunset and it was about that time where the sky began to turn red. 'I could get use to this' Nick thought to himself. With all the extra help the unloading process took a fraction of the time. With all the help the furniture was all placed and boxes unpacked.

The house had as simple country charm. It had on old wood stove for cold nights, stone floors and wood paneling. Even if it was temporary it was a nice place for him and Judy to start a life together. As night began to fall Judy's parents said their goodbyes, the kids jumped into the back of the old farm truck sitting on the wheel wells and a spare tire. Nick remembered how it was growing up in a small town. He had piled in the back of his dads old truck numerous times and never got hurt. "We will see ya tomorrow" came Judy's dad's voice from the driver's side window. The Chief had found a mechanic job for Nick in town, but he couldn't start until after he was out of his wheel chair, so until then he would run the fruit and vegetable stand for Judy's parents. Judy would work the farm with her dad. She wasn't the most excited, but she had her Nick so she was happy.

The house was quiet with everyone gone, there were none of the city noises Nick had become accustom to over the years. Just a faint sound of crickets. Nick rolled out onto the porch. He parked the wheel chair and then hobbled over to the porch swing. He sat down swing slightly in the cool breeze. Judy came out wearing a pair of shorts and Nick's old shirt. She sat beside him the swing again swinging slightly. She cuddled up to him sighing slightly.

"Long day" Nick softly whispered.

"Yeah" Judy replied her voice as low as Nicks. "Our first place together."

Nick remained quiet, not responding to her remark. The daylight was slowly fading, fireflies could be seen in the trees in the distance.

"Does this mean I don't have to sleep on the couch?" Nick finally broke the peaceful tranquility.

Judy snorted "yes this means you don't have to sleep on the couch."

He bent and kissed her forehead. The moment was meaningful and tender. They were starting a life together. It wasn't the start either had in mind, but it was their start and that is what matters. They sat on the porch until the sun had sunk deep into the horizon. They retired to the house. Judy made a simple sandwich dinner, they laughed and talked about plans for then house. "Although the accommodations were temporary there is no reason it can be home." Judy had said looking at the bare walls. Nick loved how excited she was. It always made his heart light to see her happy and this was the happiest he had seen her. Maybe because he had been gone working the case and hadn't seen her much, or she really was that happy. It wasn't long before dinner was over they had talked about her plans for the house late into the night. Nick hadn't noticed how tired he was he had been listening intently to her for some time, Judy must have noticed him nodding off.

"Time for bed" her voice snapped him awake. She wheeled him to the bedroom. It had been less than a week since Nick had gotten out of the hospital and he tired quickly.

The two were we cuddled into bed. The window was open letting a soft breeze blow through the room. Both were exhausted and feel asleep quickly. Although the day marked the end of so much, it marked the beginning of more.