Chapter 111
"Yes, Miranda. This is Mrs. Thorton but please call me Elizabeth. How are you doing this evening?"
Miranda was taken back for a few moments. She called Jack's number. She was expecting him to answer the call. She was a little surprised how sad she was that he didn't answer. Elizabeth's voice was a surprise, and she was having trouble rebounding from it. She began a couple of sentences but couldn't find the next words to speak.
Elizabeth smiled knowing the sudden surprise was working effectively. As a detailed planner, she was a little nervous that this wasn't planned out. She was supposed to go with her gut and do what felt right. That's not how she usually does things and it worried her that she may make a mistake because of it.
"Miranda, are you there?"
"Elizabeth. I'm sorry. I must have dialed the wrong number."
"No, this is Jack's phone. He's just a little busy at the moment. I grabbed it when it rang. I almost didn't answer it because the number was unknown."
"Yes. I use burner phones from Walmart here in Forth Worth." Miranda grimaced when she realized she told Elizabeth her hometown.
"I've never been to Forth Worth. That must be a beautiful city. Maybe we should visit sometime. We could meet up for lunch."
"Maybe, but I'm not here too often." Miranda's mind finally caught up with her and she was trying to deflect the conversation.
"Oh well…maybe some time." There was a long pause. "Miranda, are you a reader?"
"A reader?" The question confused her a little bit. "Like books?"
"Yes. Do you read books or listen to audiobooks?"
"I…uhm…"
"I love to read. I don't do it as much anymore but I am hoping to get back into it."
"Yes, I like to read. I read or listen to audiobooks when I fly. I fly often so I do that or sketch."
"Oh, I love to sketch." Elizabeth smiled at Jack's shocked face. "I don't usually sketch people. I like to sketch landscapes. You?"
"Oh, I like to sketch people."
"I always had trouble with their noses." Elizabeth chuckled. "I can never get them right. They always look funny."
"I'm sorry, Elizabeth. Is Jack available?"
"He'll be in the house in a minute." She paused. "Do you use special pencils? I wonder if that's why I have trouble with noses?"
"I'm not sure if pencils will make a difference."
"Maybe one day you could show me some tips in sketching noses?"
After another long pause. "Oh, Jack's here now. Would you like to speak to him?"
Jack was smiling at his wife. She was good at this. She caught Miranda off guard enough to know her location and that she flies often. No police force was able to do that in the months they have been searching for his Mystery Ghost. Jack fist pumped his wife when she handed him the phone.
"Hello Miranda. How are you today?"
"I'm good Jack. You?"
"Good. I just came inside after walking the dog and noticed Elizabeth on the phone. I'm surprised she was talking to you."
"Yes. I was wanting to check on you. I know you are a very busy man."
"Yes, today has been very busy, and…well, let's say unique."
"Whoever thought a small town like Hope Valley would bring you anything unique? Where there any problems?"
"No, we are waiting for a lawyer to show up, but everything seems to be in place."
Both Jack and Miranda smiled at this little coded game between them. Both fully understood the conversation. Jack quickly learned that Miranda always spoke in code. He thought it was her way of speaking without cornering herself if the conversation was being taped.
Jack gave Elizabeth a smile as he spoke with Miranda. Elizabeth was smiling very big for the feat of drawing the information she drew out of Miranda. Jack covered the mouth piece of the phone. "Proud of yourself, aren't you?"
The growing, victorious smile gave Jack his answer. He could only shake his head at her smile. He couldn't understand his beautiful wife. She was a tremendous teacher. She gave all of herself to her students each day. However, Jack truly believed if she wanted to be a detective, she would have no problem excelling at it. His wife was a talented lady.
"Jack, I better let you go. I need to make a couple of arrangements."
"Miranda, I hope you have a nice evening."
…
"Frank…Frank…"
"I'm outside, sweetheart. Do you need anything?"
"Yes, are we ready to leave?"
"Henry rode in with Franklin and Emily. He was hanging with Emily until just before game time. We need to get going soon."
Frank walked into the kitchen to see Abagail facing the window over the kitchen sink.
"I'm ready." She stated as she turned around.
Frank looked up and quickly looked at her and then turned toward the door. After a second, he immediately stopped and turned to face with wife. He looked at her for a long moment.
"What's this?" He stated as he pointed to her face.
"Oh, this…it's senior night."
"Yeah…"
"The mom tribe wanted to go all out and celebrate the seniors."
"Ok…" Frank drew out the word. "Henry isn't a senior."
"I know that, silly."
"So…what's with the face paint? Why is Henry's name on one side and the number fifteen on the other?"
"Well, Henry is my son and a ball boy. I wanted to support him. Franklin's number is fifteen and he is a senior. He is also Emily's brother. I wanted to support him."
"With paint on your face?"
"Yes, Frank, with paint on my face."
"Dear, you say that like I'm the crazy one with paint on my face about to walk out in public."
"Shush you. Now, don't forget the keys."
"I think I'm standing with Jack and the other guys at the fence."
"I'm sorry. Did you say something dear?"
"Nope."
…
Jack hung up the phone call and wrapped Elizabeth in a huge hug. "Well look at you, you are so proud of yourself you could almost burst." He sassed.
"Well, officer, I did find out where she lives, she flies a lot. I'm sure she doesn't fly commercial. The sketching and drawing probably won't help too much, but the others will."
"That's Chief to you."
"It if wasn't for me, you would still know nothing. At least we know where she lives. Fort Worth."
"Yeah…yeah…" He swatted her on the bottom. "Are you ready to go?"
"Well officer, did you just pat my bottom?" She flirted.
"I did. To be honest, it was incredible and everything I dreamed about." He sighed.
"Let's go, handsome. We can't be late for tonight."
…
Jack and Elizabeth pulled into the parking space provided for the Chief. Elizabeth was grateful the parking spot was close to the gate. Walking long distances wasn't her favorite things to do with her still growing belly. As they approached the gate, a familiar face was smiling at them. The same ticket lady has been there the last four times at the home games.
"Chief and Mrs. Thorton. I am grateful you made it. Here, I have something for you." She handed Elizabeth an envelope along with her two tickets. "I have a ticket and an envelope for Mrs. Thatcher when she gets here."
"She was five minutes behind me."
Elizabeth and Jack walked through the gate, and she stepped to the side to open the letter. When she unfolded the letter, she noticed a hand written note.
Chief and Mrs. Thornton –
Thank you for all you have done for us. To say that you two changed our lives would be an understatement. To say thank you isn't enough, but it's all we can think of. At six thirty, please be in the endzone by the score board. Since you two are escorting ten of us onto the field for our last time, they will have to do things a little different. We love you!
Reid, Kyle, Thomas, Kenny, Joseph, Trevor, Logan, Johnanthan, Mason, Samuel
Elizabeth folded the piece of paper and carefully placed it in her small backpack. She knew this letter was going in her special drawer. Jack was standing behind her reading the letter over her shoulder. He reached into his pocket and handed her a small travel size packet of tissues.
"These silly hormones." She sighed as she opened the tissues and began to wipe her eyes lightly.
Jack gave her a smile as he moved his way to stand in front of her. "I don't think it's hormones."
She smirked at him. "Then officer, what is your professional opinion?"
Jack stepped forward and placed his hands on her hips. He wasn't able to stand too close because of her seven month pregnant tummy with twins was between them. He leaned forward and place a gentle kiss on the tip of her nose. "My Chief's heart tells me it's a mother's heart full of love for her football boys." He gave her a loving smile and wiped a few more tears from his precious wife's face. "My husband's heart tells me the most loving and giving woman decided to love those twelve boys with all she has and has shown it over the last couple of months. It means something when ten of the twelve boys asked you to escort them on the field for the last time." He wiped a few more tears from her cheeks. "My man's heart tells me I am the most blessed man in the world to have such a loving, caring woman all wrapped into the most beautiful woman who is carrying my babies." He moved one hand from her hip and rubbed her tummy. Both babies kicked his hand when he placed it on her belly. The act made both of them laugh. "Come on Mrs. Thorton, we don't want to be late. We need to stop by the concession stand and then check in with the mom tribe before we head to the end zone."
…
"Lee, what are you doing?"
"Rosemary, I'm have a meeting in a couple of minutes. Remember, we talked about this?"
"I do, but I feel like you aren't telling me everything."
Sweetheart, I am having a meeting then we have a steak out later tonight. I am not sure when I will be home. Please do not wait up for me."
"I will always wait up for you. I worry about you."
"I'm sorry, dear. I know you worry about me, but I'm ok. We have a lot of backup and the plan that Jack came up with is solid. We will be fine."
Rosemary was constantly worried about her husband. She was proud of him and his work, but it was the work that scared her to death. She sighed in the phone knowing there was nothing she could do. Lee was a little frustrated that he couldn't remove her worry. He knew his job could be dangerous. However, with the proper training, the rights tools, and keeping his head in the moment all lessened the risks.
"Lee, you can't promise me that."
"I know, Rosey. But we are well trained, and we have a great plan. This all points things in our direction. It doesn't remove the dangers, but it certainly reduces them."
"I do trust you, Honeybunny."
"I love you, Squiget."
Each hated the nicknames, but knew it was done in love. Plus, it helped break the tension of the worry.
"I have to go. The meeting is about to begin. I will call you before we head out and when I can when it's over. Like I said, I'm not sure when that will be, but I promise to call you the moment I can."
"Thank you."
…
Grace and William stepped up to the ticket booth to the same smiling woman Elizabeth saw.
"Mrs. Thatcher. It is so great to see you again."
William stood back trying to take everything in. Grace has told him about this, but experiencing it was something completely different.
"Here is your ticket, Mrs. Thatcher. You also have a letter."
"A letter?"
"Yes ma'am. Mrs. Thorton already has hers."
Like Elizabeth, she stepped to the side after walking through the gate. Also, like Elizabeth, she was touched by her boys and cried. "Let's go William, I do not want to be late."
Grace and William walked up the steps to their customary mom tribe seats. Jack and Elizabeth, plus four other woman was already there. Grace hugged and kissed both Jack and Elizabeth on the cheek.
"Mom, I'm sorry that I have been so busy and not visited much."
"Think nothing of it, son. I understand work can get busy at times."
Jack took a deep breath and turned to William. "Mr. Thatcher." Jack stated and nodded his head.
"Jack." William responded. "I hope you're doing well?"
Jack nodded but didn't say anything. Their relationship was still strained.
"Madre calda, it's twenty minutes after six, we need to begin our journey to the end zone."
Elizabeth looked up at her husband and gave him the smile he loves so much. He extended his hand and helped her up. She brought her pickle with her since she only had a couple of bites left. He also helped Grace stand after she placed her purse at William's feet.
"Come on ladies, I believe there are ten young men waiting for you two."
…
Lee meet with the six state troopers in the police station. He had his orders from Jack and was following them to the letter. He enjoyed working with Jack, but he respected him even more.
"Where is Chief Thornton? Shouldn't he be here for this?" One state trooper asked with a little bit of attitude.
"Chief Thorton is at the ballgame for the moment. He had to do something that he didn't want to get out of. He will meet us before we head out."
"Isn't this his case?"
"It is. I have his comprehensive instructions. He will be here before we leave."
"This doesn't make any sense." The state trooper mumbled.
A couple major learning points that Jack has expressed to Lee was simple. First, follow the law, but never forget you are dealing with people. Secondly, know the problem, study it until you understand all you can, form a plan, then follow that plan until something causes you to adapt. But most importantly, you must be confident in that plan. If you aren't confident in the plan, no one else will be.
"Chief Thorton is escorting ten senior football players onto the field for senior night. They are part of his mentor group. He will not miss this for anything. This is his detailed plan." Lee placed the two pieces of paper on the table in front of the state trooper with a little emphasis. "This is Chief Jack Thorton's plan. If you are unhappy with his process, you may leave at any time. If you would like to question him about his plan or how he does things, you can speak with him when he gets here."
Before the state trooper was able to speak, Lee's cell phone buzzed.
"Hello, Detective Coulter." Lee didn't look at the caller ID. He assumed it was Jack. Therefore, he accepted the call on speaker phone.
"Detective Coulter. This is Superintendent Johnson of the state's investigator office."
"Yes sir. How may I help you?"
"Jack emailed me his plans for tonight. He stated he was busy and if I needed anything to call you."
"Yes sir. What may I do for you?"
The state troopers were taken back that the investigator's commander was calling. They may have heard of Jack and was a little jealous because of his young age and all the things they have heard, but they knew exactly who Superintendent Johnson was. They knew you only crossed him at your detriment.
"I know Jack is busy, but I just wanted to wish you all good luck. I have read Jack's plan and believe it to be the best option. I have no concerns regarding it and give it my complete support. I just wanted to wish you all the best."
"Thank you, sir. I was about to discuss it with the state troopers. One was having a little concern with the process."
"If any one of them has an issue with this plan, they are morons. Send them home and I will have six state troopers there before Jack gets to the station." The authority in his tone was not lost on anyone in the room.
"We're good sir." One of the state troopers stated.
"Lee?" Superintendent Johnson questioned.
Before answering, Lee turned to look at the state trooper that was questioning Jack's absence. The state trooper nodded his head in agreement.
"For now, sir, we are good."
"If you feel different at any moment, call me. This is my personal cell phone. I will replace them, and they can be in my office first thing in the morning."
"Yes sir."
"Detective Coulter. I would like to speak with the ranking state trooper."
"That would be me sir, Captain Fisher." Captain Fisher stepped forward and spoke loud and clear. There was no doubt that he was in charge of the state troopers.
"Captain Fisher, please take me off of speaker." Captain Fisher took the phone Lee gave him and took the phone off speaker. Then he placed it to his ear.
"Yes sir…No sir…Understood sir…Yes sir…No sir, no problems sir…I will take care of it personally, sir…Yes sir." The other men couldn't hear the whole conversation, but by Captain Fisher's facial expression, there was no doubt that Jack was in control and there will be no questioning of his plan. If there was anyone unhappy with the plan, they were instructed to leave.
Captain Fisher shot the state trooper a knowing look and then handed the phone back to Lee. The look was understood by everyone. "Sir, we're good. Please walk us through the Chief's plan."
…
Jack was walking with Elizabeth's arm wrapped around his left arm. He turned his head to look at Grace and then Elizabeth.
"I expected to see paint on your faces." He chuckled at their expressions.
"No." Grace stated as Elizabeth swatted his arm. "There will be pictures. We wanted to be presentable for our boys." Grace said.
As they walked down the last set of steps, the boys were standing in the corner of the end zone waiting for Grace, Elizbeth, and Jack. When they saw them approaching, their smile grew and began walking toward the group.
"Thank you for coming." Kyle stated with everyone's approving nod.
"We wouldn't miss it for anything in the world. Are you ready?"
"Yes, Mrs. Thorton. But first…" Reid stated as he stepped forward to hand Elizabeth a purple daisy then he stepped toward Grace and handed her a yellow daisy. The rest of the twelve men did the same thing. As they hugged Elizabeth, they would lightly rub her tummy. While Franklin and Mason were going to walk with their mothers, they wanted to recognize Elizabeth and Grace as well.
Jack stood back and admired the love between these people. It flowed freely. The boys soaked in all the love they could get from Elizabeth and Grace. For their part, Elizabeth and Grace took in all the love from these boys. When the last young man gave them their flowers, Jack walked up and gave his wife and mom a small package of tissues.
"Chief." Kyle stated as he stood with the group. "We have something for you."
"Men, you didn't have to do anything for me."
"Sir, yes, we did."
Kyle stepped forward with a small package. Jack opened the gift as all the boys looked on. He pulled out a very nice pocket knife that had a clip on it. Jack admired the knife. He noticed his name was engraved on the handle on one side and all the boys' jersey numbers on the other. He was at a loss for words. Elizabeth smiled at him as she handed him a tissue.
Finally, Jack looked at each of the boys and said thank you. He rubbed his fingers over the knife and then clipped it in his pocket.
A middle aged woman walked over. "This is a little usual, but it's great to see. The four other players and their parents will walk out first, then you all will walk out as a group."
…
As the other players were escorted onto the field, Elizabeth and Grace laughed at the cheering from the mom tribe. Elizabeth turned to Jack and asked if they were normally that loud.
"No. They're two founding members aren't there yet." He laughed.
Elizabeth and Grace huffed and playfully smacked him on his biceps. After the other players were escorted onto the field by their parents, it was the groups turn. A player stood on each side of Elizabeth and Grace. Each one extended their arms and was immediately accepted by the women. The following players walked as a group behind the ladies with Jack and Kyle instantly following them. As they stepped onto the field, the announcer stated each player's name. The announcer had to pause after each name because the mom tribe was cheering so much no one could hear him. Then he began reading prepared remarks by the players.
"Uh…ho…" Elizabeth and Grace stated.
The player escorting them chuckled a little. Then they handed the ladies the same size pack of tissues Jack has already given them.
Elizabeth and Grace tightened their grip on their boys' arms without taking the tissues. They were not releasing their boys. They turned and made eye contact with each player to express their love for them.
The announcer began. "These young men, along with Franklin and Mason, are part of Mrs. Thorton's, Mrs. Thatcher's, and Chief Thorton's mentor program through the school system that Chief Thorton has begun. As you can see, their relationship has become one of love and admiration. Mrs. Thatcher, Mrs. Thorton, and Chief Thorton has been an encouraging word for these men and a challenging voice as well. Each young man insists that these individuals have changed their lives. They never thought about education after high school, but now each of them will be pursuing college, a trade school, and one is joining the police academy. Unbeknownst to the young men, their continuing education, no matter what it looks like, is already paid for."
Elizabeth shot a glance toward her mother. Through tears, her mother looked at Elizabeth and smile. "We'll talk later." Elizabeth saw the smile on her mother's face that she knew too well. It was already a settle matter.
The large group stopped in the middle of the football field. They gathered as close as they could together for pictures. Franklin and Mason even came over for some of the pictures.
If they could see through their tears, they would notice most of the people in the stands were wiping their eyes. However, the group felt like they were the only ones present.
After being escorted to the sidelines, Elizabeth, Grace, and Jack hugged each player and told them how proud they were of them. Grace and Elizabeth kissed each player on the cheek, and they returned the sentiment. They also rubbed Elizabeth's tummy and said hi to Ig and Iggy.
Jack extended his arm for his wife. "Let's go beautiful. We need to stop by the concessions for you some snacks, drinks, and some extra pickles for you."
She smiled at her husband. "Great, but first we have to get ready."
"Get ready?" Jack questioned. "You aren't playing tonight." He chuckled.
No, but we have to get painted up."
"I'm sorry…painted up?"
"Yes, we have to get painted up to support our boys."
Jack shook his head in disbelief. It was as if his precious, distinguished wife turned into a completely different woman on Friday nights.
…
When Elizabeth and Grace were painting their faces in the restroom, Jack took the opportunity to call Lee.
"Hey Chief."
"Hey Lee. How are things going?"
"Good now. Everyone is in agreement with the plan.
"What do you mean now?"
"There was one who was questioning why you weren't here. It's settled now. All is good."
"I trust you. Now, I will be here for another hour, so everything looks normal. Then I will be at the station at eight fifteen and then we roll out."
"Perfect. We'll go over the plan one more time to make sure things are perfectly understood. We'll be ready to move at eight fifteen."
"Thanks for doing this Lee."
…
Grace stood beside William after Jack helped her and Elizabeth up the steps.
"So, continued education is paid for?" Asked William.
This caught Jack's and Elizabeth's attention as well since the announcer stated it was a gift from all three.
"Yes. All twelve of our boys' education will be paid for no matter what they decided to do. If they don't go to college or a trade school, they will receive the median amount of money from the other's education cost."
"Who exactly is paying for this?" Asked William.
"The Thorton and Thatcher Mentorship checking account."
"We have a checking account?" Asked Elizabeth.
"Sure we do. I opened it a month or so ago. Through our financial adviser, I transferred enough money to cover everything. All they have to do is let me know what they are doing, and I will pass that along to John. He will pay all the bills that is needed."
"But we didn't give you any money for this."
"I didn't ask for any. You two are on the front lines since you live here. I'm only here every so often. I wanted to help, and this is what I decided to do."
"But we didn't talk about this."
"No William. I didn't ask for your permission. I spoke with John about setting this up and doing what I asked. I have a say in our money just as you do. These young men are my boys too. As their adopted grandma, I will see to their future along with Jack and Elizabeth." The tone of Grace's voice gave no room for discussion. William was a little taken back because they haven't discussed this.
"William, I have tried to talk to you in the past and you ignored me. That's why there is a division in our family. This money is just as much mine as it is yours. If you can do things without discussing it with me, I can most certainly can do that as well. We have more than enough money to help them out. Now, if you would like to discuss this further, we may do that tomorrow. I have twelve boys who needs my support for this game and I'm not letting them down." She turned and began to shake her pom poms and cheering for her boys.
…
Jack watched the first portion of the game standing at his spot on the fence with the other husbands. Their wives were part of the mom tribe that has only grown from the first ball game. Now there were over thirty moms, aunts, grandmas, sisters, and other females. They all cheered at the top of their lungs over anything and booed the refs at any opportunity they had. They were by far the loudest portion of the crowd. He would often glance back to see his wife, his mom, his mother, and his adopted sister, Abagail, in the center of the group. Of the thirty plus women in the group, every single one of them had their faces painted. He was certain if it wasn't cold that some would have their bellies painted. He just shook his head at the spectacle.
"So, this is your fault?"
"Oh, it's not mine." Jack answered a new husband to the men's group. "That would be my wife and her mother."
"Yeah, I've heard the story. Do you know they are already talking about doing it again for next year?"
"I wouldn't be shocked."
The men watched the game, and all laughed at the mom tribe when they would get loud.
…
At the start of the second quarter, Jack excused himself from the men. He purchased a couple of more pickles for his wife and made his way up to the mom tribe. The concessions stand made certain to have enough pickles on hand.
"Here beautiful. I need to be at the station just after eight."
Elizabeth accepted the pickles.
"Do we need to check your BP?" He teased.
"Not on your life, officer. You know the deal…we don't check BP during football games."
"Did you take your medicine?"
"Yes, officer."
"That's chief, ma'am."
"Are you going to be careful?"
"Absolutely." He placed his hand on her belly and cupped her face with his other hand. "I have too much waiting for me at home not to come back to you. I love you."
"I love you. Come back to me."
"I will. I don't know when. I may not make it back in time for the ice cream."
"Mother and I have it covered. We'll be ok. The boys will understand."
Jack kissed her tenderly on the lips. Then he bend down and kissed her belly. "I love you Ig and Iggy. Keep watch over your crazy mother." Elizabeth laughed when they kicked her when he kissed her belly.
Jack kissed Elizabeth one more time. It wasn't a long kiss, but he did stay particularly close after the kiss. He wanted to be in her presence. "I love you."
"Is your officer set?"
"My officer?" Jack questioned.
"Seriously?" She challenged him.
"How did you know?"
"I know my husband." She patted her eyes at him and gave him the smile he loved so much. "Are you really asking me that question?"
"No. I should know better." He only shook his head. "I don't expect anything, but I wanted to make sure you were safe. And yes, they're set."
"Me and you."
"Me and you."
…
Jack stepped into the station at exactly eight fifteen. He shook Lee's hand, and they made their way to the room where the six state troopers were waiting.
"How did the evening go?" Asked Lee.
"It was great, Lee. Thanks for stepping in for me."
"No problem, boss."
Jach shot him a look. Lee smiled knowing he just frustrated Jack a little with his little comment about his title. Jack didn't like it when Lee would do that.
"What is the issue with the state troopers?"
"Only one state trooper. He gave a little attitude because you weren't here. I'm not too sure what his issue was. Superintendent Johnson called to wish you well on the plan. He spoke with the state trooper in command, and everything was fixed. I'm not sure what he said, but the look from Captain Fisher was understood by all."
Jack nodded his head. Tonight has the possibility to be a big night if his gut feeling was right. He didn't want someone's attitude to destroy it. He took a deep breath before opening the door to face the state troopers.
"Good afternoon gentlemen. I trust Lee has given you the detailed plans for tonight's assignment."
"Yes, sir. I'm Captain Fisher. We understand the plan and we are ready to leave when you are."
"Before we leave, I understand there was an issue with me and or the plan?" Jack asked.
"No sir." Captain Fisher answered.
"Captain?" Jack questioned.
"No sir. It's been handled."
Jack gave him a doubting look. "Are you sure?"
"Positive, sir."
Jack stood tall in front of these seasoned men. With his young age, he learned a long time ago that he needed to be confident to gain the respect of the older cops who questioned his abilities. "This is my operation and my plan. I will take all the responsibility if it goes wrong. I will also give you all the credit if it goes right. By me asking for you to assist us, I asked for the best men to work along side Lee and myself. By your accepting this voluntary assignment, I assumed you promised to give me and this operation your best. Gentleman…I expect nothing less. If you can't give me that, please excuse yourself now. We will have no issues if you leave now." Jack took time to look at each state trooper in the eyes. When one would nod their approval, he would look at the next state trooper to do the same thing.
Captain Fisher stepped forward. "We're good sir."
"Great. Now captain, let's hit the high lights of the plan before we leave."
"Yes, sir."