Part 14

It was a week after learning that Richard was in Central City that Caitlin walked into Jitters with Crystal. They walked up to the counter and Caitlin ordered her coffee and a kid size hot chocolate for Crystal.

"Anything else Caitlin? Maybe a donut for your daughter?" asked Courtney

Caitlin looked at the donuts in the display case. As much as she would like to let Crystal have one. It just wasn't safe to. Caitlin could see some of the donuts had peanuts and with as severe as her allergy was she couldn't risk it.

"As much as she would enjoy one. I have to pass. I have a peanut allergy and the risk of contamination is to big." Said Caitlin

"I totally understand. I have a cousin that is allergic to peanuts. What about a fruit cup? I can make a fresh one and make sure that there is no contamination."

"That actually sounds really good. Make it two of them."

"Coming right up."

"Thank you Courtney."

Caitlin and Crystal sat down at a table after paying. While they were waiting one of the last people that Caitlin wanted to see walked over to them.

"Never thought you would come back."

"Leave me alone Iris." Said Caitlin

"I can go anywhere I want. You should have stayed gone."

"Iris, you need to grow up and just leave me alone."

"Not a chance. Barry is too good for you. You trying to pass this brat off as Barry's? Yeah I see him falling for that."

"Mommy why is this lady being mean to you?" asked Crystal

"She is just mad because your daddy likes me better then her, and I wouldn't let her and her friends cheat in school." Said Caitlin

"Cheating is bad."

"Yes it is sweetie."

"You should know that your boyfriend is on the way here. He seems concerned that you left like you did." Said Iris

"He is only concerned that I won't let him control me. He is nothing but an abusive jerk."

"I don't believe that. He is a cop like my dad. So I told him that I would help him get you back."

"Yeah I am not surprised by that."

Iris grabbed Caitlin's arm tightly. Caitlin tried to pull away but Iris's grip was like a vice. Crystal not liking that Iris was being mean to her mom got out of her chair and went up and kicked her in the back of the knee. Iris fell and spilled a tray of coffee a waitress was carrying everywhere. Courtney arrived just then with their dinks and fruit cups in a carryout tray.

"I made your order to go. Get out of here head over to CCPD. Eddie is expecting you." Said Courtney

"Thanks Courtney."

"Just go. I will make sure he doesn't catch up to you. Go out the back."

Caitlin nodded grabbed her things took Crystal's hand and headed out of the coffee shop.

Richard marched into the coffee shop looking around. He spotted Iris and walked over to her.

"Where is she?" growled Richard

"She and her brat went out the back with the help of that employee." Said Iris pointing at Courtney

Richard glared at Courtney and moved to grab her arm.

"Don't you dare touch me. I am not stupid. You touch me and I file a report for assault with the police. That badge may get you out of trouble in Hub City but it is worthless here." Said Courtney

"Where did she go bitch?"

"Go to hell."

"Look I just want my girlfriend and her kid to come home with me."

"From what I understand Caitlin wants nothing to do with you. Let it go leave the woman and kid alone."

"I am not done with that bitch. Tell me where she went!"

"Somewhere that if you try to hurt her it will be you locked in a jail cell."

"She sent Caitlin to CCPD. It is just down the street." Said Iris

Richard turned and walked out of the coffee shop and headed for the police station.

When Caitlin and Crystal arrived at CCPD Eddie took them right to Captain Singh's office.

"It is nice to finally meet you Ms. Snow. This must be Crystal. Barry hasn't stopped talking about her since you returned to town." Said Singh

"Sweetie this is Captain Singh. He is daddy, Uncle Eddie and Aunt Patty's boss." Said Caitlin

"Hi. Are you going to make sure Richard don't hurt my mommy any more?" asked Crystal

Singh knelt down to the young girl's level and smiled.

"I am going to do my best. I see you have a doggie there. Does your doggie have a name?" asked Singh

"Mr. Ruffles. Daddy gave it to mommy before I was born. Mommy gave him to me. Told me that daddy would want me to have him." Said Crystal

"I am sure she is right. I have something for you and Mr. Ruffles."

Singh went to his desk and pulled out two honorary police badges and a blue bandana. He pinned the one badge to the bandana. He then went over and handed both to Crystal.

"Thank you. Mr. Ruffles and I now have police badges?" said Crystal

"They are pretend badges. You are a little to young to have a real one but we give kids like you pretend ones." Said Singh

"Cool."

Just then there was a commotion outside the door.

"You two stay here." Said Singh

Singh walked out of his office closing the door. He spotted who he knew was Richard Carson. His brother had sent him a copy of the man's file. Seemed the sergeant was under investigating by internal affairs due to some of his finances.

"Sergeant Carson can I help you? Asked Singh

"I am looking for my girlfriend Caitlin Snow. None of these officers seem willing to help." Said Carson

"I am Captain David Singh. If your girlfriend left she must have a reason. Though why you believe she is here I don't know." Said Singh

"Someone told me she was headed here. So give her to me now!"

"I don't take orders from you Sergeant! Now I suggest that you get your ass back to Hub City. I happen to know that you do not have permission to be here. Your Captain told me to send you back and if you fail to comply with the order to arrest you, and he will come and personally take you back to see I.A. to explain how you on a cop's pay are able to afford a brand new BMW."

"I am going but this is far from over. I will get that bitch."

Richard walked out angrily. Singh let out a sigh and told two officers to follow him and make sure he left the city in an unmarked car.