As intended, Steve doesn't stop again until they reach Palm Springs. While he exits the highway Aurie wakes up from her nap. Looking around bleary-eyed, she figures it's time for that pit stop he mentioned earlier. He drives into one of the larger travel centers close to the interstate, maneuvering his truck to the set of gas pumps designated for smaller vehicles. Parking next to an available pump, he turns off the engine before shifting to face Aurie.
"If you want to stretch your legs, take your time inside," he suggests. "If you feel like it, get something to snack on or drink." Gesturing to the designated parking spaces next to the large convenience store, he adds, "After I'm done here, I'll park over there and go inside to use the bathroom and meet up with you in the store."
"Okay," she nods.
As she exits the truck to go inside, he gets out to fill up the tank. Once he starts pumping gas, he pulls out his cell phone and dials his dad.
"Hi, Steve," Mark's voice cheerfully greets when he answers.
"Hey, Dad. We stopped for gas and a break in Palm Springs, so I'm checking in."
"Oh, has it turned into a 'Road Warrior' situation between you and Aurie yet?"
"No, it hasn't," Steve drawls sarcastically. "Other than a slight misunderstanding on my part that we worked out, the trip has been fine. She ended up dozing off for the past hour."
"You two had a civil conversation?" Mark facetiously asks. "And she could be pulling your old trick of pretending to sleep during the drive, you know."
"Not that we're having deep, philosophical discussions about the meaning of life, but we're conversing fine," Steve retorts in clear annoyance. "And I haven't faked sleep for years. She's been genuinely dozing since Fontana."
"Not that you could tell for sure, you had to be focused on driving," Mark challenges.
"She's gotta be tired since she's been up since four," Steve retorts. "Besides," he smirks. "If she wasn't sleeping, she did a good job faking her snores."
"She snores?"
"Very lightly, but yes."
"Well, she's certainly related to us," Mark joins his son in chuckling. "I won't keep you long, but I had a nice call from Aurie's counselor at Youth on Their Own. I'll tell you more about it later, but she said it's very likely you'll need custodial recognition from the Arizona courts to get any of Aurie's records from her high school. She said it's necessary to get any records from her program."
"So, I'll need to contact Mishayla's friend before trying to do anything," Steve confirms.
"Yes."
"I'll call him when we stop for lunch in Phoenix. I'll check in with you then."
"Okay, son. You both stay safe."
"We will. Bye, Dad."
Pocketing his phone, Steve removes the pump and replaces the gas cap. Climbing back into the truck, he drives over to the parking spaces he indicated to Aurie before getting out and heading inside.
Wandering towards the bathrooms located at the back of the store, he encounters her. She already visited the bathroom and had a drink and snack in hand but is currently in the souvenir part of the store. After checking that she's fine and she'll wait for him, he continues to the bathroom. Returning minutes later, Steve gets some coffee and something to snack on and then pays for their stuff. It's not long before they're settled back in the truck and driving on the interstate again.
After checking with Aurie to see if she's interested in listening to something different on the radio and confirming she isn't, Steve leaves it on Jazz as he continues driving. It's nearly an hour later when she speaks up again.
"Hey, Steve?"
"Hmmm?"
"After Phoenix, there's a travel center at Picacho Peak. Can we please stop there?"
"Is it on the way? If so, we can," Steve replies, his confusion clear.
"Yeah," she confirms. "It's right next to the interstate across from the mountain itself. It's about an hour from Phoenix and maybe a half hour or so from Tucson. I want to pick up a souvenir for a couple of people."
"That makes more sense," Steve nods in understanding before looking over at her with a smirk. "I was wondering why you need to plan so far ahead for a bathroom break especially when we're going to eat and gas up in Phoenix."
"My bladder isn't that small," Aurie smirks back while shaking her head.
"Anyways, that was a decent selection of souvenirs at that travel center we just gassed up at. Wasn't there anything you liked?"
Having picked up her drink to take another sip, Aurie sets it back into one of the cup holders in the middle console before answering.
"The clothing they had was cheaply made and overpriced. I didn't want to waste money on junk that's likely to fall apart after a couple of washes. And there wasn't anything interesting or special about the keychains and other crap they had. I wish they had better stuff, so it would've been from California, but at least the travel center at Picacho Peak has a wider and better variety."
"If you want California souvenirs, we can find a better store on the way back," Steve suggests.
He frowns when he notices her look down as she hesitates. She doesn't look at him when she reluctantly speaks again.
"I don't know when or if I'll see any of them again. I want to give them something to think of me."
Giving himself the chance to think, he continues driving for several minutes before speaking.
"You'll be able to come back and visit your friends. I'm not sure if you're thinking I'm going to keep you from doing that, but I won't. You can still get them something at Picacho Peak and then find them something in California." Out of the corner of his eye, he watches her look over at him. Glancing over, he smiles and adds, "It won't be long before it's Christmas."
Aurie gives him a small smile.
"Okay."
It's several minutes of driving before another thought crosses his mind.
"Is there really a mountain right next to the interstate? Because I'm having a hard time picturing it. The only time I've been to Tucson, I flew in."
"Yeah," she nods. "It's not a tall or massive mountain, so it doesn't get snow. If it does, it melts off fast. And it's not part of a range and is out in the middle of the desert. It's not a volcano or formed by earthquakes. So, I think a dinosaur took a massive dump and it got petrified."
Steve can't resist laughing at the image her theory conjures. Smiling to herself, Aurie can't help enjoying watching him, figuring the stick up his ass must not be wedged too far.
"Where do you come up with these ideas?" he asks, finally calming.
"Okay, supposedly it was formed by a volcanic flow," she admits, with a shrug. "But it's more fun to imagine it as a giant dinosaur turd."
"Now I'm going to have that image in my head when we get there."
"Maybe the ostriches nearby might distract you from that image."
"Ostriches?" Steve looks over at her incredulously.
"There's an ostrich ranch nearby," she explains. "Picacho Peak is kind of a weird place. At the base of the mountain is an RV park with a sex shop nearby."
"What?"
"The RV park is mostly loaded with snowbirds. They're middle-aged and older and being out in the middle of nowhere with not a lot to do, well…." she trails off, letting him draw his own conclusion.
Inwardly she's enjoying watching his expressions as he's unable to keep from imagining a bunch of senior citizens getting frisky.
"That was something I didn't want to imagine," he finally states with a slight grimace.
"They're not dead and have needs," Aurie reasonably points out, deciding to poke at him.
Briefly, he pins her with a look.
"And why would you know about any of this?" he demands.
"Isn't it human nature?" she innocently asks, deriving great pleasure from this. "I haven't lived my life in seclusion. Besides, there's a billboard advertising the sex shop, so it's not hard to figure out why it's there."
"Doesn't sound like Picacho Peak is a boring place."
"It's more interesting than the typical rest stop," Aurie agrees. "I heard it's a nice hike to the top and I think every spring there's a reenactment of a Civil War battle."
"Yeah, I remember reading about it. It was the only battle in Arizona or something like that."
"Yep," she nods. "I don't know much about it. Any history classes I've had didn't focus much on state history."
"Most courses don't unless you study it on your own or take a college-level course specific to it. It'd have to be something in the future, but on a return trip, I'd like to hike to the peak. The views are probably incredible up there."
When Aurie doesn't immediately answer, Steve glances over and sees her lost in thought. Focusing on the road, he waits until she finally speaks again minutes later.
"Maybe next spring is the best time to hike it. It's not too hot and if there's been enough rain during the winter, the desert flowers will bloom like crazy. This spring was on the dry side."
"That's the way it usually works in the desert," he agrees. "And if there are some good rock formations, you'll have some incredible views. Especially at sunset."
"Between your job and the restaurant, do you have time to go hiking?" she asks, eyeing him in curiosity.
"Not really," he admits with a heavy sigh. "I used to do a lot more of things like hiking and dirt biking before we bought Bob's. Now I can't randomly decide to go anywhere whenever I feel like it on my days off, but if I plan a week or two ahead of time, I'll still do it."
Falling silent again in thought, Aurie speaks again after a few more minutes.
"If you like views then probably the trails in the Tucson Mountain Park at Gates Pass would be better."
"Is that in the mountain range on the north side of the city?"
"You're thinking of the Santa Catalina mountains," she explains. "The mountain park is next to Saguaro National Monument West. It's a bit of a drive from the main part of town, but the view from the top of Gates Pass Road is incredible at sunset. And there are hiking trails all over the park. I've been on a couple of them and they're good. The whole thing is something like twenty thousand acres, so there's a lot to see."
"Do they allow dirt biking?"
Aurie thinks about it before answering.
"I don't think so. I've seen mountain bikes on some of those trails. I know people have gone dirt biking or off-roading in 4x4s on the old road to Mount Lemmon, but the more I think about it I'm pretty sure none of that is allowed on park trails."
"Probably for good reason," Steve states. "Off-roading on dirt bikes or 4x4s can be damaging to the environment if you're an irresponsible rider. Since it's next to Saguaro National Monument, are there a lot of those giant cacti in the park too?"
"All over the place. With the mountains and all the saguaros, the area is very pretty."
It's Steve's turn to get lost in thought. Focusing on driving, he slows down as they approach the state border. Crossing the bridge over the Colorado River and officially entering Arizona, he accelerates to the posted speed limit before speaking again.
"Depending on how far out the park is and if we have time, I'd like to go check out the pass."
"Wouldn't be hard," Aurie states, causing him to look over at her. "It's about fifteen minutes from my apartment. We won't be far from there."
"Great," Steve smiles. "I'd like it if you can show me."
"Sure," Aurie nods with a slight smile. "There's a nice parking lot with an overlook you can walk to. We'd just have to make it with enough time before dusk." When he glances over in confusion, she elaborates further. "The park is closed from dusk to dawn and that includes that parking lot. The rangers or sheriff's department would just come around and kick us out, but if you want to get enough time to enjoy the view then we'd have to get there early enough."
"Do they shut down the road too?"
"No," she shakes her head. "But it's very dark, steep, and twisty, especially on the other side. Not for the faint of heart or the idiotic."
"Doesn't sound like it." Steve frowns at some of the passing traffic. "I'm going 75, but some of these cars are passing like I'm standing still."
"The state troopers will probably nail them sooner or later. Hopefully, before they get into an accident."
"The way they're driving it's more likely after an accident," he drolly observes.
"Wait until you get to Phoenix. You'll think you're back in L.A. Less congestion, but plenty of crazies driving."
"Are you serious?" Steve incredulously asks.
"Yep. Another instance where driving isn't for the faint of heart."
"No kidding," Steve comments while looking in the mirrors. "There's one coming up fast like he's in a NASCAR race."
Aurie shifts slightly to look out the back window.
"There are flashing lights behind them. Probably a state trooper. Good thing you're staying in the slow lane," she observes as a dark blue Cadillac Escalade flies on by.
"The state police use Dodge Chargers?" Steve gapes as they watch one blast past them hot on the tail of the Escalade.
"And unmarked SUVs. They need them," she comments as the two cars pull far ahead of them, almost out of sight.
"And with so much open road and less traffic, I get why the department would be able to effectively use them," he agrees, overcoming his surprise.
Their attention is captured by a sudden cloud of dust erupting on the median separating east and westbound traffic ahead of them.
As they approach, it appears the Escalade and another red SUV collided and rolled along the wide divide of dirt and desert brush, coming to rest separately amidst the settling dust and flying debris. The Escalade had landed upright and with no guardrail or any barrier it nearly crossed into opposing traffic. The red Ford Expedition settles in the center of the median upside down on its roof, the front end digging into the dirt with smoke wisping from the engine.
Steve slows down, easing to the left lane. The state trooper already pulled onto the median a good distance from the wreckage. Rushing out on foot toward the Escalade he calls for help on his radio. Parking near the trooper, Steve cuts the engine and looks at Aurie.
"Stay here," he orders.
Not giving her a chance to respond, he exits the truck and races back to the wreckage as other drivers pull over to assist.
Surprisingly, the shaken driver of the battered Escalade steps out on wobbly legs, seeing the trooper racing towards him, the stocky blond man makes a run towards the westbound traffic. Reaching him, the trooper grabs his arm only for the man to round on him and swing a hard left into the officer's gut then follow with a right cross to the side of his head, sending him to the ground. The blond man pulls a gun hidden in his waistband, raising it towards the dazed trooper when Steve plows into him. They land hard into the dirt with Steve on top. With a couple of punches, Steve puts a quick end to the man's attempt to continue struggling.
Rolling the guy over onto his stomach, he looks over to the trooper who had climbed to his feet and is bent over trying to catch his breath.
"Toss me your cuffs," Steve yells to him as he positions the blond suspect's hands for them.
The trooper complies then straightens up and walks over as Steve clamps the cuffs in place. Steve climbs to his feet, pulling the guy up with him.
"You've got too much practice not to be a cop," the trooper observes, taking control of the suspect.
"LAPD," Steve replies. "I'll show you my badge later. Get this guy secured so we can help the victims in the SUV."
The trooper nods and guides the blond suspect to his cruiser as Steve focuses on the overturned Ford. The smoke billowing from the engine is more intense and he's sure they'll be seeing flames soon. He trots over to join the men and women who had pulled over to help.
A couple of men are easing the unconscious female driver out while a couple of others are struggling to get the male passenger out. A few others strain to access the rear passenger seats.
"Get her over to the other side of the trooper's car," Steve orders the people carrying the driver.
"Where's the ambulance and fire trucks?" someone calls out.
"They're on their way," the trooper answers, joining the rescue efforts.
"They better hurry the fuck up, there's a baby in the back we can't get out," another man yells.
"This is going to blaze soon," another man adds. "And some girl crawled through the back window to get the baby out."
Having just helped pull the passenger out, Steve steps back as the others carry the man to join the driver as his brain briefly grinds to a halt. Glancing over to his truck, he's horrified when he doesn't see Aurie in or around it. Knowing she'd still be visible inside, he races to the back of the Expedition, aware flames are starting to flicker out from the engine. Crouching down to look in through the rear window, he sees Aurie's legs just inside.
"Aurie! Flames are coming out of the engine, hurry up!" he shouts at her.
"I'm trying!" she yells back.
After crawling over the dented roof and through a motley collection of luggage and stuff, Aurie had enough wiggle room to clear the top of the backseat. She got under the rear-facing car seat and rolled onto her back. She wasted precious minutes struggling to undo the clips to the straps securing the wailing baby into the car seat. The baby blankets bunched and gathered around the clips and with the baby's body dangling against the straps, it took longer to release the clips than Aurie comfortably wanted it to. She noticed the smoke getting steadily thicker inside the crumpled vehicle.
"It's okay baby. We're getting out of here to annoy our parents another day," she soothes the wailing infant, while also trying to keep herself calm.
When she's about to undo the clips and release the baby from the seat, Aurie raises her right arm and positions her forearm along the baby's body. With her elbow at the baby's right shoulder, her forearm crosses at an angle where her open palm rests over the hips and legs. Then she succeeds in undoing the last clip and the baby's full weight is pressing against her arm.
Since there were only a few inches between Aurie and the baby in its car seat, she just had to fill the gap with her arm so the baby wouldn't get hurt even landing on her.
With little legs flailing hard against her face, Aurie rotates the baby, so the wailing head is resting on her shoulder. Wrapping her arm securely around the baby she twists to clear the backrest and scooches out.
"I've got the baby! Coming out!" she shouts.
She yelps in surprise as she feels herself being quickly dragged out by the legs. Steve and another man had reached in when she shouted. Hurriedly they pull her with the baby in her arms clear of the vehicle.
Not giving her a chance to gain her feet, the two men cradle her between them and carry her and the baby over to the safe area near the trooper's car. As they rush past, Aurie sees the flames engulfing the front seats.
At that moment an ambulance, two fire trucks, and more state troopers arrived on scene, adding to the noise and chaos.
Steve and the other man carrying her finally ease her onto her feet when they reach the safe area.
"My baby!" the injured woman driving the Expedition calls out when she sees them. "Is he okay?" she asks, struggling to sit up from her reclined position.
"I think so," Aurie answers, while others try to keep the woman from moving.
"Don't move, you might aggravate your injuries," a paramedic trying to examine the woman states.
"But my baby!" the woman protests.
"We're going to check him, and we'll make sure he's going to be riding with us to the hospital," another paramedic reassures her before stepping over to Aurie.
Aurie eases the baby into the paramedic's arms. Taking the baby, he steps back towards the ambulance.
Aurie's attention is drawn to the engulfed wreckage the firefighters are working on extinguishing. She's so focused on the inferno that she's startled when Steve gently pulls her over to his truck. Dropping the tailgate with one hand, he guides her to sit on it with the other then starts worriedly checking her over. Digging into a pocket he pulls out a white kerchief and hands it to her.
"Hold that against your nose."
"Why?" she frowns in confusion.
Before he can answer, she finally feels the blood flowing from her nose. Pressing the kerchief briefly to her nostrils, she pulls it away and sees bright crimson staining it. Her eyes widen as she immediately pinches the kerchief to her nose to stem the bleeding.
"Looks like you got scratched up on your arms," Steve observes while continuing to check her over. Leaning over to look at her back, he adds, "There's some bloody slices in your shirt."
"Dammit, it was new," she stuffily complains. "But there was a lot of glass and sharp edges in there." Reaching behind she feels her lower back. "They don't hurt a lot and don't feel deep. Probably just scratches."
"You'll need to be checked out at a hospital," he states, resting his left arm across the top of the wall of his truck bed next to Aurie.
"Hell no!" she protests, twisting around to glare at him, which isn't nearly as effective thanks to the kerchief pressed to her nose.
Steve's gaze hardens.
"And I told you to stay," he grinds out. "Not only did you disobey, but I turn around and find you risking your life inside a burning vehicle, which got you injuries that need to be checked out."
"I'm not sorry," she growls, not backing down. "I heard someone shouting there were people stuck inside and got closer to see if they could be pulled out, then someone yelled the only way to get the baby out was through the cargo area. They tried clearing the glass and other crap to make way, but with the roof crumpled they were too big to get in and under the backseat. I could and crawled in."
"It was stupid to risk yourself like that," Steve snaps before relaxing. "You did good," he calmly adds.
Confusion clouds the visible portion of her face over the bloody kerchief as she looks at him like he's insane.
Smiling slightly, he surprises her by stepping closer and pulling her into a hug.
"You scared the hell out of me," he mutters into her hair. Pulling back, he holds her stunned gaze. "If you hadn't gone in, that baby would've died. I know Dad will be proud like I am of what you've done and just as mad at you risking your life like that. However," his gaze hardens again. "You're going to get checked out or we're never going to hear the end of it from Dad."
"But nothing hurts," Aurie protests, recovering her wits again.
"Okay, so have you ever had a tetanus shot in the past few years?" Steve asks, crossing his arms. Seeing the confusion return to her face, he adds, "Have you ever been vaccinated for it?"
"Um, maybe," she hesitantly begins. "What is that?"
Steve gapes at her incredulously.
"Tetanus is an infection you could get from a dirty wound. You should've gotten a shot for it along with others that prevent diseases like mumps or chicken pox."
"I remember getting shots when I was younger, but I couldn't tell you for what."
Taking a deep breath, Steve rubs a hand down his face in frustration.
"That's something we're going to have to get you up to date on. Dad will figure that out. Since you don't know if you ever got it, you're going to the hospital. No arguments," he emphasizes when it looks like she's going to protest.
Their attention is drawn to a man approaching them. Steve recognizes him since he helped get Aurie out of and away from the overturned Ford.
"How are things going?" Steve asks him.
"Pretty good," he replies before pointing over his shoulder. "A chopper is coming in to airlift the husband into Phoenix. He's in bad shape. His wife and baby are doing much better so they're going to ship them by ambulance."
He gestures over to the eastbound lanes where traffic had gone from being restricted to one lane to the state troopers preparing to block it off completely. Other motorists who had stopped to help were driving off to get out of the way.
"I've got to move my rig and head out because that's where they're putting the landing zone. I just wanted to see you two before I leave because you did a great job."
"It wasn't just us," Steve replies, shaking the truck driver's proffered hand. "It was a group effort."
"Don't be modest, man," the driver states when Steve releases his hand. "I heard how you saved the trooper from getting his head blown off, then you helped get the husband out." Looking at Aurie, he adds, "And if it weren't for you, little girl, that baby would've burned 'cuz no one else could get in there like you did. Anyways," he looks back at Steve. "I have to go so the chopper can get in here. Take care, you two."
"Same to you," Steve replies as the truck driver turns and walks away.
Just as he leaves, a paramedic with a medic bag hanging off his shoulder comes up to them.
"Sorry for the delay in coming over to check her out as you requested," the paramedic apologizes to Steve as he sets his bag next to Aurie on top of the tailgate.
"That's okay, you guys had your hands full," he replies, smirking at the murderous glare Aurie is giving him.
She's distracted from retorting because the paramedic gently grasps her face to angle it to better examine her nose. She drops her hand holding the kerchief onto her lap.
"Unless you say otherwise," Steve continues while the paramedic works. "If she doesn't need to be transported, I'll get her to a hospital for a tetanus shot since she's got some good scratches."
"A tetanus is a good idea," the man observes. "Your nose isn't broken," he tells Aurie. "The bleeding is slowing, so just keep the pressure on until it stops. Now please shift sideways and hike up the back of your shirt so I can examine your back." When she finishes complying with his request, he continues. "Most of these are pretty superficial and a couple are more scrapes than scratches, but there's a long one near the spine on the lower back that goes a little deeper."
Straightening up, he reaches into the bag for a bottle of cleansing solution, a couple of gauze pads, and medical tape before he starts cleaning the wound.
"I don't think you're going to need any stitches on this one," the paramedic continues. "But since you're going to get checked out, they'll make the final call." Straightening up, he comes around to her front and starts cleaning the worst scratches on her arms. "You've got a lot of bruises. How'd you get them?"
"Got jumped last week by two gangster chicks with shit for brains and something to prove to no one," Aurie answers easily. She shrugs when the guy briefly looks up at her. "Got lucky and they were pulled off before they could do more than tenderize my ass. They're getting kicked out, so I don't have to worry about them anymore."
"Tough school," the paramedic wryly comments, wrapping her left forearm since that had a couple of deep, bloody scratches.
"Was in the wrong place at the wrong time," she shrugs again.
A female state trooper approaches, walking up to the paramedic.
"The medic chopper will be here in five. Might want to finish up here."
"All done," the paramedic informs her. While repacking his bag, he looks over at Steve. "Make sure to get her checked out no more than six hours from now and to get that tetanus shot soon."
"I'll get her checked out once we get to Phoenix."
"Great," the paramedic nods in approval and heads to the ambulance as they hear the helicopter approaching.
"You two take cover in the truck to avoid all the debris that's about to be kicked up," the state trooper tells them. Specifically looking at Steve, she adds, "After the chopper lands, I want to get your statement and information."
"Sure thing," Steve agrees, placing a hand on Aurie's shoulder as the trooper walks away.
He helps her off the tailgate and then into the truck. Just as he's climbing back into the truck the helicopter flies into view. He and Aurie watch it land on the highway and the personnel on board get out and start readying their gear for the patient.
"Out of curiosity," Steve begins, causing Aurie to shift from looking out the window to him. "Why did you make it sound like you got banged up in a school fight? Why didn't you tell the paramedic the full story? He probably only asked thinking you were being abused."
"Yeah, he thought that," Aurie agrees. "I didn't lie. He drew his own conclusions," she arches a brow. "The truth is too long and complicated to bother telling him. And a lot of it he didn't need to know but would've been a pain in the ass asking for more details."
"Something you get annoyed about," Steve quips.
"Yep," she smirks. "And the truth is kinda crazy, so he probably wouldn't believe it and start thinking you or someone else was abusing me."
"You really think that?"
"People believe what they want and jump to the easiest conclusion," she points out. "And if you're wondering why I didn't throw your ass under the bus when it'd be so easy to make your life hell with a lie, it's because I'm not a cruel person and I'd also screw myself over in the long run."
"I appreciate that," Steve wryly smiles.
A tapping on the driver's side window interrupts their conversation and both turn to see the female state trooper standing outside.
"I've got to give my statement to the trooper," Steve explains before pinning her with a look. "Stay with the truck."
"I'm going to sit on the tailgate and watch everything," Aurie rolls her eyes.
"Fine," Steve nods as he exits the truck.
Slamming the door closed, he turns to the trooper who smiles at him.
"I'm Trooper Daniela Noperi," the brunette introduces herself.
Taking her hand to shake it, Steve introduces himself.
"Lt. Steve Sloan, LAPD." Pulling out his badge and ID, he presents them to her.
"Thanks for sticking around and being patient until we could get your statement," Daniela states while notating the information from his ID.
"All things considered, you guys have been pretty busy for the past hour and a half," he smiles back.
"Thankfully it's not busy because of a fatality," she agrees, handing back the wallet containing the badge and ID to Steve. "Tell me what happened."
Steve spends several minutes detailing everything since the Escalade raced past them on the interstate, answering Daniela's questions as they came up and clarifying anything she's confused about. She's curious as to why he and Aurie are traveling to Tucson. He explains the recent discovery that Aurie is his daughter and the complicated situation regarding her custody. When requested, he retrieves the court documents. He understands why the trooper wants to see them. It's to confirm he's not committing custodial kidnapping or anything else.
"Thank you for saving Trooper Davidson's life," she sincerely states after she finishes jotting down notes.
"Is he okay?" Steve asks. "The suspect nailed him in the gut and head, which is why he went down so hard."
"He is, but our field supervisor insisted he gets checked out for a possible concussion or internal injuries," Daniela explains. "So, he's already headed by ambulance to the ER. Otherwise, he would've been here thanking you instead."
"Hope he gets a clean bill of health," Steve comments, earning another grateful smile from Daniela. "Not that I'm overly concerned about the suspect, but how is he doing? I was surprised when he got out of the Escalade intact enough to attack Trooper Davidson."
"One of the first troopers arriving on scene took him early on to the nearest ER. He's still there under guard getting examined, but it looks like he just got banged up."
"He got off too easy," Steve grumbles in annoyance.
"Agreed," Daniela sighs. Both notice the medical helicopter crew carefully transporting the male patient on a gurney to the helicopter. "We're going to have to step closer to the truck for cover when they take off."
Steve nods and looks over at his daughter.
"Aurie! Better get in the truck before the helicopter lifts off or you're going to have more cuts and bruises from the debris that'll get kicked up."
Nodding, Aurie slides off the tailgate and climbs back into the passenger side. Trooper Noperi and Steve step closer to the truck for coverage until the helicopter lifts off minutes later. Once the noise of the whirling blades is far enough away, Trooper Noperi turns to Steve again.
"And I want to make sure to thank you for subduing the suspect, preventing him from escaping. Once the doctors are done, he's getting locked up to face a laundry list of any applicable charges we can think of. Topping the list is grand theft auto, assault of a law officer, four counts of attempted murder that include the Lovato family who was in that Ford Expedition, felony evasion, and nearly a dozen other charges I can easily think of."
"So, he stole the Escalade?" he asks.
She confirms with a nod.
"Count on me to testify if he goes to trial and doesn't plead out," he states, fishing a business card out of his pocket and handing it to her. "My contact info is on that card."
"Perfect," Daniela nods, attaching it to her notes. Reaching into her pocket, she pulls out a card and hands it to Steve. "If you think of anything else or have any questions, call me."
"Thanks," Steve nods, pocketing the card. "We better get going. It's almost noon and I wanted to stop in Phoenix for food and gas, but now I've got to get her checked out."
Daniela pulls out another business card and starts writing on the back of it before handing it to Steve to look at.
"When you get to Phoenix, take your daughter to the medical center on McKellips. I wrote the address on the back. It's right off I-10 near downtown. The ER usually will have snacks and beverages available, but it's typically simple sandwiches, crackers, and Jello. The hospital also has a cafeteria with better options. And chances are you'll have the time. The helicopter and ambulance are taking the Lovato family there and if there are a lot of patients coming in, the ER may get busy. You could be there for hours, so it'll be more convenient to eat there."
"That's great," Steve smiles, pocketing the card. "Thank you."
"You're welcome," Daniela smiles back. "Have a safe trip."
As the trooper walks off, Steve heads to the back of the truck to close the tailgate and then climbs back in.
"Let's get going," he smiles at her while turning the ignition.
Aurie nods and fastens her seatbelt as he maneuvers back onto the highway and accelerates up to speed.