Sheriff vs. Agent
Chapter 5 The Best "Laid" Plans
VINCENNES MULTIPLEX
Claire was grateful that Marty had been so accommodating and was okay to change their schedule of visits for her to learn all she could about his operation. She was still focused on possibly replacing him, but the chance to spend a little time with Johnny was too good to pass up.
She and Johnny had never been 'hot', no physical intimacy, but their times together had been good, even enjoyable. Could this amount to something? It was probably a long shot, but why not invest a little time and see?
They had met at the theater complex and picked a romantic comedy. His pick really; rom/coms were not her cup of tea. They laughed and jeered throughout. It was a reasonably good time.
Afterwards Johnny insisted on following her home, her safety was his chief concern. (Never mind that she was a deputy sheriff and could probably protect HIM) Their parting at her front door quickly became problematic. After a hard kiss that seemed almost violent, he insisted on coming in, she said "NO". He began groping her breasts during a desperate embrace. When he dropped a hand to her ass and started to move around to the front of her jeans, she went into high gear. She moved from strictly defensive maneuvers, to offense.
(Claire was a black belt in 2 martial arts disciplines)
Her assailant was quickly on his knees, groaning and asking for mercy.
She delivered one final kick to his ribs, made sure her front door was locked, and got into her car – a BMW. She left a streak of rubber as she hastily drove off.
'Where to go?' she thought.
Marty.
Her only known safe haven.
She headed for Middlebury at top speed.
She called Mama D's B&B.
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RING
"Mama D's, Susie here."
"Susie, this is Claire Mason, I'm in trouble!"
Susie Deeks heard the extreme distress in Claire's voice.
"What can I do for you, dear?"
"Susie, is my room still available, please?"
"Yes, it is. Why, my dear?"
"I was assaulted at my front door. I'm on the road, headed your way. DAMNIT!" Squealing tires.
"What's wrong?"
Silence.
Groaning.
"Claire!?"
"I'm in trouble, Susie. My attacker must have spotted me at the gas station as I topped my tank off. He's following me! DAMNIT!"
"Can you lose him?"
"Probably not. But I know how to drive. In my Beemer, he will not get in front of me. I'll be coming in hot. Can you call Marty for me?"
"Yes . . . he's actually here. He . . . ah . . . has a visitor. His ex-partner from LA."
"Oh, my. I don't mean to impose-
"Ridiculous, your trouble trumps all. Hang on, I'll get him. BTW, how is your phone battery?"
"Fully charged, I don't leave home with any less."
'Really smart girl' Susie thinks.
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Marty and Kensi are sitting on a love seat in the main sitting area of the B&B. They are cuddling and talking softly.
Susie barges in, coming right into Marty's space.
"Claire is in trouble! She was assaulted, and is driving this way. She knew of no other place of safety. Her assailant is following her. I have her on the phone!"
She grasps Marty's wrist and tugs him to his feet. She leads them to her office, explaining more on the way. Kensi is dazed, she follows along behind. In the office, they all take a seat. Marty grabs the phone.
"Claire, this is Marty. Are you able to talk?"
"Marty, thank GOD! Can you help me, please? I have my phone in the cup holder, on speaker."
"Yes, of course I'll help!"
Kensi senses the concern for this girl in his voice. Admiration? Affection? Her heart clenches. 'Easy girl. Do not blow this!'
"Claire."
"Yes, Marty."
"Tell me a few things: Do you have enough gas to make it here?"
"Y- yes, I stopped to top my tank off. That's where he saw mw, I think. DAMNIT!"
"What's that? Claire!"
"Ok, he tried to get in front of me. Ain't gonna happen, bastard!"
"Your driving skills, sweetheart?"
Kensi cringes.
"Top notch. Me and my Beemer are not gonna be passed up. No way!"
"Cell phone battery?"
"Fully charged when I started the night."
"The night?"
"We went to the movies."
"Ah, your HS friend?"
"Yeah, some friend!"
"OK, here is what we are gonna do."
Marty explains their strategy.
His deputy will wait at a spot 3 miles out of town; where he can slip in behind the perp and follow. He will use lights only if absolutely necessary. Never sirens.
As they reach the town limits, Marty will pull out and lead the cavalcade. Marty will lead them toward his office. When in front of his office, he will stop them all. He and his deputy will take the perps into custody. A mug shot will be taken, they will be finger printed and a DNA sample taken.
The perp(s) will be released in the morning, unless Claire decides to press charges. She doesn't think she will.
And if they rabbit? Claire and Marty decide not to go after them. A tough decision, but probably the best one.
Beautiful plan. Correct?
It worked, except the perps (2 men could be seen in the car) did rabbit.
Claire and Marty hope that Johnny had learned his lesson. But, what had he been doing in Vincennes? And why had he attempted this? Simple passion? Something else? Claire didn't know, and hopefully could leave it all in her rear-view mirror.
Now, on to the weekend.
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After seeing both girls to their rooms, Marty and deputy Anderson spent a few moments at the sheriff's office.
"Well, sheriff. Now what you gonna do? Seems like you got an extra girl, um?"
"Shut up! I've got a problem!"
"Yes, you do, yes you do. Maybe, if you keep 'em at the opposite ends of the barn they won't even remember that the other is here."
Marty gives him a disgusted look. "You are NO help."
"Just trying to do my job!"
"You need more schooling, boy!"
"I'm headed there."
"And none too soon!"
"G-night Sheriff."
"Night."
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BREAKFAST
The table was set. The threesome was seated. The air was thick!
"May I offer a blessing?" Claire asks, softly.
"Surely," Marty offers.
"Dear Lord, I am so grateful for a good friend like Marty. For the hospitality of Susie. For the companionship of Kensi. For this food, and this glorious day. Bless us and our hard work as we assist this fine community in the planned barn raising. In your precious name, Jesus, AMEN!"
"Amen" was softly repeated by the other 2, and by Susie who was hovering nearby.
They began to pass dishes and eat.
Susie kept tabs on things, making sure their beverages didn't run dry, and noting the conversation.
After eating, they all retired to get dressed for the day.
In her room, Kensi was furious. Her planned weekend had been torpedoed. What rotten luck. Any attempt to make Claire look bad, would probably end in disaster. What to do? Could she rescue this? She just had to make herself look better. Was that possible? This woman seemed to have it all. And this is her home turf!
SHIT!
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INTERVENTION
Susie barges into Kensi's room.
"What is the matter with you?"
"What do you-
"You are acting like a loser!"
"Well, I-
"Get your head out of your ass! What do you think Marty is most concerned with right now?"
Silence.
"Claire's safety, stupid!"
"So?"
"So, what should you be most concerned with?"
"But-
"Claire's safety! And the whereabouts of her attacker! You've got the tools, use them, girl!"
"But we don't have jurisdiction-
"Jurisdiction my ass!"
"Susie, she has all the advantages! I'm on her home turf."
"BS! You have history – a relationship, of love, California, sun, sand, surf! All trump cards. Just don't overplay your hand. Now get to work."
With that, Susie stomped out.
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TBC