The chronological order of my stories is now listed in WifeWatchman's biography.
Feedback and
constructive
criticism is very much appreciated, and I encourage feedback for ideas.
This story contains graphic scenes, language and actions that might be extremely offensive to some people. These scenes, words and actions are used only for the literary purposes of this story. The author does not condone murder, racial language, violence, rape or violence against women, and any depictions of any of these in this story should not be construed as acceptance of the above.
Part 1 - Prologue
Dear Readers, this story is like an Interlude, just cleaning up some stuff and bridging to the next series of mysteries to solve. For those who want SEX in my stories, your wishes will be fulfilled. Yes, there is politics in this story, also. Thank you for your patience, and enjoy the story. WW
"This is Bettina Wurtzburg, KXTC Channel Two News!" said the lovely redhead at 7:00am, Tuesday, October 25th, from in front of City Hall. "Channel Two News has learned that the Town & County Council will go into executive session during their meeting tonight, and may call a special session for tomorrow to ratify tonight's business. That can only mean that there is a looming deadline related to this activity, and experts say it is likely that deadline is to approve the Fire Department's Superintendent Davies to the Assistant Fire Chief role."
"Experts." I said as I watched. "Gotta love them 'experts'."
Bettina continued: "And there is no further news from the Police on why former Deputy Police Chief Robert Brownlee shot and killed Joe Smedley last week, nor why he smoke-bombed Jenna Stiles's Campaign Headquarters, with which he has also been charged. Police Chief Sean Moynahan says that Brownlee is not cooperating with authorities since his capture by Commander Donald Troy last Friday. Brownlee is the third Town & County Police Officer to shame the Badge in the last few years, the others being Detective Julie Newton and Detective Angela Harlan."
That ticked me off as I drank my coffee in MCD. I said "What about Captain Malone and Steven Ikea, Bettina?"
"And Delmar and Carroll, Bryce and Sharples." Cindy added.
"Comet and Cupid, Donner and Blitzen." added Joanne Warner, making us all laugh.
Bettina was not finished: "And in political news, with the Election just two weeks away, it's neck and neck in the gubernatorial race. SBI Director Jack Lewis has a 50-47% lead over incumbent Governor Val Jared, within the margin of error, but analysts say that it is likely Jack Lewis will win. Roll tape."
The tape showed Dr. Romanov of the University's Political Policy Center and KXTC evening news anchorette Amber Harris. "Yes," Romanov was saying, "it appears close, but Director Lewis is gathering momentum. The 'security review' of the SBI is showing no wrongdoing by SBI Agent Ferrell, and Director Lewis is ahead on the issues that are
important
to the people of the State, such as social justice and climate change."
"That's right." said Amber Harris. "And Governor Jared is deeply unpopular with all the
important
age groups: millennials, women, minorities... pretty much everyone except white males. Director Lewis is in a strong position in these final two weeks, and I see little hope for Governor Jared to be re-elected."
Back to Bettina Live: "And in local races, District Attorney Gil Krasney has opened up a five point lead over challenger Jenna Stiles, 48-43%, and appears well on the way to victory in that important race. The race for the open Council seat, vacated by the death of Pastor Raymond Westboro, is 45% for Public Health Officer Loran T. Michaels, 40% for Sheriff Deputy Scott Peterson, 10% for Sheila Sorrells. Fifty percent plus one vote is required to avoid a runoff, and sources tell Channel Two News that both the Michaels and Peterson campaigns are working with Sorrells to gain her endorsement and her supporters. And now let's go to Nick Eastwood for Sports. Nick!"
The very handsome young blonde stud Nick Eastwood appeared on the monitor. "Thank you Bettina! This is it, the big week! The defending National Champion Wildcats will bring their undefeated record into University Memorial Stadium on Saturday to take on our undefeated Bulldogs! It will be No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the Nation, and all the national Media will be here! Adding to the drama, Bulldogs Head Coach Ted Thrasher was hired away from the Wildcats last season, and he is excited for the opportunity to play his former team. Roll tape."
The tape showed Nick interviewing Coach Thrasher. As everyone watched, I noticed that there was some kind of commotion going on in the hallway. My birthday wasn't until the next day, so I wondered what was going on out there.
Once the Sports was over, Bettina went on to national news and insignificant things. Just then, Chief Moynahan came in.
"Okay, crime-fighters," he said, "what are your plans for this week?" Everyone looked at me.
"Security for the biggest football game in a long, long time." I said. "Lt. Croyle is getting a huge headstart on that Captain of Operations position." Teresa nodded vigorously.
"Otherwise, there aren't really any big open cases, sir." I added. "Except the Westboro house break-in."
"Good!" said Moynahan. "Commander Troy, you wife is not only a lovely woman, she is very per-sway-sssivvvve, and she has asked me to make sure she has your undivided time and attention for her plans for your birthday. Sooooo, you will have the next three days on vacation, and that is not an optional assignment."
"But..." I started.
"No buts, no debates, Mr. Crowbar." drawled the Chief. "Do not pass Go, do not collect $200. After you leave work no later than 4:00pm today, you are on vacation."
"That's right." said Cindy Ross, obviously in on this ambush. "We'll mind the store. And we all know that whatever you wife has planned for you, it's gonna be
hot!
" Everyone laughed.
"And since you'll be on vacation to-morrowwww," said the Chief, "let's just have a celebration today." With that, Commander Della Harlow came into the room, followed by a number of people from Personnel & Records, including the drop-dead gorgeous Sergeant Janice Holloway.
They brought in a covered tray, and when they lifted the cover I saw three stacks of doughnuts arranged in circles as if they were three cakes. Each stack had eleven candles on top, for a total of 33... which would be my age the next day. After Janice lighted the candles, everyone sang 'Happy Birthday' to me and I blew out the candles.
Then, as Police Officers are wont to make happen, the doughnuts were consumed. Rapidly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
At 8:30am, Cindy came into the office and said in a lilting voice. "Oh Cousin dear, can I borrow the keys to the car?" She then added: "Daddy wants to upgrade."
"Sure." I said, taking the keychain for the Black Beauty off my regular one and tossing the keys to her. "You have the code to the garage?"
"Yes I do." Cindy said. "I'll take the car down tonight after you leave. Then I'll get a ride back and go to the gym. I'll start working on the books while Ariel and Wanda are with you and Laura."