Cold Scent: A Jessica Anderson K-9 Mystery by D. L. Keur

Author:D. L. Keur [Keur, D. L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: D. L. Keur
Published: 2023-12-19T16:00:00+00:00

21 – Cynthia

“SORRY ABOUT that,” Jessie told him.

Landon gave her a side glance. Said, “Why? You were exemplary. And I’m glad you had your cam on. We’ve got it all on record.”

“Oh. I didn’t know I’d connected it to the onboard. I thought it only recorded to its card unless you connected them.”

Again, the side glance. “It does it automatically in this rig unless you forcibly disengage it.” He scowled. “For my protection, mind you.”

“That’s good.”

He didn’t respond for a moment. Then said, “What do you say that, since we’re about thirty minutes from our county road and fifteen minutes more from my driveway on good roads, and, since we’re done with this shift in about fifty-five minutes, that we head home and get there about the same time as it’s time to get off shift?”

“I’d love it.”

He smiled at her. Nodded. “Drive on, Deputy.”

“Thank you, Sheriff, sir.”

Now, he groaned. The eyes closed. “Don’t even start with me, Jessie.”

“Okay. Then don’t start with me, either, with that ‘deputy’ stuff.”

Breath audibly sucked hard through nostrils….

She’d peeved him. Good. Paybacks.

“Deal,” he said. Then, “But you are, in fact, a deputy.”

“And you are, in fact, the sheriff.”

A sigh. Hand curling, extending an upside-down index finger, he pointed to the road.

Jessie grinned and put it in gear. I won …this round.

*

LANDON CALLED them ‘off duty, end of shift’ just as the clock showed 3PM. Dispatch confirmed. Jessie let out a long sigh as she turned onto their county road. The ISP had had a car stopped on the 95 and they’d pulled in as backup, delaying their arrival. Still, though, they were closing on welcomed sleep. And it hit her, so she said it: “I think this has been the best patrol I’ve ever been on. It’s been a pleasure to work with you, Mr. Sheriff, sir.”

Next to her, he just sat staring forward, and she suddenly regretted saying it. Sucked in her lips.

“I must be doing something wrong, then,” he said finally. Then he turned his face her way. “My sentiments about having you along. I truly appreciated it. I honestly don’t think I could have done it without you. Thank you for your service …Deputy.” Then he grinned.

“Brat. …And we’re off-duty, so, technically, I think I can say that.”

A chuckle.

Sighting Landon’s mailbox, Jessie coasted to slow, hit the gate code, and timed her crawling turn as the gates swung open. …Then frowned. Her dad’s Caddy was parked up near the house. “Uh-oh. Wonder what’s up?”

“He didn’t know we were working?”

“Um, I texted him. Told him I was sorry. Told him I loved him. And, yeah, told him that I had to work today till three. Wouldn’t be here.”

“You like texting, don’t you?”

It was a statement, not a question, and it was loaded. “Yeah, I do. It’s quick, fast, and easy.”

“Phone calls are easier and faster.”

“Not really.”

“Yes, really. The texting never stops, just keeps going back and forth, back and forth, and it’s like you’re obligated to respond …over and over.”

“Just send a thumbs-up and let it go.

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