Killing Frank Barnes

by Ruth DuCharme

  “2L4 we’re eastbound I80. License plate ,three-john-mary-lincoln-two-six-four; 3JML264. Speeds 70 mph.”

  Lizzie tried not to look as scared as she felt as Dekker wove in and out of traffic. Their speed was alarming but clearly Dekker had skill. Or a death wish. Lizzie barely had time to figure out where they were going before they were on the freeway. She could see the emergency lights of at least three other cop cars ahead of her.

  “You have the radio kid.” Dekker said tossing the mic into her lap

  Lizzie looked at the mic in her hand and had no clue what she should do with it. The line of police cars started to slow and Lizzie craned her head to see the blue Toyota barreling onto an exit. Dust and debris on the side of the freeway kicked up into a cloud, temporarily blinding Lizzie from the scene in front of her. The cars in front of them came to a sudden stop.

  Chapter Forty-Seven

  Dekker slammed on the brakes and their car skid to halt in the dust alongside the freeway. He jumped out of the driver seat and Lizzie followed suit.

  The dust cleared enough for Lizzie to see the suspect car had stopped and Camden was using his PA to call the occupants out. “Driver get out of the vehicle slowly with your hands in the air.”

  Dekker moved forward to the passenger side of Camden’s car and Lizzie moved up to the trunk behind Camden. Several other officers moved their cars into positions to prevent civilian drivers from entering the off ramp and inadvertently into harm’s way.

  “Passenger stay in the car!” Dekker yelled as he drew his gun. The third guy in the back kept turning around to look at them through the rear windshield.

  Suddenly both the driver door and passenger door flew open. In a flash the driver and passenger jumped out of the vehicle and took off running in separate directions.

  Dekker holstered his gun and ran after the passenger with Patterson quick on his heels. Camden ran after the driver. Ramos and Dorsey seemed to come from nowhere. They quickly moved up past Lizzie to the suspect vehicle and began yelling for the remaining passenger to get out.

  Lizzie paused for a split second before taking off at a dead run after Camden. She could see him as he and the suspect disappeared over the other side of the road into a small ravine of brush. Lizzie bolted across the roadway after them. She reached the side of the road where Camden and the suspect had dropped out of sight and Lizzie paused to see if she could spot them. She couldn’t see them through the trees and shrubs, but Lizzie saw a large patch of weeds shaking vigorously in the breeze as if a large animal were trapped in them. She took a step off the edge of the road and headed that way.

  Lizzie couldn’t see him but she could hear Camden yelling, “Get on the ground! Get on the ground!” She was sure he was fighting with the suspect and she picked up her pace. She crashed through the last few bushes just in time to see the suspect’s fist connect with Camden’s jaw. Camden went down on one knee and the suspect turned and fled.

  Without thinking, Lizzie ran straight at the suspect. In a move that would make a linebacker proud she leaped and landed square around the suspect’s neck, tackling him to the ground.

  The suspect flipped over almost throwing her aside. Lizzie made a grab for suspect’s right arm as he swung a fist toward her face. She pulled her head back in time to only receive a glancing blow to her mouth. Her teeth rattled in her head but she ignited in fury.

  She punched him as hard as she could, square in the nose. Lizzie could hear his nose crunch. The suspect’s hand instinctively went to his face and she used the opportunity to flip him over into a prone position. She quickly dug her knee into the guys back right between his shoulders and roughly pushed the handcuffs on to his wrists.

  Camden ran up just as she pushed herself to a standing position. She was breathing heavy and her hands shook like crazy. Camden bent over at the waste catching his breath.

  “Whooo gurrrrl. You kicked his ass!!!” Camden said with a whistle

  She looked at him with wild eyes, “You’re welcome?”

  Camden started laughing. He bent down and grabbing the suspect by the elbow, he dragged him to his feet. “Come on doofus.” Camden keyed his mic and informed dispatch, “2L4 we have the driver in custody.”

  “Copy. Driver is in custody. Are there any further outstanding?”

  Dekker responded, “2L6 no outstanding. We have both passengers.”

  “Copy.”

  Camden and Lizzie pushed the suspect ahead of them as they trudged back up the hill they had traversed. Dekker met them at the roadway and looked Lizzie over.

  Camden spoke quickly before Dekker could say a word. “Man, she tackled this guy and knocked him flat on his ass! He never knew what hit him!” Camden turned his face to the suspect. “Isn’t that right, Sparky. How did you like getting your ass handed to you by a girl?”

  Dekker looked at her with a hint of a smile. “Are you ok? You hurt your hand at all?”

  “Nope. I’m all good!”

  “How about that split lip?”

  Lizzie hadn’t even noticed that her lip was bleeding. “Oh it’s nothing. It was just a little love tap. Won’t kill me.” She gently felt her bottom lip with her fingers. It hurt and it was starting to swell but she didn’t care.

  “You need to go see the doctor?”

  Lizzie looked at him with bold eyes. “Hell no! Let’s go find someone else to chase!” The cops around her laughed at her enthusiasm.

  Dekker handed her an antibacterial wipe to clean her hands and face. “Ok slugger, how about we take it one bad guy at a time.”

  Chapter Forty-Eight

  The rest of the shift was a blur as dispatch served up one hot call after another. By the end of the shift, Lizzie thought there was no way she could stop the flow of adrenaline. She was running on a natural high.

  Dekker pulled into the parking lot and he and Lizzie began to task of unloading. Camden pulled in next to them and after grabbing his back he approached Lizzie.

  “Hey rookie, want to come to choir practice? We usually don’t let rookies come but me and the rest of the guys think you deserve it after the day you’ve had.”

  Lizzie looked expectantly at Dekker.

  “Don’t look at me, kid. You got an invite not me.” He chuckled.

  Camden said, “You can come too, Sarge!”

  “No, thanks. I try to limit how much time I spend with you young bucks. You’ll be the death of me! But Lizzie, you go. Camden’s right, you deserve it.”

  “Um, sure I’d love too! Thanks.”

  “Meet us in the south lot when you’re done dressing down?”

  “I’ll be out in ten,” said Lizzie. There was noticeable excitement in her voice. After Camden left, Lizzie asked, “Um Dekker? Just one question, what’s choir practice?”

  Chapter Forty-Nine

  Lizzie bounded up the stairs to the locker room and dropping her bag down on the bench next to her locker, she took out her cell phone and called Jack. The phone rang several times before going to voicemail.

  “Hey babe. I guess you guys are sleeping. I had the BEST day but I’m pretty wound up. I’ll tell you all about it when I get home. The guys invited me to something called choir practice? I don’t know what that means but I’m excited because that means I’m in! They are including me! I gotta change and get out of here but I shouldn’t be too late getting home. I feel like we haven’t talked in days. I really miss you. Ok see you soon.” She disconnected the phone and dropped it into her purse.

  Lizzie hurried and changed into her street clothes. She pulled on a pair of jeans and yanked a sweatshirt over her head. It always felt so good to take her hair out of that tight bun at the end of shift. She let it fall around her shoulders and quickly ran a brush through her blonde locks. She took a little extra time and freshened up her makeup. She wasn’t sure why she bothered but it felt like the right thing to do.

  Lizzie gently applied some Chapstick to her swollen bottom lip. The cut had closed and left a scab but even that couldn’t
keep her from smiling. She reminded herself to be careful not to smile too big or it would split open again.

  Lizzie grabbed her purse and made her way to the south parking lot. She was taken a little by surprise. The whole team was there! Music bumped from the open door of Dorsey’s car and Camden’s trunk was open.

  “There she is!” said Camden, holding out a red solo cup to Lizzie.

  “What’s this?”

  “Drink up little sister!” answered Camden as he took a big swallow from his own red cup.

  Lizzie looked down at the liquid in her cup and took a sniff. Rum and coke! “This is choir practice?” she laughed. “Wont we get in trouble?”

  “Nope. Time honored tradition” Dorsey said, handing her a cigar. “Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em!” He struck the lighter and held it up to Lizzie.

  Lizzie had never smoked a cigar in her life! She cautiously put it in her mouth and bent towards Dorsey so he could fire up the business end. Lizzie inhaled and immediately choked. She sputtered and coughed as Dorsey laughed and clapped her hard on the shoulder. She smiled weakly at Dorsey. “Thanks” she squeaked out between coughs. She didn’t want to throw it away and risk offending him so she figured she would just stand there holding it. Lizzie sipped her drink gently. The alcohol her busted lip but within seconds the warmth spreading through her helps her not to care.

  Lizzie still couldn’t believe drinking in the parking lot was allowed. She took another swallow of her drink and the worry started to fade. She felt lucky the rest of the team let her join in.

  Officer Patterson walked over to Lizzie and poked her in the arm, “So, tell us Lizzie, where’d you get those fists of fury?”

  Lizzie laughed, “I honestly have no idea. I’ve never been in a fight in my life!”

  Ramos joked, “What? Then what did you get in to police work for?”

  Camden spoke up, “Leave her alone. We didn’t all get into police work for the badge bunnies and busted lips.”

  Lizzie turned to Ramos, “I wanted to be a cop because I thought I could make a difference. I really like helping people.”

  The group of gathered cops laughed loudly at Lizzie’s naïve answer.

  “Come on, rookie,” said Rhodes, “this isn’t the oral boards. You already have the job, you can tell us the truth. It was the fast driving that sold you, wasn’t it.”

  The rest of the team laughed and Lizzie joined in. The comradery was nice and she felt a certain high, knowing they thought of her as one of them.

  Doresy’s cell phone rang and Lizzie watched as he scanned the parking lot and surrounding areas.

  “Guys,” said Dorsey, “Time to call it a night. Dispatch said someone called in a noise complaint. Let’s pack it up.”

  Lizzie glanced at her watch and was surprised to see how late it had gotten. She must have lost track of time. “Ok, guys, I’m out of here!” Lizzie looked at Camden, “Thanks for the drink. Now I’m the one who owes you one.”

  “Nonsense, Kid,” said Camden as he took her arm in his and walked Lizzie toward her car. “You earned it and there will be many more where that came from!”

  Lizzie climbed into her car and let Camden close the door for her. Lizzie waved at the guys as she pulled slowly out of the police parking lot and headed towards the freeway.

  Chapter Fifty

  Jack looked at the blinking light on his phone that let him know he had a message. He opened the phone and listened to Lizzie’s voicemail letting him know she would be late. Without calling her back he laid the phone on the truck seat next to him.

  He was parked in an old vacant lot across from the police station. From here he could see Lizzies car and the rest of the cops in the lot. Somewhat hidden by bushes he covertly saw her come out and walk out to meet the rest of the team.

  They were all standing around the parking lot and some creep was passing out drinks and cigars. Choir practice my ass. Jack tried not to let jealousy eat at him. She wasn’t doing anything wrong just blowing off steam. Who was that guy that handed her the drink? Jack might have to take a closer look at him.

  It was getting late and Lizzie gave no indication that she was leaving. Jack was putting a stop to this immediately. He picked up his phone and made a call.

  “Roland Police department, dispatcher 1344, how can I help you?”

  “Yes I’d like to report a noise complaint. There is a group of people outside my house talking really loudly and playing loud music.”

  “Where do you live, sir?”

  “Where do I live?” Jack looked around at the house numbers “I live at 1213 Barnard Street.”

  “Can you look outside and tell me how many people are out there?”

  “No. I’m not looking outside. I’m too nervous. What if they see me and get angry?”

  “Ok sir, we will send someone out. Would you like an officer to check in with you?”

  “No I don’t need contact. I just need them to be quiet so I can sleep.”

  “We will make sure it is handled, sir.”

  Jack watched as one of the cops carousing with Lizzie answered his cell phone. The cop started looking around searching for someone. Jack was glad he was well hidden. The guy hung up the phone and said a few things to the rest of the officers

  “That’s right guy’s. Time to shut it down and go home for the night.”

  Jack watched Lizzie excuse herself. The cop with the cups grabbed her arm and fed it though his own. Jack felt his blood boil as he watched the cop walk Lizzie to her car.

  Jack watched as the remaining guys tossed their empty cups up onto the roof of the police department and started to disperse.

  Jack made sure Lizzie was in her car before he started his truck. He hurriedly pulled out onto the vacant street and entered the freeway at 70 miles per hour. He had to get home before Lizzie.

  Chapter Fifty-One

  Anger fueled Jack speed and with a lead foot he sped towards home. Jacks thoughts raced. Who was that guy holding Lizzies arm? How dare he make a move on her! Why hadn’t Lizzie stopped him? Was she cheating on him already? Jack was so lost in thought he didn’t register the police car moving up behind him. He was startled at the red and blue lights signaling for him to pull over.

  Jack grumbled to himself as he found a place to stop on the side of the freeway. Jack shut off the engine as the officer approached.

  The officer shone his flashlight in Jack’s back window and then moved on to Jacks driver window. “Do you know how fast you were driving, sir?” he asked.

  “Sorry officer, I was just trying to get home as quick as possible. Its super late and I need to get my son to bed.”

  The officer shone his flashlight into the backseat once more and illuminated Sam’s sleeping frame. “Yes, it is a little late to have your boy out and about. Can I see your license and registration please?”

  Jack fished his information from his wallet and handed it to the officer. The officer took it and walked back to his vehicle. Jack peeked into the back seat. Sam was gently snoring, his favorite blanket tucked around him. Jack felt anxiety welling up within his chest. This officer better hurry if he Jack was going to get home before Lizzie.

  The officer returned to Jacks window and said, “Everything checks out. I wont give you a ticket this time but I cannot stress enough how important it is to follow the speed limit. I would hate to see you get in an accident, especially with such precious cargo inside.”

  Jack replied, “You are absolutely right, officer. I will definitely be more careful.” Jack rolled his window back up and started his truck. He waited for the officer to pull back onto the freeway before he did the same.

  Jack drove the speed limit most of the way home. He pulled into the parking garage and let out a sigh of relief. Lizzie hadn’t made it home yet. He opened the back door and carried the sleeping Sam upstairs and into the apartment. He tucked Sam into bed and quickly made his way to the living room.

  Jack threw his jacket over a dining room chair. He glanced
at the apartment door. He heard a key in the lock. Jack rushed to the bedroom, trying to be as quiet as possible. Flipping on the television, he stripped off his shirt and climbed under the covers. Less than two minutes later, the bedroom door opened.

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  Lizzie walked in the front door of her apartment feeling as if she was on cloud nine. She dumped her stuff on the floor, to tired and too buzzed to give a damn. She was happy. Even though she had only consumed one drink, it was a stiff one. She knew she shouldn’t have been drinking and driving but she felt invincible and above any threat of trouble.

  Lizzie kicked off her shoes, sending one flying under the kitchen table. She giggled to herself. She hadn’t felt this good in a long time. Lizzie silently listened at Sam’s bedroom door for a moment before quietly opening it. He lay there wrapped in his favorite blanket, snoring softly. That kid could sleep through a train wreck! Lizzie snuck in and gave Sam a soft peck on his little cheek. She loved him beyond measure. Lizzie tucked the blanket up around Sam’s chin before quietly tiptoeing out and closing the door behind her.

  Lizzie tried to be as quiet as possible as she opened her own bedroom door. Jack was fast asleep with the TV turned to some ridiculous sports channel.

  Lizzie lay down on top of the covers and stared at Jacks back. Her fingers traced the small bullet scar on his shoulder. That day in the library seemed so long ago. Back then, neither Lizzie not Jack could have imagined what lay in store for them. Jack always said that if he hadn’t been shot they never would’ve met. It was the luckiest day of both of their lives.

  “Jack, are you awake?” Lizzie whispered. “No response. Copy.” She giggled at her own silliness before getting up to use the bathroom and brush her teeth.

  Chapter Fifty-Three