Jim wheeled the Hummer in next to the ambulance and jumped out.
“What happened?” he demanded, and then saw me covered in blood. “Allex, are you hurt?” he almost whispered. I looked down at my shirt seeing the red splotches for the first time, my arms also streaked with wet crimson.
“Not my blood, Jim. Help us get Ken on the gurney.”
“The wound doesn’t look too deep, but I need to get Ken into surgery immediately,” Dr. James said. “Allex, can you assist?” I nodded and while Dr. James climbed in back with Ken, I drove the ambulance to the hospital Mark had founded.
*
We spent over an hour in surgery. Dr. James was good, but not as experienced as Mark, and went slowly. I handed over what I remembered Mark asking for in a similar situation, changing instruments quickly when James asked for something different. Eventually he was ready to close.
“Thank you, Allexa. I can see why Dr. Mark had you assist as often as he did. You have good instincts.” He let out a big sigh as he stripped off his gloves. “I better go talk with the wife. Will you finish the bandages?” I nodded and left the room. Poor Ken. A perforated lung. He would be laid up for quite a while. There was a great deal of blood loss from the entry site and the slicing of soft tissue; blood which we couldn’t replace unless Karen knew his blood type and we could find a matching donor. Nothing was ever simple or easy anymore.
After I finished, I washed and removed my mask and gloves. The surgical drape I used went into the hamper for washing. I don’t do that chore any longer… I wonder if Amanda does it now. In the hospital common area, Jim sat alone. James must have had Karen in the office, as I saw the door was closed.
“Hi,” I said.
Jim lifted his head. “Is Ken going to be alright?”
“Dr. James believes so.” I sat down next to him and took his hand. “What’s to become of the other man in the fight?”
“It’s an interesting story. Are you ready to leave and go home?”
“Not just yet. We need to move Ken into a bed. Will you help?”
“Of course.”
I tapped quietly on the office door. “Jim is willing to stay long enough to help move Ken into a bed. Can we do that now?” I asked when Dr. James opened the door. Karen had her head down on the desk.
The transfer went smoothly with the three of us lifting and pulling. James set an IV in Ken for fluids and more painkillers to keep him asleep for the night.
*
When we got home, I went directly downstairs to shower and change my bloody clothes. The air was still cool, yet not any cooler than this morning. I thought that was a good sign.
Dressed in a dark green long sleeved t-shirt and plaid flannel pants, my hair air drying, I went upstairs to join Jim and Tom in the kitchen. Jim pulled me into a firm hug, holding me close, while Tom fixed me a drink. When Jim let go, Tom took his turn in the hugging.
“Hey you two, I wasn’t hurt. What’s up with all the concern?” I asked looking from one to the other.
“It’s traumatic to see a friend injured that badly, Allex,” Tom said. “And then to assist in the surgery to put him back together, well, that takes courage.” I hadn’t thought about it like that.
“It was something that had to be done. Dr. James hasn’t trained an assistant yet. What was difficult to do was to assist Mark when he did surgery on my child after the wolf attack, and then again on my grandchild for his appendix. I don’t want to ever do that again,” I stated, and downed my drink. Tom quickly refilled it. “So what is the ‘interesting story’ about the other participant in the fight?”
Jim leaned back in his chair, formulating how he was going to say what had developed over the last few hours.
“It seems that this Jeremy Smith, who is now twenty-three, got into his adoption papers two years ago and found out that Lawrence and Loraine Misko are his biological parents. She gave birth when she was only fifteen and put him up for adoption. They eventually married, but Lawrence never knew about the pregnancy. Jeremy didn’t know how to approach them so he tried to attach himself to their family instead. Recently, Jeremy told Loraine the truth. Lawrence thought Jeremy’s attention toward Loraine was more than it was,” Jim paused. “Now Jeremy is consumed with guilt that he’s responsible for his father’s death, and Loraine is in shock, both from the loss of her husband, and also with the sudden appearance of a son.”
“Wow. What a tangled web we weave…” I commented. “If only he had been honest with them from the start things may have turned out differently. What’s going to happen to Jeremy?” No wonder the young man didn’t fight back, he didn’t want to hurt his own father.
“Nothing, he didn’t pull the trigger,” Jim stated.
That statement concerned me. “So what’s going to happen to Karen, then?” I asked cautiously.
“As far as I’m concerned, nothing for her either. A fellow officer had been attacked and she defended him. It’s that simple.” He sipped his Grey Goose.
“Will the town’s people accept that?” I asked, noticing Tom had yet to comment.
“They will have to,” Jim said. “We might not really have a curfew here, however, we are under martial law.”
“Tom, you’ve been very quiet. What’s on your mind?” I asked.
“I think we’re going to have a problem with this,” he said. “And I don’t know what we’re going to do about it.”
JOURNAL ENTRY: May 24
With things heating up and tense in Moose Creek, the security force was down by three. Ken would be laid up for a couple of weeks, Jim didn’t want Karen on patrol, and Rayn’s pregnancy automatically took her out of service. That left Sgt. Frank Sanders, Cpl. Ansell Perkins, Eric, and the colonel. Almost half of the force during a difficult time is not a good thing.
~~~
“I think I should call a town meeting,” Tom said to us over breakfast. “Maybe if we face this head on and clear the air, we can prevent an uprising.”
Jim nodded. “Good move, Tom, and the sooner the better. I’ll talk with Father Constantine, since he’s the other person on our council. Allex, can you get Eric in town for a few days while we get this settled?”
“I can ask him, Jim, though remember he’s not military any longer.”
*
The meeting was scheduled for tonight and we had a full house, which wasn’t a surprise. Even though it was fewer than the first meeting, the attendance was still impressive. This was the first major issue the town had faced as a whole since the flu sweep, and I wasn’t sure if the turnout was because of the issue or out of boredom.
Tom led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance and the group quieted.
“We’ve called this meeting to discuss with you the events that happened yesterday and the results of the ongoing investigation. I’m turning the floor over to Colonel Andrews,” Tom said and sat down.
“At approximately 1700 hours, or five in the afternoon, there was an altercation between Jeremy Smith and Lawrence Misko, which took place behind the Inn at the service entrance. During this fist fight, Allexa Smeth arrived, followed shortly by deputies Karen and Ken Gifford. Deputy Ken Gifford attempted to stop the fight by stepping in between the two assailants and was stabbed. Deputy Karen Gifford, responding to an attack on a fellow officer, shot and killed Lawrence Misko. Deputy Ken Gifford underwent extensive surgery to repair a punctured lung and several lacerations and will be off work for an unknown period of time while he recovers from his injuries.
“After questioning everyone present, it has been determined that Deputy Karen Gifford acted within the parameters of her duty and therefore will not face any charges.” Jim stopped reading from his statement and looked at the silent crowd. “Now, I know some of you are wondering just who made this determination. I’ll answer that right now. I alone made that decision.” The crowd murmured. “It’s been about seven months since everyone has settled here in Moose Creek, and it’s been relatively peaceful. Much of that is due to the fact t
hat we are still under martial law, and my security team, which is made up of military personnel and civilians, has worked diligently to keep all of you safe. Martial law means military rule, and it means that my word is law. As long as everyone keeps that in mind it will make this easier to understand. When it comes to involvement of my team, I set the rules, I make the decisions, and I alone suffer the consequences of their actions.” Jim stood there for a moment. “Are there any questions?”
A young man raised his hand and stood. “Colonel, it seems to many of us that Mrs. Gifford is getting a free get-out-of-jail pass for this shooting. Wouldn’t any of us have gotten arrested? This seems like police favoritism.”
“Yes, you would have been arrested. Deputy Gifford is not getting a free pass; she doesn’t need one. She pulled her weapon after her partner had been stabbed and she shot the assailant in self-defense and in defense of her partner. That’s not police brutality. Now, had it been proven that you acted in self-defense, you would not have been arrested either.” Jim looked around again. “Any other questions?” He sat down when no one responded.
Tom stood. “I hope that settles this matter. On another note, tomorrow will be the first Seed Day at the township hall. Mr. Harold Wolfe has come to town offering garden seeds, of which we are in need. I think you will find his ‘prices’ more than reasonable. Doors open at ten o’clock tomorrow morning. Meeting adjourned.” Tom hit his gavel on the table and we all stood to leave.
I was quite impressed with the way Jim handled the meeting, always referring to Karen as Deputy Gifford and not as Ken’s wife. A fatal shooting as the wife could be looked at as an act of passion, not self-defense. This still concerned me. I was the only other one there and I know Karen didn’t have to shoot.
*
Those who had sat on the dais, Tom, Jim, myself, Art Collins, and Father Constantine, now sat at the kitchen table, each with a glass in hand. The vodka, bourbon, and rum bottles were left out on the island. Father Constantine was enjoying a glass of ruby port.
“Well, I’d say that went rather well, except that truth and justice should always go well,” Father Constantine said.
“Yes. Still, doesn’t mean there won’t be problems, there should just be fewer,” Jim replied. “Karen will need time off, mainly to take care of Ken. I don’t want her on patrol and exposed while the town is still upset. That leaves our force pretty lean.”
“I can offer a few men to fill in if need be, colonel,” Art responded. “And wasn’t Lenny one of your deputies before, Allex?”
“Yes he was. It will be up to the colonel to decide though,” I said, looking at Jim, who appeared deep in thought.
“I appreciate that, Art, and I’ll take you up on that. It makes this next thing a bit easier.” Jim looked at me then turned away. “I need to make a quick run back to Sawyer. I’m leaving first thing in the morning and I’ll be back the following day at the latest. With county road 150 open the trip down should only take a few hours. I would suggest all of you keep my departure quiet. I’m taking Perkins with me to ride shotgun.”
This stunned me. Why would he take Perky and not me?
CHAPTER 27
May 25
“I’ll tell you everything when I get back, Allex. For now, please just trust me,” Jim said and he tossed an overnight bag in the Hummer. Perkins was already seated and anxious to be somewhere other than Moose Creek.
*
Tom and I opened the doors of the Moose Creek Township office building precisely at ten o’clock. Harold had all of his seeds out on a table for the public to view. It was a nice display, I must admit. He had brought along a small box of plastic snack bags to put seeds in once a person decided on their choice.
“I think I can find you another box or two of those bags, Harold,” I said when I noticed his dwindling supply.
“For that, Allexa, your seeds are paid for. These are irreplaceable now,” he lamented. “So what would you like, corn, peas, squash?”
“Even before the ash cloud we were never sure if we would have a growing season long enough for corn, so I’ll pass on that. Besides, I still have some.”
“Perhaps then we can trade like for like to add variety to each other’s supply.”
“That’s worth considering,” I said. I selected some Detroit red beets and he measured a tablespoon full into a baggie and labeled it with a marker. “How much pea seed for another, still sealed marker?”
He looked up, surprised. “You are good at bartering! How about a half cup of peas?”
“Deal!” I also took six pumpkin seeds and a teaspoon of radish. “I’m surprised you have flowers, Harold. I would have thought you would carry only edibles.” I picked up a bottle to read the label.
“Not just any flowers: marigolds, which are a natural bug deterrent in gardens. Plus the nasturtiums, which are edible.”
The townspeople started filing in around ten-thirty. By noon the place was empty again. Everyone seemed in a good mood being able to get fresh seed so they could be ready when it was warm enough to plant. It also looked like the shooting issue was pushed aside in favor of something more positive.
I noticed that Harold was giving growing advice quite freely, and he never gave enough seed for two seasons. I asked him about that.
“It’s better for everyone to learn to save their own seeds. By designating a couple of plants out of the many they grow, they can have enough seed to perpetuate their gardens indefinitely. That’s my objective,” he explained. “To feed the world, one garden at a time.”
May 26
Jim arrived back home late afternoon, tired and in a good mood.
“Mission accomplished!” he said gleefully.
“And are you now going to share what this mission was all about, Colonel?” I pushed, still a bit miffed that he didn’t want me along. Tom smirked as he poured us each a drink.
How long had this drinking been part of our evening ritual? Forever it seemed. And what would we do when the booze ran out?
“Well, after the town meeting the other day, the truth and the implications of my words really hit home. We are under martial law and likely will be for a very long time. In out of the way places like Moose Creek, martial law is enforced by the senior military leader, and in this case that’s me. It occurred to me that my retirement would have changed that.”
I hadn’t thought about that part. Who would be in charge after Jim retired?
“Currently, as a full-bird colonel, I’m in charge of the entire Upper Peninsula. The thought of military troops stumbling into our fair town and taking over bothers me, though that can happen only if I retire,” he continued.
“What are you saying Jim?” I whispered, now worried.
“I rescinded my retirement papers.”Tom and I were both shocked. “Can they call you back to duty now?” I murmured.
“No. What I also did was to take an indefinite leave of absence by initializing years of back furlough. In effect, I’m still a colonel in the army, with all the rank and privileges, but I have no orders to follow. It’s the best of both sides, Allex.”
“I can see where you felt the need to do that, Jim,” Tom said. “And as mayor, I thank you for thinking of the town.”
“So doing that took you all day?” I asked.
“It took a good portion of it, yes. Once I got a chat link with my superior—- and friend— General Jameson, whom I had sent my retirement papers to, asking for them to be held for a month, I kept the link open until we had finished our business. That was my primary objective, but not my only one.” He looked at me with a Cheshire cat grin. “Because my other reason would take longer, I initiated that one first and contacted the acting commander at Selfridge, Chandler O’Malley.” He took my hand. “He himself went to your sister’s house to give her your message. At first she wouldn’t even open the door to him, until he gave her the password of ‘Tufts’. He told her you received her letter and that you and your sons were fine. Chandler said she broke down crying an
d thanked him over and over.”
I couldn’t talk. The tears streamed down my face. I reached out for him and held on tight.
“There’s one final message from her. Here’s the copy.” Jim handed me a sheet of paper.
“‘The fishing is getting better,’” I read aloud and laughed.
CHAPTER 28
May 28
Jason greeted me as I dug and turned the soil in another of the raised beds. “Eric said you wanted to see me about some kind of shelter?”
“Yes, thanks for coming over.” I smiled at my youngest and wiped my hands on a towel at my waist. I found a small towel easier to wash once a week or every few days as opposed to washing dirty jeans every day. “With some of that plastic we used to wrap the porches from the ash fall, I’m hoping you can cover this area, like a greenhouse. With the cool weather we’re experiencing, I’d like to retain as much heat as possible.”
Jason paced the diameter of the area and measured the height of the tiered section in the center that was home to all the herbs. “Do you want sides on it?”
“Won’t hold much heat if there aren’t any sides…”
“You do know that it might get too hot in here then?”
“That’s why I want the sides to roll up,” I answered. “Besides, come September and October it won’t be too hot anywhere, and I still want to extend the season as long as possible.”
Jason nodded in thought. “Give me a day or two to collect enough posts for the roof support and I’ll be back.” He gave me a hug and left.
The Journal: Raging Tide: (The Journal Book 4) Page 22
