Because I'm Watching

by Christina Dodd

  Lacey cuddled close, put her head on Kateri’s lap, and closed her eyes with the pleasure of their reunion.

  Kateri carefully drove to city hall and with Lacey at her side, walked into the patrol room. She lifted a weary hand at the guys and headed back for the coffee. Coffee. She really needed coffee.

  When her officers began to clap, first one, then another, then the whole room, Kateri stopped, stood, and considered them. “What?”

  They grinned and kept clapping.

  Lacey barked and danced with delight.

  Okay … what with yesterday’s busy afternoon, Kateri hadn’t had time to worry about the election results. But … “Are the ballots counted?” she asked.

  The guys laughed. The applause got louder.

  “I won?”

  Nods all around.

  “I won?” She put her hand on her chest, trying to still the sudden wild beat of her heart. “How…? How much…?”

  The applause petered out.

  Knowles was the first to quit clapping and rather sourly he said, “You didn’t exactly sweep the county. You won by two votes.”

  “Two votes?” She laughed out loud. “And one of them was mine.” She laughed again and groped for the coffeepot. “How did it even happen? We lost the Terrances yesterday. No word on them yet?”

  “If you want to call it that,” Ernie Fitzwater said. “They stole their Dodge SRT Hellcat out of impound and got away clean.”

  “I thought they stole a boat?”

  “Multitalented,” Fitzwater said.

  Kateri put her hands to her forehead. “We’re doing great. We’ll never catch up with those bastards. No leads?”

  Heads shook.

  “We’ve put out a bulletin to the State Patrol to be on the lookout, an alert to the citizens, and we’re ready to take them out,” Fitzwater said.

  Kateri struggled between concentrated horror at the Terrance situation and confusion, astonishment, and delight at the election results. “I figured losing them right out of jail cinched the results against me.”

  “Voters didn’t see you lose the prisoners,” Chippen said. “They saw you arrest a bunch of politicians and they loved it.”

  “Didn’t we all?” Kateri murmured. More loudly, she asked, “Where’s Bergen?”

  “Here.” He stepped out of his office. “You don’t want that coffee. Moen made it. Come on, I’ll treat you at the Oceanview Café.” He didn’t look irked or angry … that was a good thing.

  “You don’t have to do that!” She shouldn’t be grinning in his face like this, either, but she couldn’t seem to stop.

  “You don’t have to come to my house for dinner to celebrate your victory, either, but Sandra will be insulted if you don’t.” He offered his arm.

  “I’d love to come.” She glanced at Lacey. “But—”

  “Bring her along to the café. She’s becoming the town mascot.”

  Kateri placed her hand on Bergen’s elbow, and with Lacey in tow, they went out the door.

  The police officers clapped again, approving the détente, aware that having their sheriff and their deputy work together would make their jobs not only easier but also a lot more pleasant.

  Outside, the morning was fresh and clear, the sun beamed on the park, and Kateri didn’t know how to read the expression on Bergen’s face.

  He looked placid. Almost … pleased.

  “Thank you for being so gracious,” she said.

  “Since only one of us could have the job, it was inevitable someone would have to be.” He looked at her sideways. “I’m better at it than you are.”

  She laughed. “True. But two votes. Two votes. That’s nothing!”

  “The election is a simple majority, so two votes are enough.”

  A thought struck her. “You can challenge the election.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Why not? Two votes! You know a recount could change the results. Or a few late votes.”

  With a fair amount of humor, he asked, “Are you trying to talk me into it?”

  “No. I’m just … I thought everyone fought an election until the last dog was hung.” She glanced down. “Nothing personal, Lacey.”

  Unconcerned, Lacey trotted beside her, sniffing the air.

  In a tone of absolute practicality, Bergen said, “A challenge would waste taxpayer money. The recount would be contentious, and if it was close enough, you could challenge the challenge. That could go on forever. Besides, for an officer with no experience, you’re a fine sheriff and you’ll do a good job over the next four years.”

  Kateri appreciated his confidence in her. “Then you’ll run again?”

  “No. Once was enough.” He pulled the door of the Oceanview Café open and held it for Kateri and Lacey.

  Alarmed, Kateri asked, “You’re not going to leave? You’ll stay and work for the department?”

  He smiled. “I would like that. We make a good team.”

  “We do, don’t we?” She walked in, Lacey on her heels, and once again was treated to a round of applause, a lot of smiles, and a scowl from Cordelia.

  The noise was interrupting her work.

  Kateri beamed. She never expected this: to win, to be lauded, to get approval. But she liked it. She felt at one with Virtue Falls. Of course, they were also applauding because they liked Bergen. But so did she.

  Rainbow indicated the table against the wall.

  Kateri pantomimed coffee.

  Rainbow rolled her eyes; as if she had ever had a doubt.

  Bergen held the chair for Kateri. She faced the diner and the door; here she could keep an eye on the comings and goings. Lacey took her place under the table, where she could watch the patrons with a keen eye.

  A glance at the old-codger table showed Kateri one empty spot. “Mr. Caldwell is not here today.”

  “Now, he took the loss badly.” Bergen seated himself at the end of the table, where he could keep an eye on the street outside.

  Rainbow showed up with two coffee mugs and a pot of coffee. “Congratulations, Sheriff Kwinault! I never had a doubt.”

  Kateri laughed. “You’re the only one, then.”

  As Rainbow poured the coffee, Kateri took a moment to appreciate today’s outfit: white ruffled bloomers, a red-and-white-striped skirt, a blue cotton shirt with white stars, cowboy boots, and a fur collar. Rainbow had shaved the sides of her head, dyed the remaining hair a brilliant blue, and sprinkled it with glitter.

  “The colors are in honor of … Election Day?” Kateri guessed.

  “Right. And the fur is in honor of you and your Native American heritage.”

  Kateri raised inquiring eyebrows.

  Rainbow explained, “During the Ice Age, Native Americans came across the land bridge from Asia through Alaska and spread across the continents.”

  Solemnly, Bergen explained, “The fur represents the Native American attire as they trekked through the frozen wasteland.”

  Kateri gave Rainbow the thumbs-up. “A thoughtful combination of patriotism and ethnic pride.”

  “Exactly. And this is a combination of deep-fried dough and celebration!” From her big apron pocket, Rainbow produced a large plate and a greasy bag that smelled like heaven. She shook the bag, poured the contents on the plate, and with great ceremony placed it on the table. “Dax’s hot homemade doughnuts doused with cinnamon sugar. He decided to make them today for the winner … whichever one of you it was.” She produced two small lidded plastic containers and put them beside the doughnuts. “Served with mascarpone and the first batch of his homemade strawberry jam. The berries are small this year, but sweet and flavor-dense.”

  Kateri lifted one of the small, round, crusty brown nuggets. She smeared it with rich mascarpone and ruby-red jam, popped it in her mouth, and moaned at the blend of spice, cheese, and berries. “Thank Dax. He’s the best.”

  “It was my idea.”

  Kateri could never say Rainbow’s hints were subtle. “Thank you, Rainbow.”


  Bergen sipped his coffee.

  Kateri shoved the plate at him. “Come on, I can’t eat all these. Or I could, but I shouldn’t. Celebrate with me!”

  Rainbow knelt by the table and from the same capacious apron pocket she produced a heart-shaped organic dog treat she had made with her own hands. With the best of intentions, she offered it to Lacey.

  Lacey took it politely and waited until Rainbow stood to receive Bergen’s groans of appreciation. Then sweet, tactful Lacey sneaked into the dim corner against the wall and spit out the treat. Kateri didn’t know what Rainbow baked into that thing, but she knew Lacey would eat anything … except that.

  Rainbow basked in Bergen’s lavish praise, then headed off to take more doughnut orders.

  The door opened. Noah strutted in and over to the table. He opened his arms wide. “I’m so glad I told you to cry during that press conference!”

  Kateri laughed so hard tears leaked from her eyes.

  “Yes! That’s good! Keep it up with the tears and we’ll win the next election, too!” Noah kissed the top of her head and strutted off, out the door, and down the street.

  Cordelia watched hungrily, then once more bent her head to her computer.

  For Kateri, something about Bergen’s behavior seemed off. He was too relaxed, too laconic, like he knew a secret she didn’t know or he’d found the Holy Grail and had it hidden under his shirt. Leaning back, she studied him. “What are you so smug about?”

  “Smug? Me?” He pretended astonishment, then laughed. “I’m thinking two votes was scary close, especially when you were the first vote … and I was the second.”

  “I—what? The second vote? What do you mean…?” It took her a moment to grasp the concept. Her voice rose incredulously. “Are you saying you voted for me?”

  He put his finger to his lips. “More quietly, please.” He popped another doughnut in his mouth.

  She whispered, “You voted for me? Why? Why? Why? You were a good opponent. If I hadn’t been running, I would have voted for you. What were you thinking?”

  He got serious fast. “I was thinking I wanted to stay married. I was thinking my wife was right and running for office brought out the worst in me. I was thinking I have two kids and I want to be there for their soccer games and their school plays and their music recitals regardless of what crime has been committed.” His voice grew softer. “I was thinking I went looking for that poor little girl so I could win the election. Not because I was concerned for a child. Not because I wanted her to live and grow in the sunshine. Not even because I wanted justice to prevail. But to win the darned election.”

  Kateri winced to hear it.

  “I didn’t like the man I had become. By the time I realized that, it was late in the campaign. I backed off on the hand-shaking and ass-kissing and worked full time for the police force again. And when I went into the voting booth, I voted for you.”

  “Wow.” She put mascarpone and jam on a doughnut and offered it to him. “You win the lottery for being a really good guy.”

  Bergen accepted his prize and ate it. “Depends on who you talk to. When I told Mr. Caldwell what I’d done, he about choked. Me.” He slid his sunglasses down his nose and peered over the top of them.

  Bergen had a black eye.

  “Mr. Caldwell hit you?” Kateri’s voice rose.

  Bergen put his hand over arm and squeezed warningly. “Shh!”

  She glanced around. People were watching out of the corners of their eyes. “No wonder you’re wearing sunglasses!”

  Bergen pushed them back up. “He packs a pretty good punch.”

  “I guess!” Kateri started laughing. “You didn’t arrest him for assaulting an officer?”

  “No, and don’t you dare tell the other guys. It’s bad enough having them commiserate with me over losing the election. I don’t need to get into trouble about getting my ass kicked by an octogenarian.” But a smile played around Bergen’s mouth. “You cause earthquakes.”

  It was stupid, but she blushed. “Hardly ever!”

  “Glad to hear it. They mostly make our jobs harder. But I think maybe whatever power you have has given you a solid intuition for the job. I would have arrested Maddie Hewitson and done everything in my power to put her away for a thousand years. You realized something else was going on. Because of you, justice was done.”

  “Gut instinct.” Speaking of gut, it was time for another doughnut.

  “I don’t have that instinct. But I’m logical to a fault. Or so Sandra tells me. We’ll make a good team for Virtue Falls.” He offered his hand.

  She extended hers.

  He groped for it, but he wasn’t looking. Something outside the window had caught his attention.

  Kateri turned to see.

  Stag Denali strolled down the street in his designer jeans and his white button-up shirt, looking too suave for Virtue Falls and yet … right at home. He gazed through the window at her and smiled. Then his head wrenched around. He looked up the street—and dove toward the ground.

  What the hell…? Kateri heard the screech of a car tearing up the asphalt.

  In a violent motion, Bergen yanked Kateri to the floor.

  As she fell, something slammed into her ribs. She landed flat on her back. Hit her head. Heard a series of blasts accompanied by the sound of shattering glass. Heard a screaming in her ears.

  She opened her eyes. The world blurred and spun.

  Lacey stood over her, kissing her face and growling at Bergen.

  Bergen knelt beside Kateri, yelling into his radio. “Officer down! Officer down at the Oceanview Café!”

  Blood. There was blood on the floor.

  Dazed, Kateri put her hand to her side, lifted it, and stared at her palm. Her blood. “Damn!” She’d been shot. She took a breath. She was in pain. She looked toward the large window beside their table. The glass had shattered under the impact of … something.

  Bullets. A lot of bullets.

  The café was a freak show of shrieking tourists, seniors who huddled under the tables and shouted instructions at Bergen and Kateri, and a confused Dax, who appeared out of the kitchen, holding a plate with a Monte Cristo sandwich and a metal spatula like a weapon.

  He threw everything. He dropped to his knees.

  Bergen ripped at Kateri’s shirt, opened it, and looked. “Not life-threatening.” He grabbed the napkins off the table. “Hold those. Apply pressure.”

  She did, and at the same time soothed Lacey. “It’s all right. I’m all right. Bergen is one of the good guys.”

  Lacey eyed him, kissed Kateri one more time, jumped over the top of her, and raced into the chaos of the café.

  Bergen again shouted into his radio. “Drive-by shooting. Black Dodge SRT Hellcat. Suspect not apprehended. Last seen heading out of town north. Proceed with caution. Sheriff wounded! More wounded at the Oceanview Café. More wounded! Assistance required!” Keeping low, he crawled away. Crawled toward …

  Blood rolled in a widening puddle across the linoleum.

  Not Kateri’s. Whose…?

  By the counter. Lacey guarded an unmoving body sprawled gracelessly on the hard floor.

  Dax knelt beside Lacey, moaning and rocking.

  “Oh, no.” Ignoring the pain, Kateri pushed herself over and onto her knees. Keeping the napkins pressed against her ribs, she crawled after Bergen.

  Rainbow. Rainbow was unconscious, shot once through the lung and once through the abdomen.

  * * *

  Two hours later, Kateri sat outside the hospital, on the top concrete step, holding Lacey in her lap.

  The dog pressed her head into Kateri’s chest.

  Kateri ignored the pain from her broken ribs and cuddled her traumatized pet. Lacey had protected Rainbow until the moment the ambulance had taken her away. Then she crept into the dim corner of the café, and as reparation, ate the despised dog treat.

  No stiff-necked minister could ever convince Kateri that this dog did not have a soul.

&n
bsp; A black Cadillac SRX crossover pulled into the parking lot; she wasn’t a bit surprised to see Stag Denali get out and head toward her. She had to give the man bonus points for good psychology; as soon as he got close, he sat on the bottom step and stared up at her.

  “Should you be sitting out here unprotected?” His voice was warm and concerned.

  She wished she believed he was worried. But over and over again in her mind, she remembered him diving to the ground before she heard the screech of the killer car, and remembered, too, he was a gambler, a bouncer, a mobster. He was a violent man who had gone to prison for the death of a peace officer. In answer to his question, she pointed vaguely around the parking lot. “My men are guarding the hospital.”

  He nodded as if relieved.

  She added, “Most of them, of course, are out hunting John Terrance Senior and John Junior.”

  “How is Rainbow?”

  “She’s in surgery, not expected to live.” The woman who had been the midwife on the day Kateri was born, the woman who had borne witness to Kateri’s life, who had given advice, support, and encouragement … was not expected to live.

  CHAPTER FIFTY-SEVEN

  On Thursday, Sheriff Kwinault came into Maddie’s room to fill out the police report on Barbara’s attack the day before.

  If Jacob hadn’t known about the attack at the Oceanview Café, he would have said that, although Sheriff Kwinault walked stiffly and turned as if she were in pain, still she behaved in a normal manner.

  Clearly Maddie did not agree. Almost immediately she asked what was wrong, and she kept asking until Sheriff Kwinault told her about the drive-by shooting, about how the Terrances still evaded capture, and that Rainbow hovered on the brink of death.

  When Sheriff Kwinault broke down in tears, Jacob escaped from the room to pace the corridor and fret. He had moved to Virtue Falls, closed himself in, and never gone to the Oceanview Café. He didn’t know Rainbow, but all around him the medical professionals, the hospital security guards, the police, and the patients agonized and hoped. From what he could understand, this Rainbow person could have manipulated world events. Instead, she had chosen to be the kingpin of a much smaller universe, the universe of Virtue Falls, and Virtue Falls prayed for her recovery.