Boots and Bedlam

by Ashley Farley

  “Bennett,” Jamie said. “But I doubt you know her. She wasn’t in my graduating class at PHS. She went off to boarding school in Virginia.”

  “You’re not talking about Donna Bennett’s daughter, are you?” Sam shared a mutual dislike with Donna that traced back to childhood.

  “I have no idea.” Jamie nudged Sophia. “Is her mom’s name Donna?”

  “How would I know?” Sophia snapped.

  “It must be the same Bennett. This town is only so big. I’m warning you, Jamie,” Sam said with a jabbing finger. “Mind your manners while you’re in their home.”

  “Geez, Mom. I’m not going on a playdate. Stop treating me like a baby.”

  Sam’s face tightened. “You are still my child as long as you’re living under my roof and I’m paying your tuition. And not so late tonight, son. We have church in the morning.”

  Jamie’s jaw dropped. “Come on, Mom. Cut me some slack. I’m in college. I don’t have a curfew when I’m at school.”

  “Well you do while you’re at home.”

  “No one’s stopping you from going to bed, Mom.”

  “Going to bed and sleeping are two different things. I can’t rest easy until I know you’re home safe and sound, especially since you have a houseguest.”

  “We’ll be quiet tonight, Sam. I promise.” Sophia took Jamie by the hand and dragged him across the kitchen. “We better get changed. Rachel is expecting us soon.”

  Sam watched them go. Sam? I don’t remember giving her permission to call me by my first name.

  She was still sitting at the island, pondering this younger generation, wondering how they’d become so rude and entitled, when Jamie and Sophia left around seven thirty. “Don’t forget to put the tree in water,” she called after them.

  “I’m on it,” Jamie said, a fraction of a second before Sophia slammed the door shut.

  When Eli arrived a few minutes later, he found her staring into her empty teacup. “Tough day?” he asked, sliding onto the bar stool beside her.

  “Yes and no.” She leaned back in her chair. “Business is great. No complaints there. But I’m exhausted. Jamie and Sophia stayed out way too late last night. What’s wrong with me that I can’t go to sleep until he gets home? I’m sure other parents with kids in college don’t wait up for them.”

  “I wouldn’t know. Obviously. But I imagine I would feel the same in your shoes. Not only are you concerned for Jamie, you’re responsible for his houseguest as well.” He tilted her head back and kissed her lips. “Are you up for going to Brad’s? I get the impression the guys are planning a surprise for us.”

  Sam’s eyes widened. “You mean like a wedding shower?”

  He traced her lips with his finger. “I could be wrong. No one has mentioned anything specific, but a lot of whispering has gone on behind my back at the station lately.”

  Sam had a sudden sinking feeling. “You don’t think they’re planning to take you off for a wild night of bachelor partying somewhere, do you?”

  “And risk the wrath of Samantha Sweeney? I don’t think so.”

  “I wouldn’t be too sure. If they try to kidnap you, they’ll have to do so over my dead body.” She hopped off the bar stool. “Who knows? Maybe going to Brad and Judy’s will help take my mind off SoDiva. But you’ll have to drive. I’m low on gas.”

  She pulled him to his feet, and he leaned in to kiss her neck. “Pee-yew. You smell like fish. I’ll put your Christmas tree in water while you go shower.”

  She pushed him away. “Jamie was supposed to do that.”

  “He must have forgotten.” Eli dipped his head toward the backyard. “Because it’s lying in the grass beside the garage.”

  Sam flushed. “He’s the one who wanted that damn tree. I swear, I don’t know what’s gotten into him. He usually does what I ask, and without me having to ask a second time.”

  “Don’t be too hard on him, honey. He’s distracted. His girl is in town. It’s Christmastime and they’re in love.”

  Sam’s head shot up. “In love? Please god, no! That girl is definitely not what I have in mind for my son.”

  Judy Swanson was Sam’s favorite of all the policemen’s wives. She was tiny, barely five feet tall, with a cap of unruly silver curls that sprang from her head like Slinkys. She greeted them at the door with a couple of nonalcoholic beers. “We know how much the two of you hate being the center of attention. And you would never have agreed to a party if we’d asked. So we planned a surprise shower for you instead.” She led Eli and Sam to the game room on the first floor of their split-level ranch where Eli’s coworkers and their wives stood chatting around a pile of gifts. “We thought an around-the-clock shower, where everyone brings a gift for entertaining at a particular time of day or night, might give the two of you the hint.” Judy clapped her hands. “Invite us to the bungalow. Soon.”

  Much to her surprise, Sam enjoyed opening their presents, receiving gifts that she and Eli would share as husband and wife. They got one of everything anyone would ever need to throw a party—trays, platters, serving utensils, salad tongs, insulated tumblers, crystal glasses. Someone even gave them a waffle iron.

  “This is too much,” Sam said, spreading her arms wide when the last gift had been opened. “I can hardly wait to invite you all to our new home as soon as we get settled.”

  Brad stepped forward. “We have one last gift.” He turned to Sam. “I’m sorry. It’s more for Eli, but you’ll benefit from it in a different way.” He opened the back door to the patio. “Unfortunately you’re gonna have to come outside in the cold to receive it.”

  The party guests filed out and gathered around a large green oval-shaped contraption.

  “What is that?” Sam asked.

  “It’s a Big Green Egg, only the best charcoal grill-slash-smoker money can buy,” Eli said, running his hand over the ceramic surface of the grill. “I can’t believe you bought this for me.”

  Brad slapped Eli on the back. “We wanted to do something special for you. This seemed like the obvious choice, since you’re the official grill master.”

  Eli lifted the lid. “You guys shouldn’t have. I know how much these things cost.”

  “Evan Brewster over at the hardware store was more than happy to cut us a deal when he found out we were buying it for you.” Brad peered inside the cooking chamber. “I’ll keep it for you until you get settled in your new house. I thought I’d christen it on Christmas Eve with my beef tenderloin.”

  Eli laughed. “You go right ahead.”

  Brad turned to his gas grill behind him. “In the meantime, we need to fire this baby up if we want to eat before midnight.”

  The men cooked hamburgers while the women arranged the assortment of salads and side dishes they’d all contributed on the dining room table. They went back to the game room to eat where the discussion quickly turned to police work. The men entertained their wives with stories of courage and funny tales of life as small-town cops.

  Eli and Sam were loading their gifts in the back of the police cruiser when he received a call from Luke Tanner, a rookie member of the force who was working the night shift. Eli listened for a minute before he said, “I’m on my way,” and hung up.

  “What’s wrong?” Sam asked.

  “Luke busted a party at a house on Creekside out past Moss Creek Farm. A bunch of underage kids drinking, mostly college students.”

  “Let me guess. Jamie is one of them.”

  “And Sophia.” Eli slammed the trunk closed. “We need to get out there.” They climbed in the car and Eli peeled out down the street.

  “What are the penalties for a minor in possession charge?” Sam asked, gripping the handle on the roof when Eli made a sudden sharp turn.

  “If Luke writes him a ticket, Jamie would have to pay a small fine and attend an alcohol prevention education program.”

  “That might not be all bad. Maybe he’ll learn a thing or two.”

  Eli approached a red light and looked both
ways before cruising on through. “According to Luke, there are at least fifty kids out here. He has a crew on site and they’re breathalyzing all of them.”

  “Including Jamie?”

  “He didn’t say. All I know is, he’s holding Jamie and Sophia in the back of his squad car out in front of the house.”

  “Where are the parents? I know the mother, you know. Donna Bennett may be my least favorite person in the whole world.”

  “Out of town, apparently.”

  Upon arrival at the scene, Eli pulled up beside the other patrol cars parked haphazardly in the driveway. Sam started to get out of the car, but Eli grabbed her arm. “I think it’s better if you let me handle this. I’m hoping I can convince Luke to release them into my custody without writing them a ticket.”

  “You’re in charge.” Sam settled back in her seat. “As far as I’m concerned, he can throw the two of them in jail. Tell him to keep them there until after Christmas. At least they’ll stay safe and out of trouble.”

  TWELVE

  Sam had never seen her son drunk before. She’d known him to have an occasional beer at a tailgate party, or a family event like Faith’s wedding. It’s not that she was naive. She suspected he drank in excess on occasion at school. He’d just never done it around her. Perhaps out of respect for her addiction problems. Now, with slurred speech and bloodshot eyes, he was more than a little tipsy. And Sophia was totally in the bag. Her head dangled from her neck, lolling back and forth every time the car turned.

  “I’m not sure how I feel about Luke letting the two of you off the hook.” Sam leaned in between the seats so she could see Sophia and Jamie in the back. “I don’t need to tell you how disappointed I am. Especially in you, Jamie. You know how hard I struggle with my addiction. You realize that certain aspects of alcoholism are inherited.”

  “Ah, Mom.” Jamie swatted his hand at her. “I’m not an alcoholic. I hardly ever drink. It’s just tonight . . . well, I had a teensy-weensy hit off Rachel’s brother’s bong.”

  Sophia’s body stiffened and her head shot up. “Don’t tell your mother that, you idiot.” She shoved Jamie, and he toppled over, breaking into a fit of laughter.

  “Drinking is one thing, Jamie,” Sam said, when he finally stopped laughing. “But I won’t tolerate drug use of any kind.”

  Jamie smacked the back of Sam’s seat. “Haven’t you heard, Mom? It’s legal to smoke weed in this country.”

  Eli sought Jamie out in the rearview mirror. “Not in the country, son. Only four states have legalized marijuana for recreational use, one of which is definitely not South Carolina. But I’m pretty sure you know this already.”

  “Yes, sir,” Jamie said, his brow knitted.

  “Don’t worry, honey,” Eli said to Sam. “The drug dogs are searching the Bennett’s house now. They’ll find whatever’s left and destroy it.”

  “Of all people, you had to pick Donna Bennett’s daughter to party with. That woman will smear your name all over town whether you’re guilty or not. I can’t believe—”

  Eli cut Sam off with a shake of his head. “You’re wasting your breath, sweetheart,” he said, his voice not much more than a whisper. “Save the lecture for when he’s sober.”

  She shifted in her seat to face the front. “You’re right. I doubt he even remembers any of this in the morning.” She propped her cowboy boots on the dash and buried her face in her hands for the rest of the ride home.

  Eli parked on the curb in front of the house. “It’s been a long night. I suggest we all go to bed, and talk about this in the morning.”

  “After church,” Sam added.

  Jamie hiccuped. “Yeah! After you calm down.”

  “I can’t get out.” Sophia said, struggling with the door handle. “What’s wrong with this stupid door?”

  Eli clicked the unlock button. “Sorry. I had you locked in.”

  “I don’t feel so good.” With one hand covering her mouth, Sophia pushed the door open and ran toward the house. She was halfway to the front porch when she stopped in her tracks, bent over, and projectile vomited all over the sidewalk.

  Sam, Jamie, and Eli jumped out of the car and rushed to her side.

  “That’s gross,” Jamie said, staring down at the throw up. “I see chunks of pizza in there.”

  Eli gripped Jamie’s shoulder. “This is serious, son. We may need to take her to the hospital. Do you know what and how much she had to drink or smoke tonight?”

  Jamie looked up from the vomit and took a step back. “No, sir. She was hanging out with her friends most of the time. They played beer pong for a while at the kitchen table.”

  “So she was only drinking beer?”

  Jamie screwed his face up as he thought about it. “Now that I think about it. One of them had a bottle of tequila. I don’t know if she drank any.”

  “Did she smoke any marijuana?” Sam asked.

  “I have no idea.”

  Sophia dropped to her knees and threw up again. “Let’s get her inside.” Eli swept her into his arms and carried her to the house.

  Jamie started off behind Eli, but Sam grabbed him by the arm. “Not so fast.” She pointed at the vomit on the sidewalk. “Get the hose and wash this mess off. That’s the last thing I want to see tomorrow morning when I come out for the paper.”

  “But, Mom!” Jamie wrapped his arms around his chest. “It’s freezing out here.”

  Sam realized for the first time that her son wasn’t wearing his coat. “Good. That means you’ll get the job done quicker.” She turned her back on him and headed up the sidewalk. “By the way, you’re in double the trouble if you lost your new coat,” she called over her shoulder.

  Sam found Eli in the bathroom holding Sophia’s thick auburn hair back from her face while she puked in the toilet.

  He looked up at Sam. “Do you have any idea where this girl’s parents are?”

  “In Moscow. That’s all I know.” Sam handed him a washcloth to wipe Sophia’s mouth.

  “She’s probably fine, but since we’re responsible for her in her parents’ absence, just to be on the safe side, I think we should call Mike.”

  “Good idea. I’ll see if I can get him on the phone.” Sam went into the hall where her voice wouldn’t echo. Her brother-in-law answered on the second ring. “I’m sorry to bother you so late, Mike, but I have an emergency and I need your advice.” She explained the situation.

  “Vomiting is a good sign, but I’m happy to check her out anyway.”

  “I’ll bring her in right away. Will you be at the hospital for a while?”

  “Actually, I’m at home. I have the night off. Why don’t I come to you?”

  “I hate to ask you to do that.” She heard Sophia retching in the bathroom and quickly added, “But under the circumstances, I’ll take you up on the offer.”

  Mike arrived fifteen minutes later with his cheeks pink from the cold and his hair disheveled. “I spoke to Jamie on the way in. I think he’s afraid to come inside.”

  “He should be,” Sam said.

  Mike snickered. “I grilled him a little. Aside from being slightly intoxicated, he seems fine.”

  “Trust me, he won’t be tomorrow when I’m finished with him.”

  Mike patted Sam on the shoulder. “Even good kids make mistakes sometimes.”

  “My good kid appears to be under the spell of an extraordinarily selfish, inconsiderate young woman.”

  He shrugged off his coat and dropped it in the chair beside the door. “Is this selfish and inconsiderate young woman Sophia? The girl Jamie is gaga over?”

  “The one and only. Come meet her for yourself.” Sam led him to the bathroom.

  Mike inclined his head in greeting to Eli and bent down beside Sophia on the floor. “How much has she vomited?” he asked as he felt her pulse.

  “Outside twice, and four times in here,” Eli said. “I doubt there’s much left in her stomach.”

  “Is she making any sense?”

  �
�She was talking some gibberish. But she seems to know where she is and that her parents are spending the holidays in Russia.”

  “Let’s see if we can get her to sit up.” Together they helped Sophia to a sitting position. Mike tapped her lightly on the cheek. “Sophia, can you hear me?”

  She cracked an eyelid and a bloodshot blue eye appeared. “Who are you?”

  “I’m Jamie’s uncle, Mike. I’m also an ER doctor. I think you should go to the emergency room and get some IV fluids. You’ll be glad you did in the morning.”

  “No! I’m not going to any hospital.” Sophia wiped spittle from her mouth with her sleeve. “I’ll be fine. I just need two Advil and a tall glass of water.” Using the toilet for support, she hauled herself to her feet. She took two steps, stumbled, righted herself, and then wobbled out of the bathroom.

  Sam shook her head in wonder at the girl’s rapid recovery. “Two Advil and a tall glass of water? Sounds like she’s been in this condition before.”

  They moved to the hallway. “She’ll be fine,” Mike said. “But you should keep an eye on her tonight. If you have any concerns, take her to the emergency room.” He handed Sam a business card. “I’ve written the name of the attending physician on the back, along with his cell number. I spoke to him on the way over here. Several other kids from this same party were brought in in similar condition.”

  “Why do these kids drink themselves into such a state?” Sam asked. “Speaking from my own experience, I understand all too well why adults abuse alcohol, but what sorrows do these kids have to drown?”

  “You’d be surprised at the challenges facing our nation’s youth,” Mike said. “The peer pressure brought on by social media alone is enough to destroy their confidence. They struggle with their identities. Competition to get into good colleges is at an all-time high. They come from divided homes. Pressure to perform on the sporting fields is out of control. And the drinking age doesn’t help. They’re going to drink, regardless of the law. But they aren’t allowed to drink in public, so they’re forced to hide it, which means they end up abusing alcohol by drinking too much, too quick.” He gave Sam’s shoulder a pat. “You’re lucky you haven’t faced any of these issues with Jamie. He’s a great kid. You’ve done a good job. Go easy on him.”