Page 94 of Cautious Love

“Your check-in will be at Perry’s on Friday nights. Luke willhappen to be there. Be careful, you’re fired, and we need a little more time to get ducks in a row,” I tell him.

He nods. “Alright, boys, I’ll see you when I see you.”

I’ve never been undercover, never had to be. But I know other guys from other forces who have, and it’s not easy, you have to separate yourself from what you know is true. You have to lean into the darker side of yourself that no one intends to show. It’san exhausting form of mental gymnastics, but you can’t let your guard down at the same time.

“I’m going to dig deeper into financials, and I’ll coordinate with the DEA to get them before the shipment. They can’t cross state lines.”

We sit there silently for a moment, both overwhelmed by what we need to do, but Shiloh is at the front of my mind.

“My next task is to track Grey down and bring him in. We need to get him off the street. I’m … worried about Shiloh.”

“Alright, let’s go get him then,” Luke says leading the way.

He will do the arresting, but I’ll get to watch and that lightens the mood pretty quick.

This is all going to work out. It has to.

Driving to Grey’s house, I slow down, observing. Hoping I see movement, praying for my moment. But his truck is gone, and it doesn’t look like anyone is home.

I stand on the sidewalk while Luke knocks on the door. He waits and knocks again, nothing. “I don’t think anyone is home,” Luke says.

I need to go talk to a certain neighbor who might know something. “Give me a minute,” I yell.

Sighing, I walk across the street to Ms. Maise’s house.

She opens the door before I have a chance to knock and steps to the side letting me in.

“Can I get you a cup of coffee, Sheriff?” she asks.

“Uh, sure but this won’t take long Ms. Maisie.”

She scoots to her kitchen and comes back with a hot cup of coffee. I’m exhausted, but I can’t be this evening so I drink it happily.

Ms. Maisie gestures for me to sit on the sofa and she drops into her chair across from me.

“What can I help you with?” she asks.

I take another long sip. I’m afraid to ask her this for fear it will put her in danger, but it’s worth asking.

“Ms. Maise, I’m about to ask you something that … I can’t guarantee won’t have some kind of blowback.”

She makes a face and I gestures for me to continue.

“Alright then, if anyone asks I was following up regarding the vandalism. Have you seen him recently?”

She takes a sip of her own coffee and tilts her head trying to recall.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve seen him for a couple days. He tore out of his driveway in that silly truck about three days ago and I haven’t seen him since.”

I toss back the rest of my coffee and stand. “Thank you for your time. If you see anything or anyone, will you give me a call? This is my direct number.” I hand her the card with my cell written on the back.

“Not a problem, happy to help,” she says.

“Thank you but please, don’t do anything just call me.”

Ms. Maise huffs. “Son, I’ve been around, and up and down the block more times than I can count before you were born. Don’t you worry about me.”

I hold out my hand, and she takes it. “Thank you for the coffee.”