Officer Jones

Chapter 76

Rockfield

October 7

All flights were canceled on Thursday night due to Hurricane Ava. This was not good news for the woman who had the misfortune of working the ticket counter. Dealing with JP Warner was not discussed in the job manual.

I thought of driving, but the reality was that I would arrive in Rockfield no earlier than Friday morning, no matter what I did. So I gritted my teeth and took the first flight the next morning.

When I finally arrived, I purchased a new cell phone. I then tried to get in touch with Christina, but she was nowhere to be found … or more likely, wasn’t answering. So I was forced to call my mother for a ride, which made me feel like I was twelve years old. She sent Ethan instead. It was an obvious attempt by Mom to get the two bickering brothers together.

“Nice shiner,” I greeted Ethan. I knew it resulted from the fight he had in my honor.

“You should see the other guy,” Ethan replied, stealing my line. We climbed into his minivan, which was filled with a strange combination of dolls and football equipment. I saw it as another sign that I should never have children.

“I really appreciate what you did for me.”

“It was nothing. Although, I’m not sure the school board sees it as such a noble act.”

“What did they say?”

“I can coach the rest of the regular season. But I will be suspended for the league championship game and state playoffs.”

Guilt churned in my stomach. “That’s total BS! They purposely took you out at the pinnacle of your career to make a point that they wouldn’t play any favors because Dad’s on the board.”

“The pinnacle of my career is every day when I wake up and get to do something I love for a living. I’m lucky they didn’t fire me.”

“It really doesn’t bother you they are taking away your chance to win your first state championship? This year was your best shot,” I replied, perplexed.

“It’s not my championship, JP … it’s the kids’ championship.”

I took a moment to let it sink in. Just more proof that we were from different planets. “You really are about the story and not the glory.”

“Huh?”

I smiled. “It’s just that I always wanted to be like my older brother. I guess the more things change the more they stay the same.”

“Try living with three screaming kids, and busting your rear to make the next mortgage payment, then tell me you still want to be like me.”

“I wish I could have been a better role model for Noah.”

Ethan patted me on the shoulder. “If Noah knew what you were doing for him he’d be proud. Did you find anything new about Jones on your trip?”

I was too tired to go through the whole convoluted story, and explain how his real name was Benson. “Nothing I can prove. Is there anything positive we can talk about?”

“The Rockfield High football team is undefeated-are you coming to the game tonight?”

“Now that’s positive. I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Keep the good vibes going.”

“Mom tells me that you and Gwen might be getting back together.”

That didn’t last long. My face slumped. “There’s a problem.”

“I’m sure whatever it is you two will work it out. You’re meant for each other,” he said, sounding like he was giving his team a pep talk.

“It’s a big problem.”

“Another man?”

“Kind of.”

“What does that mean?”

“Jones is holding her captive.”

Ethan slammed the breaks in the middle of the I-84, almost causing a thirty-car pile-up. “You’re sure?”

“Yes.”

At least I hoped she was a captive. The alternative was too dismal to even think about. I was banking on the fact that Benson was intelligent, and the smart move would be to keep her as an insurance policy.

“Then what are we waiting for? Let’s go to the cops.”

I shook my head. “The only way to get her back is to lure him out. If we scare him we might never see her or Carter again.”

“He has Carter, too?”

I nodded.

“Do you have a plan?” Ethan asked.

“I need you to take me to Town Hall.”