Detective Mike

Chapter 4

"So why do you think they might run off then?"

"I asked Julie about it the next day and she acted angry that I watched. Then I see today when I got up she has a bag packed. She hid it but I chanced on it. I didn't say anything but..." she sounds real worried.

"Okay, I think I might know what it is. Rick and her have been cleaning up our trailer and Rick asked me to take it out to the club this weekend. He also asked if I would speak to you about Julie coming out with us."

"Do you think that's what it is?"

"That would be my guess."

"Hi Dad." Mike swings his chair around to find Rick behind him at the door. "Just going over to Julie's. I thought you might tell Mom. She's changing the baby upstairs."

"Oh, okay Rick. Don't be too late, you have school tomorrow."

"I know, Mom says eleven."

"I spoke to Julie's Mom so she can come with us this weekend."

"Great Dad, see you later." Rick goes up the stairs two at a time.

Mike speaks into the phone again, "It is okay for her to come with us, Sadie?"

"You know it is, Mike. You don't have to ask as long as you let me know." She goes on after a short break, "Will I see you soon?"

"When you least expect it." He chuckles.

"Not soon then?"

"Afraid not. I'm pretty busy this week."

"Oh well, I just thought I would ask..." Her voice trails off wistfully.

"Shady Sadie, you're gonna get me in big trouble, you know. I have to be discrete here around town."

Her voice is sad, "Okay, I know Mike. Take care then and thanks for setting my mind at ease." The phone clicks before he can reply so he goes to hang it up then hears her saying something more. "I know she's safe with you folks."

"We'll look after her, no problem. You take care now. Good night."

He hears her hang up and listens. Finally Marlene's voice says in his ear, "I thought you were on the phone a long time. What did she want?"

"Why don't you hang up and come downstairs. I'll tell you."

The phone goes dead with a click and Mike hangs up the receiver. He pushes his paperwork to one side and goes up to the kitchen. Marlene is just coming down from upstairs so he pours coffee for two. He puts her cup where she usually sits and pulls out a chair beside her.

She doesn't sit; she stands with hands on hips and says, "Well?"

"She called because she was afraid Julie was planning to run off with Rick. She found a bag of Julie's packed today."

"And you let him go over there tonight? After she told you that?"

"Sit down love," Mike feels tired. "Rick is not running off with Julie."

She glares at him, "How do you know?"

"Hon, she has just packed a bag for the weekend out at the club, I'm sure. Have a little faith in our son. Do you think he would do something like that?"

"He might... I don't know, he's so much like you! Damn Mike, you would if it came into your head when you were his age!"

"Maybe, but I didn't have a father to talk to like he has. I'm sure he's not planning on doing anything like that." He pats the chair, "Will you sit down, love?"

She sits on the edge of the chair, "Damn, you don't know what its like to be tied down now with the baby. When you're away I have to count on Rick and Shelly because I can't just jump up and go to their rescue. I haven't been tied down this way for years. I've forgotten how to do it."

"I'm here, love." He rubs the back of her neck and her shoulders.

She tries to push him away but it's a weak effort. She mumbles, "Until CPX calls or Trudy calls or Lily or who else..." Her shoulders relax as his hands work their magic. Finally she reaches for her coffee and sips it. He turns his chair so he can work his thumbs both sides of her spine down her back. She melts in the chair murmuring, "Oh Mike, its so good to have you home again."

Mike picks up his coffee and drinks some. Mike hears someone at the side door and then Rick comes in looking glum. Mike checks his watch. "What's up, sport? You're in awfully early."

"Nothing."

"Care for a hot chocolate?"

Rick shakes his head, "Naw, I'm heading up to bed. Good night Mom, Dad."

"Hey, hold on Rick," Mike nods for him to come back. "Why you looking so down?"

"Julie may not be going with us this weekend."

"Did you two have an argument?" Marlene is beaming.

Richard glares at her. "You don't like her, do you?"

"It's not that obvious, is it?" Marlene still looks happy.

Mike interrupts, "Did you have a disagreement with her, son?"

"She's crazy! She wanted me to run away with her! That's so foolish and she can't even understand why it's foolish. I told her she has it real good at home and no one is picking on her. She says her mother and sister are both watching her all the time. She's paranoid!"

"So what do you think she'll do?"

"If she doesn't take off tonight I think she'll cool down and forget it... I hope she forgets it."

"And if she takes off tonight where will she go?"

"Likely to Blatherwick's; her and Shannon are buddies at school. She lives just behind the Savoy out towards the airport. I forget the street name."

"That's all the way out the other end of Clearbrook. How would she get out there?"

"Walk, I guess. She's not scared to walk the streets after dark." He looks belligerent, "I've told her over and over again that's dangerous! She never listens to me!"

"Did you tell her that her mother said it was okay and she's welcome to come with us to the club?"

"Yeah, she sounded happy about that when she cooled down."

"Okay son. Let's hope she has enough sense to stay home tonight."

Rick lifts the coffee pot, "Can I?"

Mike looks at Marlene and she nods. Rick pours himself two thirds of a cup and fills it with milk then adds some sugar. He sits down with them. "Dad, when are you going to take me out again with the rifle?"

"You got the money for some ammo?"

"I've been saving some up. How much is a box of shells?"

"I'm not sure but I bet 30-30 shells are about ten bucks a box."

"Can't I get half a box?"

Mike grins, "What am I gonna do with the other half box?"

Looking up hopefully, "Hang on to them until I save up enough for them?"

Mike laughs but then asks, "Why is this so important? You know how to use the snare and the bow. You haven't forgotten that, have you?"

Rick lifts his head up high, "Those things don't protect a home. They're for hunting."

"Son, we have the police and firemen to protect our home."

"Yes Dad, most of the time." He looks straight at Mike. "If you are white they work for you much better."

Mike is shocked! "What do you mean, you know many metis who are police officers in both the local Matsqui police and the RCMP." He studies his son, "Have you had trouble at school?"

"Nothing I can't handle, Dad."

"How long have they been giving you a rough time?"

Marlene puts an arm around him protectively. He looks his Dad in the eye and speaks directly, "There always has been a core group. I have always watched out for Shelly and Jan and warned them what to watch for."

"Why have you never said anything?"

"I can care for myself and have always felt I could look after them... but the bullies are getting bigger and harder to avoid. Some are joining gangs and the day might come when I need to have help."

"Here? In Abbotsford? I've never seen this." He thinks this over, "What would you do if you needed 'help'?"

Rick looks away and says nothing.

Mike continues, "I hope your plans include calling 911. You know what I've always said about taking the law into your own hands."

Marlene pipes up, "Of course he would call 911. He knows that!"