Stolen Hearts

Chapter 2-1

Chapter 2

Working late hours wasn’t the norm for detective-ranger Chad Masters, but he’d taken on the extra shift for a number of reasons, none of which he cared to think of at that precise moment. According to his watch, he was due to head home in mere minutes. Surprisingly, the shift had gone by quietly and he was more than ready to call it a night. His bed beckoned. Tomorrow he was off with no plans in sight, meaning he would likely wind up back in the office. Work was a legitimate reason to avoid having a social life.

The big hand slid into place.

Chad stood, stretching his hands toward the ceiling in an effort to work the kinks out of his back. He yawned. Gathering up his suit jacket, draping it over his arm, Chad picked up his Stetson and headed for the door.

“Is it that time already?” Judy Fredricks asked. She sat behind the reception-s***h-dispatch desk, a crossword puzzle book spread open on the desk before her. She was semi-retired, having taken the job a few months back, claiming to be bored at home. There was only so much housework she could do, she said. Her hair was curly, golden blond, her eyes faded blue, and she made the most delicious cookies Chad had ever had the pleasure of tasting.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said. Chad stopped at the desk. “Norbert should be here any moment.”

“With a soda and a box of donuts,” she said, a twinkle in her eye. Last time Chad saw Norbert, the two passing like ships in the night, his belt looked strained at keeping his gut in check.

“Well, have a—” The rest of his phrase was cut off by the ringing of the phone. Judy sucked in a breath, then picked up the phone. Chad stood there listening to her end of the conversation, glancing back over his shoulder at one point to see if Norbert had appeared yet. It sounded like a call and by all rights he was off the clock, but Norbert was running late, leaving him to take the reins.

At the mention of shots fired he tensed.

Judy scribbled down an address, promising to have someone on the way pronto. She continued writing, the tip of the pen scratching against paper as she added notes. When she passed it to Chad she mouthed for him to be careful. He jammed his hat on his head and jogged toward his truck. A heartbeat later he pulled out of the lot, lights flashing. Norbert passed him on the way in.