A Cop and a Con

Chapter 2-1

Chapter 2

Inside the simple but homey little hacienda Deputy Parker called home, Ike used the bathroom and then went straight into the room Parker had showed him. The double bed was neatly made, topped with what looked like two or three bright Mexican blankets, with crisp white sheets peeking out and a couple of plump pillows, also white. He’d put Rojo down as soon as Parker left. The dog had scampered past him, sniffing around the room before he jumped onto the bed and curled up in a ball, just below the spot where the two pillows met.

Ike had to grin. His small mascot was not shy about getting comfortable. He might as well do the same. First thing, he shucked off the dingy clothes down to his Jockey shorts. Ought to shower, but he was too tired and this back room wasn’t real warm. Next, he pulled the bedding back enough so he could slip between the sheets. Gawd, they were soft, smooth, and smelled really clean. The single sheet on his prison bunk had always felt like burlap and smelled like old sweat and dirt, even if it was freshly washed. The pillow had been thin and hard. Drawing the covers up over his shoulders, he stretched out. Beneath his weary bones, the mattress felt firm but not rock hard. His head settled into the comfort of one pillow, while Red wriggled closer, almost at his neck. Within minutes, warmth enfolded him along with sleep. Beat the hell out of the side of that highway, he thought, in a last dim moment. He didn’t expect to wake up dead here, either. For now, life was good.