Anguished

By George Encizo

Murder and mayhem hit close to home for Sheriff JD Pickens. Someone viciously attacked his father from behind, and his best friend, Leroy Jones, was shot in the back and left for dead. Several other attacks forced Pickens to seek outside help, not only for solving the crimes but for his peace of mind. Never before had Pickens and his deputies had to deal with so many harsh realities of life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Jun 28, 2021
• ISBN: 9781662914119

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

NINE-ONE-ONE, WHAT’S YOUR emergency? asked Joey Butler, the nighttime emergency dispatcher.

Oh, dear Lord...someone with a baseball bat just attacked a man! said a female in a shrill voice. I think I scared the guy off when I flashed my brights and honked the horn. He might have seen me, but I couldn’t see his face. He had on one of those hoodie things.

What’s your location, ma’am? asked Butler, keeping his eyes on the response monitor while typing the incident into the computer.

The convenience store on Park Avenue. I’m in the parking lot. Should I help the man?

Butler typed in the location, and the automatic response monitor lit up. No, ma’am. Stay in your vehicle. I just received another call from your location. An ambulance and a deputy should be there shortly. Butler exhaled. This wasn’t the first time he had been in a sticky situation like this. He was twenty-nine years old and still in grad school. He liked the night shift because he could work on his research papers and homework. He was on duty the night Sandy Parks and Adele Teeks attacked the sheriff’s office after they had ambushed deputies Zeke Jackson and Jason Conlon. Conlon had died from his wounds. Butler was frightened during the attack but had done his best to remain calm and finish his shift.

What’s your name, ma’am?

Butler could hear the woman breathing with difficultly like someone panicking. It’s...Lexi. Are you sure I shouldn’t help the poor man? He’s down on the ground and could be seriously hurt. I want to do something.

Remaining calm, Butler typed, Victim on the ground and then said, "You’re doing something, Lexi. You called 9-1-1. Stay calm and in your vehicle. Please."

He heard her sigh. Okay. Wait, the store clerk is helping the man. I should join him.

No, don’t...Lexi. Butler heard the sirens from the ambulance and a patrol car.

Thank goodness the ambulance is here and a deputy. Can I go now? I can do without gas for another day.

No, stay. The deputy will want your statement and the assailant’s description. What’s your last name, Lexi?

I’m sorry—I can’t wait. I’m going home.

"No, stay, Lexi, please." But it was too late. Lexi had hung up. Butler typed, Caller disconnected, and added the time. The first responders notified Butler that they were on the scene and tending to the victim.

CHAPTER 2

NEW YEAR’S DAY was always meant for watching football games instead of celebrating the first day of a new year in the Russell and Jeanette Pickens household with their son JD and his family. But this year, Russell and Jeanette were by themselves. Jeanette kept her husband company while knitting a pair of baby booties. They were her contribution to her ladies’ group for donation to the hospital’s maternity ward.

Did you see that, Jeanette? said Russell and pointed at the television. JD would never call a dumbhead play like that.

Yes, dear. But you’re watching a college game. JD coaches high school games.

Makes no difference. It was still a dumbhead call.

If you say so, dear. Would you like a cup of coffee and a piece of pie?

Russell grinned. Yes, I’d love both.

Jeanette got up and went into the kitchen. Seconds later, she called out to Russell, We’re out of coffee and creamer.

How’d that happen?

You went through three pots watching football. If you want coffee with pie and for breakfast, you’ll have to go to the store.

Now? But it’s the third quarter of the Rose Bowl. Can’t you go?

Seriously? You want me to go out in the dark? She put her hands on her hips. It’s up to you. If you want coffee, you’ll have to go to the store.

Doggone it, woman.

I heard that.

Russell stood. I’ll be right back. Pay attention to the game for me.

Yes, dear.

Russell mumbled, If only I had taught her how to drive.

I can still hear you. Jeanette sat and picked up her knitting. Darn fool. He made me drop a stitch. Now I’ll have to rescue it. The next sound she heard was the garage door opening.

The nearest place to their home was the convenience store on Park Avenue. After parking his truck, Russell carefully walked toward the entrance. When he entered, the clerk greeted him. Evening, Mr. Pickens. You’re out late.

Russell frowned. Yeah, my son is on vacation, and Jeanette forgot to pick up coffee and cream for our morning coffee. She insisted I get them tonight, so I’m out shopping. Russell shook his head. I swear it was like when she was pregnant.

The clerk smiled. Thank goodness at least she’s not.

Yeah.

Russell moved through the aisles until he found what he wanted, then walked to the counter and paid.

Have a nice evening, Mr. Pickens.

Russell waved back. You too, he said, then stopped. Say, I noticed you’ve got a few lights out in the parking lot. Better get them fixed before somebody gets hurt. Also, I had to be extra careful not to trip in a pothole. During the day I can see them, but with the recent downpour and the puddles filled with water, I couldn’t tell a pothole from a puddle. Russell pointed an index finger. Better get them fixed too.

Someone was supposed to take care of them today. I guess I’ll have to leave a note for the daytime clerk. You be careful, Mr. Pickens.

Russell nodded, left, walked toward his truck, and was struck from behind twice.

CHAPTER 3

THE EMTs WORKED on Russell, put him on a gurney and loaded him into the ambulance and rushed him to the hospital. The deputy on scene, Lea Abrue, called Detective Sergeant Amy Tucker and advised her that the victim was Sheriff JD Pickens’s father.

Was he hurt bad, Abrue? asked Amy.

The EMTs said it was a severe concussion. That’s all they told me, Amy.

Everyone addressed Detective Sergeant Tucker as Amy, as she wanted. She wore her dirty blonde hair under a ballcap. Her hair had more gray streaks lately, and it was a sign she was old enough to be the other deputies’ mother. Amy wasn’t comfortable standing on ceremony, especially with the sheriff.

Okay. If there were any witnesses, interview them and get their statements. I’m going to Mr. Pickens’s home to get his wife. I’ll bring her to the hospital.

After talking to Amy, Abrue approached the store clerk to take his statement. Can you tell me what happened and give me a description of the assailant?

Sorry, Deputy. I was in the store when it happened. I saw Russell...uh...Mr. Pickens get hit with a baseball bat from behind. Then the robber took off. He was wearing a hoodie. The clerk shrugged his shoulders. It could have been a female. He shrugged again. Sorry, that’s the best I can tell you. He raised an index finger. Wait. There was a vehicle near the gas pumps when I came to Mr. Pickens’s aid, but it took off. Whoever was in it musta been afraid to get involved.

Maybe, said Abrue. She looked at the darkened corner, then at a row of gas pumps. The lights were out above the pumps. Abrue guessed the assailant might have come from either the darkened corner or had been hiding by the gas pumps. The driver who left might have seen the assailant. We’ll try to find out who it was.

CHAPTER 4

"O H, GOD, NO! " shouted JD Pickens and bolted upright in bed. Pickens was six-foot -three- inches tall and the sheriff of a small rural county in Central Florida. It had two cities and several small towns with a combined population of just over sixteen thousand.

No what? asked his wife, Dr. Marge Davids, who was the county medical examiner. Marge had kept her maiden name for professional reasons. She had auburn shoulder-length hair and, at forty-six, was a year younger than Pickens.

My dad was mugged. I saw the whole thing.

No, JD, you had a nightmare. I spoke with your dad’s doctor, remember? She said your dad has been in a coma for several days. He should be awake soon. He’ll have to stay in the hospital for observation. Marge pulled him against her shoulder. Your mom’s been staying with him. We’ll visit them later.

Pickens breathed a sigh of relief. Where’s my phone? I have to call Billy and find out if he got the security tapes and identified the mugger.

Corporal Billy Thompson is one of Pickens’s senior deputies and considered the office technology wizard.

While on board the cruise ship, Pickens had gotten an urgent call from Detective Sergeant Amy Tucker advising him his father was in the hospital. The next day, the ship arrived in the port of Miami, and they disembarked. Pickens then drove straight to the hospital. While JD talked to his mother, Marge spoke to Mr. Pickens’s doctor. When JD was convinced there was nothing he could do, he drove Marge and Sarah home, then went to the sheriff’s office for an update.

Deputy Abrue gave Pickens a copy of her incident report, which included the detailed statements from the convenience store clerk and two customers who had been in the store the same time as his father. Unfortunately, the only witness in the parking area had left the scene, according to the store clerk. Billy was waiting for the security tape from the convenience store owner and was trying to locate Lexi, the witness who’d called 911 and left the scene. Amy had started a board. The only thing she had written was Mugging, the date 1/1/19, and Lexi. Satisfied Amy had the situation under control, Pickens went home.

* * *

No, JD, said Marge. It’s four-thirty in the morning. You can call Billy after breakfast. For now, let’s try to get some sleep.

Yeah, you’re right, and we both need sleep. Pickens grinned. Unless you want to pamper me.

Didn’t I pamper you last night? Pickens sniffled. Oh, alright, but you have to pamper me first.

Pickens kissed her on her mouth. Where do you want me to start?

Marge cast off the sheet covering her and removed her pajamas. Smartass, you know where to start. First, turn off the light.

Screw the light.

I thought you wanted me to screw you. Pickens turned the light off.

After breakfast, Pickens called Billy and asked about the security tapes. Unfortunately, Billy hadn’t yet received them.

The manager is waiting for the owner to grant permission, said Billy. It might take a couple of days.

Screw the owner. You tell the manager to give you those tapes or I’ll have him arrested for hindering an investigation. Pickens exhaled. He was furious. We’re talking about my dad, and I don’t care what we have to do.

But—

"Don’t ‘but’ me, Billy. Get it done. If necessary, have Amy go to the convenience store and threaten the manager. If she won’t, I will. Get it done. You hear me?"

Billy was about to respond, but Pickens ended the call.

Don’t you think you were harsh with Billy? asked Marge.

Pickens took a deep breath. I needed to be harsh. We’re talking about my dad, and I want to catch whoever mugged him. And I want it done now! Pickens slammed his fist on the kitchen counter.

Sarah, Pickens’s eleven-year-old daughter, who had auburn-colored hair and resembled Marge, clung to her mother, and Bailey growled. Bailey was at first Pickens’s dog when he’d gotten him as a puppy from the kennel a year after Sarah was born. But as Sarah grew, Bailey grew with her and became her dog. Sarah and Bailey had never seen Pickens get that angry.

JD! shouted Marge. "You frightened Sarah and Bailey. Enough with your anger. Your dad’s okay, and your deputies are doing the best they can. Control your emotions or get out of the house. Now!"

Pickens’s stomach knotted. He crumpled onto a chair and took several breaths. I’m sorry, Sarah. I didn’t mean to get upset. It’s not about you, it’s...

Sarah stepped forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. I know, Daddy. You’re upset about Grandpa. Bailey licked Pickens’s hand. Bailey understands too.

Pickens grinned. Thanks, sweetheart. You too, Bailey. He looked at Marge. I’m sorry, Marge.

Marge grinned. We understand. Let’s get ready, and we’ll go see your dad.

After clearing the breakfast table, Pickens and Marge dropped Sarah off at school, then left for the hospital in Pickens’s SUV. Bailey stayed behind and guarded the house.

Pickens parked, but before crossing the parking lot, he looked left, then right, to be sure no one was lurking to shoot him like when he and Amy went to see Deputy Conlon’s widow. Marge did the same. Assured there was no one, Pickens and Marge walked to the hospital’s entrance and then to Pickens’s father’s room. Like JD, Russell Pickens was being treated like a celebrity and had been given one of the VIP rooms instead of the ICU.

Pickens’s mother, Jeannette, was slumped over his father on one side of the bed. She was at her husband’s bedside just as Marge had been when JD was in the hospital. Russell’s eyes were closed. Dr. Smathers was on the opposite side checking his oxygen flow monitors. Pickens’s father, wearing a nasal mask attached to a ventilator, looked lifeless, and it caused an ache in the back of JD’s throat. He clutched his arms to his chest. Marge stood and was about to approach him when Dr. Smathers turned and acknowledged Pickens with a nod.

Dr. Smathers pressed a finger to her lips and nodded toward Pickens’s mother, indicating she was asleep. Next, Dr. Smathers approached Pickens and placed a hand on his shoulder. She’s been sleeping a while. Don’t disturb her. Your dad’s okay. You can go near him.

Thanks, said Pickens and approached the bedside. He had hoped his father had come out of the coma and he could talk to him.

Jeanette woke when Pickens and Marge were near the bedside. Jeanette had graying hair, and like her husband, was in her early seventies. She saw the pained gaze of worry on her son’s face. He’s still in a coma, JD, but his doctor said his condition is stable, and he’ll come out of it any day now. Maybe today. Let’s hope so.

Pickens placed a hand on his chest. Yeah, let’s hope so. How are you doing, Mom?

Jeanette let out an uncontrollable sob. Better now that I know your dad’s stable. She looked heavenward. I’m worried, JD.

Pickens stepped forward and put a hand on his mother’s shoulder. So am I, Mom. It won’t be long before Dad comes out of the coma.

How are you doing, JD? asked Jeanette. As always, Pickens’s mother was concerned about her loved ones more than herself.

Pickens bit his lip, attempting to hold back tears. I’m...I’m hanging in there. He could hardly get the response out.

Jeanette put her arm on her son’s arm. Good. With God’s help, we’ll get through this. I pray every day for your dad.

I’m sure he’s listening, Mom. Marge and I are praying too. So is Sarah.

Jeanette’s eyes lit up at the mention of her granddaughter. How is Sarah doing? Does she know her grandpa is in the hospital?

Yes. She was with us when we stopped by to look in on Dad when we got back from our cruise. He glanced at Marge. If you think it would help, we’ll try and bring her to visit Dad. Marge nodded.

Jeanette smiled. He may not know she’s here, but it might help. Just her being here would be a blessing for both of us.

We’ll bring her by on the weekend when she’s not in school.

Dr. Smathers interrupted the conversation. Sorry, folks, I think it best you talk outside the room. I don’t want to disturb Russell.

But... said Jeanette.

It’s okay, Mom. Dr. Smathers is right. I’ll come by later and again tomorrow. Do you need anything?

Jeanette frowned. Pickens knew she was disappointed. No. But sooner or later, I’ll need a change of clothes.

I’ll take care of it, said Marge.

Pickens hugged his mother then looked at his father. He had never seen his father as vulnerable as he was lying in the hospital bed. He’d always considered his father a man of steel with enormous faith, the faith that had brought him home to his wife from Vietnam, and the steel that had helped guide Pickens through his own life. Now here was Pickens without his father to guide him through this crisis and help his mother through it.

CHAPTER 5

WHILE PICKENS WAS at the hospital, Amy studied the board, and Billy fretted about the security tapes. The only thing on the board was the victim’s name, date, time, and location of the incident, and the witnesses’ names with little comment. Under Suspect, Amy had written Unidentified male or female wearing a hoodie.

It’s no use, Amy, said Billy. Without those tapes, there’s nothing to add, and I’m worried JD might fire me because I haven’t gotten them yet.

Amy stopped writing. Don’t worry, Billy. He won’t fire you. I’ll make sure he doesn’t.

But, Amy—

Billy, I’m the acting sheriff until JD says I’m not and the detective in charge of the case. Amy grinned and waved a hand. Sure, he’ll get upset with me, but it won’t be the first time or the last. Trust me. I can handle him.

Billy shook his head. I don’t know, Amy. He was really annoyed when he called this morning.

Amy ignored Billy’s worry and confidently approached him. You worry too much, Billy. Amy thrust her thumb to her chest. I’ll handle JD. Amy smiled. See? No worry.

Billy shook his head. I hope you’re right about this. I might take a break when JD comes in so I’m not here for the fireworks.

Coward, said Amy. I’ve got an idea. Let’s take a ride. Better yet, we’ll take two cars. You go to the convenience store; I’m going to Marilyn Nudley’s office. Also, have whoever’s on duty meet you at the store.

Billy’s brows hiked. You’re going to the county prosecutor’s office? What for?

To get a subpoena for those tapes. When you and whoever else get to the store, put your emergency lights on.

Why?

Intimidation, that’s why.

Billy checked with the dispatcher and had her contact the deputy on patrol. It was Ritchie Ortiz, and the dispatcher had him meet Billy at the convenience store where the muggings had taken place.

Amy visited Nudley at the county prosecutor’s office. When she explained why she wanted the subpoena, Nudley granted it immediately. Amy then called the Code Enforcement Office and explained the nonworking security lights and how they had contributed to the muggings. An enforcement officer was dispatched to the convenience store to investigate.

Armed with the subpoena and knowing a code enforcement officer was en route, Amy drove to the convenience store with her emergency lights on and parked.

Billy had parked his patrol car so patrons couldn’t park in the parking lot, and Deputy Ritchie Ortiz had parked his patrol car so patrons couldn’t get to the gas pumps. When several potential customers saw the sheriff’s cars, they drove off to get gas or groceries elsewhere.

Inside the store, the clerk watched, irritated.

Jeremy Bertlesom, the code enforcement officer, parked his truck near the front entrance and checked the potholes. He made notes and placed cones over each one. Then he went inside and had the clerk turn the outside lights on. He went back out and noted the security lights that were out. He also noted that the lights at a gas pump were out. He wrapped the nozzles with yellow caution tape to prevent them from being used.

Bertlesom went inside and issued citations for the unsafe conditions. Until you get those problems rectified, said Bertlesom, you’re shut down.

Are you serious? said the clerk.

Do I look like I’m not? replied Bertlesom. Get them rectified.

Amy stood by the door, enjoying the exchange. As Bertlesom walked past her, he smiled. That what you wanted? Bertlesom whispered.

Amy winked, then approached the clerk and glanced at her nametag. Brenda, I’ve got a subpoena for the security tapes. Amy handed it to her. I’m not leaving here without them, or you’re going with me to the sheriff’s office for failing to comply. Amy grinned. Any questions?

Brenda went rigid and bit her lip. I have to call my manager and the owner.

Call anyone you want, but if I don’t get those tapes, you’ll want to call an attorney.

Brenda’s face turned white. Screw this job and the owner. It’s not worth it. You can have the tapes, but I don’t know how to do it.

Wise decision, Brenda. I have someone who can help you. Amy opened the door and shouted, Billy, in here!

Billy entered. Yes, Detective?

Amy grinned. Show Brenda how to access the security tapes for as far back as Christmas.

On it, said Billy and walked behind the counter.

Brenda