51: The Beginning

By Liz Reeder

Lindsay Gold has recently been fired from her deputys position at a small county sheriffs department in the Missouri Ozarks. Just as her family has begun to recover, however, two members of the county commission show up at her door. It seems the previous sheriff has quit, and they want her for the job.

When Lindsay assumes control of the department, she soon finds herself dealing with an incident that occurs on the local military base. Even worse, shes receiving calls regarding strange creatures and paranormal activities. Fortunately, she has the help of a federal agent who is in charge of the program that caused the problems. Unfortunately, that agent, Wren Gold, happens to be her husband, who never told her what his job really involved. Now the couple must work together in order to manage the strange events of the county. Lindsay had expected a normal sheriffs job, but she could not have been more wrong.

In this science fiction novel, a woman accepts a job as a country sheriff and then encounters bizarre events courtesy of a military base and her federal agent husband.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Archway Publishing
• Release date: Oct 5, 2017
• ISBN: 9781480853225

Liz Reeder

Liz Reeder grew up in the Missouri Ozarks and continues to live there with her son.

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Copyright © 2017 Liz Reeder.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, names, incidents, organizations, and dialogue in this novel are either the products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Archway Publishing

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-4808-5321-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4808-5322-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017955436

Archway Publishing rev. date: 10/02/2017

Contents

Prologue

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

PROLOGUE

Lindsay Gold was at home when she heard a knock on the door. Standing at her door were two gentlemen she knew well. She didn’t really like them, but she knew them. They were Bill Marks and Roy James, members of the county commission, and they rarely had anything nice to say to her.

What can I help you gentlemen with today? she asked with irritation in her voice.

May we come in? We need to speak with you about something, answered Commissioner Marks.

Lindsay politely stepped to the side and motioned for them to enter. That was where the politeness stopped.

Lindsay looked and the two commissioners and plainly asked, What do you want?

Roy was looking at the floor as if he were trying to memorize the design in the rug when Bill looked at him so as usual, Bill did all the talking.

First, let me say I’m sorry the sheriff fired you. Recently, some things have come to light and have made us realize those reports of yours were right. I read them, and I know what they said. And I think you were telling the truth said Bill.

Lindsay put her hand up. Stop right there. Why this sudden change? You told me that I was either high or crazy when you talked to me about that. You and the sheriff both told me that I should have never put anything like that in a report and I was going to embarrass the county. She looked at Bill and Roy, who was still looking at the rug, and asked, Where is the sheriff anyway? I have the feeling he doesn’t know you’re here because if he did he would have already called me and told me to not talk to you about this.

Bill nudged Roy in the ribs to make him look up, at least briefly. As soon as he looked Lindsay in the face, he immediately looked back down at the rug. Bill scowled at him and turned back to Lindsay. Well, there is a problem with the sheriff.

Lindsay’s head tipped to the side, What kind of problem?

Well, we are still trying to figure that out exactly. He had a friend call him last night instead of calling the sheriff’s departments. He said there was something prowling around his house but couldn’t tell what it was. The sheriff went out there, and something attacked him and his patrol car. When he called me, he was talking so fast I could barely understand him. All I could catch was that it was big, it was real, you were telling the truth, and he quits. Bill paused and let out a sigh.

I called him back this morning and he was calmer, but he said he quits as far as being the county sheriff. He never wants to set foot back in that office or take another call again.

Lindsay stood, shaking her head in disbelief. So why are you telling me all this?

Bill looked as if he were at a loss for words. He took another deep breath and let it out slowly, almost as if he were trying to figure out what to say. He looked back up at Lindsay and slowly started speaking. We need your help with this. The sheriff thinks whatever he saw and what you say you saw are the same thing.

Why do you want my help? I was fired. Remember? This shouldn’t be that hard. The chief deputy takes over until an election can be held, and if it was an animal, call the Conservation Department to deal with the attack on the sheriff and the patrol car. Lindsay was looking at Roy the entire time she spoke. Roy, does that sound right to you?

Roy answered, It sounds wonderful if the chief deputy hadn’t told us he will quit rather than take over that department. Oh, and the game warden told us that it was probably a domestic animal that ripped the light bar and door off the patrol car. He looked up and looked Lindsay in the face. Something happened and no one will talk about it. I am telling you that I am sorry you were fired. That should not have happened. We want to ask you to step in temporarily, if you can, as sheriff. Please.

Wow. Are you telling me that in this whole county you think I am the only one that is qualified to be temporary sheriff? she asked as she looked back and forth at the commissioners.

Roy smiled. Bill answered, There were several we asked before you, but none of them will do it. We told them what happened to the sheriff, and they laughed at us. They all refused and a few even told us to come here and talk to you.

Do you need an answer right now or can I call you in a couple of hours? Lindsay asked as she looked at Bill and Roy. I’m not telling you no. But I need to talk to a couple of people before I say yes. After what happened the last time I worked for the county, you should understand.

Bill grabbed her hand and started shaking it. I completely understand. You can take all the time you need today. If you want, you can call me in the morning with your answer. Thank you. Thank you.

The two county commissioners, turned and Bill began to open the front door.

Wait a minute, why are you so happy? I haven’t said yes yet. Lindsay questioned.

Roy turned and smiled, Because you are the only one who hasn’t said no.

Bill and Roy continued out the door, closing it behind them and leaving Lindsay standing in her living room with more questions than answers about what just happened. Her first step was to sit and both laugh and cry. Why was this happening? She then began to realize that she really wanted to do this. She knew it was temporary. But she had loved working for that department as a deputy. She was also thinking of everything her family went through after she was fired. Not only was the sudden loss of income a hit to the family but word quickly spread about her being fired, and her son and husband were harassed without mercy. It seemed like half of the county thought she was crazy or on drugs and seeing things and the other half were firm believers that what she reported was true. Her family was the first group of people she needed to talk to.

Lindsay sat on her sofa, holding her phone, trying to figure out what to say to her husband who was at work. She looked at her dog lying next to her. He wasn’t a pure bred or even a pretty dog, just some white hound mix, but he did know how to make someone feel better.

Crook, she said as she rubbed the top of his head, I really want to do this, but what do I say to them? What if they don’t want me to do this? I can’t blame them if they hate the idea. I guess I had better call Wren and tell him. I won’t bother the kid until he gets home from school.

Crook raised his head and looked at her, groaned, stretched, and laid his head back down.

I know exactly how you feel, bud, Lindsay told him as she dialed the phone. She was shaking as the phone rang. The offer was so exciting to her, but she was more afraid to tell her husband about it than anything she could remember doing before. The voicemail picked up. She only half listened as she tried to figure out what to say when she needed to leave the message. She managed to get out, It’s me. Call me as soon as you can I need to tell you something.

She sat there, trying to come up with something to say when he called back but couldn’t think of a word. He had been so angry at the county and then at its citizens for their actions. How was she going to tell him that she really wanted to take the job? It was crazy. Why, after everything that happened, go back to that department?

Just then, the phone rings. She looked down and saw it was her husband calling back. No more time for thinking.

Hi, babe, she answered.

Hey, have you heard anything about what is going on with the sheriff’s department? I have been hearing all kinds of rumors including the sheriff quitting and Bigfoot killing someone, he said before she could get anything out.

Well, that is kind of why I called. Bill and Roy came by to see me a little while ago. Bigfoot did not kill anyone. The sheriff did quit. Something did attack him and his patrol car. They also offered me the job as temporary sheriff. She just paused and waited for a reply.

Did you say yes? he asked.

After I tell you all that, that is the only question you ask? sounding a little confused.

That really is the only important one. I know how much you loved that department, he replied with concern in his voice.

Lindsay took a deep breath and let it out slowly. I did not say yes. I also did not say no. I wanted to talk to you first. They are giving me until morning to give them a final answer.

Take it! came after a short pause from Wren.

Take it?

Take it! If they came to you, they understand they need you. Don’t wait until morning, call them now. Tell them you will do it. I am going to see if I can get out of here now and come home. We will talk more then but don’t let this chance go. You will have the job you have always wanted and the beauty of it is you are replacing the man who fired you because he quit. I will be home soon. Take a deep breath and enjoy this.

Lindsay saw the picture of her husband on the phone screen and smiled. As usual, his first thought was of her and not what he had been thru because of her being fired. The next thought she had was what she was going to tell her son. Hopefully, he wouldn’t be too angry, but then again, he was a teenage boy, so you never know how it will go.

1

Lindsay got into her car. She was not even close to ready to go back to that department after what had happened, much less to be in charge of it. As she started to drive, she thought about all of the things she wanted to do that first day. One of the first things was to look through the personnel files so she knew who was working there. She had heard that several had been fired after they had voiced their disapproval of her having been fired.

First thing was to talk to Esther. Esther had been the receptionist and day dispatcher for so long no one could remember her not being there. She was the one that really ran that sheriff’s department. She knew everyone there and everything that happened no matter what time of the day or night. It didn’t matter what it was if you needed answers to a question, Esther was the lady to ask. Lindsay actually found herself smiling and looking forward to seeing Esther today. She would have coffee made and a smile on her face.

She turned at the street corner to go to the department. As she parked her car, she took a deep breath to prepare herself to walk through the door. She knew Esther would be there to tell her what was really going on.

As soon as Lindsay walked in, she saw someone she didn’t know in Esther’s place behind the counter. The young woman in dispatch was nothing like Esther. This lady was tall and thin, with long, dark hair shaved on each side of her head and many tattoos. What made her even more noticeable was the fact that even though she was very tall, she also wore six-inch heels.

Hi, I’m Lindsay Gold. I am taking over as temporary sheriff. Lindsay waited to see what the reply would be.

It turned out to be a pleasant surprise. It is so nice to meet you. My name is Cat, the tall brunette replied. I hope that you can fix a few things around here.

Fix things? That didn’t take long, Lindsay said. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but why are you here instead of Esther? She always works the day shift.

Cat got a strange look on her face. First, don’t worry about saying anything to bother or offend me, because I doubt that is even possible. Second, Esther sort of doesn’t work here anymore. She started falling asleep at work a lot, and the last time the old sheriff walked in and she was asleep, he decided it was probably best she retired.

Lindsay replied, I can understand that. She had been here what, sixty plus years? I just wish I had known I was looking forward to her smiling face this morning.

Cat instantly put a huge smile on her face. Does this help? I know it isn’t the same, but you should at least get a smile from someone.

Thanks. That actually does help. Lindsay looked around for a second and realized that many of the offices had been moved to different locations and that there had been some remodeling. Would you mind giving me a quick tour? Things have changed since the last time I was here.

I would love to, Cat said as she continued to smile.

The tour was quick. The only big change had been the removal of some storage space and addition of more desks in the area where the deputies did their reports and paperwork. The office the sheriff used had had the most work done. It had been completely remodeled. One wall was now glass. It had new, dark-red, paint and taxidermy animals on the walls.

Those animals have to go, Lindsay said.

Cat replied with one question. Would you like them in the Dumpster or in the closet?

With that, Lindsay had no doubt that Cat was going to be a very important person to her in this department. They had just met, and Cat didn’t question her decision but simply asked for clarification.

Let’s just put them in the closet for now. We don’t know who they belong to yet. Someone might want them back.

Cat immediately walked over to one large deer head on the wall and began to lift it off.

Cat, before you start that, would you do a huge favor for me? I would like to look through the personnel files of the current department employees, just so I know who works here. Is that something you can help me with? Lindsay watched Cat’s reaction very carefully.

I can get those for you right now. I’m guessing that you also want mine.

Yes, please.

Lindsay sat down at the sheriff’s desk and watched Cat walk out of the room. She was both in awe and completely terrified by this woman. On her heels, she was well over six feet. Lindsay wasn’t short, but she felt it next to Cat. She also had a feeling that there was a lot more to Cat than what she saw. Cat came back in moments later with a stack of files.

If you have any questions about anything, please feel free to ask, Cat said with that same big smile.

Lindsay looked at her and said, I do have one. Do Big Bob and Little Bob still work here?

Cat laughed, They still work here. They are some of the few that the old sheriff didn’t fire after he fired you. Why did the sheriff fire you, anyway? I have heard all kinds of rumors.

That is a story for another day, Lindsay replied. Thank you for the files and the info on Big Bob and Little Bob.

You’re welcome. And just yell if you need anything. God knows the old sheriff did, Cat turned and walked to the counter at the front of the office.

Lindsay decided to start with Cat’s file. She just had a feeling it was going to be interesting and full of surprises.

She was not disappointed. It turned out Cat’s full name was Ekaterina Dyatlov. She was born in Russia and became a citizen at the age of two when her family immigrated to the United States. She had been an honor student throughout high school as well as a star athlete. She had bachelor’s degrees in biology, criminal justice, and forensic science, with a master’s degree in forensics. Fantastic, Lindsay thought. This woman is smart and willing to learn.

Lindsay paused to look out at the counter where Cat was going through paperwork and realized this woman was working here because she wanted to, not because she had to. That was just the kind of person she liked.

She went back to Cat’s personnel file and continued reading. Cat was also trained in martial arts and had been a competitive gymnast. Very impressive, she thought. That shows commitment and dedication. She then got to the line that listed hobbies and other interests. Those included alternative model and dominatrix. Now it was beginning to make sense why she didn’t work for a larger department doing bigger and better things. Who would actually list that on their application or résumé?

Truly it didn’t matter. Cat seemed to be very good at her job. She also seemed to enjoy her job. If she was happy and did her job well, she was more likely to stay with the department. Lindsay also realized that if Cat intimidated her, she was also going to intimidate people who walked into the office to complain about nothing. That was a very good thing. She should be able to defuse things before they got too