The Bridge

By George Encizo

Losing a beloved pet was traumatic for JD Pickens and his daughter Sarah. What made matters worse was when Sarah took a liking to a boy, one Pickens didn’t know. Pickens wasn’t ready for Sarah to date because he feared losing his little girl’s heart. It created a chasm in their father-daughter relationship. When Sarah and her boyfriend witnessed a dog beaten and tossed in a truck, they followed it until the truck turned onto a dirt road. Sarah had called the incident to Deputy Billy Thompson and asked him to run the license plate. Billy agreed but asked her not to follow the truck, and they decided not to follow it.

The rift between Pickens and Sarah widened when Pickens solicited the boyfriend’s help locating the dirt road without telling Sarah. He agreed even though it got him in trouble with Sarah. After he pointed out the road, Billy contacted a member of his drone club and had her launch a drone to do aerial surveillance of the road.

The aerial surveillance revealed a compound with trucks and cages at the end of the road. Using the drone, Pickens and his team descended upon the compound only to discover the trucks were gone and the cages were empty, except for one. That cage had a malnourished dog chained up with no food or water and left to perish. With animal control as part of Pickens’s team, animal control rushed the dog to the shelter. Pickens hoped the dog would survive and he might adopt it. Unfortunately, the dog died, which angered Pickens.

After Sarah’s boyfriend took her fishing, Pickens attempted to bridge the chasm between them by offering to take her fishing, but Sarah thought Pickens was trying to drive a wedge between her and her boyfriend. Pickens assured Sarah he was only trying to bridge the gap between them, and Sarah eventually relented and agreed to go. The event ended up being a relationship mender, but Pickens kept a secret from Sarah. Ultimately, the secret was revealed when they visited Pickens’s parents, creating another rift between Pickens and Sarah. With the help of Pickens’s mother, Pickens escaped Sarah’s wrath, and their bond remained intact.

Angry over the death of the emaciated dog, Pickens vowed to track down the men who caged it along with other dogs at the compound. Billy came up with the name of one of the men, thanks to prints from the compound. But Pickens still couldn’t locate where the men were hiding, but a stroke of luck led Pickens to a remote farmhouse. After Sarah mentioned that she and her boyfriend were going on a helicopter ride, Pickens asked her to get the pilot’s name, so he could enlist the help of the pilot to descend upon the farmhouse and arrest the dognappers. Sarah agreed, and Pickens contacted the pilot and paid for his service by flying Pickens and a small team to the farmhouse. Once again, Pickens was days too late and found the dognappers dead, but a fingerprint left at the scene revealed another name, but it became difficult to locate the person.

Although Pickens was disappointed about the dead bodies, they happened upon a female dog and her litter. The dogs were taken to the shelter and cared for, and the veterinarian discovered a chip in the mother. Pickens attempted to locate its owner. Unfortunately, he found the owner dead in his trailer. Pickens decided he’d take the dogs if no one wanted. First, he had to locate any relatives of their former owner. Pickens discovered a son-in-law of the dogs’ former owner, but he didn’t want the dogs, so they became available for adoption. Pickens still had to locate the killer, but it proved difficult, as though he was a ghost. A twenty-year-old mug shot of the man led to Amy contacting the Jacksonville law enforcement agencies, but they were no help, and the case went cold.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Release date: Apr 28, 2023
• ISBN: 9781662938573

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE SPRAWLING E AGLE ’ S Nest guarded community, with its thirty-eight two- to three-acre homesites, was nestled in Jasper, Florida, south of the Florida-Georgia border and west of Jacksonville. Its amenities included a private airplane runway, an eighteen-hole golf course and clubhouse, equestrian trails, tennis courts, and an Olympic pool.

Juan Ocasio had just finished his morning ritual of several laps in his private pool. He toweled off, put on a robe, and sat in his favorite chair on the covered patio of his 4,500-square-foot luxury home. Ocasio’s live-in girlfriend gave him the newspaper and his morning cup of private blend coffee. She turned on the wall-mounted television and tuned it to a cable news network. The news show was a distraction because he didn’t care much about what was in the newspaper.

His other distraction was watching his girlfriend stroll to the poolside, remove her robe, and drop it on the lounge chair where she would later sun-bathe. Ocasio loved watching her sculptured body in the thong bathing suit. He smiled when she stretched and dived into the pool.

Next, Ocasio took a sip of his coffee and started reading the newspaper. When Ocasio turned to page 3, he almost spilled his coffee. Pictures of his former self filled the top third of the page, and he silently read the captions above them.

Son of a bitch, said Ocasio and he tossed the paper on the floor. His eyes saw the same pictures on the television, and he reached for the remote to turnup the sound.

The individual in these pictures, said the news anchor, is a person of interest in a triple homicide. The individual was the leader of a vicious gang that kept dogs chained in cages for nefarious reasons. They left behind an emaciated dog chained in a cage with no food or water and was hardly alive. The anchor paused to compose herself. Animal Control rushed the dog to the shelter, where staff tried to save it. Unfortunately, the dog died. If there is any saving grace to these tragic events, the authorities found a dog and her litter at the homicide scene abandoned and safe. The anchor showed a picture of three puppies.

If anyone has information about this individual, added the anchor, please call the tip line listed below. He is considered armed and dangerous. The Florida tip line scrawled across the bottom of the screen.

The other hosts oohed and awed at the puppies.

The intent of showing the puppies’ picture to the viewers was to tug at their heartstrings and cause them to call the tip line.

Ocasio heard the blaring sound of distant sirens and listened as a helicopter’s rotors whirred overhead. Ocasio’s neighbors must have read the newspaper or watched the cable news show and called the tip line. He summoned his two bodyguards, Floyd and Jimmy, and had them prepare for an all-out war with the law.

The bodyguards grabbed their AK-47s. Ocasio went behind the bar, unlocked a safe, and grabbed his weapons of choice: a 9mm Glock handgun and a 12-gauge shotgun pistol. Armed to the teeth, the three took their positions. The bodyguards were at the front of the house near the entrance. Ocasio preferred to wait near the poolside with his girlfriend beside him. If his bodyguards couldn’t stop the law from entering, Ocasio planned to escape into the woods at the rear of his property or shoot it out with the law. Either way, Ocasio had no intention of being captured and spending time in prison. He’d done that once and didn’t plan on doing it again, and neither did his bodyguards.

CHAPTER 2

IT HAD BEEN a long day for sixteen-year-old Sarah Pickens, filled with hours of a demanding class schedule and grueling volleyball practice. She was glad the school day was over. Sarah was also grateful that Annie Jones and her boyfriend had driven her home and dropped her off at the driveway.

She waved goodbye and walked to the mailbox. Grabbing the mail, Sarah rifled through the envelopes in search of one in particular. When she found it, she decided to wait to share the contents with someone in the house. Sarah sprinted up the walkway, onto the porch, and excitedly rushed inside.

Bailey! shouted Sarah. I’m home. Where are you?

Ordinarily, the dog would rush to her, rise on his hind legs, and lick her face. But Bailey didn’t run to her, and Sarah wondered where he was.

Bailey, are you asleep in Dad’s chair again? You naughty dog, you’re not supposed to do that. Sarah waited for a response and since she didn’t get one, said, Okay, if you won’t come to me, I’ll sneak up and catch you in the act.

She stepped into the family room, stealthily, and that was when her enthusiasm waned. Bailey wasn’t asleep in her father’s chair. He was on the floor with his tongue hanging out. Sarah dropped the mail, immediately dropped to the floor, and cradled Bailey’s head in her lap. Then she grabbed her phone and called her father.

He answered when he saw his daughter calling. Sweetheart, what is it? Did you get your SAT results?

Dad, it’s Bailey. Sarah could hardly get the words out. He’s hardly breathing, and I don’t know what to do.

Her father felt the ache in his heart. He knew this day would come, but he had hoped it would be later, not now.

Stay with him. I’ll be right there.

Hurry, Dad, please.

CHAPTER 3

JD P ICKENS was Sarah’s father and the sheriff of a small rural county in Central Florida. Pickens had been standing in his office and hurried from it after talking to his daughter.

Amy and Billy, said Pickens, I’ve got a family emergency and don’t know when or if I’ll be back.

Detective Sergeant Amy Tucker, Pickens’s oldest and senior deputy, acted as the sheriff when Pickens wasn’t available. She was a petite blonde who wore her hair in a ponytail. Corporal Billy Thompson was in charge of the office’s command center. Although a rare occasion, when Pickens left for an emergency, Tucker and Thompson weren’t surprised. The first time was when a deputy got ambushed and died. The second was when Pickens’s father woke up from a coma in the hospital. The third time was after Pickens’s friend Leroy Jones got shot in the back and left for dead.

When Pickens was in his SUV, he turned on the flashers and then hurried toward home. He called his wife, Dr. Marge Davids, the county medical examiner.

JD, what’s the matter?

It’s Bailey. I think his time has come. Sarah called, and she’s with him. Pickens could barely breathe. He felt anxious about what awaited him at home. I’m on my way now. Could you call Bailey’s vet and tell her we’re bringing him in?

Marge could sense Pickens was distraught. She also felt sad that the dog, who had been a part of his and Sarah’s life since he was a puppy, would depart the family. During the past two years, Bailey had developed hip dysplasia and started showing signs of the condition. Pickens and Sarah couldn’t take the dog for long walks, and Pickens could no longer take Bailey to the office with him in his truck. The signs were there that age was catching up to Bailey, and frequent trips to the vet assured them that it wouldn’t be long before Bailey would be gone. They all had hoped it would be a long time before it happened.

Marge called Dr. Deborah Lasting, Bailey’s veterinarian, and alerted her that Pickens was bringing Bailey in and that she, Pickens, and Sarah would be there. Marge left her office and drove to the vet’s office.

When Pickens entered the house, he felt and smelled death. Dealing with murder cases, he often had the same reaction upon arriving on the scene, but he hoped he wasn’t too late this time. Pickens saw Sarah on the floor, cradling Bailey in her lap and softly talking to him. He knew Sarah had a special gift and could speak with creatures large and small. She inherited it from her maternal great-grandmother, who was a veterinarian.

Pickens got down on the floor next to Sarah and Bailey. How is he doing?

Sarah had tears and sniffled as she said, Not good, Dad. I think it’s his time. He said he had a wonderful life and appreciated everything we did for him, but now it’s time to let him go.

Pickens’s heart ached for his daughter, the dog, as well as himself. I had Mom call Dr. Lasting. She’ll be waiting for us. We’ll take Bailey in my truck. He can sit on your lap if you want him to.

I do, and thank you, Dad, for being here with me. I hate to say goodbye to Bailey, but it’s what he wants.

I hate to say goodbye, too. Let’s not say goodbye. Let’s say, ‘We’ll see you again, Bailey, in another lifetime.’ Pickens put his arm around Sarah, pulled her close, and kissed the top of her head. How does that sound?

Better. Thank you, Dad, and Bailey said he likes that, too. Pickens stroked the dog’s back.

The dog quivered, then went still.

He’s gone, isn’t he, Dad?

Pickens could barely get the words out but tried, Yes, sweetheart, he is. Pickens couldn’t hold back the tears that fell from his eyes. He knew they had to take Bailey to the vet’s office for cremation so that they could bury Bailey’s remains in the backyard. We still have to take him to the vet’s office. I’ll carry Bailey. You open the front door and the door to my truck and get in. Then I’ll hand you Bailey.

Pickens had first carried Bailey to his truck when he had gotten the puppy from his owner. It wasn’t as though Pickens had chosen the puppy; it was more like the puppy had chosen Pickens. Out of all the puppies Pickens had looked at, Bailey was the one that had wandered over to Pickens, sat at Pickens’s feet, and looked up at him with a look that said, Take me, please. Pickens couldn’t resist. He bent down and picked up the puppy.

You want to go home with me? Pickens said. The puppy had licked Pickens’s face. Okay. I’ll take you home and name you Bailey.

It had been a happy occasion for Pickens and the puppy he’d named Bailey.

Sarah opened the front door. Pickens picked up Bailey, carried him outside, and then Sarah opened the truck’s passenger door and climbed in. Pickens then placed the dog on her lap, buckled in Sarah, and got in on the driver’s side. He started the truck, put the bubble on the rooftop, backed out of the driveway, and drove to the veterinarian’s office with the bubble flashing blue.

Marge was waiting when they arrived at the vet’s office. Pickens parked and got out of his truck. He shook his head, and Marge knew that Bailey was gone. She hugged Pickens, and walked with him to the passenger’s side. Pickens opened the door and started to take Bailey from Sarah.

No, Dad, not yet. Let me hold him a little longer, please.

Pickens turned to Marge, and she nodded.

Okay, sweetheart, when you’re ready. Pickens wiped a tear from his eye, turned to Marge, and noticed she had tears too. Pickens put his arm around Marge, and both watched as Sarah stroked the dog and whispered something to him.

I’m ready now, Sarah sniffled.

Pickens grabbed the dog, and Sarah got out of the truck. Pickens and his family walked together into the vet’s office. Dr. Lasting was waiting for them. She then led them to a room and closed the door. A vet assistant was also in the room.

He’s yours now, Dr. Lasting, said Pickens. We already said our goodbyes. I’ll pick up his ashes when they’re ready. Please put them in a nice urn. Money is no object.

The vet assistant took the dog from Pickens.

We’ll take good care of him, Sheriff and Sarah. I’ve cared for Bailey since I became the veterinarian here ten years ago. He’s like family to me. I’ve never cared for a sweeter dog than Bailey. It was a privilege to be able to care for him. My condolences.

Thank you, Dr. Lasting, said Sarah, who still had tears in her eyes.

Yes, thank you, Doc, said Pickens, who also had tears. Marge nodded.

After the vet assistant left with the dog, Pickens and his family left. Marge hugged and kissed Pickens and Sarah and returned to her office. Pickens and Sarah went home and decided to walk around the neighborhood as a testament to Bailey. Pickens didn’t return to the office. He stayed home with Sarah to comfort her and help put away Bailey’s dishes and toys.

If there was a silver lining to what had happened, it was that Bailey had died in the home where he lived and he wasn’t alone. Both Pickens and Sarah were with him in the end.

CHAPTER 4

THURSDAY , S ARAH S TAYED home from school. Pickens and Marge gave their permission as they knew she wanted to take the day to mourn Bailey. They would have stayed with her if they could, but their jobs required they be in the office.

Before leaving, Pickens asked Sarah, Tomorrow’s Friday, and you have a volleyball game. Are you going to stay home or go to school?

I haven’t thought about it. If I decide to stay home, I’ll call my coach and explain why I won’t be there. Is that okay, Dad?

As a slim five-foot-nine junior high school student, Sarah was the co-captain of the varsity volleyball team, and she had an eye on her future. She had never missed a volleyball game since she’d been on the team, but Pickens knew she had a reason to this time. It was because of Bailey’s death.

That’s fine, sweetheart. Whatever you decide is okay with Mom and me. Also, you should let Annie know you’re staying home.

Sarah’s lips pursed. I called her last night and told her. She’ll get whatever homework I’ll have. Annie Jones was Sarah’s best friend and the daughter of Leroy Jones, Pickens’s best friend.

Well, then, you enjoy your day off. Bye.

Sarah smiled, then Pickens left.

After he left, Sarah paced around the house, looking for signs of Bailey they had missed the day before. She found one of his chew toys under the couch in the living room and a squeaky toy behind a cushion. It must have been there the whole night and didn’t squeak when Pickens reclined on the couch.

Next, Sarah stepped out onto the screened porch and gazed around the backyard, remembering Bailey playing toss-the-ball with her. He’d chase the ball, return it to Sarah, and drop it at her feet. Sometimes he’d let her take it from his mouth, and other times, he’d hold on to the ball and make her chase him. Pickens had played the same game with Bailey when he had been a puppy.

After wiping her tears, Sarah went back into the house and went to her bedroom. She got on the bed and snuggled her pillow as though it was Bailey beside her. She fell asleep and slept the entire morning, not waking up until her phone rang.

Sarah thought about not answering and letting the call go to voicemail, but she grabbed the phone with an uncomfortable tightness in her chest. Hello.

Sarah, it’s Mom. Are you okay?

Sarah bit her lip. "Yes, Mom, I’m fine. You don’t have to check up on me. I’m a

big girl."

Marge dismissed her daughter’s remark. I know. I just wanted to be sure you were. Be sure and eat some lunch.

Sarah rolled her eyes, but her mother couldn’t see her do it. Yes, Mom. Bye.

Bye, honey.

After saying goodbye, Sarah went back to sleep.

* * *

When Pickens arrived at the office, he expected a slew of questions about his abrupt departure the day before. The first to ask was Amy.

Good morning, JD. Are you going to tell us why you left early yesterday?

Pickens exhaled. Good morning, Amy. Yes, I am. Bailey passed away.

Amy gasped.

When I got home, Sarah was with him. Pickens’s chest ached. Fortunately, I got there before he died in Sarah’s arms. He raised his palms. That’s all you need to know.

Amy offered an understanding nod. I’m sorry, JD. Bailey was a wonderful dog. I’m sure you and Sarah will miss him.

Yeah, thanks. Pickens pursed his lips. Anything important happen that I should be aware of?

Amy shook her head. Nothing. I checked with Detective Dunne, and everything has been quiet in Warfield.

Detective Sergeant Mia Dunne, an African American female, was Pickens’s other detective in charge of the Warfield Satellite Office.

Good, but let’s not let our guard down. We know that at times like this, something’s bound to happen. It always has.

Yeah, said Amy, but let’s hope not.

I agree, said Billy.

Okay, said Pickens. Since it’s all quiet, I’ll be in my office doing something. Let me know if you need me.

Ten-four, JD, said Amy.

Pickens rolled his eyes, turned, and went into his office. He put his feet on his desk, leaned back, and dozed off. When his phone dinged, Pickens was startled awake. He quickly reached for his phone, saw the caller’s name, and answered.

Sarah, what’s wrong? He knew she was home alone and would only call if something happened.

Nothing, Dad. A friend from school called. Annie told him about Bailey, and he wants to come over and talk.

Uh-oh, Pickens thought, his little girl would be home alone with a boy.

Dad, he lost his dog and understands what it’s like to lose the love of your life. He went through all the emotions and wants to help me get through them. His name is Zack Henry. Can he come over, please, Dad?

Pickens mulled it over. He had Marge to talk through his feelings, but Sarah needed someone her age who had gone through a similar experience. Pickens trusted his daughter wouldn’t do anything to compromise her, or his faith in her.

Okay, but don’t do anything I’ll regret.

Sarah rolled her eyes, but Pickens couldn’t see her do it. Dad, we’re just going to talk. Nothing else.

Call your mother and also tell her.

I will. Thanks, Dad. Bye.

Pickens was about to say goodbye to Sarah, but he looked at the blank screen and said, Dang.

Shortly after talking to Sarah, Pickens got a call from Marge.

Did you tell Sarah she could have a boy over?

Yes, and I told her to call you. Is there a problem?

No, I was just checking with you. Bye.

A … Dang it, that’s the second time I got hung up on.

Pickens didn’t know Zack Henry as he wasn’t on the football team, but Pickens could ask other coaches if they knew the boy—that’s if he didn’t trust the boy or his daughter. But he did trust his daughter, so he’d have to think about investigating Zack Henry.

CHAPTER 5

ALTHOUGH S ARAH HAD known Zack Henry since the beginning of the school year and had only seen him in two of her classes, she noticed that he didn’t