Accidental Hero

Chapter 6 Critical Condition

The article was almost finished but I had to do some fact checking before sending it out. I had three hours before picking up Morgan and decided to head to the library. Hampton Pa is primarily made up of  historic buildings grudgingily giving way to occasional modern touches. The library was one such modern touch. A three story building of pale brick and mortor trimmed out in green and black accents. The reference sections are computerized, the staff bright and helpful, and the computer room isolated enough to allow studying. Finding what I needed pretty quickly, I got directions to the county municipal center to check a couple of final details.

The municipal building sported the same muted yellow tones as the library. I didn't realize that it housed the police barracks, the courthouse, the magstrates office, and various other governmental offices. I was headed to the county clerks office to check some property records when I ran into detective Blake Randalls.

"Oh detective! Im so glad I saw you. I want to know how that boy is doing. Have you heard anything?" He looked up abruptly and I could see the lines of fatigue etched around his eyes. Had he been up all night?

"He was flown to Hershey Medical Center and is listed in critical condition" A wave of saddness ebbed from him.

"Have you found his family? Is there anyone with him?" My own anxiety rising swiftly to the surface. I clasped my hands together gently in a practiced gesture of self calming.

"Fraid not, mam. We still haven't identified him. He was taken straight into surgery and we didn't have a chance to do a forensic exam until this morning. I think Ms Waterson from child protective services is with him now." He shook his head slowly then clamped down on his emotions. "It doesn't look too good for him, I'm afraid."

"I'll pray for him detective. I haven't been able to get him out of my mind. Do you have any idea what happened to him? Who could have done such a thing?" I could hear a pleading quality to my voice and cleared my throat to try and hide it.

"This is an on going investigation and I really can't say. I've probably said too much already." The sternness was back in his voice and his shoulders lifted.

Smiling softly I replied, "Of course, I understand. Please let me know if there's anything I can do to help. And detective......you look like you could use some sleep."

He chuckled briefly and nodded his head in confirmation. "Just a few things to finish up and I'll be doing just that. Good day Ms Branson." With that he turned and strode toward the parking lot.

A curious man this detective. Wrapped so tightly you could  imagine him exploding one day. All that repressed emotion just flowing out in a tsunami of release. I still couldn't get a good read on him. That's a rare feeling for me. Frustrating. Which reminded me of something. Turning toward the parking lot I ran and caught up to him just as he was backing out of his parking space. Tapping on the window he shook his head as he rolled it down.

"Yes?" He said

"Im so sorry to bother you again detective, but I hoped you could help me with a little problem" I said in a quick breath. Before he could refuse I rushed ahead, "I wondered if you knew anyone on the road where I live. I was out walking the dog this morning and ran into a man named Ricky. He lives three houses down from me across the street. I overheard him threatening someone."

Rubbing the scruff on his chin he sighed heavily and replied "Yeah I know the guy and he's a piece of work. Richard Sternman's the name and he's got history around here. Used to beat the wife and kid but they would never press charges. Coupla DWI's back in the day. Hes gotten smarter over the years. Hits em where you can't see it. The guy's always pressing the limits, does things just shy of breaking the law. Sneaky smart. I'm sorry he's your neighbor. My advice would be to stear clear of him. He's an angry person."

"Yeah, Ok." It was my turn to sigh. "On our first meeting he threatened to shoot my dog, forbid me to walk on his side of the road, then offered to "service me" since I had no husband. I shook my head and had to crack a smile at how ludicrous it sounded. "I must admit I was shocked."

"Stear clear Ms Branson, stear clear. He's trouble but usually doesn't go looking for it. If you leave him alone he'll probably do the same."

His earnest expression was a comfort to me and I thanked him before heading back into the building. I guess it was good I'd lived here over a year and hadn't run into him before. With luck it would be years before I did so again.