Wright In Danger

Chapter Nine

 The amber alert had gone out. They were waiting for the onslaught of phone calls. People who claimed to have seen the van. It was going to take up a lot of hours trying to weed out the real from the fake. Beau was already formulating a plan in his head. The phones were going off a few minutes later. Paper and pen at the ready, got to it. As he answered one call after another, he only wrote down short descriptions and addresses in order to get through as many as possible. He was just over halfway down the paper when he felt a dull headache coming on.

 Leaving the phone unanswered, he massaged his temples. Having written enough for now, he went over to Rosalie. She had her own list. Hanging up, she was writing while looking at him. "I take it you have a sufficient list." He waved it. "Good to go. You?" She made a face as she handed it over. Looking it over, he mentally started scratching out a number of them. She was new to this and it showed. He wasn't annoyed as this presented another learning opportunity for her. "I can make this work. You ready to head out?"

Once in the car, he compared their lists. He then grouped addresses that were in the same areas so they weren't having to drive back and forth. "You're really...efficient. Tell me. Are we about to be out on a wild goose chase? It's the sense I'm getting." Handing both papers to her, he started the car. "Your sense is good. The real sightings are going to be slim. So we have to pay close attention to how they talk. If they have to backtrack a lot, their information most likely isn't useful." Pulling out of the lot, the paper rustled in her hands. "So this is going to be...fun." 

Arriving at their first house, it was run down. The grass was overdue for a cut, the steps were broken and there was what looked to be a mangy stray cat prowling around. Beau knocked hard on the door. Not hearing anyone approaching, he went over to the window to peer inside. Seconds later he could make out a figure walking towards the door. Going back to stand next to Rosalie, the door opened to an older man. His hair was thin and white and he stooped over a cane. 

"Morning. You're here about the call I made about the sighting of that black van, yes?" The man was having difficulty breathing and Beau wondered if he was supposed to be on oxygen. "That's right, sir. Can you talk us through when you saw it and what you were doing at the time?" Bushy brows coming together, they were patient as he put his thoughts in order. "Take your time, sir. We're in no rush," Rosalie assured. Looking at her, his smile was kind. "This is the problem with getting up there in age. The mind isn't what it once was."

He waved an arthritic finger. "Right. I was coming out here to feed Goldie. She's the stray. Been coming around for the past couple months. I live alone so it's nice to at least get her company. As I was setting her bowl down, I heard the van before I saw it. Pretty loud to tell the truth. When I  looked up, it picked up speed." Beau found it interesting that this man was the only person in the area to call about the van. Had no one else heard it if his recollection was to be believed?

"Is there anything else you can tell us?" Rosalie asked. Placing both hands to the cane, they shook a bit. "I'm sorry. No. That's really all I can tell you. When the amber alert when out for that girl, I couldn't not call." He was a good person. "Thank you for letting us know. Would you like me to have someone come out and take care of the yard for you?" Beau asked. Eyes going wide it was apparent no one had offered to help him in a long time. "I wouldn't want you to feel burdened." Beau shook his head. "It's really no problem. I'll see to it. You have a good day, sir."

Walking back to the car Rosalie bumped him with her elbow. "That was really nice of you. He really shouldn't have to be alone. I wonder if Solei would be willing to come out and be with him a few days a week? She's the perfect person for it." Giving it thought. It would keep her from being in everyone's business for a while. "I'm sure it would touch her heart to be able to do good for a lonely man." Climbing in, the radio came on. 

Listening there was an o.d. with ambulance en route. Getting the location, Beau was quick to drive off. "Tanner. We still have the lists to get through.." He looked at her. "I need to check it out. We'll get back to the lists after. There are more than the two of us out knocking on doors right now." Pacified, she went quiet. Putting the papers in the glove box, she buckled in. The drive over wasn't all that far from where they had come from. Pulling up, the person was being put onto the gurney. Two officers were in a conversation. 

Walking over to them, their eyes were glued to Beau. "Detective. Were you in the area?" Beau wasn't put off by the question. There had been no request for back up so it was a fair question. "We were. What do you know about this person?" They shared a look before the one continued. "Male. Late teens. Needed to hits of narc. Paramedics said they would get his i.d. at the hospital. We got the sense they have come across him before." Beau had a bad feeling in his gut. "How often do you happen across o.d's?" 

"It's not often. The last one was I'd say about six months ago. Guy was close to my age. Clairview doesn't have a rap for drug users. There's pride in our town." He was defensive. Beau got it. He was the new guy and he felt he may be casting judgement. He wasn't. "I don't mean to get your back up bud. I was only curious. What about this area. Can you tell me anything significant about it?" Sighing, he placed his hands at his hips. "It doesn't see a whole lot of foot traffic. Prime spot for getting a fix. The chief on occasion will have a patrol car come by this way but..." His shrug was telling.

Thanking them, Beau decided to take the drive over to the hospital. He wanted to look further into this. He couldn't shake the bad feeling he had. Rosalie seemed to guess at his thoughts as she didn't ask where they were headed. Arriving at the hospital, he asked to speak with one of the doctors. The nurse hesitated before bringing the phone to her ear. When she hung up, she told him, a doctor would be with him shortly. Stepping away from the desk, Rosalie finally spoke. "What's got you so wound up?"

Meeting her gaze it was equal parts curious and annoyed. "I just want a clearer picture. I should know what goes on, right?" Playing on her sympathies was low but it had to be done. It would keep her from delving deeper. Shoulders dropping, she backed off. "You're right. You should." Leaving him alone, the doctor made their appearance not long after. It was the same doctor who had looked after Loraine. He didn't look all that happy to see Beau again. "How can I help you, detective? You don't look ill." 

"I'm in good health. I was wondering about o.d. patients you've had. What specifically was the drug in their systems." Those intelligent eyes bore into him. "We're still figuring that out. The one that just came in is our third. They won't tell who they acquired it either." He was still closely watching Beau's expression. "Any more questions I can answer for you or...?" Beau shook his head. "No, doctor. I won't be taking up any more of your time. Thank you." A dip of his head and he was gone. "He really is not a fan of you," Rosalie remarked.

He wasn't going to spend time dwelling on that. Not when the wheels in his head were turning. They needed to get back to the chief. He wanted to pick his brain. Even in a town as well up kept as Clairview. It still had it's dark corners. Same as anywhere else in the world. His bad feeling had evolved into suspicion after hearing what the doctor had said. They didn't know the make up of the drug. Essentially it was a cocktail creation. Beau was impressed with how word hadn't got out about it. Didn't matter that there were only three people that had taken it. Drugs being taken were always a topic of conversation.