Tacoma Falls: Home and Heart

Tornado

Mary

Tornados rip through Tacoma Falls on a regular basis, leaving destruction in their path. It's no different from what's happening now. One person thought they had the right to put their hands on another. At what point do we step in to stop it? When the person kill them?

I didn't realize Amber had hidden so much from everyone, including me. Morgan didn't know because she was dealing with her own problems. I couldn't fault her. Who wants to deal with a toad?

Grayson couldn't alert Amber since people would spot him in broad daylight. He usually waited until dusk to visit her. We didn't have that option. Sheriff Tate would release the rat before then.

Morgan stayed home with Hank, so Rusty didn't get any bright ideas. We didn't want to risk Morgan's safety, not knowing what the rat would do.

Beau and I stayed put at his place since he was closer in proximity to the rat's nest. It was up to Shep to ensure the bicycle and training wheel did their part.

*******
Maury

Once Shep and I woke up, I got dressed and hightailed it to my place. I arrived, showered, and changed my clothes. My phone rang with the Sheriff's number flashing across my screen.

"What can I do for you this fine morning, Sheriff Tate?"

Maury, I need to release Rusty soon. He's asking for a lawyer to spring him sooner.

"Unfortunately, I have an important meeting that I simply cannot miss."

I'll let the prisoner know he will have to wait the entire twenty-four hours.

"I most obliged."

Sheriff Tate ended the call. I grabbed my keys and wallet and headed out to meet Judge Heart. When Shep said I had the others covered, he didn't tell them what it was. It was better if they didn't know all the legal aspects.

I pulled into a parking spot at the courthouse and headed inside. The receptionist directed me to Judge Heart's chambers. I knocked and waited.

"Come in," a gruff voice said.

I twisted the handle, entered, and closed the door behind me before sitting across from Judge Heart. "Thanks for meeting with me, Judge Heart."

"What can I do for you, Maury?" Judge Heart sat back in his chair and folded his hands on his chest.

"Judge Heart, I'm here to present strong evidence against Rusty Miller."

"Is that the boy Sheriff Tate brought in for reckless driving?"

I nodded. "Yes, sir. But I'm not here for the reckless driving charge."

"Why are you here?"

"It has been brought to my attention that Mr. Miller has been abusing Amber Heart."

Judge Heart stared at me without flinching as his jaw tightened. "Do you have proof?"

"The only evidence is a well check on Amber Heart conducted by Sheriff Tate. Sheriff Tate concluded Amber was fine. I beg to differ."

Judge Heart sat forward and rested his hands on his desk. "Without sufficient evidence, I can't issue a warrant. It's an abuse of my position."

"Can we go off the record, Judge?"

"You may."

"You and I know the truth about what Rusty is doing to Amber."

Judge Heart nodded. "Garrett and Loretta mentioned their suspicions to me. I've been having Sheriff Tate watching Rusty. He hasn't stepped out of line to warrant further legal action. So, it ties our hands."