Cryptic Ocean {Book 1}

The Scanner

He had given Tory the week off per her request. She had told him that she needed to get unpacked and prepare for her graduation speech. By Tuesday afternoon, Steve was overwhelmed by post-it notes. Tory was his right-hand and took care of more than Steve had realized. He was the Director of Risk Management Resources and most of his clients were members of Police, Sheriff and Fire Departments. His schedule was hectic before hiring Tory. He travelled to different states and spoke to large crowds about what to do when the inevitable occurred. His passion was always his central theme of keeping public safety personnel safe. Risk Management Resources was the largest company in the United States and the C.E.O. was seeking the opportunity to branch out to other countries this year. Steve had hired Tory to assist with the additional workload.

By late evening Thursday, Steve was ready for the week to end. He left the office and had planned on working from home tomorrow. He really wanted to plan something nice for his evening with Tory. He wanted to go over the top, roses, bubble bath, massage... but he needed to slow down. He wasn't all that sure she had feelings for him, other than professional. Although, her blush at graduation was a good sign, he thought.

He walked into the house and was greeted by silence. He was 38, never been married, no children, no pets ... he had never taken the time to invest in anything but work. Then walked in Tory and her black nail polish ... I would give the world to her if only she'd allow it. Here's to finding out soon enough.

"Shit!" She's meeting Carter tonight for dinner. He's going to bear his soul and tell her that he faked an affair. Who fakes a damned affair? Carter Ammon! Slick little snake that he is. Tory was smart, she wouldn't take him back... not after everything he put her through. He hoped that she would give her decision 24 hours at minimum. Maybe he should call her. NO! He had waited seven years ... if this was meant to be it would work out. He needed to wait.

He walked downstairs shedding his jacket and tie. He flipped on the lights and the police scanner while looking over all of his training equipment. His basement was filled with cardio, weights, and a punching bag. It looked like an expensive gym where one would need to pay a high price for membership. Steve believed that fitness and being in top physical condition was the first step toward maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle. He spent three hours a day in this room with the scanner buzzing in the background.

He was beginning to unbutton his shirt when the scanner came to life.

"All units, we have a report of a possible intoxicated driver heading northbound on Crystal Lake Drive," the dispatcher announced. He recognized the female voice immediately. Janine had assisted him many times during the trainings he had at their facility. He had realized quickly that she was a model communications specialist, calm, constant, and always professional. Janine had even shown an interest in him personally and, although he thought she was adorable, he had never wanted to mixed business and pleasure with anyone other than Tory. It was always nice to hear her soothing voice over the scanner.

"417, enroute. I have visual on the ... Stand by station 11."

Steve grabbed his workout binder and flipped through the pages. He needed something different tonight. Maybe a nice warm up with the bag to get Carter-the-Creeper out of his head. Getting Tory out of his head would take more than a strenuous workout and a cold shower. The scanner chattered voices in the background as the thought of her.

"417, that plate returns to Carter and Victoria Ammon, clear, no wants," Janine clicked the microphone. Steve shook his head trying desperately to clear his thoughts. The scanner buzzed again, this time it was a female officer.

"Station 11, this is 417. We are going to need medics for one male, unresponsive but breathing. The other male will require the on-duty medical examiner."

"Copy 417. Medics enroute and I will advise M.E."

Steve grabbed his cell phone and dialed...

"Crestville police."

"Janine, it's Gage."

"Hello Gage. May I put on hold?"

"Of course."

Janinefinally picked up the line and confirmed what Steve thought he had heard. A drunk driver had collided with Carter andkilled him. The medical examiner was onhis way to the hospital to accept Carter's body. Janine told Steve that the sergeant was goingto try and make contact with Carter's wife, Victoria.4&yص