Homebound

Chapter 19

          Robert never meant to look, honest to G-d. Sitting in the corner of his office at the station, he feels trap. The shades are drawn, the light overhead flicker ominously. Why is this happening?

                                                                                   ^^^^  

         Robert hears a knock on the door and eagerly runs to open it.

       "Package for Robert Barker." He grins in pleasure when he sees an official package addressed to him. Finally! After what felt like years, Asher's birth certificate finally arrives. Robert knows that would make his life easier. He signs on the line where the postman tells him to, thanks him, and closes the door. He can't wait to hand it to Asher. Maybe Asher can start trusting adults.

         "Asher!" He calls out as he bounces up the stairs.

        "He isn't home!" Laura calls from their room.

        "What do you mean? He never asked for permission. Where is he?" Robert gasps as he goes to her.

         "He's at Billy's, and he called me up last night to ask to stay over, right after you went to bed."

         "But I have his birth certificate for him!"

        "Well, you'll just have to give it to him later."

        "I'd rather give it to him now." Robert pouts. Laura giggles which in turn causes Robert to smile and give her a sweet kiss.

        He leaves for work and once at the sheriff's station, he places the package delicately on the corner of his desk. He would have left it at home, but he didn't want anything to happen to it. He felt much better if he had the papers with him under his scrutinization.

        As Robert starts to work, he forgets about the certificate. Other matters need attention. Robert has to welcome a rookie cop to give him a whole lecture about the seriousness of the job. Robert doesn't appreciate lazy workers and expects the best from all his officers. Officer Gonzalez is a young kid with black, curly hair, shining brown eyes, and a big smile. His tan reveals a childhood playing under the sun. Robert wonders why he chose this job. His happy nature implys to a trusting nature. Being in the police force will ruin that special personality. Or, in a more positive perspective, Office Gonzalez will bring light into a dark career. Next, he gets sent out to check up on a mysterious 911 call. The person on the other line went silent for a couple moments before hanging up on the dispatcher. The location is a modest house with a Toyota van in the driveway. When Robert knocks on the door, he is met with a young woman with a baby in her arms. She looks bewildered as Robert explains the call.

        "Do you mind if we check the house?"

       "No! Of course! Come in!" The woman agrees to anything to ensure nothing illegal is going on. Robert scopes every room until he comes to the laundry room. Sitting on the floor with a phone on hand, a little girl glances up innocently. The mother felt horrible for wasting Robert's time that she gave him a batch of fresh cookies. Back in his office, he makes a couple of phone calls before heading out to lunch. Driving back from the store, a red Camaro decides to pass the forty-five-mile limit and Robert sighs. He bets it's some arrogant youth who thinks he's beyond the law. After turning on his siren, he goes on a wild chase for 10 minutes before the run-away gives up. Peeved, Robert is ready to give a ticket.

        "Hey, officer. What can I do for you?" A man with a shirt with too many buttons open smiles devilishly.

       "You can start by buttoning up your shirt." Robert sneers before writing him a ticket. He warns him against speeding and sends him off knowing he will speed again.