Page 40 of First Surrender
He glances at his screen and purses his lips. “I’m just the manager here. I don’t have access to the pharmacist’s logs.”
“And, you’re doing a bang-up job, asshole.”
He scoffs, steam blowing from his ears. “Doesn’t matter. The cops are already on their way.”
“The cops? You called the cops on a confused old woman? You should be ashamed of yourself.” I turn, dismissing the dumbass manager entirely. “Ms. Malec,” I speak gently to her. “Let’s go, we can wait outside and away from this mean ugly man.” He grumbles something rude but I ignore him.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to cause a fuss. I need my medicine,” she pleads quietly. Her eyes are wary and sad.
“I know. I’ll figure it out. Come on.” I grab her gently by the hand and lead her away from the pharmacy counter.
“You’re banned, too!” The manager yells. I turn around and launch my box of tampons toward him, not close enough to hit him, but close enough to make him flinch. If I’m banned, better get my worth out of it.
“What’s your name?” She asks me as we exit the store. It’s a nice spring day and I’m glad. There is no way I could let her stay in that store to be berated.
“I’m Natalie. I know your son. We met once and you showed me how to plant some flowers.”
“Oh.” She doesn’t remember me but she also doesn’t let go of my hand as I ask her about gardening. We sit together on a bench and I let her talk until the first police cruiser arrives. Lawson PD, of course.
The officer approaches us but I hold my hand up to stop him. “We aren’t talking to you. Call Sheriff Malec.”
“The Sheriff doesn’t come to calls like this. It’s my jurisdiction and you both are being trespassed for disorderly conduct.”
“Call the Sheriff.”
“You don’t get to tell me what to do, lady.” The cop huffs.
“Call him. I’m sure he would like to hear directly from you that his mother is being trespassed from a store for being discriminated against.” The officer balks at my use of discrimination or because I told him that Ms. Malec is Jackson’s mom. Either way, he backpedals, leaving us alone.
Ms. Malec continues telling me about all the beautiful gardens she has worked on and her favorite flowers to plant while I keep an eye on the parking lot. Two more Lawson PD cruisers pull in but no one approaches us.
It’s an unsettling feeling. I’ve never been a fan of law enforcement, but I’ve never truly been on their wrong side either. As their numbers and power outweigh me significantly, I’m using Ms. Malec as a crutch for strength. If I’m arrested, I’d gladly take my charge if it means I was standing up for what’s right. Helping Ms. Malec out of this situation is absolutely the right choice.
Finally, after ten minutes, the Sheriff Suburban comes flying into the parking lot and I breathe a sigh of relief. His tires screech to a halt right in front of the curb before us. Ms. Maleccurls into me slightly, startled. She doesn’t know that he’s here to help us, or her rather.
“Mom, what are you doing here?” He asks before he’s even out of his car all the way. Her shaking body pushes into mine further and I realize it’s because she’s truly scared of him. He’s wearing his full uniform today, a vest and belt with all his go-go gadgets attached. She doesn’t recognize him.
Jackson realizes it too because he rips the Velcro from his sides and shoulders, tossing the Kevlar off over his head. It lands with a heavy plop on the sidewalk as the Lawson PD officers watch on, shaking their heads in obvious annoyance. Their judgment of the Sheriff’s approach is displayed clearly, and filled with contempt.
It doesn’t matter, I can only focus on the man in front of me. His hair is disheveled and his face is lined with worry. He looks… Tired.
“Mom, it’s me. Jacks.”
“No, no. Jacks is my boy. My baby boy,” she mumbles against the arm she’s grasping. My heart is fracturing into little pieces for her, I can’t imagine her confusion and fear.
Jackson looks at me directly for the first time with so many questions in his eyes but all I can do is shrug for now. “Ms. Malec, remember when I said that I knew Jacks? He’d want me to take care of you so I’m going to make sure you get home, okay?”
“Okay.” She nods softly against my shoulder.
Jackson hangs his head for a second before standing up and retrieving his vest. He holds his hand out for his mom but she shies away so he drops it limply. That has to hurt but he doesn’t say a word.
“Do you think you can get her into my car?” He asks, dryly.
“I’ll try.” I take her by the elbow and shuffle her toward the Suburban but as soon as she sees the big bold letters she stiffens. “It’s okay, he’s going to take you home.”
“No. Don’t leave me. He’s going to put me in jail. Please, don’t leave,” she begs and I don’t know what to do.
“I can take her in my car if you’ll lead the way,” I offer. He only nods stiffly.