TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE ... # 277

TWO SOULS: INTO THE FIRE
# 277
warning...adult content



~
Linda had pulled the van into the parking lot of the small police station. She and Melody sat there a few minutes, trying to compose themselves, before going inside. It was a tidy, brick building, with a glass door in front. They didn't see the squad car anywhere.

"I don't see it; there must be a parking lot back behind the building," Linda said.

"What do you think they'll do to Steve and Ghost?" Melody asked.

Linda shrugged. "I don't know, but I hope they don't actually put them in jail. Maybe they'll just get fined or something. I suppose we better go in." She and Melody got out of the van, and helped Stevie and Mandy out of the back seat.

"Now, kids, I need y'all to mind your manners in here," Linda said.

Melody pushed open the door to the police station. Linda breathed deep. This could go either way. Small towns did things different than L. A. she knew. In front of them was the sergeant's desk. She went up to ask what they should do next. He didn't look too happy to have his evening interrupted, though.

Clearing her throat, she said, "They brought my brother and his friend in from up at the visitor center. Where are they? What do I need to do?"

The officer narrowed his eyes, as he stubbed out his cigarette. "Yeah, they radioed it in. They're in back being questioned and processed. It will be awhile," he said. His tone changed then, as he looked over at the kids, and smiled. "Got three of the young'uns, myself. Here, that is if it's ok." He pulled out a couple of lollipops from a drawer.

Linda smiled, relieved that he wasn't as mean as he looked. "Thank you," she said, and gave one each to Stevie and Mandy. "Y'all sit quite, now...we have grown-up business to do."

Looking back to the officer, she asked, "Can you tell me what will happen, now?"

"Well, let's see," he said, rubbing his chin. "It's been awhile since we arrested anyone." He chuckled. "Sorry, well...after questioning, they'll determine the outcome. Probably just pay a hefty fine, and of course the gun will be confiscated. Then, they can leave, after bail is posted. If there are no outstanding warrants, that'll be about it. Gotta run 'em through the wanted list, of course. Any marks on their record, might land 'em in jail for awhile, until all that is settled. We'll just have to wait and see."

"Ok, how much will the bail be? I'll pay it right now," Linda said, pulling out her wallet.

"We'll have to wait for the bondsman. He's been notified. Should be here soon."

Linda nodded, then went to sit down with Melody and the kids. She leaned back on the wall, with her eyes closed. Melody squeezed her hand.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" she asked.

"No, we just have to wait."

An hour passed, and still no word. The sergeant had gone back to watching a small tv, and monitoring the radio. Melody took the kids to the restroom, to wash the stickiness from their hands and faces. Just as she returned to the main room, the holding room door opened. Another officer came out, giving papers to the desk sergeant, who then nodded.

Looking over at Linda, he motioned her over to the desk. "Ok, ma'am, the bail is set at $500.00 each. Pay that, and they're free to go. There will be a hearing with the judge in six weeks. Basically, just a formality to close the case. But, make sure they both show up. No skipping out on it, or it'll be a definite jail sentence. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," Linda said. She handed him her credit card, and signed the ticket. Steve and Ghost were led out of the back room, then.

"Oh my God, Steve," Linda said.

"Hold on, Miss," the sergeant said. Turning to Steve and Ghost, he asked had they been appraised of what needed to happen.

"Yes, sir, we understand," Steve said.

"Ok, y'all are free to go. Good luck."

They all walked back outside into the cool mountain air. The sun was just coming up. Linda hugged both Steve and Ghost. She could tell Steve was tensed up, and barely holding back his temper.

"Not now, Steve...please calm down," Linda said.

Ghost was just quiet, all the energy drained out of him. Linda hugged him especially gently, trying not to bump his swollen face. "Get in the car, hon," she said, guiding him to the door.

~
Next part coming soon!


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