Sagehen Mesa Part 17 - Officer Rae Gooch's Job Challenges

 Hello,

I'm Jaimie Rae Gooch, but I go by Rae. I'm fresh from the police academy, but by some twist of fate, I have been hired on as the new sole law enforcement officer in town. Sagehen Mesa seems to be a sleepy little town, but the more I get to know it, the more treacherous this job of mine seems. 

Last night, as I was settling in for the evening, I received a visit from Mr. Chuck Culpepper.

I offered him some a snacks, but he said, "Oh, no ma'am, that won't be necessary. I'm sorry to bother you at home, but you missed the town council meeting, and I wanted to update you on the minutes as one order of business pertains to you."

"Those present included Dr. Ellen McDowell, representing the professionals and merchants, Augustin Lopez, representing the ranchers and farmers, and myself, representing the retired and senior citizens.

Augustin reported that the summer music festival was a success and it's said that many locals have been inspired to try their hand at playing musical instruments. 

Dr. Ellen reported that she has been recommending spa treatments and makeovers to her clients who were struggling with self esteem issues, and has heard from the spa staff that business is going well.

I broached the issue of the undesirables who hang out at the fishing hole doing Lord-knows-what. 

Augustin argued that those people had just as much right to be there as the rest of us unless we have proof that they are party so some illegal activities. So this is what I really wanted to talk with you about, Officer Gooch. Can you or some other law enforcement outfit go investigate the activities taking place in that area of town? My brother lives near there, and he lives alone. I'd hate to have him fall victim to a crime."

"What did the others say about the fishing hole?" I asked. 

 

"Well, Dr. Ellen thought is wasn't a big deal because most people carry cell phones and could call in any suspicious activities. She didn't think it was anything the town council should involve itself in. 

So I reminded Augustin that Dr. Ellen makes a living helping people who experience all kinds of trauma, so crime just might be good for her business." 

"I bet Dr. Ellen took offense at that suggestion," I said. 

"Yeah, I guess I was out of line. She gave me a piece of  her mind all right. Her and her waggin' finger."

"'I think you're just worried about them getting all your fish!' she accused."

"'Ma'am,' I said, 'It's not the fish I'm concerned about - it's the people! Those sketchy types aren't wettin' a line in the water. If they were, I'd think they were on the up-and-up, but they just slither into that old shack all secretive. We should have that shack torn down, I tell you. Who owns that property anyway?'"

"I expect it's not owned by anyone who lives in the area. We should get someone to research the land deeds. It might be a good school project for a high school student." Dr. Ellen suggested.

"Anything to fix the problem at my fishin' hole," I agreed. "Do we have anyone in mind?"

"My son Hector is down in the library. I'll send him up if you'd like to discuss the possibility with him," Augustin offered.

"So are these land deeds digitized? I don't work so well with paper."

"So we got Hector researching land deeds, but in the meantime, we would like to enlist your help in policing the area," Chuck explained. "We hope to see you at the next town council meeting, Officer." 

I smiled and nodded like a good guardian of the peace, but I've got a lot on my plate right now. Not only am I saddled with the fishing hole problem, but yesterday Jolene Roland dropped a bombshell on me. It seems there's a buzzberry ring in operation around here, and I'm the only local officer of the law! I'll have to get some reinforcements soon. But the weather is still too cold for them to do much with the buzzberry, and I have a wedding to attend to! I'm engage to a wonderful man.

He came into my life a short while ago, but soon asked me to marry him! In fact, my bachelorette party is tomorrow. 

*******

I spent the afternoon watching the Hallmark channel, anticipating the upcoming party.

I had a quiet lunch at home. People often comment on my dining room set. I think they consider it too juvenile, but why should kids have all the fun? It's like I have dinner with my little animal friends all the time. I love my furniture. It says a lot about me. 

Time for the party!

I swear I only invited women to this party, but here comes Chuck! If I have to hear one more gripe about his fishing hole, I'm going to scream! It seems several of the women brought their husbands along. What were they thinking? 

And what is Trever doing here? I have no intention to attend his bachelor party. Why is he crowding my space? 

Oh boy, here come the dancers. How embarrassing! These husbands and soon to be husbands really kill the vibe!

Jolene's here! She's under age! I asked her why she was here, and she said she had something very important to tell me. 

"This is not the time or place for it, Jolene. Can we talk first thing in the morning?"

"I guess, but it's very important, and you're not gonna like it."

"Well if I'm not going to like it, I certainly don't want to hear it now!" I exclaimed. 

"You've got a point," she said reluctantly. "I'll see you tomorrow."

I heard Hannah say she wished these firemen were her co-workers. 

The only business I wanted to conduct tonight was to find out what Cliff's on-and-off girlfriend Bobbi might know about the buzzberry issue. 

I was just making small talk with her when I noticed Trever watching me like a hawk.

It's time he and I had a talk. 

"I'm sorry for crashing. I was hoping you wouldn't notice me. I just missed you is all. How about we slip off into the bedroom away from the crowd? What do you say?"

"Oh Trever, you are so naughty!" I giggled.

"Why a bar/dairy store has a bedroom is beyond all reckoning, but it came in handy. Whoever decorated it had odd taste. I wouldn't want to spend my honeymoon here," I mused. 

"So, has anything interesting happened at work lately?" Trever asked. "I heard through the grapevine you had Cliff Mahon in for questioning. Did you learn anything interesting?

"Honey I know you're my fiancé, but even if we were married, I can't talk about any ongoing investigations. You know that, right?"

"Well, it's not like it's a big secret that you had him in the interrogation room. Half the town knows that by now."

 

"That's not the point. I can't talk about my ongoing investigations. It's as simple as that, and I don't want to fight about it."

The evening was winding down, and I needed to get back before my guests missed me. It looks like old Chuck has called it a night. 

So has the fireman. What a couple of party poopers! The old folks downstairs are still going strong. 

They're giving Augustin a run for his money. 

Tomorrow it's back to the grind. I wonder what Jolene thought was so important that she needed to come here to tell me.