Santa's Secret

Laney rolls her eyes before she starts rummaging through her bag. She’s mumbling something, and from what I can gather by her hand flailing about, it’s not pleasant. Her hand juts out the window with a small stack of documents. I take them and thank her as I head back to my patrol car.

As soon as I type her name into the Spillman database, her most current picture from The Department of Motor Vehicles pops up and I find myself once against staring, getting lost in her auburn hair and remembering the time I tried to count the freckles on her cheeks and nose. We may have dated for a few months, but have been friends our entire lives.

“Base to 8 2 4.”

“Go ahead,” I radio back.

“For all things holy, please tell me you did not pull over Delaney Du Luca,” Eileen screeches into the radio.

“You pulled over my sister?” Dominic chimes in before I can even respond to Eileen.

“Fisher, I’m not sure I hear this correctly. Did you pull over the woman who put Ramona Falls on the map?” our chief asks next.

I rest my head against my steering wheel and count to ten. “Why did it have to be me?” I ask my empty car while my co-workers continue to squawk at me through the radio. When they finally grow silent, I reach for my handheld and press the button.

“She was speeding and talking on her phone.”

Apparently, it doesn’t matter, according to the chief. He’s yelling into the radio, and anytime he takes a break, either Dom or Eileen start in on me. With my tail between my legs, I get out of the car and walk back to Laney. I tap on her window again and motion for her to roll it down.

“Here ya go, Laney.”

“No ticket?”

I shake my head. She doesn’t need to know I’d likely lose my job if I gave her one. Okay, that’s may be a bit far-fetched, but I will suffer years of verbal attacks because no one forgets anything here. “Look, I know you haven’t been home for a while, but we’re handsfree here so just watch yourself when you leave town.”

“Thanks, Fish. I really appreciate it.”

With what redeeming quality I have left, I go back to my car. The standard procedure tells me I need to radio in and clear the scene, but I can’t stomach the ridicule. It’s bad enough I have to face my peers when I get back to the station.

As luck would have it, I follow behind Laney’s car, and being the law-abiding citizen she is, she goes under the speed limit. I’m tempted to go by her, but Chief is big on us setting an example for the youth in the community. Still, when I signal to turn, I honk and wave at her, hoping she’s not too upset with me.

Growing up in a small town, you’re afforded certain liberties. Knowing the local police unit is one of them, even if they live in another town. For the most part, the members of the force have usually been our neighbors. For Dominic and Delaney, their father became mayor while we were in high school, and while Laney didn’t do anything wrong, Dom tested the limits many times. I was right there along the side of him too, always trying to see how far we could go before someone busted us.

My cell phone rings. It sits on my dash so I can see who’s calling. A picture of my mother flashes at me, and I press the green button and hit speaker so we can talk.

“Rough day?” she asks.

“Word spreads fast.” I sigh.

“It’s Ramona Falls.”

“I know. Sadly, there isn’t anything I can do about it. I was doing my job.”

“I know. Do you want to come for lunch? Holly is about to go down and eat now.”

The thought of spending some time with Holly brings a smile to my face. “I’ll be right there.” I hang up, and this time I do exceed the speed limit so I can get to the school in time.

My mom is waiting for me as soon as I pull up. She motions me to follow her in, even though I know where I’m going. A few kids say hi, and a couple of teachers scowl. Perfect. I’m going to go down in Falls history as the officer who pulled over Delaney Du Luca. Never mind the fact she was breaking the law.

The cafeteria is bustling with students. Mom and I get in line behind a class and wait for the staff to put our lunch onto a plate. It’s some version of a turkey dinner, not that I mind. I actually enjoy the mashed potatoes.

“Holly’s this way. She’ll be excited to see you.”

I’m glad my mom thinks so. Every day I sense a change in her. Holly was forced to mature to levels her friends aren't at yet. She's going to want more independence soon, and I’m not even close to the stage where I’m ready to let go. She’s seven, not ten or fifteen. I still have time to be her daddy and not the man she’s pissed at because she can’t go out on a date. Yes, I will be the father who investigates who his daughter is dating.

“Hi, Grandma,” Holly says as soon as my mom sits across from her. Holly’s head turns slowly at my looming statue.

I smile and set my tray down.