Way of Women

Chapter Nine JENN April 18, 1980 Sorry, miss. You can't go any farther." Jenn frowned at the young trooper. She knew he was only doing his job, but that fact did nothing for her spirits. She donned her "charming" smile. "Look, I grew up here. I know this area like the proverbial back of my hand." She peered at his nametag. "I also know, Officer Tanner, that you can make exceptions to any rule. Can't I sign a release that says I'm going up at my own risk?" "I'm sorry." He shook his head. "Governor Ray said no exceptions. I'm just obeying orders." Jenn thrummed her fingers on the steering wheel of her rented fourwheel- drive pickup. Getting up to Spirit Lake gnawed like a rabid badger at her insides. "Look..." "What's the problem, Tanner?" Jenn turned her head at the commanding voice. It sounded vaguely familiar. "This lady insists on going up to Spirit Lake, Sheriff." Officer Tanner stepped back from the truck window at Frank's gesture. "Now, ma'am, I'm sure Officer Tanner here has explained the situation." McKenzie tipped his hat brim back with one finger. "Hello, Frank." Jenn removed her oversize dark glasses and turned in the seat to face him. Would her childhood idol even recognize her? "Well, I'll be blowed over." Frank's smile made it all the way to his hazel eyes for the first time in months. "Jennie's come home." He turned and grinned at the young officer as if he should be excited too. Jenn flinched at the diminutive. Jenn was okay, J.E. better, but Frank wouldn't know that. "Yes sir." Officer Tanner glanced back at the cars lining up behind the pickup. "Uh, maybe since you know this person, you could, um..." "You're right. You go deal with those others, and I'll take over here." Frank waved in dismissal. "Thanks, Tanner." Jenn studied Frank briefly during his exchange with Tanner. The man had aged! He looked like he could barely crawl out of bed. Had his family's tragedy made him physically ill? When he turned back and leaned closer, she caught a whiff of whiskey. Did it take a drink to get him out of bed every morning? Her musings failed to alter her smile. What were they? Two of a kind? "Sorry for all that." He extended his hand. "Welcome home." "I won't be home until I get up to the lake. Can't you do something about that?" Her eyes darkened with intensity. "I have to get up there." "I know you do, squirt. You and The Lady always had a special affinity." The ancient nickname slipped out without his awareness. "Park your truck over there and come with me. I have to go up and try to talk old Harry Truman out again. Won't do any good, but it's a great way to spend the morning." "Thanks." She felt like bouncing in the seat, just like she used to. Strange, so many memories she hadn't thought of for years. What is happening to J.E. Stockton? Man calls her squirt, and she immediately regresses to that tomboy who tagged along behind Frank even after he joined the county force, even after he brought home his bride. She parked her truck at the back of the parking lot and swung her camera and daySnelling, Lauraine is the author of 'Way of Women', published 2004 under ISBN 9781578567874 and ISBN 1578567874.