Home for the Holidays

This story is part of an ongoing series.

The chronological order of my stories is listed in WifeWatchman's biography.

Feedback and

constructive

criticism is very much appreciated, and I encourage feedback for ideas.

This story contains graphic scenes, language and actions that might be extremely offensive to some people. These scenes, words and actions are used only for the literary purposes of this story. The author does not condone murder, racial language, violence, rape or violence against women, and any depictions of any of these in this story should not be construed as acceptance of the above.

Part 13 - Ancestry and Antecedents

Author's note: this is a 'bridge' story to fill the gap to the next series of mysteries. Thanks for your patience.

Hoo boy, how do I explain this to an inquisitive five-year-old who does not know when to keep her mouth shut? I asked myself.

"Yes, Carole." I said. "You do not want to hurt Cindy's feelings, so unless she tells you something, you treat Betsy like

her

daughter and

your

cousin."

"Why wouldn't Aunt Cindy tell us that Betsy is my sister?" asked Carole. Mind you, I did not even bother to wonder how Carole knew that to be true; for myself, I knew from one look at the two girls sitting together. And my mother had obviously made the same observations, as well.

"She might not know." I said. "And if she does, it's her decision to tell us, not yours. Do I make myself clear on that, Carole?"

"Yes sir." said Carole. Then she said "I'm not in trouble, am I?"

"No, of course not." I said, putting my arm around her in a hug. "You will only be in trouble if you don't keep this truth to yourself, especially when 'Aunt Cindy' is around. So we'll keep this one to ourselves, okay?"

"Okay, Daddy." Carole said as Bowser and Buddy returned from doing their business and surveying their territory.

"Okay, you want to go in with Bowser and Buddy?" I asked.

"I'll sit out here with you, Daddy." said Carole. "There's the train!" She was pointing at the train coming out of the western horizon. We watched it together as the train rounded the curve to follow the River southward...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Tiffany and Jennifer Muscone also liked Betsy, and took turns holding her. Meanwhile, Chief Griswold, Todd, and I talked to their father, Jack Muscone, in the basement room.

"I talked to Special Agent Jenkins." said Muscone. "I told him Cindy said good things about him for helping her."

"What was that about, by the way?" asked Todd. "Cindy didn't even want to tell Teresa about that."

"That's your first clue, then." I said. "Make the proper deduction."

Todd looked confused. "I have no idea. That's why I'm not a Detective like you, Uncle Don."

"Cindy hasn't told me, either." I said. "But my thesis is that she doesn't want Teresa to know so that she can surprise Teresa with something later... around Christmas, perhaps? What would you say to that, Jack?"

"Wouldn't be the first time someone has surprised Teresa with something from that town on Christmas." said Jack. He was referring to the photo of Teresa and Alexis that he and I had found all that time ago. (

Author's note: 'Teresa's Christmas Story'.

)

"So what about these bozos following us around?" asked Todd, to change the subject.

"Jenkins is going to look into it. Quietly." said Muscone. "He'll also let us know if anything unusual happens out there. By the way, are you going to do anything about any new businesses out there?"

"I've talked to the CEO of the Midwest & Pacific Railroad." said Todd. "He's going to have some people take a look at the feasibility of bringing a line back through there, or even making the area a hub again. It's likely I won't hear a thing until next year, though. It's officially Christmas season, dontcha know."

Todd's words triggered something in me. Christmas season. Most women have

that

time of month. Teresa Croyle has

that

time of year, and this was it...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Marie was staying overnight with Carole, and Molly and her boys were staying as well. I went to the Mountain Nest and dug Carole's old crib out of storage, and took it to Cindy and Callie's place and helped Cindy set it up. Betsy seemed to like it.

"I haven't even gotten to hold this child yet." I said when we finished. I sat down on the sofa in the living room and Cindy handed me her new daughter. Betsy seemed to like me well enough. She wanted to touch my rather unique-colored hair, and stood on my legs to do so. I bent my head down to help her, and she laughed in delight as she rubbed my head.

"I'm surprised how well she did today." Cindy said. "There were a lot of people there."

"There were a lot of other kids," I said, "and she liked them. She took to Bowser very well, too, and he to her. That's the gold standard of approval, of course."

"Heh." Cindy said. "Yeah. So! Did I shock the Iron Crowbar?"

"Yes. Yes you did." I said. "I think you shocked everyone. But we're all happy for you. And I know I don't need to say it, but you've got a huge family support structure, and I expect you to use it."

"I will." said Cindy. "I always wondered how you and Laura did it with your kids, and how Molly did it with hers. Guess Callie and I are about to find out."

"Yes." I said. "And I'll tell you this: you're going to find that there is nothing better in this world than raising a child, despite all the tribulations to come. And Betsy looks like she's going to be a great child. Isn't that right, Betsy?" Betsy just smiled, then reached out for Cindy, who took her into her arms and hugged her close.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Getting back home to The Cabin, I poured nightcaps for myself, Laura, my mom, Paulina, and Molly.

"Well, this has been a very... eventful day." Laura said.

"I daresay." I said. "I'm happy for Cindy. I just hope... that Callie is good with this."

"She is." said Laura. "I talked to her. She and Cindy have talked about adopting or having a baby many times, so it's not like Callie was caught off guard by this... any more than anyone else was, of course."

"Yes." I said. "But there is something else I want to ask all of you: tell me about... Mrs. Griswold." I looked at Laura and my mother as I said it. They both frowned, which told this Detective a lot.

"She's... not doing well." Laura finally said. "I told Chief Griswold that I'd like for her to come in for an exam and some mental acuity testing. He said he was going to ask me about it, but I beat him to the punch in asking him first. He's worried about her."

"And he should be, son." my mother said. "I believe the shock of losing Charlie last summer is beginning to show its effects. As you and Laura know, a severe shock such as a loved one dying can bring on Alzheimer's. I am afraid that that might be happening to Mrs. Griswold now. She used to know who I am very well, but today she introduced herself to me... three times."

I grimaced. "That's what I was worried about. She still knows who I am, but she keeps saying she hasn't seen me in such a long time... and it's only been a few days at most. That's the third time that's happened, too."

"I hope that doesn't stop Chief Griswold from becoming Sheriff." said Molly. "This may sound selfish, but you guys need him there."

"Yes, I would understand if Chief Griswold thought he had to take care of his wife instead of becoming Sheriff," said Paulina, "but it would be devastating for the County and for the Police Force if he backed out now."

"He asked me a lot about what the demands on his time will be if she starts getting worse." Laura said. "I told him that there's only so much he can do, and she might reach a point where she'll need professional care, which I would help him get when that time comes."

I nodded. Then, to change the subject, I said "What did you think of Betsy Ross, Molly?"

"Wow... I'm an aunt." said Molly. "That was truly unexpected. Cindy never said a word to me or Mom about it. Of course Mom is thrilled about it. And Betsy's cute. She looks like---" She stopped suddenly.

"She looks like Carole." Laura said, knowing why Molly had stopped.

"Yes, that's what I was thinking." admitted Molly. "Same hair color, a lot of the same facial expressions..."

"Maybe we should do a DNA test on her." said Laura, peering over at me.

"She's already had DNA tests done." I said. "DFACS requires them now. What are you expecting to find?"

"I dunno." said Laura, peering at me some more. I did not shy away from returning her look. Paulina was looking at me, then at Laura, then at me, then at Laura.

"And maybe it's best we don't find out." said my mother emphatically. "Cindy is very excited about this child. She'll tell us what she wants us to know, when she wants us to know it. We should all leave it at that."

And with

that

, we headed to our respective beds.

Part 14 - Games People Play

Saturday, November 24th. It was clear and cold for the noon kickoff at University Memorial Stadium as the home University Bulldogs were taking on their in-State rivals, the State Tech Engineers.

The game did not have the excitement of the Bulldogs-Wildcats game. I decided to 'supervise' from the comfort of my office. Laura and I would be hosting some people at The Mountain Nest for the late afternoon Wildcats-State U. game; the Wildcats were already Division winners and were looking to keep their undefeated season going.

I had the game on the television monitor as I put a few dents into the paperwork that seemed to never stop. Don't we have a Deputy Chief to handle all this I thought to myself. Then I caught myself: Bad Wildcat! Get it done!

The University was taking out their frustrations of having been eliminated from Conference title contention on the hapless Engineers. The State Tech Head Coach kept going for it, and on fourth-and-longs in Tech territory. Hey! I thought... the Bulldogs are going to win, but why make it so easy for them?

By 1:30pm I was caught up on my paperwork (yay!). I spent the next hour going over the names of all the Police Officers and their spouses, striving to remember them for the Policeman's Ball. Once I was done with that, I decided that I needed to get to the Mountain Nest before traffic got bad around the Stadium. It definitely helped that my Police SUV was allowed down streets that were closed to the Public...

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I'd invited Franklin and Theo Washington to watch the Wildcats game with me at The Cabin. I also invited Marie to watch with Carole, and Marie's father Edward Steele to watch with us. Laura was hostessing all their wives with a 'parakeet-fluttering' session in the basement. Molly Evans was part of that, and her boys and Jim were watching the game with the rest of us. Carole, Marie, Franklin, and Theo were wearing No. 10 Wildcat jerseys. I was wearing my 'casual' uniform with the red collared shirt, and Edward was wearing a normal button-down collared shirt like he wore every day.

As is normal with young boys, my boys decided that throwing a football themselves was better than watching, at least for a while, so they were in the greatroom throwing Nerf footballs around. Since no one was older than four, I didn't stress too much on it, and it soon became a game of 'get the man with the ball'.

"Boys." Carole said with exasperation when they made noise. "Can't live with 'em, can't make 'em go outside." All of the adult boys laughed, especially when seeing me unable to stop laughing.

"How are things in the D.A.'s Office?" Edward asked Franklin as the game started. It is possible Edward was on an info-fishing expedition for the Council.

"Good." said Franklin. "Mr. Krasney had dropped any pretense of doing any work. He said he probably will take all of December in paid and unpaid leave. Ms. Walters has been meeting with us. Not much is going to change... except I think she's going to be more involved and keep things on a tighter leash than Krasney did."

"Is she going to go after Tunnin and Harlow?" Steele asked.

"I don't know, sir." said Franklin. "She'd probably talk to Paulina about that before saying anything to me. Right now, nobody's saying anything."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

The Wildcats were winning solidly. Jamaal Washington was unstoppable.

"Jamaal is unstoppable." I said. "Y'all might be going to a Heisman Trophy ceremony instead of the Policeman's Ball."

"That is my hope, sir." said Theo.

"Defense is playing great, too." said Edward. "Where did these Freshmen, Davis and Scott, come from?"

"Apple Grove!" Carole said loudly.

"She's right." I said.

At halftime, we went to the kitchen to replenish our snacks. As the others went back, Edward and I stayed for a moment.

"Anything new with the Council?" I asked.

"Right now, nothing." said Edward. "We'll meet, but we don't expect any big issues to crop up before year-end. What I

can

tell you is that Carnes and her crew are already preparing to make things as bad for Daniel Allgood as they can. Weaver is going on non-stop about Daniel being an 'illegitimate' Mayor, and Carnes and Reginald Lewis are going to do everything they can to press that home, even during Council meetings. I fear it's going to be an ugly, ugly year."

"You talked to Lewis?" I asked.

"No, and I've given up trying." said Edward. "In fact, I'm starting to get pissed off at his attitude and the racism he's been displaying. Allgood is going to need defenders, and Colby and I are going to be the front line of that against Lewis and Carnes..."

As the game ended, Carole and Marie were leading the celebrations. The Wildcats had completed an undefeated regular season! I told Carole and Marie to remember these moments, as they might not ever happen again... certainly this had happened only once before in my own lifetime...

Part 15 - Interregnum

"This is Bettina Wurtzburg, KXTC Channel Two News!" shouted the redheaded MILF reporterette at 7:00am, Monday, November 26th, from in front of City Hall. "The Christmas season has begun!"

"Last Friday's Black Friday sales were considered a disappointment by most retail businesses." said Bettina. "Democrats are blaming Governor Val Jared, saying that his policies are harming the State's economy, and his refusal to sign legislation to impose online sales taxes is part of the problem for the retail stores. Governor Jared says that the economy will be better and citizens will have more to spend when the Democrats stop coddling illegal aliens that take jobs away from black citizens."

"In local news," said Bettina, "District-Attorney-elect Miriam Walters has declined to say whether or not she will refile charges against former TCPD Officer Gayle Tunnin when Ms. Walters is sworn in as D.A. in January. She also has declined to say if she will file charges against former TCPD Commander Della Harlow, as well. Sheriff-elect Antonio Griswold has stated he believes Ms. Harlow

should

be charged in connection with the accusations by Ms. Tunnin against illegitimate Mayor-elect Daniel Allgood."

"And let's go to the newest member of the KXTC Channel Two News Team, Jeff Hull with Sports. Jeff!" said Bettina. The camera went to Jeff Hull, formerly of KSTD Sports.

"Hi Bettina, and it's great to be with KXTC Sports!" said Hull. "The undefeated, No. 2 Wildcats have completed an undefeated season by defeating the State U. Purple Hawks on Saturday. The Wildcats eliminated our Bulldogs with their win the week before, and will face Western State for the Conference title after Western's huge upset win over the Tigers. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs played State Tech this weekend here at University Memorial Stadium and crushed the Engineers 51-3 in an embarrassing rout for a dismal State Tech team."

"If the Wildcats can win against State U. and win the Conference, they're the very likely pick to play in the National Championship game for the crystal trophy." said Hull. "Their likely opponent will be the No. 1 Florida Gators, who will be playing the Auburn Tigers for the SEC title after Auburn's amazing 13-7 win over Alabama on a last-second blocked field goal try returned for a touchdown. The National Championship game will be played at the Rose Bowl on January 7th."

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

"Wow." said Joanne Warner as the Detectives watched in MCD. "Hull went to KXTC?"

"Yeah." said Theo Washington. "With Chuck Pringle killing himself and Nick Eastwood moving to KFXU, they had an opening, and Hull took it."

"No non-compete clause in his contract?" asked Jerome Davis.

"Not after what KSTD had happen to them." said Julia Rodriguez.

"What happened to them?" asked Teddy Parker.

"Turn over to their channel." said Julia.

Joanne did so, using the remote. They saw Jenna James, sitting behind a news desk, reciting a story. Julia Rodriguez said "All of the State's SNN stations have been consolidated into one continuous newscast out of the City. Sometimes they'll go to Midtown or here for a report, but mostly it's just headlines now. Jenna James, Margaret Tucker, Diane Williams, and Cynthia Freeman rotate at the desk now, unless one of them is out on assignment."

"So KSTD is gone?" asked Roy McGhillie?"

"Well, the station is still broadcasting the SNN feed." Julia said. "And Cynthia Freeman might still anchor a local news show at 6:00pm. But for the most part, KSTD is finished as an independent local station."

"Wow." said Theo Washington. "I thought KXTC was the one that was going to have to shut down, what with that boycott against them by the Town's business leaders."

"And there's still some of that going on." said Julia. "But there's pushback too, from business owners who vote Democrat, such as Sonic Drive-Ins. Eldrick Weaver also called for the black community to support KXTC as a counter to what he calls the 'illegitimate' Mayor of our Town & County..."

"They're never going to stop that, are they?" Joanne said angrily. "Daniel Allgood won fair and square, despite Weaver's attempts to

steal

the election, yet they're calling Mayor-elect Allgood 'illegitimate'."

"Makes you mad, huh?" said Theo with a grin, needling his Police partner.

"Damn straight, it does!" the sweet Joanne said with a burst of anger. "And I've never forgotten how my cousin was cheated out of his rightful State Senate win, either!"

*Whirrrrrrrrrrr*

"My, what is all this noise in here?" asked Captain Tanya Perlman as she drove into MCD. "Politics? or college football?" There was tepid laughter at that.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

I sent out the email to begin turning in ballots for the Orange Order initiation. Due to Thanksgiving being so early (the earliest date possible this year), the initiation would be on December 7th, and the Policeman's Ball on December 8th.

"Okay," I said to Teresa and Tanya as we gathered for the Angels Meeting at 8:00am, "last week was very quiet. I'm tempted to force you to go back on vacation, Captain Croyle." Tanya laughed.

"I'm just glad your second inspection last Wednesday went well." said Teresa. "If it hadn't have, I'd have stayed in my boring old home town for another week."

"And a good idea that would've been." I said. "So... where is our Deputy Chief?"

"She just came in." said Tanya. "She's learning that being a mother of a new baby can be absolutely exhausting, even with a grandmother' help." I grinned at that.

"Okay, what's new in our fair Town and County?" I asked.

"Drugs, sir." said Tanya. "New preparations, new quantities, new pipelines. We busted a few street sellers over the weekend. You know how that works, sir: we reduce their sentences or even let them go if they give us the names of their suppliers. So far, they haven't talked yet. Their arraignments are today; after that we'll start getting serious with them."