A Texas Ranger was here to investigate the deputies involved shooting that resulted in the deaths of two suspects. He was with Gertrude while waiting for Freddy and Russell.
He told Gertrude, “We think these guys were enforcers for the Southern Mafia. They handled problems for the Mafia in the most brutal of ways. Not to torture, but to communicate with those that were not there. Cross us and this can happen to you and your family. We think they are the same guys that killed a family of seven last month at a birthday party. True sociopaths could kill and leave no clues. Pump shotguns are the only link between them and lots of other drug murders.”
“Shit, we thought there was only one gunman there when we dispatched the deputies,” said Gertrude.
“Well, Russell engaged the first guy at more than 70 feet. A little daunting in a gunfight with a professional using a shotgun. He wasn’t going to miss with double-ought buckshot at that distance. Your deputy squeezed off four rounds and that did the trick. Freddy, on the other hand, pulled off the most impressive feat. With buckshot in his shoulder and arm, he was able to fire his sidearm through a small hole in the windshield and hit a guy in the head to kill him instantly.”
A deputy that works in the office laughed, “Ole Freddy pissed himself in the gunfight, he couldn’t hold his water,”
The Ranger was unimpressed and said, “They were up against two men who had shell catchers on their shotguns and they had only pistols. The shell catchers were to make sure they left no shell casings behind. These men were proof that evil can plan its actions. They even had burn bags to burn their shoes and clothes to leave no evidence. The only true measure of courage is how much fear has to be conquered to act.”
Then looking at Gerty he said. “If I am ever in need of backup here. Those are the two I hope you send. I’ll supply the Depends if need be.”
“As it turns out, those two happen to be the sharpest knives we have in the drawer,” Gerty said while looking at the deputy. He slowly walked back to his desk and sat down and started to look at some papers.
The Ranger looked back at Gert while leaving the room and said, “You know my Grandma used to tell us that God exists at the end of our arms. Those hands are the only way his good works are carried out. Today I realized that is where evil exists also. Two of those sets of hands were overmatched in every way, yet they triumphed to save two innocent children. It had to be a miracle.”
Freddy and Russell were sitting around Gerty’s desk and asking why they were needed today. They had both been given 7 days each, of paid time off.
“The Texas Ranger was here to go over your statements about the shooting. Just a formality. He is quite impressed with both of you. Don’t worry.”
She added, “Child Protective Services is bringing in the kids so he can talk to them. They are just trying to make sure everything is buttoned up.”
That’s when Freddy said, “You know, my wife and I have been trying to have kids of our own with no luck. Just lots of money spent on Doctors is all we have to show for it, can we adopt these kids?”
Gerty was stunned. She had no idea Freddie wanted to be a father. It sure didn’t fit into her preconceived notions about him. Both had shattered her perceptions of them. She said, “Well the people we need to ask are bringing in the kids this morning.”
That is when the kids arrived with two women from Protective Services. The children had been crying as evidenced by their reddened eyes. They were two little human beings that had been emotionally shattered. It was only when they saw Freddy and Russell did they show any recognition of their surroundings. They immediately started hugging the deputies’ legs and crying. Each would in turn switch from one deputy’s leg to the other.
Gerty told them, “Take the kids over to the chairs against the wall. Let them spend some time with you.”
All four of them were in tears and they spent their time hugging each other. The older woman from Protective Services said, “Do you think the deputies could accompany the kids for the interview? This is the only time we’ve seen them responsive to anything.”
“That will be no problem,” said the Sheriff, who had come out of his office when the kids arrived.
The deputies and the kids had been talking to the Ranger for a long time when Gerty finally got a chance to talk to the Sheriff.
“Freddy just told me that he and his wife would like to adopt the kids. They are childless and would love to take them in if possible. Is there anything you can do to help?” she said.
“Well, it turns out that we can find no other relatives for them. It seems their parents were in the Foster Care system too. It could be a way to break the chains that pull children down,” he added.
Then he looked at her and said, “I thought you thought those two were morons?”
Just at that moment, Gerty looked up and there stood Freddy, Russell, and the kids behind the Sheriff. They had hurt looks on their faces that were made worse by past events.
Gertrude looked at them and said, “I want you to know that behind your backs I did refer to you as morons. On more than one occasion. I jumped to the wrong conclusions about you both, letting my error in judgment sway my opinions. I was wrong and hope you can find it in your hearts to forgive me.
The entire room was in shock. First, she said it loud enough for all to hear. Secondly, she’s never wrong. Thirdly, the frailty in her request amplified the seriousness. She then turned to look at the Sheriff.
The Sheriff was no dummy, he immediately looked at the Protective Service ladies and asked, “Could we have a moment alone in my office ladies?”
He then looked at Gert and said. “I’m sure I’ll need to make a bunch of phone calls, try to take care of everything for me.”
“Will do Sheriff.”