The Sheriff Deputies, Freddie, and Russel began their day by meeting at the Feed Store for coffee. The only time in their lives, when people paid attention to what they had to say, was after a big event like yesterday.
“A woman overdosed on meth or something and stripped off all of her clothes on the side of the road. She then proceeded to take off running through the woods when law enforcement arrived.” That was all they knew. They relayed the information in a way as to make the audience think they knew much more, but they couldn’t let the “Shoe Clerks” know the whole story. That part was unsaid. Everyone knew they didn’t have a clue. It was a grand theater though and made the coffee better. They were just reciting the evening news with an air of self-importance.
Freddie and Russell weren’t dispatched to the scene for a reason. They were Uber Rednecks and misogynists. The only way they would ever see an attractive woman nude was with 5 dollar bills in their hands at a Gentleman’s Club. Not by being dispatched. The ladies hated them and that meant never. “Nekkid Wimmen” was a big part of their thoughts and conversation. Another reason they’d never get the chance.
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If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you, ………
Rudyard Kipling
Gertrude LeBlanc was the head of 911 dispatch for our county. Old Rudyard didn’t know Gerty. No ifs about it, she remained in control. She stayed cool and was capable of functioning on a dispassionate level at all times. Even when the events would reduce everyone else in the room to tears, she soldiered on. The Sherriff referred to her desk as Mount Sinai and whatever missives that came from that desk were carved in stone. When Russell and Freddie complained to the Sherriff about Gertrude and not being dispatched to the scene. He replied “You’d better do what the fuck she says! If you don’t understand that please let me know.”
“Yes Sir, we understand!”
“Good, I hate personnel change paperwork.”
The Sheriff did bring the issue up with Gerty.
She said. “I had a complicated situation and I didn’t think the addition of a moron much less two would help.”
The part of his department that was a shining example to the state was his 911 dispatch. This was something he was proud of. Those morons didn’t have a chance.
When she got the call that a naked woman was standing on the road, she sent units, except Russell and Freddie, to the scene. All relevant agencies were notified to look out for suspicious activities near the location. She wanted to know if there were signs of violence or abuse. An ambulance, as well as a helicopter, were dispatched. Over 20 deputies on foot were combing the woods. Once all that was in place she sat back in her chair and waited for information to come in.
Now is the time for that Honey Bun and coffee.
The sheriff’s department was out looking for any strange behavior. Two investigators were looking over the car and its surroundings. The Highway Patrol was watching the major highways. The helicopter pilot had her in sight and an ambulance was on location. The next updates would dictate how she would handle the situation.
They found drugs in her car on the front seat. Her clothes were located and there were no signs of a struggle. The ambulance EMTs confirmed the drug overdose suspicion. What happened in the next two minutes was a symphony of organization. The helicopter was sent home. The Highway Patrol was apprised of the situation’s resolution. The rest were rerouted to other problems or released to their normal patrols. All of this before the last bite of Honey Bun. She then dug through her book bag and went back to reading the article “How to tell if your man is cheating.”
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Once released from the hospital the woman was free to go. No charges were filed against her and judging from the condition of her car there was no money to help with the cost of the search and rescue. With head held high, she calmly walked out under the stares of everyone. Many tried to avert her eyes, yet sneak a peak when they could. Some openly snickered. The woman was unfazed and proudly walked out the front doors.