Page 24 of Avery's Hero

When I turn onto the highway, I’m ruminating about all kinds of serious shit. As if I’m having a case of the Murphy’s Law revenge, traffic comes to a sudden stop. Son of a bitch. It’s a total log jam. It’s not even rush hour. But that’s California for you.

I almost groan out loud as I inch forward in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the five. That last fire scene we went to wasn't far, just on the edge of our county, but I, like an idiot, made the mistake of getting on the highway thinking it would get us back faster.

This isn’t my jurisdiction, but I ease onto the shoulder with my emergency lights flashing. “Let’s go see if we canlend a hand. This isn’t Ocean County territory, but helping is far better than sitting here staring at tail lights. Maybe we can direct traffic, diffuse tempers, or something…”

As we round the corner and the mayhem comes into sight, Avery bolts upright in her seat. “Oh my god, are those avocados?”

“Jesus. Looks like it.”

She makes a face and laughs. “God, that’s messy.”

It’s the first time she’s looked relaxed since the scare at the warehouse.

When I park, I radio the command center for Levi County. “Levi County Command Center, this is Fire Chief Brock Mitchell from Lynn’s Cove Fire and EMS, I’m on site at the crash at South Bound exit 414.”

“This is Levi County Command, go ahead, Chief.”

Cuing the mic, I say, “I can offer some limited assistance. But, I don’t have much gear with me. Over.”

A tinny voice on the other end says, “Copy that, Chief Mitchell, your assistance would be appreciated. The unit on hand could use some help. Our next unit is ten minutes out. We have another incident that’s tying up our resources. You’ll make someone very happy. Thank you. Over.”

I hang up the mic and kill the truck engine. “I’ve seen a lot of things, but never the highway smeared in bright green avocado mash.”

Staring at the chaos with a curl to her lips, she says, “At least, we can’t say today’s been boring.”

“Boring isn’t in my vocabulary. Sometimes, I wish it was.”

“I’m beginning to see that. Hey, Chief, can I get out of the truck this time?”

I cut her a glance. “How are you feeling?”

“Good. It’s not like this is a fire or a burned out warehouse.And the traffic isn’t even moving. The worst thing that can happen here is a food fight might break out.”

“Okay. You win this round. But stick close to me. No wandering off. If you feel anything, I mean anything out of the ordinary, you tell me immediately.”

Her smile is down right disarming. For a few seconds, I’m stuck. Just like Reeves was back at the restaurant.

She says, “I can do that. But really, I’m fine. There are no creepy shadows around here. Just don’t kiss me and there won’t be any more problems.”

All grumpy, I say, “If that’s the case, then you’ll never have another panic attack. One, because you are not going traipsing around any crime scenes by yourself, and two, because I’m not going to kiss you.”

She gives me a little eye-roll. “I learned my lesson about spooky warehouses. Now about the other, what was all that mumbling about a date back there in the restaurant?”

I climb out of the truck and pull on my reflective coat. “I was delirious from hunger.”

“Handy excuse. Now, since I’m fine, and I won’t go wandering off in crime scenes, and you’re not going to kiss me, and I’m not going toletyoukiss me, can I skip those evals?”

Glowering. That’s what I’m doing. I’ve heard the term before and now I understand it. “Don’t expect any special treatment from me. I’m still your boss.”

She has the nerve to bat her eyes at me as she pulls on a reflective vest and the county baseball cap that I toss her way.

I grumble, “Don’t push your luck, Ellis. Come on, let’s go see what we can do to get this clusterfuck under control.”

Avery and I pick our way across the slicked pavement toward the ambulance on the other side of the road.

Her laughter is like singing crystal. Bright and light. A tone my ear loves. She’s chattering away and I’m losing my head over here.

“I’ve always loved avocados, but I’ll admit, this is a little bit much. These devils are slippery as—” She grabs my arm as one of her boots slips out.

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