Page 50 of Rules

"I need forensics en route."

"Already done, Erin and the team are on their way." I smile and give my head a little shake. I don't know what I would do without Holly.

"Thanks."

Sang and I switch our radios over to the main channel as we walk into the back of the store. Seeing the man on the floor reminds me of a caught calf in a rodeo. The man's dressed all in black and not making a sound. Deputy Rogers is standing next to him, a weapon in her hand. Seeing us, she unchambers the gun and sets it on the nearby display case.

"You alright?" is the first thing out of my mouth when I see her. "Is everyone alright?"

"Yes, sir, we're fine," Rogers answers as her cousin nods his head.

"What happened?" I ask, standing around the tied man.

"The store was closed but I knew Kyle was still here. So, I stopped to get my order. The four suspects broke in. They opened the back door, and came in like a swat team clearing a room, silent, not a word or noise. If I hadn't known who they were, I would've been impressed. I happened to be standing at the corner of the counter," she points to where she had been, "I could see them. I didn't have my weapon but I know Kyle keeps a gun under the counter. I whispered for him to give it to me, which he did. I announced myself and told them to freeze. Once they heard, they stopped moving. I yelled for them to stay put. I told Kyle to call nine one one. The four looked at each other and the lead guy threw a baton type thing my way while the others hightailed it out of here. The thrower stepped back as I advanced, he reached in and pulled a gun from inside his coat. I told him to stop. He took another step back. I said I would shoot if he didn't halt. He stepped backwards again which brought him to the door. He raised his weapon and that's when I shothim in the leg. The three others escaped." Her report is crisp, professional.

I nod, scanning the perimeter. The EMTs come in with Deputy Edwards. We back up to allow the EMTs room.

The EMT peers at the victim. "Wow, someone's got some serious shibari talents."

Not sure what he's referring to, I side-eye him while bending down to take the man's ski mask off. Removing it shows a man in his late twenties. Short brown hair, brown eyes, a nose that's met quite a few fists, and a lot of facial tattoos.

"What's your name?" I help take the ropes off of him as he winces. "What's your name?"

"Mickey."

"You got a last name Mickey?"

He looks me straight in the eyes. "Mouse, M-o-u-s-e, mouse."

We stand watch as the EMTs do their job. Once they're done and they announce he's ready for transportation, I step forward.

"Deputy Sang, read the rodent his rights, and ride with him to the hospital, don't leave his side. I'll meet you there. This one by the books, alright?" I help load him on the gurney then secure the man's arm to the side rail with handcuffs while Edwards does the other arm. "Not as fancy as the rope job but it'll do." Edwards chuckles.

As the doors close and the ambulance pulls away, I turn to Brooklyn. "You know the drill. I need that weapon for ballistics, and there'll be an investigation since you discharged a firearm."

"Standard procedure," she nods. "It was a clean shoot, Sheriff."

"I don't doubt it for a second," I assure her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "But every part of this goes by the books. Go to the station and fill out your statement. Like I said, by the books, be as detailed as you can be. Edwards will get Kyle's statement."Deputy Edwards nods at me then moves toward the counter where Kyle is standing. I take my phone out and call Holly.

"Hey," she answers in a nervous voice.

"She's fine." I hear Holly blow out a breath. "Please, call the hospital and let them know who this guy is. No one goes around him unless it's for a medical reason. Sang's traveling with him, he goes where the suspect goes, stress to them that sticking with Mr. Mouse is not an option."

"You got it. Anything else?"

"I need paperwork for an officer investigation printed in duplicate and set out. One stack for Brooklyn, one for me."

Holly doesn't answer for a moment. "Oh, alright, I'll have them ready."

"We're following the playbook on this one, no room for mistakes."

Her voice sounds lighter after my explanation. "I see, I think that's a good idea."

"Thanks, she'll be on the way." I hang up.

"Rogers," I call her away from the others. "Holly will have your paperwork for you when you get there." She turns towards the back door. "Deputy Rogers," I call after her. She stops and looks at me. "I'm glad you're okay. Good job."

Brooklyn smiles. "Ten four."

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