I Am The Sheepdog: An Alex Shepherd Novel Read online

  Jenkins did as I instructed. “Sit,” I told her, pointing to the chair the kid had just vacated.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Principal Reese asked.

  1,2,3...3,2,1... I tried to take deep breaths and calm myself as I reconsidered my life choices. These people had obviously lived very sheltered lives.

  “I know it’s my first real day here, so let’s get a few things straight,” I began as I tossed the water gun into the trash can I had just used for target practice.

  “First, don’t you ever do that again,” I said, pointing to Jenkins. “Do you know how close I was to calling every unit in the county for a possible active shooter? Do you have any idea how serious something like that is?”

  “Deputy, I—”

  I held up my hand, cutting off Principal Reese. “I’ll get to you in a second, sir.”

  “We’re new to working together, so if it helps, I will go over the various scenarios that warrant an emergency response. But for starters, this wasn’t one of them. Understand?”

  Jenkins nodded, not sure how to respond to my visible anger.

  “Principal Reese,” I said turning to him. “And Vice Principal Lawrence. This is for both of you.”

  “Deputy Wilson—”

  This time it was Vice Principal Lawrence that I had to cut off. “No, this is the time for you to listen. I am the School Resource Officer for this school. I do not work for the School Board. I do not work for the School. I work with the school to ensure the safety of these students. I enforce the laws as they are written by the county and State of Texas. I do not enforce school policy.”

  “What you have just attempted to escalate is definitely a school policy, and a rather ridiculous one, if we’re being honest. You’re going to ruin that boy’s life over an honest mistake?”

  “We have a zero tolerance policy, Deputy,” Reese replied.

  I made eye contact with Vice Principal Lawrence. She must have realized that I was on the verge of choking the smug old man, because she chose to deescalate instead of continuing the conversation.

  “You know, Tom, maybe Deputy Wilson has a point,” she said calmly. “Today is only the first day of school. Lee Davis is a straight A student. Perhaps we could give him another chance. Maybe detention for a week or two to drive home the point.”

  Reese leaned back in his high-back leather chair and folded his arms. “I don’t know, Cindy. This is pretty major.”

  I glared at Reese. I bit my tongue, hoping Vice Principal Lawrence could talk some sense into him before I went nuclear.

  “It is, Tom, you’re right,” she said. “But I think he will learn from it. And perhaps Deputy Wilson can educate the students on the dangers of firearms in schools, including toys that look like firearms.”

  “I’d be happy to,” I said.

  “So, it’s settled?” Vice Principal Lawrence asked.

  Reese let out a sigh. “I suppose so. But we shouldn’t make a habit of bending the rules around here.”

  “Perfect,” Lawrence said. “I will talk to Davis’s parents myself.”

  “I’ll be in my office if you need me,” I said as I turned and walked out.

  Chapter Two

  I HAD BARELY MADE IT back to my office before I received a call from my sergeant on my cell phone. Principal Reese had called him to complain about what he felt was gross insubordination for refusing to ruin that kid’s life.

  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that my sergeant backed me 100%. The previous deputy assigned to this school had consistently rolled over to Principal Reese’s demands, causing unnecessary reports and charges that were all eventually dropped but wasted everyone’s time. He was glad that I did the right thing but cautioned that I needed to have a good working relationship with the school administration and should tone it down a few notches.

  He ended the call by inviting me to join him for lunch, but I politely declined. Since it was the first day of school, I wanted to make my rounds through the cafeteria to let the kids know I was there for them.

  After the call, Kruger and I headed back out to make our rounds between periods. I ran into Miss Jenkins who seemed nervous and flustered when she saw me.

  “I’m sorry about what happened earlier,” I said. “I guess I just got a little too amped up. First day jitters and all that.”

  “It’s okay,” she said sheepishly. “I’m sorry for making such a big deal of it. That’s just the way we’ve always done things around here. It’s the most excitement we ever get.”

  “Quiet is a good thing,” I said. “But maybe next time we can save the excitement for actual emergencies.”

  “I guess that’s fair,” she said as she brushed a stray hair from her face. “So, hey, our lunch break is after this next period. Do you want to maybe join us for lunch in the teachers’ lounge? I’ll introduce you to everyone.”

  “Maybe some other time,” I replied. “I was planning on having lunch in the cafeteria with the students today.”

  “Some other time, then,” Jenkins said. “Well, I should get to class.”

  “See you around,” I said as she walked off.

  I could tell she was trying to be flirtatious, but I wasn’t interested. I didn’t think anyone could replace my wife, and although Miss Jenkins was cute and seemed nice, she was a bit too young for me. I guessed she was in her mid-twenties. I just wasn’t interested.

  Kruger and I continued our rounds and then headed for the cafeteria. I grabbed a tray and selected a slice of pizza and an apple for myself, then picked up a bowl of carrots for Kruger. We sat at a table away from the entrance and started eating as students began to arrive for lunch.

  “Dee Dubya!” I heard as I bent over to place the bowl of carrots in front of Kruger.

  “Marcus,” I said as I saw him approaching with his tray.

  “Can I join you guys?” he asked.

  “Sure.”

  “Awesome!” he said as he sat. “So, you never did answer my question.”

  “About what?”

  “About using your gun,” he said before taking a bite of his sandwich.

  “That’s not something you need to be worrying about,” I said and then tried to change the subject. “So, how’s your first day of ninth grade?”

  “Okay,” he replied. “A few kids are picking on me, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.”

  “Do you need Kruger to go talk to them?” I asked with a grin.

  “No,” Marcus said stoically. “I’ve got this. They’re just being dumb.”

  “Well, if you need us, we’re here,” I said.

  Marcus nodded. Moments later, Miss Jenkins walked up accompanied by another male teacher. “Mind if we join you?”

  “Marcus?” I asked. “What do you think?”

  “I was just finishing,” Marcus answered as he tossed his napkin on his tray and stood. “I’ve got some work to do. I’ll talk to you later, Deputy Wilson.”

  “You don’t have to leave,” I said, but it was too late. Marcus shook his head and walked off.

  I turned my attention to Miss Jenkins and her guest. “Looks like a spot just opened up. Please, join us.”

  “Does the dog bite?” the man asked nervously as he eyed Kruger munching on her carrots.

  “Only when I ask her to,” I replied.

  “Deputy Wilson, this is Dave Tyson. He teaches physics,” Jenkins said.

  I reached over and shook his hand. His grip was weak and his hands were soft. His pale skin and clichéd suspenders made it clear he didn’t spend much time outdoors.

  “So, Deputy Wilson, Miss Jenkins tells me you’re from Louisiana,” Tyson said.

  “That’s correct,” I said.

  “What part?”

  “New Orleans area,” I said. Although St Tammany Parish was thirty-five miles north, it was close enough.

  “What brings you to this part of Texas?”

  “I was looking for a fresh start, and I found an opening for an SRO here. Seemed like
a nice enough place,” I replied. “Quiet.”

  “Did they tell you about the gangs?” Tyson asked.

  “Gangs?” I asked. I looked at Jenkins who just shrugged as we waited for Tyson to explain.

  “An MS-13 spinoff called Los Ochos Locos has been seen in the area. I’m afraid they’re going to invade our little town,” Tyson said, pushing up his glasses.

  “That’s the first I’m hearing about it,” I said. “Where did you hear this?”

  “I saw them,” Tyson replied. “I went for a walk in the park this weekend and I saw them in the parking lot.”

  “How do you know they were part of a gang?”

  “They were blaring loud rap music and they all had tattoos,” Tyson explained. “The news said they were looking to move north.”

  “I’ll see what I can find,” I replied. “Thanks for the tip.”

  “So, Deputy Wilson, what’s your story? Married? Kids?” Jenkins asked abruptly.

  “No,” I replied flatly.

  “Never?” Jenkins asked.

  “No.”

  “Okay,” Jenkins said. “Well a lot of us go out on the weekends. Fredericksburg is kind of a small town. It can be hard to meet people.”

  “I appreciate the offer,” I said. “But I’m fine.”

  “Deputy Todd was a bit of a loner as well. His wife left him right before he retired. I think he was in his mid-sixties though,” Tyson said. “I’m sure it’s a rough job.”

  “Sure,” I said. I had grown tired of the chit chat and decided it was time to get back to work. I attached Kruger’s leash to her harness and stood.

  “It was nice meeting you,” I said as I stood. “We should probably get back to work.”

  I deposited my tray and walked Kruger out of the cafeteria. The rest of the school day was uneventful. I spent the afternoon catching up on reports and then we went back to the front of the school to socialize and greet parents as the kids left for the day.

  As Kruger and I stood and watched the kids leave, I saw an old Honda Civic arrive. A heavyset man about my age emerged and walked straight to where Marcus and a group of kids were standing. The man aggressively grabbed Marcus’s arm and led him toward the car.

  Kruger and I casually walked toward them, intercepting the duo before the man could shove Marcus into the car.

  “Excuse me,” I said calmly. “Everything OK?”

  “Who the fuck are you?” the man snapped.

  “Deputy Wilson. I’m the School Resource Officer,” I replied.

  The man laughed. “You ain’t even a real cop. What do you want?”

  “The State of Texas would beg to differ,” I said. “But I’m just curious as to why you’re being so rough with Marcus.”

  “He’s my stepson, fool. I can do whatever I want,” the man said angrily before turning to get in his car. “I don’t have time for this shit. I have to go back to work. He’s lucky he ain’t walking home today.”

  “There’s no reason to treat him like that,” I said.

  The man stopped and turned, approaching menacingly. Kruger growled, eager to take this asshole down. I gently tugged on the leash, getting her to sit.

  “You a big man with that dog, huh?” the man asked as he stopped and eyed the dog.

  “Sir, I suggest you get back in your vehicle, start treating your stepson with some respect, and take this warning,” I said calmly.

  “Warning? You threatening me, motherfucker?”

  “I don’t like the way you’re treating my friend,” I said. “You smell like weed and you’re on school property, which means if I let my dog take a lap around your vehicle, and she finds it – which she will – you will be charged with a felony and the car will be impounded. Young Mr. Marcus will go home and you’ll take a ride. And if you resist, I promise you, neither I nor my furry partner here will be gentle. Now, I suggest you reconsider your life choices before you say another word to me, friend.”

  The man froze. His eyes darted between me and Kruger. His shoulders suddenly slumped and he looked away.

  “Am I free to leave?” the man asked sheepishly.

  “You are free to leave,” I said. “Why don’t you take Marcus for some ice cream and apologize to him?”

  The man said nothing as he got in the vehicle and drove away slowly, careful not to speed off. I let out a deep sigh as Kruger and I walked to my fully marked Chevy Tahoe to get my traffic vest and help direct traffic.

  It had been a long day, and it was only the first day of the school year.

  Chapter Three

  FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS! In Louisiana, high school football was a pretty big deal, but in Texas, it was almost a religion. The first Friday of the school year was also the first game of the season, and for all intents and purposes, the school pretty much shut down after noon.

  After the pep rally in the school’s multimillion dollar gym, Kruger and I headed home for a few hours of rest before the game. I had rented a small two-bedroom house on the edge of town with a fenced yard for Kruger to stretch her legs when we were home. We took a quick nap and then headed to the stadium for the night’s game.

  We arrived nearly two hours before kickoff, but people were already starting to trickle into the stadium. Kruger and I did a quick walk through of the stadium and parking lot, just to make sure there were no hidden dangers like drugs, suspicious people, or even bombs. About an hour later, reserve deputies from the sheriff’s office and officers from the local police department showed up to assist with security and traffic control. I gave them their assignments and sent them on their way.

  “Are you ready for the big game?”

  I turned to see Miss Jenkins with her face painted in the red and white school colors. She had ditched her conservative dress for jeans and a school t-shirt. She had just parked her car in the gravel parking lot and was carrying her bag toward the entrance.

  “I don’t even know who they’re playing, to be honest,” I said.

  “You’re silly,” she said with a chuckle. “The Billies are playing the Owls from Hondo.”

  “Great,” I said. “Hopefully it’s a good game.”

  “Oh, it will be,” she said. “Well, I’ve got to go. The girls need to warm up.”

  “Girls?”

  “I’m coaching the dance team,” she said. “You didn’t know that? They did a routine at the pep rally.”

  “I must have missed it,” I said. “Good luck though.”

  “Thanks!” she said as she turned to join a group of girls wearing sparkling red and white shirts and black dance pants.

  “Dude!” a reserve deputy said as he walked up. “You hitting that?”

  “Excuse me?” I asked as I turned to him. It was Deputy Dennis Harrold, a local banker who volunteered with the Sheriff’s Office in his spare time.

  “Jennifer Jenkins,” he said. “Hottest girl in this town. She used to be a dancer for the San Antonio Spurs. I’m sure the players all took a turn with her, but damn, what I’d do to that.”

  “No,” I said gruffly.

  “Well, you should,” he said. “I saw the way she looked at you. She totally wants you.”

  “Not interested,” I said.

  “Oh,” Harrold said with a look of disappointment. “Well, if that’s not your thing...I mean...not that there’s anything wrong with that.”

  “Maybe you should go help direct traffic,” I said before walking off.

  “Just saying,” he said, laughing as he watched me walk away.

  Deputy Cliff Milton joined Kruger and me as we walked through the stadium entrance. He was a reserve deputy who volunteered when he wasn’t working for UPS as a pilot.

  “I see you met Dennis,” Milton said with a derisive laugh.

  “Is he always like that?” I asked.

  “Like what?”

  “An asshole,” I said.

  “Ha! Nah, he’s not that bad. Just a little rough around the edges. Been divorced a few times. Kind of a womanizer. Why, what did he do
now?” Milton asked.

  “I believe it,” I said. “He didn’t do anything. Just said some dumb things about Miss Jenkins.”

  Milton laughed again. “Last year was her first year here and he hounded her every game we worked. I guess she used to be a dancer or something with the NBA. Only problem was he was still married at the time.”

  “Do I need to go have a talk with him?” I asked.

  “Nah, he’s harmless. All talk. He’s really a good guy, just a little weird,” Milton replied.

  Milton hung out with Kruger and me on the sidelines for most of the first half. Aside from a parent complaining that some kid was yelling obscenities in the bleachers, it had been an uneventful game so far.

  With just under two minutes left in the first half, however, that all changed. Deputy Harrold and another deputy reported that they were responding to reports of a student running around the tennis courts behind the bleachers with his shirt off. He was screaming at people and sweating profusely.

  Deputy Milton and I ran to join them. When we arrived, we found Deputy Harrold and his partner, Deputy Matthews, trying to calm a teenage male down.

  “I’m Kanye! I’m Jesus! One! Seven! Two!” the boy screamed.

  Deputy Harrold stepped back and turned to me. “They said he was smoking something and just started freaking out. I think it’s Spice or K2.”

  Synthetic marijuana – a growing danger in the local community because of what it could be mixed with to simulate marijuana. I radioed for EMS to step it up as I made Kruger stay and I approached the kid.

  “What’s your name, buddy?” I asked as he went through another iteration of claiming to be a terrible rapper and Jesus.

  “Detroit rock city I’m the world-famous hillbilly!” he yelled.

  “What did you take?” I asked.

  “I wanna go home!” he yelled.

  “Okay, we’ll get you home. But first we’re going to get you some help,” I said. I calmly approached him.

  “I’m going to jail!” the boy yelled.

  “You’re not going to jail,” I said as I moved in closer. “We just want to get you help.”

  “I need bacon!”

  “Let’s have a seat over here, buddy,” I said as I gently took his arm. “We’ll get you whatever you want.”