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Chapter One, Chapter Two, Chapter Three

July 10, 2003
Cochise County, Arizona

Chapter One

"Come on, Beanie, we're almost there."

Penny leaned forward in the driver's seat, urging the little car to keep trying. As if in response to her plea, the dusty green Volkswagen coughed once more before the motor steadied and it chugged on up the winding highway. Following a canyon walled with rugged, rusty hills, the road formed a steep and snaky route.

As she spun the steering wheel for yet another sharp curve, a slight breeze came through the open window. The hot breath dried her face and sweat-plastered hair. Even though the sun had sunk to rest on the edge of the mountains to the west, the heat did not abate. In her rear view mirror, the distant peaks looked more like a painted stage-set than real mountains.

How good it would be to stop and stretch, to get out and move around, even to sleep for hours in a cool room. Her trip from Kansas City had been long and dreary, almost non-stop, as the July heat pounded down without mercy on the heavily laden little car. She'd been on the road almost thirty hours now, except for the short night she'd spent in a motel in eastern New Mexico. She kept praying the old 'bug' would make the long journey. At this point the trip felt mystical, like some sort of quest, almost part of a fantasy.

Her friends at McDonnell Air Force Base had told her she was crazy. Maybe she was. But her divorce was final now, so she couldn't stay in Base housing any longer, and she had no desire to remain near Kansas City. When her friend Jan Perkins, also recently divorced, had called to tell her about the job with the Cochise County Sheriff's Department in Arizona, Penny hadn't hesitated.

"I'll be there Monday," she'd promised. That had been Wednesday evening. It was now Sunday, July 10. Bisbee, Arizona lay just beyond these red hills. Bisbee and tomorrow, the first day of the rest of her life. The old cliche had never seemed so true.

Just then she heard a sharp crack, almost like a shot, and the Volkswagen wobbled alarmingly. Penny snapped out of her daydreams, clutching the wheel with sweat-slick hands. Her heart pounded. For a moment fear and memories washed over her carrying a chill even the hot evening could not dispel. Somehow, she managed to steer onto the shoulder and stop, getting out to look. Yep, it was a tire. The worn one on the right front that she'd worried about.

"Drat," she muttered. "Couldn't we have made it a few more miles?" Too weary now to be anything but philosophical, she lifted the trunk lid and began to set things out so she could reach the spare.

There wasn't room for another toothpick in the car. She hadn't wanted to leave anything. In the end, only a few pieces of heavy furniture had gone into storage because she wasn't sure she'd ever be able to reclaim them. Even after she had two yard sales and gave away a lot, there were still too many treasures she couldn't part with.

She sighed. The hurt of it all was still too near, too real. A few cars passed, shut tight against the heat. They seemed as distant as the freeway she'd left thirty miles to the north.

She'd knelt to tighten the last of the lug nuts when a vehicle finally slowed and stopped, just behind her car. A pickup. She glanced up, with no real interest, just to assure herself no danger threatened.

When a man climbed down and walked around to her side of the car, she straightened, brandishing the jack handle. It wasn't a great weapon but better than none. She'd heard too many tales of the tragedies that befell solitary women on the road.

"Do you need any help?" he asked, his voice low and lazy.

"Nope. I just finished the job, if you'll notice." Ironic, that someone should stop now, when the hard, dirty part's done.

"Sorry I didn't get here sooner. That's hot work for a lady."

She stooped to lift the flat so she could roll it around to the trunk. Her left arm, the weak one, didn't want to cooperate. The therapist had told her it would return to normal in time, but nerves were pinched and bruised and it had healed slowly. Clenching her teeth, she willed the numb fingers and stiff wrist to cooperate. The stranger's steady regard, creating an itchy tingle between her shoulder blades, didn't help matters.

Her one quick glance had told her his eyes were an unusual amber color, almond shaped, and set deep over high cheekbones in an angular, dusky face. Another time and place, she might have found that face intriguing.

"Who said I was a lady?" she muttered, weariness dulling her voice.

He chuckled. "Well, you might be a little young to be a real lady, but you'll get there. Here, let me do that."

When he reached for the tire, his arm brushed hers. She flinched. "Never mind. I'm not helpless. Go on and do your thing."

He drew back, a shadow crossing his face for an instant. "Whoa, take it easy. I'm not trying to hustle you. Helping people is s'posed to be my stock in trade."

He reached into the left pocket of his faded western-cut chambray shirt and drew out a leather case, like a small wallet. Flipping it open with a deft motion, he revealed a photo ID and a badge, a bronze six-point star inscribed Deputy Sheriff, Cochise County. He bowed slightly. "Deputy Valdez Hawke, at your service."

She felt herself flush, shamed by her rudeness, her paranoia. "Sorry, Deputy Hawke. I just knew I had to be careful--I've come a long way alone."

He nodded as he stepped back, pocketing the badge case. "No problem. If you really don't need help, I'll be going. I'm due on shift in a couple more hours and I've still got a few things to do. Welcome to Cochise County anyway."

Penny exhaled a long sigh. "Thanks. I--well, thanks. Nobody else even stopped to ask. I guess the paranoia goes both ways these days."

He nodded. "You're right to be careful, of course. I can't deny that. You had no way to know who I was. No offense." He lifted the tire, swung it smoothly into the trunk, and then headed back to his truck. As he pulled away, he looked back to wave and smile, leaving Penny feeling suddenly even more alone.

She loaded everything back in, a bit haphazardly compared to her first careful packing job. Somehow the trunk shut, anyway. Starting the VW, she crept on up the mountain. The car felt the leveling off before she did and began to roll gradually faster. Now the highway ran downhill, through a tunnel and on down a long winding grade overlooking Bisbee.

In the deep twilight, the old mining town looked vaguely Mediterranean, like the seaside villages of Italy and Greece she and Craig had visited when he'd been stationed in Europe. She cast the recollection aside, part of a past no longer relevant to her life.

She had almost memorized Jan's hand-drawn map. She saw it now in her mind as she drove alongside the gaping dark hole of the Lavender Pit, once an active copper mine, and continued around the traffic circle where highways 92 and 80 came together. Her route was the second right out of the circle, leading to the areas once known as Bakerville and Warren.

Jan had explained the modern town of Bisbee took in a number of communities that had once been separate towns in the heyday of the rich mining district. The area was full of history, legend, and romance. Penny found these tales of a romantic past very appealing.

Dusk had become dark when she finally reached the small mobile home park where Jan lived with her two daughters. Jan, too, had been a military wife stranded by a divorce--but at Arizona's Fort Huachuca instead of the Midwest. She was busy making a new life for herself.

Her offer to provide Penny a temporary haven and a new start was typical of her outgoing and generous nature. It also reflected the strong friendship the two shared, dating back to their first meeting in Army Basic Training some eight years earlier.

Penny parked beside the blue mini-pickup Jan had described over the phone. As she shut off the VW's engine, the door of the mobile home burst open. Two little tow-headed girls, a Siamese cat, a nondescript dog, and a slender blonde woman erupted out to envelope Penny in a flurry of hugs.

Their warm welcome erased most of the nagging doubts Penny had been trying to ignore. Six arms enfolded her at varying heights while the two animals tangled around her legs.

Jan stepped back, a smile lighting her face. "Gosh, it's good to see you again! Come on in out of the heat. You must be exhausted! Do you have an overnight case you need to bring in right away? We won't worry about the rest until morning."

Penny rummaged a moment behind her seat and came up with the small bag which held her toiletries and an oversized tee-shirt she used as a nightgown. "This will do for now. You're right--I'm done in. Didn't realize just how done in until I stopped. I won't want to drive again for a month!"

Jan led the way up the steps to the small deck at the front door, chattering cheerfully. "The girls flipped a coin to decide who's room you'd get to use. Julie won, so she moved in with Sally. We already had the trundle bed for overnight guests--slumber parties--so it'll work out just fine."

She waved Penny toward the center of the living room. "There, the coolest spot in the place. Sit under the fan but don't get chilled. These evaporative coolers work really well until the humidity gets high. Fortunately here in the high desert, that doesn't happen often. We're almost a mile high here, too, so it cools off pretty quick after sundown."

Penny dropped into the sagging chair Jan indicated and stretched out her long legs, flexed her weary hands, and yawned before she could lift a hand to hide it.

"It isn't the company," she apologized, "or anything like that. I ought to go wash--I had to change a tire just across the mountains--but I don't think I can get up!"

Jan laughed. "Don't worry about charm and manners tonight, lady! I'm just glad you're here, safe. That was quite a trip. After you said you were coming, I started to worry. Silly, wasn't it? But I felt like it would be my fault if anything went wrong. It's an awfully long way to drive an old car. But you're here. You're really here!"

As Jan paced around the small room, too exuberant to sit still, Penny had to feel better, buoyed by her friend's infectious cheer. She recalled then why and how they had become such good friends when they met at Army Basic Training several years before.

"Oh Penny, it's going to be fun, just like old times! This is a fantastic town, too. Really, the whole area is just great. I wouldn't think of bringing the girls up in a city now. But you're exhausted. Let me go make sure there are towels. You can take a quick shower and then we'll have a bite to eat."

* * *

It was still early when Jan cracked the door open the next morning. "Good mornin', sleepyhead. Feeling better?"

Penny stretched and swung her feet off the bed. "Yeah, I really am. It must be your mountain air."

"Take your time getting up. I've got to run the girls over to daycare. Then we'll have breakfast and get you up to the courthouse for that interview at 1000. I'm not on duty until 1400, so we have plenty of time." With that, Jan shut the door and her quick footsteps clattered down the hall.

After she heard Jan's truck drive off, Penny pulled her wrinkled shorts on under her tee-shirt and ventured out to the car. One large suitcase lay on top in the trunk--the right one, she hoped. She dragged it out and lugged it back inside. Rummaging through the tightly packed clothing, she found a light blue sun dress with a white bolero jacket, not too badly wrinkled.

She hung them up to steam while she showered. After she blow-dried her short cinnamon-colored hair and got it fluffed up becomingly, she dressed. She went out to the living-dining room just as Jan returned.

Jan's gaze traveled over her swiftly. "Wow, you really look sharp! Let's go have some coffee and a bite to eat. You know I've always loved to eat breakfast out."

Jan wore a pair of trim khaki colored slacks with a peach polo shirt which set off her petite blond beauty. They hopped into her mid-sized pickup and drove up Bisbee Road to the Copper Tree Cafe. Two Bisbee police officers in uniform were having coffee at the counter. They looked up as the two walked in.

"Hi Jan, what's new? Who's your friend?" one asked.

"Hello guys. This is Penny Keller. She's going to be the new graveyard dispatcher up at the Sheriff's Department. Penny, this is Benny Garcia and Floyd Guthrie, a couple of Bisbee's finest."

Short, husky Benny sported a dashing moustache and a roguish grin. He made a production of shaking Penny's hand.

"Welcome to Bisbee, Penny. Look at that gorgeous hair. There's a new 'Copper Queen' in town--what you do for the scenery, Lady! Where have you been all my life?"

Penny had to giggle, but suppressed it quickly when the other partner, tall and lanky, brushed his hand against hers and mumbled "Pleased to meetcha". After one quick glance, he dropped his gaze to the floor and began to fiddle with the buckle of his gun belt. They were Mutt and Jeff, two total opposites, and yet somehow well matched.

"We're going to have a quick bite and then Penny has an appointment at the Courthouse. See y'all later," Jan said. She steered Penny toward a booth in a back corner of the restaurant.

"They're good guys," she explained, "but right now I want you to myself. They ought to get back on duty anyway. I probably just saved their tails a good chewing if the sergeant caught them loitering over coffee, talking with us. Benny's the department clown, and Floyd is so shy--with women, at least--that you wonder how he does his job, but they're good officers, as small town cops go."

As she slid into one of the cracked vinyl benches, Penny felt as if she'd stepped back in time about twenty years. The place looked and felt like a fifties diner. Belatedly, she tuned back in on Jan's running chatter.

"Isn't it fantastic? I'm having the time of my life, Penny! I never planned to be a police officer, but it just worked out. Actually, I had a pretty good background for it, with my tour in the Army as an MP and then the legal clerk training I had. After Jeff and I split up, I had to find a job, and this just happened, you know, like serendipity. But I love it. And now this opportunity for you."

Jan's blue eyes sparkled with excitement. Penny almost forgot her own case of nerves, sharing the contagious cheeriness, but she had to inject a note of caution.

"You're talking like this job is a sure thing, Jan. I haven't even been interviewed yet, much less selected!"

Jan grinned. "Don't worry, you'll get it. They don't have anyone else with any training in town, much less experience. They'll bless the day you walked in, believe me."

In spite of Jan's confidence, Penny had a stomach full of butterflies as they entered the courthouse an hour later, pushing through the massive copper doors. The Cochise County Courthouse was an art-deco masterpiece, a classic of the 1930s architectural style. Ordinarily, Penny would have given in to admiration of the lovely old building, but right now her nerves were so tense she could spare little notice for her surroundings.

Although Penny tried to think positively, doubts kept crowding in. I'm darn near broke and it's a cinch Green Bean won't make any more 1500 mile trips soon. Even if I could get back to Mom's home in Texas, there aren't any decent jobs in that little dried up town. I hate to live on charity and Jan's salary as a rookie in this small town can't be too spectacular. This had better pan out.

"We've got to go to personnel first," Jan said, interrupting Penny's worries. "And then you can go for the actual interview. It's pretty informal, nothing like civilian personnel on an Army or Air Force base."

"Thank gosh for that!" Penny exclaimed. "I don't want to fill out papers for three hours. I'd be a basket case." They entered a small office, Jan leading the way to the counter.

"Hi, Bets. This is Penny. I told you about her Friday, remember?"

The woman in the personnel office was petite and dark. The nameplate on her desk said "Betty Lopez". As they approached she looked up with a wide smile which lit her fine featured face.

"Hello Jan, and you too, Penny. That was a pretty fast trip, wasn't it? You were in Kansas City on Friday, or I thought that's what Jan said."

"That's right," Penny replied. "Jan said hurry, and I did!"

The three laughed companionably. "You just have to fill out one short form," Betty said. "From what Jan has told me, that's a lot easier than applying for civil service."

"For sure," Penny said, rolling her eyes. "I've been through that ordeal a time or two."

A few minutes later, she and Jan walked up the broad stairs to the Sheriff's Office on the second floor.

"Lt. Peter Lawson, who serves as chief criminal deputy, handles most of the administrative stuff like hiring, I understand," Jan said. "He's a real hunk. Watch out, Penny!"

Penny pulled a face. "Ha, just what I don't need! I've had my fill of Rambo types. You know how Craig was, and he just kept getting worse until he positively lived and breathed 'Macho'."

"Good morning, Jan," the pleasant-faced older woman greeted as the two entered the outer room of the Sheriff's Office complex. "What can I do for you today?"

"Nothing for me, Mary. This is Penny Keller. She's come to interview for the dispatch job. Is Lt. Lawson in?"

"It's nice to meet you, Penny. I'm Mary Williams, secretary to Sheriff Corbin and Lt. Lawson, and gal Friday in the department. Let me see if Lt. Lawson can see you now." She rose from the desk and disappeared through a doorway to the rear of the room. In a moment she returned.

"You can go on in, Penny. He'll see you right now."

Jan grinned and flashed a thumbs up sign. "I'll wait downstairs," she said. "That way I won't keep Mary from her work."

Penny walked slowly into the inner office, unsure what to expect. Lt. Peter Lawson stood as she entered the room, his head brushing the light fixture which hung over the desk. He was a tall man, broad shouldered but slender, with a shock of unruly honey-colored hair, a ruggedly handsome face that belonged in a Marlboro ad, and a pair of blue eyes that might be termed "steely" when he was acting the stern lawman.

"Good morning, Ms. Keller," he said. "Mary tells me you're interested in our dispatch vacancy."

"Yes sir," Penny responded, trying to sound courteous yet business-like. With a quick glance around the room, she took in the training certificates and shooting awards which established this man's impressive credentials. They--and he--were almost awesome.

"Tell me a little about your experience," he said easily, waving Penny into a chair at the side of the broad desk.

She took a deep breath and then began. "I spent two of my three years in the Army as a dispatcher, six months for the motor pool and the rest with military police. Then, as a civilian, I worked for two years as a dispatcher for the security police at McDonnell Air Force Base."

He steepled his fingers, looking at her attentively over them. "Hmmm, very good. Was that recently?"

"I haven't worked in two years. I took off on maternity leave and then stayed home with my baby for six months. He was killed in a car accident a few months ago. I--I just got divorced and decided it was time to move on and make a new start."

Her voice didn't break. I've blown it now. He's going to think I'm a teary eyed weakling. I've got to learn to act cool and unemotional.

"I see--and I understand. I'm sorry about your son. That has to be a hard thing to get over."

His tone was so gentle, she braved a quick glance, surprised to see what appeared to be genuine sympathy in his frosty eyes. Maybe he wasn't a total Rambo after all, but she wasn't going to soften up too much to a man who looked like a stereotype western hero. That would be dangerous.

"Do you have your radio operator's certificates?"

She pulled the envelope from her purse and drew them out. "Right here." She handed the documents him. When their fingers brushed as he took the papers from her, she made herself hold steady and not jerk back, as instinct prompted.

He only glanced at the certificates and set them aside. "Does working nights or graveyard present a problem to you?"

Penny shook her head. "Not at all. I realize the new person usually has to fill in wherever, especially at first. Since I have no responsibilities now except for myself, I can work whenever I'm needed."

He smiled slightly. "When could you start?"

Her heart gave an involuntary leap. He sounds pretty positive, she thought. She risked a smile. "In about two hours if I had to. I could start next shift, or even right now, if I need an orientation before I assume the duties."

"Well, we won't ask that," he said. "In fact, you can have a couple of days to get settled. Didn't I hear something about you coming from Kansas? I'd like for you to come in Wednesday for orientation. You'll work the balance of the week with our head dispatcher and then you'll start on the graveyard shift next Monday. Let me have that form from Personnel. I'll sign it to make your appointment legal. I'm sure Betty will fill you in on all the details about benefits and such. That's not my bailiwick. Welcome aboard, Ms. Keller."

"Thank you, Sir. It feels pretty good to be employed again."

"I'm glad we can be of assistance in that area."

Penny looked at him sharply. Is he being sarcastic or not? She was obviously dismissed, at any rate. As she left, she exchanged a few words with Mary, and then hurried down stairs to find Jan and share the news. Maybe Jan's optimism was valid after all. So far everything was going very well. So far, but experience warned her that was the time to be careful and wary. Disaster had a way of sneaking up when you were not watching and kicking terra firma right out from under your feet.

Chapter Two

Two mornings later, Penny awakened with a flutter of excitement that became full grown butterflies before she parked Green Bean in the lot behind the courthouse. As her heels clicked loudly on the tile of the second floor corridor, she suddenly realized she had no idea where the Sheriff's Department Communications Center or Comm room was located.

Oh well, I can find the Sheriff's Office, anyway. If Mary is there, I know she can point me in the right direction.

The secretary was obviously just arriving for the day's work, but she greeted Penny with a warm smile. "Good morning, Penny. You're bright and early today. The day shift isn't on duty for twenty minutes yet."

Penny smiled back. "I've got a bad habit of being early, 'cause I have a mortal dread of being late. Being my first day...."

"Oh, no problem," Mary said. "I'm sure no one will mind. You're right; it's always better to be early than late. Here, I'll take you over and introduce you to Mollie."

The Comm room was just around the corner from the Sheriff's Office. Though small, considering it served a county as large as several of the smaller northeastern states, it was efficiently organized and well equipped. As Mary and Penny entered, a slender, dark haired woman hung up the telephone and turned to greet them.

Mary gently pushed Penny past her into the room. "Mollie, this is your new dispatcher, Penny Keller. I think Lt. Lawson wants her to work days with you for the rest of this week to learn the ropes. Then she can start on the graveyard shift next week. Penny, this is our chief dispatcher, Mollie Rodriguez."

Mollie was slightly taller than Penny's 5'6" and very thin. Her strong features bespoke Indian ancestry as did the jet black hair which hung in a single heavy braid down her back. She extended a hand to Penny and smiled, with a flash of even, white teeth and a warmth which totally erased her face's normal austerity.

"Penny, you are so welcome! We've been covering all shifts with only four of us for six weeks and it's been hectic, to say the least. We really don't have time to train someone from the ground up, but I understand you have quite a bit of experience.' She turned to the other woman with a smile. 'Thank you, Mary, for bringing her around."

Penny turned to offer Mary her thanks also before following Mollie through the Dutch door, which separated the communications console area from the outer public part of the room. A plump red head sat at the console. She wheeled the stool around to face them as Mollie and Penny approached.

Mollie moved to the red-head's chair and rested a hand on her shoulder. "Penny, this is June Reilly. She's our regular swing shift dispatcher but she's had to fill in on graveyard this week. So far no one has gotten back-to-back shifts, but it's been close. June, this is Penny Keller, our newest recruit."

June smiled widely. "Hi, Penny. You don't know how glad I am to see you! This gal is not one of the early birds. This midnight to eight gig is about to do me in. My body thinks it's s'posed to be asleep. I hope you don't mind these hours."

"I guess I'm part cat," Penny admitted. "I can sleep about any time and wake up ready to go. If you can teach me how you do things here, I'll take over as quickly as I can."

"Why don't you work with me today and tomorrow, and then come in Friday night and do a shift with June?" Mollie said. "That should be enough to get you oriented. Lt. Lawson said you had a lot of experience."

Penny resisted an urge to squirm. She didn't want everyone's expectations to be too high. "Well, I wouldn't call it a lot, but I have worked radio before. I served three years with military police for the Army and Air Force. Do you all use the standard 10-codes?"

Penny had noticed an odd tone in Mollie's voice when she spoke of the Lieutenant. Still, she immediately felt comfortable with both Mollie and June. Their easy and accepting warmth quickly put her at ease. Yet they were still business-like and very straight forward.

"I guess they're standard," Mollie said. "I've never worked anywhere else, so I can't compare. Do you know, June?"

"Well, they used 'em down at Cochise College when I worked there and almost the same ones in El Paso, when Jack was stationed at Fort Bliss, so I guess they're pretty standard." She shrugged. "Mollie, if it's all right with you, I'll bug out."

"Sure, June. We can handle it from here on."

* * *

The first day went well, but Penny was weary by the time she headed home. Lt. Lawson had stopped by in the afternoon to see how her orientation was going. It was hard to resist his good looks and easy charm completely, but he reminded Penny unpleasantly of her former husband, which kept her from feeling at ease with the Chief Criminal Deputy.

She noticed when he appeared that Mollie turned absolutely wooden, speaking in a monotone, with frigid courtesy. Something was certainly wrong between the two of them, which made Penny feel very awkward, but her new friendship with Mollie was too fragile to risk questions. Her curiosity could wait.

By the second afternoon, Penny felt completely at home in the Comm room. She'd answered the phone and relayed messages to and from department cars in all parts of the county. The big map on the wall was beginning to look familiar, along with the names of the small towns and communities which the department served, for many as the sole law enforcement authority. The many Spanish names did not roll off her tongue as easily as they did from Mollie's, but she knew her linguistic skill would improve with time.

"Can you hold it down for a few minutes alone?" Mollie asked. "I need to run down and talk to Bets a few minutes about my health insurance. I promise I'll keep it short."

"Sure. Things seem pretty quiet this afternoon."

Mollie laughed. "Don't say that! You know about Murphy's Law."

But it was quiet after Mollie left, so quiet Penny jumped at a slight sound behind her. She whirled to see a lean dark man in a deputy's uniform standing just inside the doorway. A pair of strangely colored amber eyes regarded her intently from a strong-boned angular and unsmiling face.

"Where's Mollie?" he asked finally.

"She had to go downstairs a moment," Penny replied. "Can I help you?" There was something oddly familiar about both his face and voice, but it eluded her. For an instant, she lost track of the conversation.

"Not really," he was saying. "I mean I don't need help. Just killing a little time." Still he did not smile or move, and his eyes did not leave her face. "You must be the new dispatcher Pete lined up," he said suddenly.

"I'm Penny Keller," she replied, uncertain how to respond to the subtle hostility his words conveyed, although he spoke in a low and level voice. Just then Mollie returned, saving Penny the necessity of further reply.

"Que paso, Val? What are you doing down here? I don't need you harassing my girls." Mollie's voice was stern, but the smile lurking about her full lips and the sparkle in her jet black eyes belied her words.

"I'm not harassing, Mollie. I'm dying of boredom. Got bailiff duty this week. You know how I hate that. Let one of the guys who wants the visibility with the judges and Sheriff Corbin take that chore. I want to be out on the road. There's too much going down to be wasting time here."

"Oh, take it easy, Val. One more day and you'll be back there on the road. Enjoy the break! Have you met Penny? Come over here, Pen, and meet Valdez Hawke. You'll be talking to him on the radio next week, so you may as well know the ugly mug that goes with the 'Dirty Harry' snarl."

The easy rapport between the deputy and the chief dispatcher was almost as uncomfortable to Penny as the chilly tension between Mollie and Lt. Lawson, but she rose obediently, walking over to the counter where the two leaned on opposite sides. When Penny reached the counter, Mollie put one hand on her shoulder, a gesture oddly protective and approving.

"Val, this is Penny Keller. She's going to start graveyard next week, and that's the shift you'll be on, no? Penny's really good. I never saw anyone catch on quicker to our system, and she's already got a pretty good idea of the geography, no mean trick at all."

At last the dark deputy smiled, and it transformed his face as completely as Mollie's smile did hers. He held out a hand, long fingered and somehow graceful. Penny met the clasp and a small electric thrill coursed through her at the touch. His eyes still seemed to measure her, but at least the chill was gone.

"Welcome aboard, Penny. Did you get that flat fixed?"

Suddenly she remembered: the pickup truck that had stopped Sunday evening across the mountain. Maybe that explained his first coldness, although she had felt he'd been trying to place her also. Her hand remained in his firm grasp. She left it there, not quite sure why, except it seemed awkward to try to draw away.

"Just for the record, Deputy Valdez Hawke, I came out here from Kansas City because my friend Jan Perkins called and told me about the job. Lt. Lawson did hire me, but he had nothing to do with bringing me here. I never saw him before we met on Monday. I don't know why that's important, but I get the feeling it is to you."

His gaze left hers, dropping to their clasped hands. He released her abruptly, as if he had just noticed he was still holding her hand.

"Okay. Mollie seems to think you're all right, and that's good enough for me. 'Specially if you aren't one of Pete's protégées. My friends call me Val. When I'm on the road, it's usually in car 42..."

They all heard the sound of firm steps approaching. Val turned abruptly, exiting the room just as Pete Lawson strode in. He scowled when he saw the deputy.

"Hawke, don't you have business upstairs? This isn't the break room."

The deputy left without a word, but Penny intercepted the dark look he exchanged with Mollie.

Pete turned to Penny. "Can I have a few minutes of your time before you leave today?"

Penny nodded politely. "Of course. I can be in about 1545 if that's all right."

Mollie had turned away the moment Pete entered the room and busied herself with the silent radio. Penny realized her hand was clenched over the top of the Dutch door. She felt as if she were seeking stability in the midst of the treacherous undercurrents which seemed to involve everyone but her. It would be too easy to become entangled, get swept away in these eddies. Pete followed her glance and laid his hand briefly over hers. He smiled down at her warmly.

"See you at 1545." Then he was gone, and Penny turned just as the phone rang. She grabbed it, grateful for something to do, for a reason to ignore Mollie's grim expression. The rest of the busy afternoon passed quickly.

At 1545, Penny prepared to leave. "I guess I won't see you tomorrow, Mollie," she said. "So I want to tell you thanks so much for your help."

Mollie turned to face Penny with a warmly eloquent smile. "It's my pleasure. I'm no teacher and I know it, but you've been so quick, so easy to teach. I really meant what I said to Val--you're good; you're going to be really good." She paused and then went on. "I'll be seeing you next week, I'm sure. I'm always here a little before shift change, even when I'm not actually on duty. I usually work days, doing the special reports and such. Linda McCall should be back from maternity leave next week and we'll be full strength again. What luxury! Meanwhile, take care of yourself, okay?"

"You too," Penny said. "Bye" She hurried around the corner to the office, not sure whether she was more anxious to get there or to get out of the building.

Mary looked up as she entered. "Good afternoon, Penny. Is everything all right?"

"I think so," Penny answered. "Lt. Lawson said he wanted to see me before I left."

"Oh, of course. Go on in. I'm sure he's alone."

Lt. Lawson looked up as she stepped into the doorway and paused. He smiled. "Have a seat, Penny. I'll be with you in just a minute. If I don't finish this letter right now, my train of thought will be derailed for good."

Penny chuckled, sinking gratefully into one of the easy chairs under the wall full of plaques and certificates. In a moment, Pete rose from the desk and walked over to sit beside her.

"How's it going, so far?"

"Oh, fine. Mollie's been an excellent teacher. I think I have got the main things down. I'll work graveyard shift with June tomorrow and get the feel of that, and then I think I'll be ready to go it alone."

"The way I heard it, you're a good pupil. Of course I have complete faith in your ability. I never hire people unless I have confidence in them. I knew immediately that you'd be a real asset to the department."

He sounded sincere. Penny found herself turning warm and lowered her gaze in a moment's confusion. "Thank you. I'll do my best to live up to your expectations."

He reached out and laid his hand over hers, on the arm of the chair. "As you may be starting to realize, we have a few internal conflicts in the department, nothing serious, but I have to keep things in hand. I don't want to see you getting involved in any of it, and I'll do all I can to protect you, but be cautious in making friends, getting too close to people too fast before you know who's who. All right?"

He was leaning forward slightly, looking at her intently. Both what he said and what he did not say troubled her, but it did make sense to be cautious and take time to get to know the whole department. She studied his expression for hidden meanings but could not find any, so she nodded.

"Of course. I know I am the new kid on the block, and a 'foreigner' at that. Small towns tend to be awfully provincial, don't they? I expect there'll be some resentment. I'll be careful. I--uh--I appreciate your concern."

They sat in silence for a moment, as if lost in separate thoughts. He broke the stillness before it became awkward. "Do you have any plans for the weekend?"

"No, not really. Jan's off Sunday and we were planning to take her girls on a picnic, but Saturday is free."

"How about me picking you up around 1300? I'd like to show you Tombstone and some of the other local sights. I grew up in Cochise County. It's full of wonderful history which I enjoy sharing with our newcomers, helping them get acquainted."

"That would be nice." But isn't it unwise to mix business and socializing? A visceral unease stirred in Penny at that thought. But in the steady glow of his regard, she found it hard to decline. Maybe he really did show every new employee around. "What should I wear?"

"Other than comfortable shoes, I'll leave that to your judgment. I can't complain about your taste in clothes so far--a refreshing change from these obscene tee-shirts and dirty jeans. In fact, I expect you could never look anything but lovely. I suppose slacks are practical, but I must confess to a preference for dresses. Women should look like women. Isn't that terrible and old fashioned?"

Penny had to smile and shake her head. The appreciation in the bright blue eyes which were complimenting her very blatantly took the sting out of his words, soothed away any resentment she might ordinarily have felt.

"I'll keep that in mind," she promised. "And I'll look forward to Saturday." She was almost to her car before she remembered she'd be working until 0800 on Saturday morning.

"Oh well," she muttered with a shrug. "I can get in a good nap and still get spruced up in time. It wouldn't do to make the boss mad right off. And it's not as if it were a regular date or anything...." She slipped into the hot car, pretending she wasn't making excuses to herself, pretended she was not letting the handsome lawman get too close, much closer and much sooner than she had intended.

* * *

Knowing she'd have to get ready to go to work at 1100 or so, Penny lay down for a nap when Jan put the girls to bed at 2000. Reverberating thunder woke her from a deep sleep. The softly illuminated face of her bedside clock indicated it was 2230. She turned on the bed and flipped aside a corner of the drapes. Flash after flash of brilliant lightning continuously lit the sky while thunder echoed among the hills like bouncing balls of noise.

Might as well get up. Maybe I can get a shower before the power goes out. Jan had told her outages were common in the area which had a very high rate of lightening strikes. The day had been hot and sticky, and evening had not brought the usual cooling effect. Humidity was up with the gathering storm, making the evaporative coolers nearly useless. Earlier, the trailer had felt like a sauna, but as the wind picked up and the first great splashing drops fell, the temperature began to drop. A chill breeze whistled in the window before Penny hurriedly shut it.

Half an hour later, Penny splashed out to her car and headed up the hill to the courthouse. The rain fell in silvery curtains. At times she could not see two hundred feet and the windshield wipers on high barely managed to maintain a semblance of visibility through the windshield.

By the time she reached old Bisbee, Penny's shoulders ached with tension. Now as she headed up the canyon where the rough cobbled street was the canyon floor, muddy water surged almost to the running boards, but the little car chugged patiently on.

With a ragged sigh of relief, Penny pulled into a vacant spot close to the back door of the courthouse. The wind made her umbrella useless. Finally she slipped off her sandals, rolled the legs of her slacks almost to her knees, and stepped out to dash for the door. Just as she reached it, a stocky deputy standing inside shoved it open for her.

"You must be Penny," he said. "When June came in while ago, she told me to watch for you. I'm Mitch Campbell."

"Thanks", Penny said, half breathlessly, as she paused to slip on her shoes and shake some of the water out of her hair. "Whoo-ee, what a way to start the 'day'!"

"What do you think of our summer weather? It's something, isn't it?"

"All I can say is wow." Penny admitted. "I'm sure I never saw anything quite like this."

"Probably not. Arizona's summer rains are different. I think you'll get used to it though, might even come to like 'em. At least they do break the heat. By the way, I'm June's brother."

"Glad to meet you, Mitch," Penny said. Now that he mentioned it, she could see a resemblance. Mitch was a little taller and not quite as heavy as June, but he had a very similar round ruddy face, merry hazel eyes, and a mouth that always seemed on the verge of a smile.

She glanced back out at the pouring rain, illuminated by recurring lightening. "Do you have to go out in that?"

"'Fraid so. There'll be flash floods and God knows what else tonight. People will be needing help and it's our job to be there when they do."

Penny nodded. "I know. That's what makes it worth while, being in this business, isn't it? Take care out there, anyway."

She hurried on to the Comm room, where the swing shift dispatcher was briefing June on the location of the various cars and what had been happening. The lightning caused crackling static on the radio and sometimes made the phone ring oddly, although if you picked it up, no one was there.

"The county just spent twenty-five grand to lightning-proof all this stuff, but it didn't do much good," June explained. "But at least we can usually stay on the air now, which is something. You know how important that is."

"You bet," Penny replied emphatically, as she reached for the phone, which this time seemed to be ringing for real. For the next two hours, both women were constantly busy. There were accidents, lightning-caused fires, vehicles stuck in flooding arroyos, and a group of illegal aliens who were barely rescued from their hazardous shelter, huddled in a highway overpass which was soon waist deep in rushing water. Finally there was a lull, about 0300. The storm had finally passed and the lightning, wind and rain tapered to an end.

"Whee," June said, sprawling in her chair, "This has been a night and a half. I'm sure glad you were here, Penny! We deserve a break. There's a candy machine in the hall just around the corner. Run get us something. I'm famished."

Penny obliged, returning with two chocolate bars. They munched in companionable silence, grateful for the respite. However, the storm was still in the county. It moved north from Bisbee, along the Mule Mountains and across to the Dragoons, hitting Tombstone a glancing blow but inundating the little communities of Courtland and Gleeson. Soon the calls picked up again.

The CB base crackled. "This is Drygulch calling code 99. I just picked up a distress call from a mobile. They're stuck in a wash east of Gleeson. Got a lady in labor on the way to the hospital in Willcox. Pains are ten minutes apart."

Penny and June exchanged a quick look. "Oh boy," Penny said softly. "What do we do now?"

At June's nod, Penny picked up the CB microphone. "We read you, Drygulch. This is Cochise County. Can you 10-9 that location?"

"Don't know exactly, Cochise, but they said a wash just west of Gleeson. There's a bunch of 'em that way. They need help bad."

"We'll do what we can, Drygulch. Tell 'em the mounties are moving."

The reply came in a buzz of static. "That's 10-4 Cochise. Over and out."

"Did you hear that, June?" Penny asked. "Where's the nearest car?"

"That would be Mitch, in car 36. He just called in from Davis Road, at the Brown ranch. Got some cattle off the road."

"Okay." Penny keyed the regular microphone. "Bisbee calling 36. Bisbee calling 36."

"Go ahead Bisbee, you got 36."

"I've got a vehicle stuck in a wash, just west of Gleeson. They've got an expectant mother on board, headed for the hospital. They must be pretty anxious. I got the relay call from a CB Base, Drygulch."

"10-4 Bisbee. We're about twenty minutes from there, with luck. Drygulch is a friendly; he's almost an unofficial dispatcher for us out there. We're going."

Penny kept her ears open for more traffic on that case as she handled several more routine calls. Finally it came.

"36 calling Bisbee."

"Go ahead 36."

"We're at that 10-20 now. I think we can tow the truck out. Car 25 just got here, and we're trying to rig a tow line. Stand by."

"10-4, 36. We're by."

In a moment, Mitch came back on line. "Towing is a no go. Can't get traction, but we've got the party on board and we're heading for Benson. We'll hit highway 82 code three, lights and siren. Figure we have about 30 minutes to make that hospital."

"10-4, 36. Good luck."

Mollie arrived just as the last call came through.

"Car 36 calling Bisbee."

Penny grabbed the mike, anxious to learn what had happened. "Go ahead 36."

"It's a boy. Just made it to the emergency room with five minutes to spare." Mitch's voice, though he sounded tired, reflected a triumph Penny also felt.

"10-4, 36. We done good, didn't we?"

"You betcha. We're 10-24 and 10-7. Going to grab a cup of coffee before we leave town."

"Quite a night, huh?" Mollie said, grinning at the two bedraggled dispatchers. "I think you got a real initiation, didn't you, Penny?"

"She's a pro," June asserted staunchly. "I would have been...well, it was just awesome. I never saw such a night. Penny's my choice for a partner any time."

At the other dispatcher's eloquent and clearly sincere praise, Penny felt a glow of happiness. It felt so good to be needed, wanted, and serving a good cause. She'd missed that the past months, even while she was a stay-at-home mom.

Penny started home at 0800., almost too exhausted to appreciate the beauty of the fresh washed morning. Belatedly, she remembered her appointment with Pete Lawson. "Oh boy," she muttered "I must have been out of my mind."

Chapter Three

She repeated the words a few minutes later, as she sat down to breakfast with Jan. "I must have been out of my mind. I'm so tired I can't see straight. It was really a wild night. I can't get ready in less than an hour which gives me less than four to sleep. Oh crimeny, what should I do?"

"I'd be glad to make the supreme sacrifice and take your place," Jan offered. "That is if I can get somebody to take swing shift for me. I mean a date with Pete Lawson! Penny, there are women in this town who'd give their right arm to trade places with you! Get your bod in bed right now. I'll take the girls shopping with me so it'll be quiet and I'll be back to wake you at 1200."

* * *

Penny was just finishing her makeup when she heard a car drive up. Jan had begun to fuss around her like a mother hen. It took all of Penny's determination not to get cross. Little Sally beat them all to the door, flung it open, and skidded to a complete stop. Even standing one step down from the door, Pete Lawson's head seemed right at the top of the doorway, and his shoulders filled its width.

"M--M--Mama. Somebody's here." Sally stammered.

"Oh, really? Maybe it would be better if you let Mama answer the door from now on." Jan briskly stepped forward and turned her attention to Pete. "Good afternoon, Lt. Lawson, come in and have a seat. Penny will be ready in just a moment."

She steered Sally aside with a practiced hand, sent Julie for coffee, and sat down to chat with Lawson as if they were old friends and his visits a regular occurrence. Penny dawdled a little and listened, trying not to giggle. Finally she picked up her purse and started down the hall.

She knew she looked especially nice, and Pete's admiring glance confirmed it. She wore a short mint green divided skirt, with panels concealing the split, a crisp white eyelet blouse, white espadrilles, and carried a white straw-weave bag. A little green eyeshade with a soft elastic terry headband completed her outfit.

Pete stood as she entered the room, his blue eyes alight. He thanked Jan courteously for the coffee, but he never took his gaze off Penny. With a hand lightly at her waist, he steered her toward the door, which he reached past her to open. As they stepped down from the trailer, she drew a little gasp at the sight of his car, a vintage Corvette, painted a warm, glowing bronze.

"I...thought you had a truck." The remark sounded inane, but she couldn't stop herself.

"Oh, I do, but that's my everyday car. This is my special taking new employees sight seeing car." He handed her in and circled to his side, sliding behind the wheel and starting the engine almost in a single motion. The car roared to life and slid smoothly out onto Bisbee Road.

As they rounded the Lavender Pit and went up the highway above Old Bisbee, Pete glanced at Penny. "In case you're wondering, folks were not color-blind here. I know there isn't much light purple in the rocks, but Harrison Lavender was an official with the Phelps Dodge Company, the one responsible for developing the open pit mine." He went on to point out key landmarks such as the Copper Queen Hotel and Brewery Gulch, while he gave her a capsule version of the old mining camp's colorful history. All the way to Tombstone, across the Mule Mountains in the San Pedro Valley, he continued with his interesting travelogue.

Penny found Tombstone a delight. She was intrigued by the quaint old buildings and small shops filled with antiques, nick-knacks, and jewelry. After visiting Boot Hill Cemetery and the Old Courthouse, they strolled along Allen and Toughnut Streets, window shopping.

Pete explained that Tombstone had once been a larger town than Bisbee and was the first County Seat of Cochise County. That was during the silver boom when numerous mines in the district employed hundreds of miners. And hundreds of saloons, dance halls, gambling dens and bordellos had catered to the miners and the luckier prospectors, who had money to waste.

After they had a cool glass of sarsaparilla in one of the old saloons, Pete suggested they drive across the valley for a quick look at Fort Huachuca. Penny agreed, but was almost sorry when they got back in the car. Parked in the sun, it had gotten hot enough to cook beans inside! But it cooled off quickly as they drove along Charleston Road, which crossed the San Pedro River and entered the thriving town of Sierra Vista at the main gate of the historic old Army Post.

"Huachuca is still an active post," Pete explained. "They closed it for a few years after WW II, but now it's the home of the Army's Intelligence School and one of the busiest technological centers for the military."

As Pete drove around the Fort, which nestled at the foot of the rugged Huachuca Mountains, Penny took in the peaceful beauty of the Old Post area which dated back to the days of the Indian Wars. As the sun settled towards the jagged edge of the mountain, the scenery began to blur for Penny. She was suddenly weary. They wandered through the Post Museum, which was housed in an old stone building with rustic wooden floors. Crossing one uneven doorsill, Penny stumbled.

Pete whirled in concern. He must have seen the weariness etched in her face before she could conceal it. He caught her arm and drew her into the curve of his.

"Good Lord, Penny, you're exhausted. I just remembered--you worked last night, didn't you? And I bet it was a bear, with that storm. I had my scanner on until 0200 and things hadn't even begun to slow down. Why didn't you say something? I feel like a real beast."

"I'm all right," Penny protested. "I just didn't see that raised sill in the doorway."

"No, you aren't all right. We're going to go right now. First you need something to eat, and then we'll get you home. Damn, I really feel like a bum." He looked down at her with such contrition and distress Penny wasn't sure whether to cry, giggle, or pat him on the head--as if she could reach.

She allowed him to lead her, with great solicitude, out to the parking lot and almost lift her into the leather-padded bucket seat. After he started the car, he turned toward her before he backed out of the parking space.

"Can you forgive me, honey? I'm not usually so insensitive. I just got carried away. There's so much I want to share with you that I forget we have all the time we need."

His excessive solicitude was almost grating. Penny sighed. "Really, there isn't anything to forgive. I enjoyed every bit of it. You're a super guide, and you don't need to apologize."

They had an early dinner at a quiet little cafe off highway 92. Penny felt much better after the meal and some coffee, but the motion of the car soon lulled her to drowsiness and she caught herself nodding.

"Times like this I cuss these bucket seats," Pete said. "If it weren't for them, I could hold you here beside me and you could nap until we get home to Bisbee."

Penny had nothing to say in response to that. He reached out to turn on the radio, tuning to a station playing quiet classical music, and they drove the rest of the way in silence.

It was full dark when they pulled in to the trailer park. Penny let Pete get out and come around to open the door for her. He drew her out and again into the circle of his arm. "I still feel like I need to apologize," he said, as they walked slowly toward the dark trailer. Jan was at work, of course, so the girls were staying with Mrs. Jones.

"Don't be silly," Penny said. "I had a great time. If you ever get tired of law enforcement, you might become a tour guide! I didn't even realize I was tired until it hit me over the head. Not too long ago, I could work all day and party all night, and I'm not quite middle aged yet."

"Far from it. You look about eighteen, really. You're a most inspiring tourist and a delightful companion," Pete finished for her. "We'll take another tour when we can. Meanwhile, Dr. Lawson prescribes at least eight hours of sleep."

She started up the steps, pausing to turn back to him. "Thank you for a lovely afternoon, Pete. History fascinates me. This area has such a romantic past, and you know so much about it." She found, even standing a step above him that she had to tip her head a little to look at him. He drew his arm from around her waist, then reached to touch her hair lightly. He leaned down and gave her a surprisingly chaste and gentle kiss.

"Goodnight, Penny. I'll see you Tuesday morning if not before. I try to get into the office by 0700 so I'll come around and see how your shift went."

He waited until she unlocked the door, entered and turned on a light. Then, in a moment, she heard the Corvette start, and he drove slowly away. Penny quickly removed her makeup and fell wearily into bed. Thank goodness Jan was on duty, instead of here, full of questions and curiosity. She fell asleep before she could really review the day, but she took into dreams the impression it had gone very well.

* * *

At 2345, the Cochise County courthouse was dimly lit and quiet. Penny let herself in the second floor back door, which the Sheriff's Department normally used. It was just a few steps from there to the Comm room. Two deputies stood in the hall. They stepped aside and smiled at Penny as she passed. Pete's caution about conflicts and problems nagged at her. So far, everyone she'd met had been warmly friendly, and all she had seen indicated a good sense of teamwork and camaraderie.

June turned from the console as Penny swung open the squeaky Dutch door. "Busy tonight?" Penny asked.

"Not really," June replied. "Compared to last Friday, it's Deadsville."

"That's fine with me," Penny responded. "There's only one of us tonight--me. So far the weather is looking calm. There's at least a million stars out there tonight. I never knew they were so bright, so thick."

"That's Arizona," June said. "When it rains, it really pours, but the rest of the time, it's wonderful. Jack and I will never live any place else if we can help it. Thank God he's finally out of the Army; no more orders just as you get comfortable!" She made a final entry in the log and stood up, stretching. "See ya' manana, Penny."

Penny signed the log and settled in for the night. As the graveyard deputies hit the road, they called in on the radio to log on. If she had no calls for a deputy and he did not call in, she would give each car a welfare check at least every two hours. If there was no reply, she'd try again in ten to fifteen minutes, and then alert the car nearest the last known location of the missing car. It wasn't a very strong safety net, but the deputies knew an element of risk came with the bronze badges and the tan western-cut uniforms they wore.

About an hour later, a radio call broke the brief silence. "Car 42 calling Bisbee."

"Go ahead 42."

Val. Penny's heart made a little bounce as she recognized the voice.

"I'm at Highway 92 and Naco Road. Gonna make the border loop and see if I can spot anything. Too many burglaries down this way lately."

"That's 10-4, 42," Penny replied. She felt an unaccountable little tingle at the sound of Val Hawke's low, musical words. Although he did not have a Mexican accent, the Spanish lilt was in his speech. For a moment, she recalled his thin, angular face, the shadowed darkness of his deep-set eyes. He was a strange man, but he intrigued her. Apparently he belonged to Mollie, though. At least there was a strong bond between them that allowed an easy familiarity which she instinctively felt neither would tolerate from anyone unless they cared deeply for that person. They were both very reserved, very private people, yet still caring and gentle in most of their dealings. The shrill of the telephone scattered her thoughts abruptly.

Though not unusually busy, the night was full enough to keep her occupied. It passed quickly. Before she knew it, the darkness outside the window above the console faded, brightened, and turned golden with the sunrise.

By 0700 the courthouse began to stir. Penny heard a firm step in the corridor. She turned toward the door just as Pete entered the room. She stood quickly, an old habit from her days with the military. When the commanding officer entered, everyone stood.

"At ease" he barked, grinning as a blush heated her cheeks.

"Not to worry," he said easily. "There is nothing wrong with old-fashioned military courtesy. Some of our folks could use a little more of it. But you don't have to stand for me, Penny. I'd like to think we're friends." He emphasized 'friends' with a slight lowering and warming of tone, as he stepped through the Dutch door.

"Anyway, you're a lady, and I should be the one standing for you." He waved her back to the chair as he strode to her side, casually flipping open the log and glancing over the entries, resting one hand lightly on her shoulder. "Pretty quiet, huh?"

"Thankfully yes," Penny replied. "I was a little nervous about my first night alone, but everything went fine. I don't think I made any major boo-boos. If I did, no one was harsh enough to call me on them anyway."

"They'd better not," Pete said. "Discipline is my job." He paced around the small area for a moment, then drew a little white box out of his shirt pocket. He held it out to her. "It's not my custom to mix county business and personal business, but I've got to get it off my conscience that I nearly walked and talked you to death Saturday. This is my best effort to make amends."

Penny took the box hesitantly. "You didn't need to. There was nothing to make amends for. I told you that."

"That's for me to decide," he said, almost gruffly. "Go on, open it."

She carefully released the small gold colored seals that held the lid in place. Nestled inside were the dainty pendant and earrings of silver set with green-swirled malachite that she had admired in a Tombstone shop.

"I went back over and got them yesterday," he said. "They were just you. The green will set off your eyes. I couldn't feature someone else wearing them. I wanted to buy them Saturday, but I suspected you would have refused them."

Confusion and dismay washed over Penny. This is not right. "You shouldn't have. And I would have. I should now." She looked up, smiling uncertainly. He smiled back with such a possessive warmth in his eyes that she was smothered for an instant in a mixture of delight and fear, pleasure and resentment.

Although she found it flattering to be looked at in that way by a very masculine and attractive man, but the anguish and rebellion arising from her broken marriage was much too new and near. She was nowhere close to being ready to step into a similar relationship, which that look assumed had already begun. She turned abruptly, pulled her purse out from under the console and jammed the box into it. The radio crackled, and Pete left while she took the call.

Moments later, Mollie arrived. Her face looked so drawn and weary Penny felt a stir of concern. She had to hesitate a moment before voicing a greeting.

"Good morning, Mollie. It's been a quiet night. I was just logging the cars off. I'll be done in a minute." She bit back the urgent question: Is everything all right? Are we friends enough yet for me to be that personal?

By the time all the cars called in, a third woman had joined them. Mollie introduced her as Linda McCall. Short, chubby Linda had a sweet and merry face, bright shoe-button eyes under a fringe of inky bangs.

"How's the baby?" Mollie asked, after she made the introductions.

"Oh, he's a doll! It just kills me to leave him, but Grandma is the best babysitter I could ask for. Wanna see my first pictures?" They ohed and ahed over them. Then Penny took her leave, stepping out into the beautiful golden morning.

She paused a moment, drinking in the sweet cool air, the rugged beauty of the rusty hills and the quaint little houses, marching up the hills in ragged rows. As she turned toward the parking lot, a pair of boots fell in step with her. She turned to see Val, pacing her.

"How'd your first solo shift go?"

Penny shrugged. "Pretty good. Beginner's luck, maybe. I s'pose you didn't find any burglars?"

"Nope. A few suspicious things I'll file away for future reference, but nothing concrete. There's a couple of abandoned ranchettes down on Purdy Lane that bother me, but nothing there last night. We know there's at least one local ring dealing in drugs and moving illegals, but they've got their act together. None of the usual dumb mistakes that give us a start at catching them."

When they reached Penny's car, she saw a familiar dusty four-wheel drive pickup was parked beside it. She reached for her keys.

"Can I buy you a cup of coffee?" Val asked, suddenly. "I usually have breakfast at the Copper Tree on my way home. I'd be happy if you'd join me."

"Sure," Penny said, almost without thinking. "I thought I'd be sleepy, but so far I'm not. Shall I follow you?"

* * *

At the Copper Tree, they chose a high-backed booth. Dottie, whom Penny had met when she was with Jan, came to wait on them. Dottie was a tall angular woman with a west Texas accent, a dusky complexion, and a surprising pair of bright green eyes.

"Morning, Val. And Penny--it is Penny, isn't it? What are y'all having today?"

Val slid into the opposite side of the booth after Penny sat. "What do you think, Dottie? Do I ever have anything but chorizo y huevos rancheros? How about you, Pen, feeling adventurous? If you like spicy foods, you might enjoy it."

"Sure, why not? I'll try almost anything once. Just what is it?"

"Chorizo is a spicy sausage, almost a national dish along the northern Mexican border. Huevos is what we call eggs, and huevos rancheros are topped with grated cheese and chopped jalapeno chilies."

"Hmm--.that might be more than I can handle," Penny said.

Val grinned. "Go easy on the peppers, Dottie. We got us a gringa here, and not even a Tex-Mex gringa like you."

Moments later, Dottie slid the hot plates in front of them, and they began to eat, talking casually between bites. Penny found her meal delicious although the peppers did sting a little.

"I think I can learn to like Sonora style Mexican food. Even though my mom is half-Mexican, she didn't cook this way because dad was raised on Southern Fried," she said. "So was I really, and weaned on mess hall chow. But Jan took me out for supper the other evening and we had flat enchiladas. They were really good. I've always liked cheese and the tomato sauce used in so many Italian dishes. This is a little spicier, but not all that different. I was raised on Southern fried, and then weaned on mess hall chow, but I have a feeling this grows on you."

"Yep," Val said, with a nod. "I expect it does. I've eaten it all my life, but I know a lot of folks have acquired a taste for it. That's why the Taco Bells have caught on, even back east. I actually saw Taco Bells in Tokyo when I was up there on R&R from 'Nam."

"Were you raised around here?" Penny asked.

"Yeah," he said, but his expression held a closed finality that discouraged any further questions along that vein. Before the silence became awkward, Jan swung through the door and called a greeting to them.

"Hi Pen. I saw your green bomb out there and thought I'd check and see how your first solo shift went."

"Oh, it was fine, no major catastrophes, at least. Come join us, if you have time."

"Okay. I guess I can have a cup of coffee anyway. Believe it or not, I'm acting Sergeant this shift, so I haven't got too much to do right now. I checked out, anyway." Jan slid into the booth beside Penny.

"Do you know each other?" Penny asked, with a quick glance from Jan to Val.

They both nodded.

"I guess you'd say we're acquainted professionally," Val said. "We wind up working with the Bisbee PD pretty often, and I've had the good fortune to be partnered with Jan several times. For whatever it's worth, I don't have any problem with lady cops if they can do the job. But I'm going to have to leave you two--got some business to take care of before I go home that I almost forgot. Good seeing you again Jan. And Penny, 'til tomorrow, huh?"

He deftly scooped up the three tickets and headed for the cashier and the door.

"Wow," Jan breathed, as he stepped outside. "How do you do it, Penny? You've been in town just eight days and you already have the two most eligible, most sought after bachelors eating out of your hand. Let me in on the secret!"

"Oh yeah?" Penny grunted. "Since when? Pete Lawson happens to be my boss and he's just being nice."

She paused, feeling the heat of a sudden blush give lie to her words as she recalled Pete's gift and the look he had given her. "And as for Val, we're just barely friends. He was kind of rude to me at first, and I think he's trying to make amends. Probably Mollie told him to."

"Whatever you say," Jan murmured doubtfully. "But you'll still be the envy of the town. And to make it better, those two are deadly enemies. I don't know the details, but it seems to go way back. This will keep the gossip mills grinding for days! Listen, I gotta run. See you this evening. The girls are at Mrs. Jones', and I told them to stay there 'til I get home. I'm split shifted today, so it will be about noon. Go get some sleep while you can."

At that, Penny suddenly realized she was tired. "Okay. Take care," she called after Jan, and followed her out into the rapidly warming morning.

* * *

The week passed in a blur. Breakfast at the Copper Tree, usually with Val and sometimes some of the other deputies or Bisbee Police officers was fast becoming a habit. The second day, although Penny had argued, Val insisted on paying again.

"Wait 'til you get your first paycheck, anyway," he'd said.

She dreaded Friday night, with the memory of her first Friday still fresh in her thoughts. A night like that by herself would be dreadful, but when she relieved June at midnight, everything was quiet, and outside, the night was clear and bright with stars. There had been a storm on Thursday evening, but it had ended before midnight and had been much less violent than the previous one.

Penny logged herself in, then logged in the shift going on duty. The routine had already become familiar, one she could almost run through on automatic pilot. The courthouse seemed deserted, the night unusually quiet. Someone said Pete had gone to a conference in Phoenix. She hadn't seen him since Tuesday when he'd stopped in moments before Mollie arrived, but did not linger.

She began the reports, and sat daydreaming, gnawing on the button of the ballpoint pen.

Jan kept teasing her about her "conquests", even more after she saw the malachite jewelry and the breakfasts with Val continued through the week. Penny had to admit she found both men attractive, but she refused to take seriously the idea that either one of them were going to be important in her life.

"It will be a long time before I'm ready to settle down with a close relationship again, much less marriage," she told Jan, the previous morning. "It's too...too demanding, too dangerous. I don't ever intend to go through anything like Ryan's death or my split with Craig again. That was pure hell."

Jan disagreed. "You can't let one bad experience blind you to the possibilities. If I could manage it, I'd be perfectly happy to be a Mrs. again. In fact, if I could get a toe in the door past Floyd's bashfulness, I'd sure give it a try."

"Well, in your case... I mean it's tough being a single parent, but my situation is different," Penny had argued. The jangle of the phone interrupted her reverie. From then on, though the pace was never hectic, the calls flowed steadily enough to keep her thoughts on business.

Finally about 0200 there was a lull. Penny grabbed a cup of coffee and sprawled a moment, stretching her legs. She sometimes found it tedious, sitting at the middle of the console, surrounded by the phones, radio, computer terminal and log book. She set the cup aside and took up the chewed pen to update the log. The silence was so deep, she jumped when the phone rang.

"Daddy's drunk and he's got a gun. He hit Mama and her head is bleeding. He thinks I'm asleep, but I'm too scared." The voice was small and fearful, the speaker clearly young.

"I think we can help." Penny spoke clearly and calmly, careful to reassure the frightened child. "Can you tell me where you live, honey?"

"We don't got a 'dress, not really--just the ranch. But my phone number is 368-7211. My name is Holly Lynn Dotson. I'm five. Mama's name is Mary Lee."

"That's good, Holly. Now what part of the house are you in?"

"I'm in Mike's room. He stayed at Jeff's house tonight. He's lucky. Mama and Daddy are in their room. They think I'm asleep. I've gotta be real quiet cause Daddy is really mad."

Pain and frustration ate at Penny's heart, but she did her best to sound calm and confident. "I understand, Holly. Everything will be all right. You stay there and be real quiet. I have to talk to a deputy on the radio so he can come and help. Don't go away and don't hang up the phone, okay?"

"Okay..." The small voice sounded uncertain. "You'll come back and talk to me, won't you?"

"Oh yes. I'll be back in just a minute. Don't hang up."

As she talked, Penny flipped quickly through the phone book. She found Dotson and a probable location. It was in Val's beat, along the border. With that knowledge, she keyed the mike.

"Bisbee calling 42."

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