Sunshine Valley

Cattail

     Dillon had to change as soon as he got to the station. He had blood on his clothes. He tried his best not to break out in tears as the shower beat on his back. This was the first time, since he had been elected sheriff that a deputy had killed someone. Why on God’s green earth did Calvin beat Deek to death?  The sound of Deek’s laughter filled Dillon’s mind. Deek laughing at him as he tried to wrangle those cats. “You Beanpole,” Deek pointed and laughed. Dillon wasn’t amused by the act of chasin’ cats. 

     Deek had always lived in that trailer. It had belonged to his parents. When he was born, his parents refused to believe there was anything wrong with him. They sent him to school. Children are brutal. 

     His deputies had standin’ orders anytime they saw him out, ask him if he needed help. Be kind. That just wasn’t for Deek. That was for anyone. 

     Bradley spoke to Dillon as he was getting dressed in a clean uniform. “We have put Calvin on suicide watch. The department shrink is on the way.”

     “What kind of rage do you have to have to beat a man to death?” Dillon asked blankly. “He was havin’ relationship drama. Find her.”

     “On it.”

     As Dillon walked back to his office, the media fire storm had started. He saw through the windows, Deputy Banks gettin’ hammered by the media. First and foremost was Sunshine Sue. 

     Bank’s hadn’t gotten a word out of his mouth before the screaming started. He couldn’t get control of the crowd. The office gasped as Dillon strolled with purpose outside. 

     He placed a hand on Banks’ shoulder. The look on his face was one of desperation. The group shut up the minute Dillon appeared. “This community is hurtin’. We have lost a beautiful soul in Deek ‘Cattail’ Martin. As y’all know, information is limited. Deputy Banks will call for a formal press conference to release details.” To the casual onlooker, Dillon guided Banks back inside the station. But to Banks, Dillon was pushing him back inside. The flash of cameras, clicking noises and screaming followed the men inside. 

     Banks let out a long sigh, “thanks.”

     Dillon put his face in his hands. ‘Dear God, what was he going to do?’ He looked outside, the crowd was startin’ to disperse but who was still there? Sunshine Sue, talking into her phone. 

     Dillon locked eyes with Banks, who seemed to wilt at the realization of what his boss was thinking.