Edge of Midnight by Charlene Weir Read Free Book Online Page A

job than the usual. Being top cop meant there was always something to worry about.
    Get on with it and slink out of here before a crisis arises. Susan signed on the appropriate line, tossed the pen on her still-cluttered desk, and pushed back her chair. Before she could propel herself upright, her phone rang. She eyed it balefully, got up, took in an irritated breath, and picked up the receiver.
    â€œHazel, I just left.”
    Hazel, the dispatcher and general all-around keeper of the flame, was laughing. “Well, I don’t think this is anything that will bring you back. I just thought you might want to know that someone is trying to bring a pony into The Hyperbole.”
    â€œPony,” Susan said. The Hyperbole was new, and the place she was supposed to meet Fran. This being the third week of August, incoming college students should be busily concerned with classes. Adolescent pranks of this sort were usually the scene at Halloween. Cow in the bell tower. Eggs in a paper bag. Or dog shit. Place bag at front door, set fire to bag, ring doorbell and run. Homeowner stomps out flames. With a cop job, you always learned something new. Like a cow can be led up a flight of stairs, but it can’t be led down.
    â€œJust thought I’d let you know,” Hazel said. “I sent Ida to deal with it.”
    â€œRight.” She retrieved her bag from the bottom drawer and slung the strap over her shoulder. Ida nearly got Demarco killed by opening a gate and releasing a bull into the orchard where Demarco waited for the farmer to turn up and point out the damage kids had done to the trees by climbing up to steal apples. Being partnered with Osey hadn’t gone any better. Patient, easygoing Osey could teach her a lot. Except Ida, impetuous, full of herself, thought she knew better than the old hand and had a tendency to leap right in. By disobeying a direct order, she nearly got Osey killed. Two out of two. Keep her on or let her go? Rookies who didn’t follow orders were a menace. At the rate Ida was going, she had the potential to wipe out the whole department.
    Susan waved a good-bye to Hazel on her way to the parking lot. Six-thirty and the temperature still hovered around ninety, with matching humidity. At the restaurant, she parked beside a van with LEADING THE WAY painted on the side and trudged through lethargy-producing heat. Opening the door released a blast of cold air and an outraged shout.
    â€œPonies are not allowed!” He sounded as though he’d shouted it many times.
    â€œMiniature horse.” The female voice was patient, as though she, too, had said it many times.
    â€œEverybody relax.” Ida, her brand-new rookie cop, trying to keep everything under control, sounded a little frayed.
    â€œWhat’s the problem?” Susan said.
    â€œNo problem. Everything’s under control—” Ida turned impatiently and caught a better look as Susan came closer. “Oh. Chief. Ma’am.”
    The miniature horse was certainly miniature, about the size of a golden retriever, reddish brown in color, small white star on its forehead, paler mane and tail, interested brown eyes calmly taking in the excitement around it. It wore a beige-and-red blanket lettered with LEADING THE WAY, ASSISTANCE ANIMAL, DO NOT TOUCH .
    â€œPonies not allowed,” the agitated manager said again.
    â€œHorse,” the woman snapped. “You have to let her in. It’s the law.”
    â€œUh, I think—,” Ida began.
    â€œNot sanitary. Smells.” He threw back his head and pulled air into assaulted nostrils. “Offend guests.”
    â€œShe does not smell. She’s a darling, everybody loves her.” She fondled the horse’s muzzle. “Yes, baby, you’re a sweetheart.”
    â€œOkay,” Ida said. “Everybody just—”
    Susan lightly touched Ida’s shoulder and with a relieved breath Ida stepped aside.
    â€œJust what kind of