Fast Forward

  Merrville County

  Deputy Newsome's Home

  Dave tightens the final strap on the expandable rooftop carrier secured to the roof of his leased Nissan Titan. Exhaling loudly, Dave scrunches up his face. While the Nissan is a great truck, it doesn't quite ride like his Ford. Merrville County's new sheriff is a stickler for regulations. Regulations dictate Dave can't take his department issued truck six counties over for a fishing-hunting weekend with Detective Mackey. So a leased vehicle will have to do.

  James had come over the previous evening. Together, they'd packed out the truck before calling it a night. Every possible thing they might need for their guy's weekend is crammed into the enclosed back of the wide truck--or inside the rooftop carrier. Almost nothing has been overlooked. However, Dave is certain they will remember something they've forgotten--as soon as they are no longer near civilization. Isn't that how it always goes?

  "Ready or not...Here we come. Maybe I'll have a chance to bag me a bear."

  "Dave?"

  The big deputy turns toward the house. He grins as his eyes meet Octavia's. Making his way up the porch steps, Dave plants a kiss on Octavia's waiting lips. He reaches down and tousles the fur atop the head of the regal German Shepherd standing obediently beside her. Russo barks once and then pants loudly.

  "I'm gonna head out now, Octavia. Take care, okay? I love you."

  "Love you too, Dave. But you're not going anywhere without your phone. You left it on the kitchen counter."

  Octavia offers Dave a knowing smile. She retrieves his cellphone from the pocket of her flowing dress. Dave solemnly shakes his head and pecks Octavia on the lips.

  "What would I do without you?" Dave exclaims, narrowing his eyes and slipping an arm around Octavia's waist.

  "I'm not sure," Octavia jokes. "But I'm sure you'd think of something. Now get going. I still have to work today."

  "Be safe today. Don't do anything I wouldn't do. And don't hesitate to call me, Octavia. A guy's weekend isn't more important than making sure you're safe."

  "Dave, it's only for two days. I can take care of myself. I'll be fine. No raging madman is going to drug me and leave me for dead. It's male bonding time. I get it. I'll be fine."

  Dave rubs Russo's head a second time. He kisses Octavia on the forehead and releases her.

  "I'll see ya, Octavia."

  "See you when you get back, Dave."

  Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.

  Dave glances back one last time, waving with a large hand. Octavia waves back, holding tight to Russo's collar with her other hand. Lest, the giant Shepherd bolt and try to join his master.

  Merrville County

  Detective Mackey's Residence

  Dave drives his leased Titan carefully up Detective Mackey's driveway. He stops the vehicle on a line with the brand-new water fountain Madison had installed only days before. Dave studies the commissioned fountain with an approving nod. The fountain is composed of several figures of laughing women, water flowing over their heads and dripping down their pleasant forms, to land in their outstretched hands. A commemorative piece to remember the victims of a savage serial killer who had once plagued their community. A most thoughtful tribute. Only Madison could conceive something so wonderful and kind. The woman is truly a pure soul. Mackey is lucky to have her.

  Remembering why he is there in the first place, Dave lays on the Titan's horn. Inside the home, James grabs his trenchcoat and heads for the door. Madison sits up on the couch, pressing a hand against her distended belly. She shakes her head sympathetically.

  "You don't need your trenchcoat, James. You're not going to work. You're going up to the cabin for the weekend...With Dave. Remember? Focus, James. Breathe. Your pack is under the table. Haha. By the door. Right there. Ha. Gosh, James. I'm the one whose pregnant not you."

  Detective Mackey rushes over to the couch, taking Madison's face between his hands. He kisses her passionately. Madison runs one hand across the nape of James' neck, causing a shiver to course his spine. He separates and looks longingly into Madison's gorgeous brown eyes.

  "Are you sure you're okay with me and Dave going up to the cabin this weekend? I don't like leaving you...Like this."

  "James, cut it out already. I've told you a million times...I'll be fine. Dana's coming over and she's gonna spend the weekend with me. I won't be alone. I'm only six months pregnant, James. I'm in no danger. Everything's been fine so far. Go. Please. You're driving me crazy."

  "Oh...Don't say that. You know how much I enjoy driving you crazy, Maddie."

  Madison giggles uncontrollably as James buries his face in her neck. He rocks her gently back and forth, planting kisses along her flesh. Madison rakes a hand through his hair and sighs. On cue, Dave honks the truck's horn a second time.

  "Go, James. Dave's getting impatient. And I'm getting horny. It's not nice to keep people waiting. I'll be here when you two get back."

  "You'd better be," James jokes.

  "Mmm," Madison nearly sighs as James kisses her lips once more. "I love you."

  "I love you too, Maddie. See you in a couple of days. Love you."

  Grabbing his bag and gear, James attempts to smuggle his trenchcoat out the door. Madison snaps a finger and smirks.

  "Leave the coat, James. You can live two days without it."

  James outwardly pouts but puts the coat back up on its hook. He sticks his tongue out at Madison before blowing her a kiss. Hurrying out the front door, James makes haste toward Dave's borrowed gargantua of a truck. Climbing in the passenger side, James offers Dave a wide grin. Dave is not amused, his brow deeply creased.

  "Hi, Dave. Sorry I'm late. Had to make sure Maddie would be okay before I left."

  "Sure. Blame it on Madison. You're always fashionably late, James. Unless, you're trying to show me up."

  "When have I ever tried to show you up, Dave?"

  "Oh...Shall I count the ways?" Dave quips in a singsong voice.

  "No. Please don't. My ears can't take it."

  "How is Little Ms. Mackey anyway?" Dave inquires, backing down the drive.

  "Very pregnant. And very annoyed by my presence it seems. I think she blames me."

  "Well, she'd be about half right. Amirite? You are the baby's father...Right, Mack?"

  "Yeah. But I mean..."

  "Then, it's your fault. Buckle up, James. It's the law."