[[wednesday]]

[wheelsy_sheriff]

[ "Bill. It's morning" ]


There's a half dozen or so reporters at the Sheriff's department, waiting with cameras and recorders. Dave speaks first, updating them on any information the department has to share as far as their end of things goes and directing the news crowd to the Highway Patrol office for further information.

Then he introduces Bill, who's been standing off to the side looking over the crowd and thinking about what he's written on the piece of paper that he means to say to these people. He steps up, wincing at a couple camera flashes and doing his best to keep the irritation, reluctance and uneasiness he's feeling out of his expression as he clears his throat and starts.

"Good mornin', I'd like to start off by offerin' my deepest condolences to the family of Trooper Christopher Hargrove. My sympathies go out to his wife an' daughter along with thoughts an' prayers. I'm sorry to the both of you for this tragedy."

Working his throat the words on the page blur a moment as he thinks about that little girl and he blinks, then forces himself to continue.

"Trooper Hargrove was a good man killed in the line of duty. He was a hero, an' his death is a great loss to the law enforcement community."

Somehow he keeps his tone even, his voice steady, and manages to bring his eyes up to look at the cameras and faces around him as he speaks.

"In regards to Eric Lawson an' his part in all of this an' his current circumstances; it is not my place or right to judge what has happened to him, I am only glad that he is now in custody and no longer a threat to the community. It is hard to think about the high cost of his apprehension an' we all owe Christopher Hargrove a great debt for his sacrifice. I want to thank him an' his family, an' the rest of the law enforcement community for their dedication to the job. It is the wish of all officers that events like these wouldn't take place but unfortunately that is the nature of the duty. What makes it possible to get through situations like these is the support of those wearin' a badge, their families an' the people that they protect."

Drawing in a slow, unsteady breath Bill folds the paper and looks up at those standing around.

"So, I'd like to thank you all for that, an' for listenin'. Thank you, very much."

He nods and steps back and Dave moves forward as some of the reporters toss out questions. Rudy is standing by and moves with Bill, walking him away from the crowd.

Bill walks fast, head down, and Rudy grabs the car door for him when they reach the cruiser.

"That sounded real good, sheriff."

"Thanks."

The car door closes and Rudy walks around to the other side and gets in.

As Rudy starts the car Bill looks out the window. They're not being followed, which is good, and it looks like most of the reporters are actually packing up to go. Hoping Dave doesn't have to deal with the rest for long Bill looks back at Rudy and nods.

"Get me home."