Wounded Badge Vista Read online

  Wounded Badge Vista

  A Royce Madison Mystery: 6

  By

  Scarlet Clover Publishers, L.L.C.

  Littleton, Colorado

  Copyright © 2019 Kieran York

  WOUNDED BADGE VISTA: A Royce Madison Mystery – 6

  By Kieran York

  Published: June, 2019

  All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any manner whatsoever without permission from the publisher. This includes electronic or mechanical recording or by any information storage and retrieval system, except for the quotations or brief quotations used in the critical articles or reviews, without prior permission from Scarlet Clover Publishers L.L.C.

  This is a work of fiction. All characters, locales and events are used fictitiously.

  Cover Design Director: Karen D. Badger

  Interior Design and Formatting: Karen D. Badger

  Front Cover Photo by: Karen D. Badger

  Edited by Denise Nash, Kathie Solie, Barbara Oatley.

  Published by Scarlet Clover Publishers L.L.C.

  P. O. Box 621002

  Littleton, Colorado 80162

  Printed and bound in the United States of America, UK, and Europe

  ISBN-13: 9781075600289

  Books Also Written by Kieran York

  Fiction:

  Ballad of Raindrops

  Astray

  Primrose

  Trevar’s Team: 1 (A Beryl Trevar Mystery)

  Trevar’s Team: 2 (A Beryl Trevar Mystery)

  Trevar’s Team: 3 (A Beryl Trevar Mystery)

  Touring Kelly’s Poem

  Loitering on the Frontier

  Night Without Time

  Earthen Trinkets

  Careful Flowers

  Appointment with a Smile

  Royce Madison Mystery Series:

  Timber City Masks: Book 1

  Crystal Mountain Veils: Book 2

  Shinney Forest Cloaks: Book 3

  Rasp Meadow Crossing: Book 4

  Silver Wilderness Range: Book 5

  Wounded Badge Vista: Book 6

  Timber County Cuisine: A Royce Madison Cookbook

  Poetry:

  Blushing Aspen

  Realm of Belonging

  Once Word: The Thought Trilogy Poetry 1

  Festival of a Moment: The Thought Trilogy Poetry 2

  Knapsack of Stars: The Thought Trilogy Poetry 3

  Short Fiction:

  Sugar With Spice

  Within Our Celebration

  Contributor to Sappho’s Poetry Series, edited by Beth Mitchum:

  Wet Violets, Volume 2

  Roses Read, Volume 3

  Delectable Daisies, Volume 4

  Fallen Petals, Volume 5

  DEDICATION

  I proudly dedicate Wounded Badge Vista, A Royce Madison Mystery: 6, to the women and men law enforcers who serve and protect justice in the United States of America. I also dedicate this book to those citizens assisting in keeping our country, and other countries, safe and free.

  It begins on our streets and in our homes. We cannot have good citizens, if we don’t have involved, decent women and men patrolling the laws of the land. We cannot have good peace-keepers, if we don’t have equality of regulating law, a pride in maintaining order, and respect of the citizens.

  It begins in our hearts.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  For a multitude of reasons, this has been difficult book to write. Since the second Royce Madison mystery (20 years ago), I have wanted to write this book. Four books later, I was still not ready to write it. And when it, the sixth in the series, was ready to be written, some writer’s block-hindrance stopped me in my tracks.

  When one of your favorite characters becomes fallen – harmed, for me, it created a mental barrier. That needed to be addressed. Another restriction to my creative endeavor, I’d also lost my 15-year old best friend, a schnauzer named Clover. She was always at my side. I wasn’t certain I could write without my trusty CEO Clover at my side.

  While my keyboard gathered dust, and I gathered recriminations about my writing shutdown, I thought perhaps I would never write again.

  At this time two women inspired me.

  Beth Mitchum, the woman who has inspired so many lesfic poets and writers, called me. Originally, she’d worked with me on beginning my publishing company. I can never adequately thank her for all she’s done for me, and my lesfic sisters. Well, her reaching to contact me worked miracles.

  And Karen D. Badger, my amazing Scarlet Clover Publishers friend, formatter, designer. And so many times, my champion. Example, when she found I was having difficulty. She surprised me with the front cover of the book – such a wonderful act of friendship.

  These two women inspired, and refused to allow me to lose this book, and all books that come forward from here. When we talk about women helping other women – this is the example.

  I thank Beth Mitchum and Karen D. Badger for being exemplar ideals of women who are there for other women.

  I also thank the women of Scarlet Clover Publishers. Thanks to formatter, cover designer, Karen D. Badger, Editor Denise Nash, Editor Kathie Solie, and Editor Barbara Oatley. Artist Kelly Jo Stevens. Photographer Jaynes pehney. They make this happen. And I love them for it. Also, a special thanks to the readers. Royce Madison said to tell you that she thinks you’re plenty amazing. Also, thanks to two friends, Chris and Richard.

  ~ Kieran York

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  About the Author

  Coming Soon from ScarletClover Publishers, LLC

  Chapter 1

  Sheriff Royce Madison had felt some hidden emotional discomfort from the moment she’s bolted out of bed that morning. Jangled nerves or a bad dream, she thought. But she also attributed it to anxiety. Last night a conversation was started between Royce and her longtime, life-time lover, Dr. Hertha White, D.V.M. Royce sensed some problem with Hertha’s inability to explain what was wrong. Something was wrong, and too difficult for Hertha to vocalize.

  Royce was concerned, but the early morning was too busy. With their two children, the phone calls, and assortment of tasks, there was no time to follow up. Hertha opened her veterinary practice early on Saturday mornings. The High Country Animal Hospital and Clinic was always busier on weekends.

  Royce had been in a rush to make her journey to a morning conference at a nearby county – and do so on time. But that lingering consideration disturbed her. What was bothering Hertha? The sheriff’s thoughts questioned what the problem was with her soul mate, and lover, of fifteen years.

  The conference had continued to run half an hour later than was planned, but it was productive. The Sheriff stood in front to the room, at a podium, answering questions. Royce stood straight, and her slender build made her look even taller than her 5’ 10” stature. Royce was nearing forty-years of age, and she had been a sheriff for a great deal of that time. Her attractiveness came from her persona. She was quiet, yet her strength showed. She was friendly, yet never arrogant, and certainly never easily won over. Neatly trimmed, short hair was blonde and had tapered waves co
ming down from her Stetson. Her nighttime eyes were sapphire, and daylight converted them to the softness of a prairie sky. With soft features, yet strong cheekbones, her expressions could quickly change. The slightly cleft chin added to her mystique. Her smile, with perfect teeth, made friends. Her squint, with eyes blasting, could also make enemies.

  Royce Madison had just embarked on her half hour trip back to Timber City. Although it was her day off, she’d always agreed to attend any enforcer’s meeting. The gathering was in the county east of Timber, and they had invited her to speak to several dozen area lawmen and women.

  As she drove toward Timber, she mentally recounted the list of items that she had presented to the neighboring county’s deputies. She believed it might be helpful to share, reminders, with her deputies. Glancing out at the majesty of the Colorado mountaintops, she smiled. The day was sun-filled. She was midway through her mental agenda when she heard the radio dispatch.

  “Deputy down. Code Red.” There was alarm in the dispatcher’s voice when the radio blared, “Deputy down. Ten-eighteen. Urgent. Repeat, deputy down.” Dispatcher Wanda Thurlow’s voice cracked. Her words rushed, nearly dashing one over the next. “All available units to the Wounded Badge Vista parking lot.”

  Royce broke in, “I’m on my way, Wanda. I’m twenty minutes out.”

  “Medics should be there by now. I think Sam just arrived.” The dispatcher’s update voice was precise, and hurried.

  “Who was…” Royce began her question.

  “Nick. Sam thinks it’s serious.” Wanda paused. “He said it’s critical.”

  Royce felt an interior shivering. She employed the overhead lights and siren. Although she was speeding, minutes seemed as if they might be hours. For some reason, it was not completely registering. She thought she would see Undersheriff Nick Hogan recovered when she arrived.

  As she drove, chills continued in ripples. Her hands clutched the steering wheel to keep them from trembling.

  Wounded Badge Vista was an area memorial park. A large commemorative plate was attached to a gigantic polished granite stone. The rock was shaped with points projecting up to the sky. It took on the appearance of a badge star lifting from the ground. On one of the star’s tips was what looked to be a hole shot. Its edge was broken as if by a bullet. The bronze sign listed the engraved names of enforcers that gave their lives, or were seriously wounded in service.

  Beyond was a cliff, fenced with protective railings. The breathtaking vista was a place of serene beauty. Beneath, was the canyon that had been carved through centuries.

  ***

  As her vehicle slid to a stop in the Vista parking lot, Royce saw the ambulance, and first responder vehicles. She rushed to the side Deputy Sam Dawson. EMTs were placing the stretcher cart into the evacuation vehicle. She inherently knew that Nick was alive, or he wouldn’t have been moved so quickly.

  “He’s in bad shape,” Sam nearly whispered. “Deputy Terry went to his house to pick up Beverly. She’ll tell her, and take her to hospital.” Sam looked away. “I was pretty sure that’s what you’d want me to do.”

  “Yes, good call. Wanda told me what was happening. I’ll call Hertha and have her check on the Hogan children. I’m guessing since they live so near Bev’s parents, the in-laws were called immediately. But I know Hertha would want to help however she can.” Royce’s hand felt icy, yet it was eighty degrees, and still early summer.

  Sam nodded. “See the couple over there with bikes.”

  “Yes.” She watched as the couple huddled. The women in the man’s draped arms, was trim, light colored hair and complexion. The man, medium height, and light brown hair, held her tightly as she leaned as near as she could. Her face was against his shoulder.

  “Ron and Mandy Connor. Newlyweds from Crystal. They witnessed the last part of the crime. They were on the perimeter of the wooded area. They heard a couple of gunshots. When they heard the first gunshot, they thought it was a hunter. They went toward the monument, and there were the two vehicles. Police cruiser and the shooter’s black pickup. They seemed to have had a bad feeling about it. They paused from going nearer. When the gunman saw them, he hurried to deliver another round. I’m speculating that the first shot was in Nick’s front right shoulder. The second was when Nick was down on the ground. That shot was back, right side of head. The Connor couple must have rushed the shooter’s crime up. He pulled away, driving a black pickup. According to Ron and Mandy Connor it was a black Ford pickup.”

  “I’ll check them out.” She walked toward the young couple. “I’m Sheriff Madison. You two saw the crime being committed?”

  “Yes. It was so quick.” Mandy Connor rushed her words. “We were bike riding. But we pushed the bikes up Corduroy Trail, over there.”

  Royce looked toward Corduroy Trail. It was the path toward the top of the mound. It had been named for the way it had been constructed. The trail’s logs took on the appearance of corduroy. Royce knew it well, had walked it often. “And you witnessed it from there?”

  “Yes. We stopped to catch our breath. We heard the first shot, and Ron said it was probably a hunter. Then we looked over the embankment.” Mandy Connor’s mouth sagged. Her breathing was shaky.

  “You were about this far away?”

  “Yes.” Ron continued, “The deputy must have been getting out of the squad car when the first shot hit him. The deputy fell. The guy in the truck was beginning to get out, he’d been aiming. But he looked up at us before taking another shot at the deputy. Then the truck squealed away. I think it was a late model Ford Ranger. Anyway, we ran to check on the deputy. Mandy yelled to call 911, and while she helped the deputy. While I was explaining it to the dispatcher, Mandy put pressure on the deputy’s shoulder and back of his head. She’s had first aid training.”

  “Can you give me any kind of a description?”

  “A guy in his thirties. Scraggly hair, like a corkscrew mop, really. I thought of the hair looking like a cone of ginger,” Ron remembered. “A big guy, athletic big. Tall. I couldn’t pick him out of a lineup. It was too fast.”

  “We memorize half of the license plate…” Mandy offered hesitantly, as she recalled. “The first three numbers, I’m not sure. But the next three letters were WLT. I thought of the name Walt.”

  “I think the first numeral was a six,” Ron stated. “But it could have been a nine. I’m dyslexic.”

  When the ambulance moved out, the siren blared as it passed by. Royce glanced around. Crime tape had been extended to cover most of the small parking lot. And the nearby cuticle of trees was also cordoned off. She saw that the forensic team was photographing the two spent shell casings, any projectile fragments, and tire tracks. Each deputy was being careful not to destroy the evidence.

  Royce neared where Forensics was testing, and photographing the way the blood mist had splattered with high velocity. Royce felt a surge of anger. Royce was certain that Sam had already called in the all-points bulletin, giving the truck description and plates. All available deputies would be on the lookout. Also, additional nearby counties would be providing assistance in the hunt.

  “Thank you, for your information,” the sheriff said. “We’ll be in touch. We need you both to sign papers. Maybe you’ll remember more.”

  “I sure hope the deputy lives.” Mandy looked down at her hands. There were still traces of blood.

  “So do we. And he is an undersheriff, not deputy,” Royce corrected with as much of a smile as she could. “Undersheriff Nick Hogan is proud of his title.” She considered, and rightly he should be. “Thanks for helping him.”

  Royce sensed her own gratitude that these citizens had saved Nick’s life when they disrupted the crime. And then, if Nick lived, Mandy had a part in saving his life. The Sheriff was thankful for citizen availing themselves to assist. They didn’t know Nick. They didn’t know all the lives he’d saved, the people he’d helped, the people’s lives he’d changed. They didn’t know his generosity and kindness. They didn’t know his
wife and two children. Royce’s eyes felt as if they were filling with vapor. Her posture stiffened, as if to make up for the vacant ache in her heart.

  ***

  Timber County consisted mainly of two towns separated only by a few miles up the mountainside. First built was the quaint, tiny mountain community of Timber City. It was originally filled with gold miners, travelers speculating fortunes, and a few town merchants. Timber became the hub of the county. Next was the burgeoning ski and tourist resort that became known as Crystal. It began in the late eighteen-hundreds, and early nineteen-hundreds, as a winter playground. It quickly expanded to an elegant, prestigious small city. It was a lovely mountain area where the elite came to ski, build massive homes, and enjoy spending their fortunes, or making their fortunes.

  Wounded Badge Vista was nearer Crystal, than Timber City.

  Royce was scouring the crime scene. She’d looked into the opened door of the squad car that Nick had been driving. She saw Nick’s personal duty iPhone. Putting it into her breast pocket, she didn’t know if it would reveal any clues. But she knew Nick was meeting someone at Wounded Badge. He would have put the information on his log, at the office, and perhaps used his personal phone.

  The sheriff took a panoramic look at the area. Although some rescue member had dispersed, she watched a moment. Each enforcer was carefully examining the area, and the trees, rocks and shrubs that circled the small memorial park. Their expressions registered the same shock and pain that she was sure her own face was wearing. One of their own was down. A brother. For now, Royce thought, she would return back to the Sheriff’s Department in Timber.