North Falls Sheriff's Department. Now.
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>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QibW07lkIYkThe pouring rain was pounding on the old brownstone like waves on a shipwreck; the lamp out front dancing in the wind-- its beam erratic, like a broken lighthouse.
Inside, Megan was out cold on her desk, drooling over some polaroids, with her golden ponytail covering her eyes; a half-empty bottle of Jack by her side, and a tear-smudged letter still in her hand, as South Lake's KPUT played some schmaltzy country tune on the radio.
*BRRRING!*
*BRRRRING!*
"Wuh...?!" Megan jerked awake. "Recess over, already...?"
She looked from her reflection in the window to the phone and back again, wiping the drool off her face as reality kicked in.
*BRRRRING!*
"Crap..."
She reached for the receiver, which momentarily slipped away and did a little twirl in the air before landing in her hand.
"Forth Nalls Sheriff's Department-- Dep-- *cough* Deputy Scott, speaking."
*"You been drinking again, rookie?"*
"Sheriff Campbell! I--" she mechanically stood up and tucked in her shirt.
*"Did you at least remember to pack the flag?"*
"Um..." Megan looked out the window just in time to see a lightning strike the flagpole, before whatever was left of the Old Glory flew past her and vanished into the storm. "Sir, I--"
*"My flag's gone, isn't it?"*
"..."
*"Look, Megan... I'm saying this as a friend..."*
"..."
*"Sweetheart, you gotta get your shit together... pardon my French. It's been two months-- You have to move on. What are you, twenty-five?"*
"Twenty-four this February, sir."
*"Do you have any idea what I'd give to be twenty-four again?"*
"..."
*"So, this guy doesn't need you. Big whoop! You know who does? Your folks need you, the community needs you-- Hell, I need you."*
"Thank you, sir..."
*"Don't mention it. Not gonna dock your pay for the flag either, 'cause I'm a great guy like that, but I do expect one of those delicious apple pies of yours on my desk, Monday. Swear to God, closest thing to crack that I'm ever gonna try."*
"Heh, yessir."
*"You smilin', rookie?"*
"A little..."
*"Attagirl. Now, focus, 'cause I need you to do something for me."*
"Shoot, sir."
*"Been trying to contact the kids at Amber's for a while now, but it looks like the lines are fried-- I want you to drop by, make sure everything's all right."*
"Sure thing, sir."
*"Oh, almost forgot-- Please stop by the house and let Sarge in the garage on your way to the Mayor's. Pretty sure he's still in his dog house-- Poor fella must be freaking out."*
"Got it."
*"And Megan...?"*
"Sir?"
*"Chin up. It gets better."*
"Yessir..."
*Clack!*
Megan walked over to the bathroom and splashed some water on her face.
"Why not me...?" she mumbled to herself; sad, big blue eyes staring back at her in the mirror.
