Page 16 of Vanish From Sight

Having worked there for over thirty years, she’d seen it all. She had witnessed young and old officers come and go, and had offered a listening ear or a word of encouragement to those who needed it.

In many ways she was the face of the Sheriff’s Office. When the public walked through the doors, Maisie was the first one they saw. Her disarming smile and friendly demeanor made even the most pissed-off local feel at home.

Despite her age, she was as sharp as a tack, and always seemed to know what was happening in the office. Her desk was a hub of activity. Younger officers would often be found chatting with her or asking for her two cents on an incident.

She was more than a receptionist.

“How are you, Maisie?”

“Depends what time you ask.” She grinned as she hit a button under the desk. There was a loud buzz as the heavy door unlocked and they entered.

She was quick to slide off her stool and envelop Noah in a warm hug, the kind that only a mother or grandmother could give. Although short of stature, she still stood tall and proud, with a wiry frame and sharp features that belied her years. Her curly short hair was a silver-grey and styled in a bob that framed a face lined with wrinkles and creases earned from a lifetime of experience. There was a mischievous glint to her eye and a playful spirit beneath her calm exterior.

She stood back from Noah, smiling broadly. “Please tell me they hired you.”

“Unfortunately, no, he’s still riding the fence over at B Troop,” Callie replied.

“And there was me thinking you were here to take Rivera’s position.”

“Not today,” he replied.

“But one day,” Maisie said, gripping his arm tightly as her eyes lit up.

“You’ve been listening to Hugh again, haven’t you?”

She laughed while returning to her seat. “He comes in from time to time to shoot the breeze.”

“And toss in his two cents.”

“Of course,” she replied.

As they moved through the active office, Noah noticed the buzzing energy. Deputies moved quickly, radios crackled, and some darted in and out of rooms. A few phones were ringing, keyboards clicked as reports were typed up and filed away. There was constant chatter as deputies discussed run-of-the-mill incidents and coordinated efforts. The smell of coffee wafted through the air; the fuel of choice that kept them charged throughout long twelve-hour shifts. Passing the break room, Noah heard the microwave ding; the aroma of someone’s dinner made his stomach grumble.

The atmosphere was one of organized chaos, as the continued day-to-day strain bore down on deputies striving to maintain order and justice in the community. The sights, sounds and smells of the office were similar to his department, which was located just off Route 86 and sandwiched between High Peaks and Saranac Lake. But his location was one big revolving door as troopers and State officials came and went.

The door opened to the sheriff’s office and Avery Rivera stuck her head out. Noah had yet to meet her.

“Thorne. When you have a moment. I would like to see you in my office.”

Callie nodded.

Rivera caught Noah’s eye; she stepped out to greet him with a smile. “Ah, Mr. Sutherland. We haven’t had a chance to meet. I’m the acting sheriff, Avery Rivera.”

Without knowing her, it was hard to overlook her physical attributes. She was an attractive Hispanic American with striking features that reflected a blend of cultures. Her dark, expressive eyes were framed by thick lashes and a warm olive complexion that radiated health and vitality, or one too many trips to a tanning salon.

Her long, silky, wavy dark hair was pinned up. Her body was curvaceous with a narrow waist. For a second, he forgot to breathe.

“Mr. Sutherland?”

“Uh. Yes.” Noah extended a hand and immediately could tell from her grip that beauty wasn’t the reason why she had the position. It was firm, self-assured. She carried herself with a sense of confidence and grace, yet he could sense a hint of fiery spirit that was only tempered by love for family and a strong sense of community. “It’s a pleasure.”

Still holding his hand, she looked a little confused. “Are you just visiting?”

“Assisting.”

“Really? I’m unaware of the office calling for State assistance. Did…?” she said, trailing off and glancing at Callie.

“No. Local PD did,” Noah said quickly.