“Yes, of course.”
In small towns, you get to know the local sheriff on a first name basis. That, and the multiple bear sightings I’ve called in over the last couple of months, helps.
With my focus in front of me, I slowly lift the tiny being out of the car seat as Darcy makes the call. Going by the cute pink hat, I’m going to guess it’s a little girl.
And yes, the bear embroidered on the front is not lost on me.
Her cries gradually quiet down to a small whimper. Awkwardly, I wrap her in a blanket and cradle her in my arms. The last time I held a baby was when my niece was born.
I just have to remember not to drop her and support her neck. It’s fine. I can do that.
“Okay, Jerry is on his way, and he’s bringing Billy from the fire station to check her over, but…”
I look up, “But… what?”
“Well, small towns, am I right?” she says with a dry laugh.
“Darcy…”
“Well, Ms. Wilson, who normally handles all the social services issues when they arise, is currently on vacation until Monday. Jerry said he could try to get someone from the big city out here, but it’s a Friday night and it may take a bit of time.”
“What does that all mean?”
“That means Jerry is going to talk to you when he gets here,” she says, squeezing my shoulder.
I don’t think I like the sound of that.
“What’s this?” Darcy reaches into the car seat and unfolds a handwritten note.
“‘Please don’t think I’m a bad person. I love Mazie, but she’s not safe with me and I can’t give her the life she deserves.’”
I look down at the bright-eyed baby. “Mazie.”
Darcy looks over my shoulder. “She looks like a Mazie.”
“Yeah, she does.”
Ten minutes later, the police chief is taking my statement while Billy looks Mazie over.
“And the only other item you found was this note?” he asks, staring at the handwritten piece of paper.
“Yeah, that was it.”
“And you didn’t see anyone else?”
I sigh. “I need to replace the light by the dumpsters, so it was hard to see, but no, I didn’t see anyone.”
Billy comes over carrying Mazie. The now-peaceful look on her face makes a tear slide down my cheek and my heart ache.
Why am I crying? She’s just a baby… A baby who has no one to take care of her.
“We have baby supplies on the rig for emergencies when children are involved. I gave her a fresh diaper, and I’ll grab a few bottles of formula before I go, but she seems to be healthy. I don’t think she was sitting outside very long.”
My eyebrows shoot up. “What do you mean before you go?”
The expression on Billy’s face as he shoots a look at Jerry sends a clear message that I’m not going to like this.
Jerry clears his throat. “We don’t seem to have anyone that can take in a baby at the moment.”
