Judah Langford locked his patrol unit then stretched his arms, letting out the tension after a long shift. Law enforcement in Dogwood Creek had a vastly different pace than that of Charlotte, but both had their pros and cons.
The significantly lower crime rate in Dogwood Creek made his job less stressful but he was learning it also made the days pass more slowly. Today, his eighth day on the job, was the first time he went on a call that didn’t involve a trapped animal, a reported suspicious vehicle (none of which ever turned out to be suspicious). Yesterday’s call came from Mrs. Rupert who didn’t realize her neighbor had purchased a new car and parked along the street because he had his new washing machine scheduled for delivery that afternoon.
His colleagues had warned him about Mrs. Rupert and several other busybodies in town. Little had he known they weren’t exaggerating. Most of them were sweet older ladies who only had good intentions, so he took the calls in stride and accepted a plate of brownies or cookies as a thank you for coming to investigate.
Then there were the few who made him grit his teeth. Pure troublemakers out to stir trouble. Every town, and big city, had them- he’d dealt with his share of them in Charlotte. Today happened to be the day he’d first had the pleasure of encountering one in Dogwood Springs, and he’d ended up breaking up a fist fight, but not before taking a right hook to his left eye.
He made his way into the small house he’d rented until he decided if he’d stay in Dogwood Creek long-term. Trudginginto the kitchen, he winced when he involuntarily blinked. After throwing his wallet and keys on the counter then starting a pot of coffee, he grabbed a bag of frozen peas out of the freezer. Back in his living room, he dropped into his recliner and sighed.
The cold pack of vegetables eased the pain around his eyes, but he knew he wouldn’t escape a shiner. Before he’d left work, he could already see bruising taking root. The offender now faced a litany of charges, including assault on a law enforcement officer. All because he hadn’t followed the town’s leash laws. He could have faced a simple fine from animal control, but he let emotions get the better of him when a frustrated neighbor confronted him about the dog tearing up a garden.
Another sigh escaped Judah. If only people would learn to take a deep breath before reacting, the world would be a better place. His career put him in proximity with some of humanity’s worst, and only his faith kept him grounded. He often reminded himself that every person he encountered, both the good and the bad, was an image bearer of Christ, thus deserved respect. Somedays that was easier said than done. He never wanted to be the reason someone turned from Christ, and if he could be the light that pointed a person to Jesus, that was even better.
His phone rang, the sound muffled from being crammed in his pocket and smooshed against the arm of the recliner. Tempted to let it ring, he grabbed the device at the last second in case it was an officer following up from the day’s events.
“Deputy Langford,” he answered without checking the caller ID first.
“Judah, you are alive. I was about to send the authorities looking for you.” The familiar laugh of his good friend’s mother, Nancy Lundgren, filled the line. “Oh wait, that would be you.”
“I just got off work, Mrs. Nancy.” Realizing he was supposed to have been at her house for dinner a half hour ago, he silently groaned. “I’m so sorry. If it’s not too late, I can be there in twenty minutes.”
If he didn’t know Nancy better, he’d reschedule, but she’d show up with a plate in hand at his house anyway. His lips twitched, and he chuckled to himself. If he got a homemade meal from Nancy, it would be a win either way- she was a first class cook.
“Absolutely it’s not too late. I’ll keep everything warm until you get here.” She paused briefly. “Rough day, huh?”
“You could say that. I’ll tell you about it over dinner.”And explain the black eye.
“All right. I’ll see you soon.” Nancy seemed to hesitate, but maybe he was imagining it in his exhaustion.
After ending the call, he jumped out of the recliner with all the energy he could muster, took a record quick shower, and dressed in a simple outfit of jeans and a long-sleeved polo shirt. He grabbed his keys and went on his way.
Even as much as he’d wanted to stay home and chill tonight, he couldn’t help but smile. Nancy had been like a second mom to him for years. When his own mother passed away two years ago, Nancy had been there to carry him through the overwhelming grief, and when…
He cut off that train of thought abruptly. Today has been tough enough without letting his mind go down that path.
The five-minute drive to her house passed quickly. He grinned when he saw the mobile library parked in her yard. When Charles had told him years ago that his mother ownedone, he’d immaturely laughed, but once he’d met Nancy and learned more, he understood what an incredible service she offered to the community.
Only after he parked did he notice an extra car in the driveway. Nancy hadn’t mentioned anyone else joining them for dinner, had she? He did a quick recall of their conversations, but nothing came to mind.
She wouldn’t…
Would she?
Yes.
Of all days, he prayed this wasn’t one of Nancy’s matchmaking efforts. Hadn’t he made it clear he didn’t wish to be part of her schemes? He took a deep breath and braced himself. Maybe he was overreacting or jumping to conclusions.
A wry laugh slipped out. If this was one of Nancy’s matchmaking efforts, she and whoever the other poor woman was would be in for a surprise when they saw his black eye. He always had been one for a great first impression.
“Here goes nothing,” he muttered, stepping out of his truck.
The front door opened before he’d taken two steps, and Nancy hurried out to meet him. “I’m so glad you made it. I hope you don’t mind, but I invi-” She stopped abruptly, and her eyes widened. “What happened?”
“Told you it was a rough day.” He kissed her cheek in greeting. “Nothing that won’t heal in a few days.”
“Do you need an ice pack? Come inside, and I’ll get you one.”
He shook his head. “I’ll be fine, but thanks.”
