Chapter 9 - Barnaby's Return
Before leaving Pineville for good, there was one final stop I had to make.
I drove out toward the country road near the access culvert where Piper had been found. When I pulled over onto the gravel shoulder, I saw an old white pickup truck parked near the mailboxes. Master Sergeant Henderson was standing near the ditch, leaning on a wooden cane, inspecting the culvert pipe.
When he heard my truck door shut, he turned around with a warm, wrinkled smile.
"Afternoon, Lieutenant," he greeted me, tipping his baseball cap. "I hear Judge Vance didn't leave much meat on their bones in court yesterday."
"He didn't," I smiled, walking over to join him at the edge of the ditch. "Richard and Cheryl are facing formal felony indictments next Tuesday. Megan says Cheryl’s lawyer is already begging for a plea deal that involves full restitution and five years of supervised probation with an ankle monitor. Richard is going to trial, and the prosecutor is seeking state prison time."
"Good," Henderson nodded firmly. "Actions have consequences. Especially when it comes to defending the innocent."
He reached behind his back and pulled something out of a clean paper grocery bag he had resting on the hood of his truck. He held it out toward me with both hands.
"I went out into the brush early yesterday morning," Henderson said softly. "Right after the water receded. I found him snagged on some blackberry briars about fifty yards down the drainage ditch."
In his hands was Barnaby.
The gray stuffed rabbit was missing one black button eye, and his left ear was torn at the seam, but Mr. Henderson had carefully washed him, dried him, and brushed the thick bayou mud from his soft fleece fur. The stuffed animal smelled like lavender laundry soap instead of swamp water.
Tears welled up in my eyes, hot and sudden. I took the little rabbit into my hands, cradling it against my chest just like Piper always did.
"She cried for two hours last night because she thought Barnaby had drowned in the bayou," I whispered, my voice breaking. "You have no idea what this means to her, Mr. Henderson."
"I think I do," the old soldier said with a wink. "Every warrior needs their battle buddy. Now, what's your plan, Lieutenant? The Army letting you go?"
"My honorable discharge and transition paperwork were approved this morning," I told him, looking out across the open green pine fields of central Louisiana. "The military gave me a full separation package. I accepted a senior logistics manager position with a medical supply company in Savannah, Georgia. We have a small cottage rented near the coast, with a big backyard, an oak tree with a tire swing, and a bedroom with two big windows that overlook the water."
"Savannah's a fine town," Henderson smiled, nodding in approval. "Fresh air, salt water, and plenty of room to heal. You take good care of that little girl, Jenna."
May you like
"I will, Master Sergeant," I said, coming to attention and snapping a sharp, crisp salute.
The old veteran straightened his spine, clicking his heels together, and returned the salute with perfect military precision. "Carry on, Lieutenant. Safe travels home."
