I didn’t feel all that banged up last night; I didn’t think I hit the tree that hard, but then adrenaline and anger can be effective analgesics. This morning, a headache the size of a T. rex rages between my eyes. Every muscle in my body feels as if it’s been twisted into a knot. I down a couple of Tylenols with breakfast. A hot shower, and I’m feeling almost human.

Tomasetti puts up a valiant fight about my going to work, telling me I need to stay home to recuperate and give Rasmussen and my guys at least a day to get a handle on whoever might be behind the shooting. But he knows me well enough to know I’m not going to hide out. When I don’t acquiesce, he moves on to plan B and suggests I take the .22 mini Magnum in my ankle holster as a backup weapon. I’m no fan of getting shot at, so I take his advice without argument.

He drops me off at the station at 10:00 A.M., before going to work in Richfield. I look like the walking dead. The bridge of my nose is bruised, and I’m pretty sure both eyes will be fully black by the end of the day.

Lois is at the switchboard with her headset on when I walk in. She gives me a double take, and gets to her feet. “Oh my.”

Her expression makes me smile, which causes the bridge of my nose to hurt. “Whatever you do, don’t say anything funny.”

“I’ll try not to.” Her expression sobers. “I figured you’d take the day off.”

“I thought this place might get kind of boring without me around to liven things up.”

Lois hefts a laugh. “You guys have any idea who did it?”

“Not yet.” I reach the dispatch station and pluck messages from my slot. “I don’t want to alarm you, but I want you to keep a close eye on the door for suspicious visitors, will you?”

“You bet I will.”

I go to the coffee station and find a mug. I feel her eyes on me as I pour.

“You need an ice pack, Chief? I think there’s a bag of frozen peas in the fridge.”

“That would be great.” I touch the bridge of my nose. “I could use a loaner car, too, while the Explorer is in the shop.”

“I’ll call the garage and have them send one over.”

*   *   *