Chapter 42

The officer changed tones. “Now, in a situation like this, it’s not criminal, but a lot of our calls aren’t criminal. To sum it up, we protect and serve. We need to make the house safe, lock it up, check windows. So, are you boys relatives?”

Jim said, “No, sir. We just come to help her with chores and visit. Her family doesn’t seem to care much. She says they live in San Jose and hardly visit. We see her more often than they do.”

“Key?”

“She keeps on in the glove box of her car in the garage. Sometimes we drive it to keep it in good shape and take her for rides.”

“Good.” He looked at Brian. “You get the key, Jim and I will check the house, and we’ll all go out the front door. We’ll leave the TV and a light on, but pull the curtains so any burglars will think she’s home.” He put a hand on Jim’s shoulder. “Come on, let’s get this done. Calls are waiting for us to go Ten-Eight.”

“Ten-Eight?”

“In service. I’ll get you a copy of the radio call sheet so you can memorize it.”