The Traiangle of Trees and the Old Blue Jay

Moffett

INTRODUCTION

What is it that makes us get an idea in our head, and then we feel we just have to write it down? After writing my memoir, I thought, Well, that's it. That's all I have to write. Then that little nagging begins and I sit down at the computer.

Well, truthfully, this novel was much more fun to write. As the characters began to come alive in my head and the events began to flow, it became a challenge. I have to admit, some of my experiences as a probation officer, supervisor, and chief, were some of the most memorable times I had in my entire working career. I went from being a counselor in a behavioral health organization to working for the Superior Court as a probation officer, because it paid more than what I was making as a counselor. When I finished my Master's degree in Education and Counseling, I worked as a Chief Probation Officer for several years. I also taught Psychology for a small community college. Although I wrote this story from my various experiences, the characters are all fiction.

Now, I continue working as a part time Social Worker in the local hospital where I live. I think the people connection is what makes me continue to work. I actually like seeing my patients with all their varied issues and problems. Life is full of interesting people with their different experiences and happenings.

I credit my parents for teaching me to be a work-a-holic. From a young age, my father taught me that if I want to eat, I have to work. I will always remember sitting on the back step of his restaurant with a huge container of potatoes to peel when I was about nine or ten. When I finished, I could proudly sit at the counter and order anything I wanted to eat. It was usually a hamburger, a bowl of chili, and chocolate malt.

My delightful mother worked hard all her life. She never complained, but late in life, after my father died and she no longer worked, she delighted in being able to lie down in the afternoon with a good book to read. She isn't around to read my book, but I would love to know what she would think of it. She would not like all the e-books that are now available, or on audio discs. She liked her books. She liked the feel of them, the ability to flip through the pages, and go back to something she wanted to read again. She always marked her place and she loved having her books as her own.

To my Mom, I say thanks, Mom, for teaching me to love books. Thanks, Dad, for teaching me about the importance of work in my life. I thank all of my wonderful family for bringing so many experiences to my life, and I thank my friends for the experiences we had together.

I thank my favorite judge, whom I worked with for so many years for always trying to know the truth, the law, and to be fair.

To all the wonderful authors who have enthralled me all my life, I say thank you. You bring so much enjoyment to my life and sometimes tears to my eyes. I can never live up to the talent of these revered story tellers, but I thank them for giving me the inspiration to put this story to pen. I think it is impossible to write and not think about personal experiences. Thankfully, writing fiction allows me to embellish on my experiences, create and dramatize, and let my mind wander. That process has been an interesting journey, and sometimes hard work.

So... write your story, fact or fiction.

CHAPTER 1

Tandy Jackson stepped into to the courtroom quietly, sliding into the back to observe, she was wondering what the heck was up. Her secretary had come into her office frantic, an excited look on her face, saying, The judge wants you in the courtroom right away. What Tandy thought was going to be a quiet day was already turning out to be hectic. The judge was on the bench when she came in, he nodded to acknowledge her entrance and continued listening to the testimony being presented before him.

Tandy did a quick sweep of the courtroom, noticing the players. The two attorneys were family practice attorneys. Great, this probably means a divorce and, without having to think about it much, a custody battle. Those were the worst. The husband was at one table and the wife at another. Of concern for Tandy was the look of fear on the wife's face. Tandy already knew what she was in for. The husband had on a leather jacket, cowboy boots, he had long dark stringy hair, an open shirt revealing a hairy chest, and a scary look on his scraggily, pock marked, unshaven, beady-eyed face. The somewhat overweight, frumpily dressed wife looked like she was ready to bolt at any minute.

The husband's attorney had called another witness forward to give testimony as to why the husband should be given custody of the four children, all girls. The divorce had happened some months ago. The husband was in a bad accident, broke his leg and was in a partial cast, still using crutches to get around. The new witness was the girls' grandfather. The girls had been living with him since the divorce. Apparently, temporary custody was given to the grandparents with stipulations imposed on both parents before they could take custody of the girls. The girls' mother was ordered into rehab for meth use. Their father was ordered into alcohol rehab, and to be employed to prove to the court his ability to support the children.

The grandfather testified that prior to his son's accident, his son was a truck driver and as soon as his leg was healed, he could return to work. In the mean time, he was living with them and should be given custody.

He said that the girls' grandmother and aunt helped with care of the children, while father was still on crutches. The girls are Maria, 13, Sandra, 10, Jessica, 8, and little Susie, 4. The oldest daughter is 17 and she and her baby live with her grandmother. The grandfather said they were good girls and they didn't cause much trouble. He was okay with supporting his son and granddaughters until their father could get back to work. There was no one to testify on behalf of the mother. When addressed by the court, she looked at her husband, appeared afraid to speak, but managed to tell the judge she was still in rehab, but she got a 2-bedroom duplex to live in, was off drugs, and was working toward getting a job. She said she was clean for several months now and she wanted her children to be with her.

Judge Slater studied both parents with that penetrating eye, asked a few more questions and asked the attorneys if there was any more testimony, questions, or information to be presented. None being requested or presented, he wrapped up the hearing saying he was going to order a guardianship evaluation and report. He ordered temporary custody given to the children's father under the supervision of the grandfather. The girl's mother sank in her chair, trying to be invisible. Another hearing was set for a month down the road, to allow time to complete the guardianship report. Court was dismissed. Judge Slater motioned for Tandy to meet him in his chambers.

Tandy exited out the back door of the courtroom. She knew darn well the judge was going to ask her to do the custody evaluation. custody evaluations were exhaustive when done right. Tandy's background as a counselor before coming to work for the Probation Department, her quick sense of character, well written reports, and strong need to get the right information, quickly advanced her to Supervisor in the satellite probation office in this small town. She also knew well there were no other trained officers that could do custody evaluations. Custody evaluations were a specialty that required extensive training and specialists who worked for organizations that contracted with the court. This small town area didn't have access to them like the cities did. Oh well, it looked like she would have time since the next hearing was a month off.

Tandy was tall, slim and she moved fast. Her long auburn hair and green eyes seemed to command attention and her sharp world view often put her in a position to gather information that others overlooked. She actually liked the veracity of humans and the diversity of so many different personalities. She watched individual successes and problems people got into, including her own, with interest. She seemed to always try to figure out a way to enhance experiences for those around her, without taking away their right to personal choice. Now almost 30, she had already had many experiences she could have done without and was working hard to make a better life for herself and her little son.

She knocked on the judge's door and was invited in. He was setting behind his desk and motioned her to come in and take a seat. As she sat down in the chair nearest to his desk, he looked at her with interest and said, Of course, you know why I called you to the courtroom. Tandy, I need your best work on this case. I don't feel good about either parent. You know we have had many discussions about this and for the sake of those beautiful little girls, we need to know everything.

Tandy nodded, I got the same feeling, sitting in court. I think we are in for a ride with this one, and by the way, thanks for the extra time. I'll get on it as soon as I can.

Judge Slater smiled, but remained serious as he said, Of course, you will. Let me know how it goes.

Walking back to her office, Tandy stopped by her secretary's desk. Mindy asked, What was that all about?

The judge needs a custody evaluation done and I'm it, Tandy replied. Thank heavens these don't come along often, but I'll work it in. Hey, is that a new blouse? Pretty cool! Who are you trying to impress now?

No one, Mindy replied, I just thought this office needed brightening up.

Tandy smiled and walked back to her office, wondering where she was going to find the time for this new request from the judge. She didn't have a case load of probationers, but she did the divorce mediations for the court, supervised the probation officers, helped with special investigations, scheduled psychological evaluations for juvenile and adult offenders as ordered, covered for the probation officers for initial appearances when needed, and attended court for hearings and special requests, just to name a few of the things required of her.

Court day was always busy. She had to be front and center, appropriate dress, business dresses, dress slacks and blouses with a suit jacket, and suit, white shirt and tie for the guys. Every day was a full day. Staff meetings and traveling to the county seat to the Superior Court to meet with the Chief Probation Officer, other probation staff and the Superior Court Judge kept her hopping. She loved every minute of it.

Tandy sat down at her desk. Tandy, Tandy, Tandy, what are you up to now? Tandy could hear her mother's voice in her head. It had been over a week since she saw her last. She needed to go by and check on Mom. Although Mom was not particular about when she came to visit, she loved it when Tandy came by. Mom was a calming influence on Tandy. Sitting at her desk, envisioning everything she had to do, she knew her mother's advise well, Honey, take everything in your stride, know your priorities, set your goals, take one thing at a time, and all will work out. Tandy tried to live by her mother's gentle wisdom, handling everything, even emergencies in a clam manor. She remembered her friend saying once, How can you always be so calm? Well, for the most part that was true, but not always.

Janet came rushing into Tandy's office, out of breath, she didn't knock on the door or wait to be invited in. She saw there was no one in the office, burst in, and excitedly blurted out, I can't believe it. You were right.

You're not supposed to have favorites among the people you supervise, but Janet was a good probation officer and Tandy enjoyed her quick wit, tenacious thoroughness with her work, her intelligence, and her ideas. Janet's multiple personality disorder probationer was an enigma to her. Janet had told Tandy before, she didn't believe in all this psychological mumbo-jumbo stuff. Since Tandy's undergraduate work was in Psychology with a Master's in Counseling and Education, plus the fact that Tandy was a counselor before she became a probation officer, Janet often kidded her about her weird psycho-babble stuff.

Tandy said, Okay, I'll bite. For once, what was I right about?

Janet was still excited, blurting out, I can't believe it. I saw it; she changed right in front of me. She was one person, talking normally to me, and the next minute she was someone entirely different. What the heck is going on here?

"Okay, Janet, slow down. Did you watch the movie Sybil, like I suggested?

Janet said, Nah, that stuff's not for me.

Well, Tandy said, although she is diagnosed as multiple personality disorder, there is still a lot of skepticism about that diagnosis. However, even though there is controversy about the disorder, they can display bizarre behavior and seem to be an entirely different person than the person you know. What did she do?

Janet said, I was asking her about her counseling appointment, and she looked down in her lap at her folded hands, then finally she looked up at me with an entirely different look on her face, one I had never seen before, and said in a voice I didn't recognize, 'You mean that idiot that thinks she knows everything there is to know about me?' I didn't know what to do or say, I finally got my thoughts together and said, 'It sounds like you don't like your counselor, is that right?' Tandy, you won't believe this, but her demeanor changed again, her hands were folded back in her lap, she was looking down at her hands again and said, 'Oh, I guess she's all right.

Tandy asked Janet, How much longer is she on probation?

Janet said, She's got another year to go. And come to think of it, she isn't faithful about her counseling. She thinks she is okay She isn't drinking as much, and she hasn't had any more major shoplifting incidents. I was beginning to think I could ask for a hearing to request seeing her once a month instead of twice. I guess I didn't think her counseling was that critical. I need to talk to her counselor to see how she is doing. She's been reluctant to tell me if there has been anything upsetting happening. But now that I'm thinking about it, the last time I was in her apartment, it was more disheveled than usual. I guess I'll have to watch this one more closely for a while. She got her driver's license back and although she hasn't been faithful about her counseling appointments, she keeps promising me she will go. Next time she pulls this stuff on me, I'm going to ask her what her name is. Better yet, I'm going to call you to come quick, this is more than I've ever dealt with. This is your bag of tea.

Tandy laughed and told Janet, I think you're doing great. The challenge of this case is good for you. When you talk to her counselor, ask her if she has seen any personality changes during her sessions that lead her to believe that things are getting worse. Sometimes, they go through spells where everything is all right and then things get crazy again. They usually need to be on long term counseling for functioning checks and balances. Medication may be an issue and may need adjusting.

Janet was listening, looking right at Tandy, she paused and said, I have a good idea. Why don't you take this case? It sounds right up your alley. I know how much you like the crazy ones. Then on second thought, she laughed, and chuckling said, I know, I know, you think this case is perfect for me, maybe it will stretch my intellectual understanding of the different kinds of people there are in the world.

Tandy said, You're right. Let me know what her counselor has to say.

As Janet was leaving the office, the phone rang and Tandy's favorite dog catcher was on the other end. Don't tell me you have Joker again...

Yep, he's my pal. This time when I spotted him wandering down the street, all I had to do was pull over open the truck door, whistle, and he hopped right in, wagging his tail the whole time.

Tandy responded, Henry, I have tried every way I can think of to secure that little yard at my apartment, I don't know how on earth he is getting out. He's an escape artist. What are the charges this time?

In that long drawl of Henry's, he said, Well, let's see. You know every time we pick him up, the fine adds another $25 dollars. $25 the first time, $50, $75, this must be number four. I think Joker likes our little jail.

Yikes, Henry, I can't afford $100 dollars to spring that little twerp. Henry listened with consternation on his face. Come on, Henry, can you make me a deal. I promise I'll find someone to secure that yard and I'll take Joker for more walks.

Well—since he's no trouble, I guess I can postpone the fine until you get the yard fixed and I come to inspect it. I'll give you a month. In the mean time, keep him in while you're at work. I know Joker ain't gonna like it, but that's the best I can do. Come on by to get him, he's doing fine, he enjoyed his visit again.

Henry, you're a doll. I can't come right now. I have a lunch appointment for work, don't know when I can get away, I'll be there by closing time.

All right then, I'll look forward to seeing you. We're a bit crowded around here, ya know.

I promise, I'll try to make it earlier if I can. Thanks, Henry.

As she got in her car, all kinds of thoughts were running through Tandy's head. She needed to get a bigger apartment with a bigger yard. She and Joker and Jakey did well, but it was crowded and there were times she felt like she couldn't breathe. Jakey's toys would be scattered everywhere, and if everything wasn't picked up all the time, it was an obstacle course, stepping over toys to get to the bathroom.

She would just have to take the time to start looking for another place. Moving was such a pain, and actually she had grown fond of her cozy little space with Jakey and Joker curled up on the couch with her in the evening. When everything settled down at night, she could check out the latest programs on TV to take her thoughts away from everything else. Oh well, on to the Wagon Spoke.

She started thinking about her appointment with Chief Tanner Lawson. She had been working closely with him for a couple of months on a case they were mutually involved with. She was anxious to hear the latest progress on the case and talk with him about some ideas she had.

The sky was turning dark. Was it supposed to rain? She hadn't heard the latest forecast. She usually had an umbrella in the car, but got out of the office several days ago without it, thinking the weather was getting better. After all, spring was supposed to be coming. A few buds were beginning to peek through on the tree branches. Tandy was certainly ready for winter to be over. Hopefully she wouldn't get drenched. She never liked going to meet someone with dripping wet hair. She was meeting Tanner at the Wagon Spoke. She was looking forward to the good warm soup and the crusty bread they always served. She met with Tanner there several times; they could always find a booth in a back corner where they could talk without worrying about someone hearing them. Their oath of confidentiality regarding their cases was important. Tanner was waiting as usual, sipping on his ice tea.

Hey, Tandy girl, how's it going.

Tandy liked their easy relationship, and she especially liked how Tanner Lawson worked. In this small town, he felt it was important to help out his officers wherever needed and he got involved with some of the cases as much as they did. It seemed he was there for her, as well. She could always get hold of him with perplexing questions and when he could, he would take time to hear her out. Likewise, he called on her to seek out her expertise with some of the problems they all faced.

She sat down across from Tanner, hungry, really ready for that soup. Hi Tanner, how's the wife and kids?

"They are doing really good, I can't believe my oldest is graduating this year. I guess I'm a proud Pop, but I think my kids are the best kids ever. Sandra is really interested in writing. She's not going