Bantering With The Evidence: Banter Series, #6

By SJ Wilke

Banter, an ex-gun-for-hire, now works for the police force. Her uncanny ability to solve cases has made her in high demand. After spending time on leave over the summer, she is looking forward to working back in the office, until she has an auto accident. She now finds herself back on the couch under doctor's orders to rest while she heals for a couple of months. To keep herself from going stir crazy, the police force sends her cold cases to review and solve. What Banter finds are some of the most unusual and mind twisting cases. Her investigations are pointing to solutions that even her most avid supporters are doubting. Just how many cases can someone sitting on a couch solve? And are all of them cold cases?

• Language: English
• Publisher: SJ Wilke
• Release date: May 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224054473

Book preview

Chapter 1

Mom!

I see, Kyle, Banter said.

He’s in our lane.

He’s going to hit us, Colo said.

Does everyone have their seat belts on? Banter said.

Mom! Kyle said.

He swerved back, Kyle. I see him. Colo, put a hand on Annie.

We’re good, Colo said.

Banter felt like things were moving in slow motion and fast at the same time. Far ahead of her, she could see the car swerving in and out of their lane. She eased her foot off the gas pedal, unsure if she should stop and pull over or speed up to get by this person. Stopping wouldn’t be a fast option. She was going too fast and there were cars behind her.

Stay in your own lane, Kyle said.

You tell him, she said, trying to predict the person’s erratic movement.

They were on their way to meet Corey for the inspection of the new house. Banter had picked the boys up from school.

Damn, she said.

Get in your own lane, Kyle said, waving his hand.

I don’t think he sees you. Banter judged how far she could go onto the side of the road without ending up in the ditch. The next moment she was deciding to go to the other side of the road because of how far the car had veered into their lane.

Pick a lane, damn it. Then she knew it was inevitable. Sit upright. Feet on the floor. Now!

Banter swerved toward her side of the road, braking as she did. The gravel beneath her tires sounded loud, telling her how far over she was. For a moment, she thought the other car had veered back onto its side of the road. The next moment, she heard metal scraping against metal. She felt the car jolt sideways, then feel like it was spinning. Glass crunched and rained down on her. She swore a tire flashed past her head.

Mom?

She heard Kyle’s concerned voice, but her mind couldn’t decide which way was up. Gravity felt as if it wasn’t working properly.

There’s water coming into the car, Kyle said.

That told her they were sideways, which is why she couldn’t tell which way was up or down. The water told her they were in the ditch.

Get in the back with Colo. Colo are you okay? Annie?

Yeah. Water is coming in, Colo said. Annie is strapped in and okay.

Kyle, grab the window breaker on your way back. You two go out the back. Clear the vehicle. That’s an order.

There’s a car on my window, Colo said. The other two windows are in the water. Your window has a tire.

Go out the back. Back window, Banter said, feeling some growing fear because she couldn’t move. She felt wedged in place, and it didn’t feel good. Is your window broken? She also felt surprised that no airbags deployed.

No.

That was the window right next to Annie.

Is Annie okay?

Yeah, mom.

Kyle slid past her, grabbing the window breaker that hung on the rearview mirror. She thought he moved quickly, considering they had just had a wreck, making her feel a little relief that he wasn’t injured. The next moment, she heard the pop and the sound of the window as it crinkled.

It didn’t break all the way, Kyle said.

There are things built into the rear window. You now have to kick it out. Use your legs. Feet first. Both of you. Now. Out. Banter could see the water now. She hoped it wasn’t deep.

Mom, we have to get you out, Colo said.

You get out with Annie. Pronto. You call your dad. Call 911.

Colo, Kyle said.

Banter could hear the authority in his voice. Then she heard them pounding on the back window. A whoosh of cool air told her they had broken through.

Get Annie out, Banter said.

I have her, mom.

She heard Colo unfasten the seatbelt that held Annie’s car seat.

Is she okay?

She’s still sleeping, Colo said.

She’s breathing, Kyle said.

Get out, Banter said, feeling like she was suspended in a pile of glass pellets.

Mom.

You have to get to safety, then call. I’m stuck. Out.

Banter listened to them leave. She was in such a position that she couldn’t see them. Nor could she see where her phone had gone. The silence that ensued didn’t comfort her. However, she could see the water wasn’t advancing any more. She figured it was only a couple of feet deep.

The car next to her shifted, like it was settling against her car and making her realize there was a tire inches from her face. She tried to move, but couldn’t. Her seat belt held her firmly, but she also felt intense pressure along the left side of her body. The discomfort was growing. She hoped she was in shock so she wouldn’t feel it so intensely.

It was either a moment later or an hour later, she couldn’t tell, when she saw flashes, but had heard no sirens.

I’m not dead.

Or she had been out of it and hadn’t heard them? Had she been unconscious?

Water sloshing alerted her to someone coming around the car. She felt some relief seeing it was a firefighter.

Hello. Can you hear me? he said.

Yes.

Can you move at all?

No. Are the three children okay? Banter said.

Were they in this car?

Yes. They broke the back window out. She watched the man move out of sight, but could hear him slosh through the water as he aimed toward the back.

Hold tight, she heard him say. We have to move this car first.

She heard him walk off and talk with someone. All she could make out was the word tire. Then she became aware of someone climbing into the car  toward her.

How are you doing?

Banter didn’t know this EMT through his voice or the brief glimpse she had of him.

I’m trapped in a car. My children are out there somewhere. I’m just fine. Who are you?

He chuckled. Good attitude. I’m Trevor. What’s your name?

Banter.

Thee Banter?

Police chief wife, Banter.

The one and only. Nice to meet you, Banter. Yes, I can see you’re wedged.

Like a lime on a margarita glass, she said.

I need to put this between you and the tire. Just in case they slip.

Lovely.

She felt him put a padded blanket over her. Despite it was cold outside, the addition of the blanket made her feel hot.

I thought shock made you cold. That’s making me hot.

Not everyone reacts the same, he said.

Are the kids okay?

Yes, ma’am. Police chief is already here. They are in his car. Can you recall what happened?

Banter recognized the EMT’s tactic at preoccupying her by asking questions and getting her to talk.

This idiot hit me. He’s going to get a talking to.

You can talk to him all you want, but he’s not going to listen.

Oh, he’s going to hear from me.

Are you good at seances?

What? Why?

The guy who hit you is dead.

What a cop out.

Trevor laughed. Yes, ma’am. He took the easy way out.

Heart attack dead? Drunk? Did he die and lose control of the car?

Don’t know, Banter.

That water coming any closer?

Nope. You are in as far as you can be.

Banter heard a screech of metal.

That’s the tow truck moving the car so we can get you out, Trevor said. You’ll hear a few scary sounds, but they’re doing a good job.

Is the other guy out?

No, ma’am. He’s trapped in his car. What way was he coming? And what way were you going?

I was heading toward Kikken.

Suburbs?

Yeah. He kept weaving in and out of my lane, coming at me.

Huh. Never would have suspected that.

Why? Can’t you see by how my car is pointed?

No, ma’am. Your car is now pointing the other way... away from Kikken.

What?

Careful, now. That tire is moving a little. Good. Almost clear.

Banter heard deafening metal scrapes and groans. She could see movement out of the corner of her left eye. The tire moved out of sight.

You’ll need to cut that door out, she heard Trevor say.

Can opener is coming, another voice said.

I need to cover your head, Banter. Protect you in case there is any metal flying.

Okay.

You feeling any pain?

Oh, yeah.

You look a little cramped. You’re lucky you’re small. I’ve never seen a car bent in like that before. He really rammed you.

The kids are okay?

Yes, ma’am. Your kids are fine.

Sorry if I’m repeating myself.

No problem. You’re going to hear a big noisy crunch.

Banter not only heard the crunch, she felt the vibration go through her body. Then she felt a great amount of pressure released. Instead of the pain easing, it seemed to sweep up her body and overcome her.

Banter opened her eyes to find herself in a moving ambulance.

How are you feeling?

Banter registered there were two EMTs by her, but couldn’t tell them apart. Her pain was dull. She heard his question, but felt unable to answer him.

Do you have pain?

She blinked.

All over or specific area?

She blinked again.

Breathing difficulties?

She slowly shook her head once, feeling no problems breathing.

We’ll be at the hospital shortly.

Banter barely registered they were monitoring her heart and breathing. She felt they were just sitting there staring at nothing, but knew they were keeping track of her vitals.

Kids okay? she said, barely managing a whisper.

They are right behind us with your husband, Banter. They are just fine. Brave little boys.

Girl?

We checked her. She was still sleeping in her car seat. What’s her name?

Annie.

Looks like she’s a tough little character, just like her mom.

Banter knew that was an attempt at light-hearted humor, but she felt no reaction to it. She felt seriously injured.

You’re going to be just fine, the EMT said.

She wondered if that was in response to her heart rate increasing with her worry.

Your children are good.

She thought he rambled off more reassuring words, but she wasn’t understanding them. Her body didn’t feel like it was going to be okay.

Her ears suddenly felt numb, as if she had gone deaf. She felt the ambulance turn. The silence made her realize the ambulance had been running with its siren on, but now, that they had reached the hospital, had turned them off.

She wondered which hospital, but couldn’t get the words out to ask. Instead, she seemed to focus on every bump and vibration as they pulled her out of the ambulance and wheeled her into the hospital. Her eyes couldn’t focus on her surroundings. The only sense she felt was working was her hearing.

Banter. Banter.

She could see the blurred image of a person.

I need you awake. Do you feel any pain?

Yeah, she mouthed.

About where?

Low.

Here?

She felt a touch, but it elicited no pain. No.

Any sharp pain?

No. Dull.

She felt annoyed as the doctor touched her and asked the same question over and over again.

Let’s get her in for an x-ray.

Banter kept wanting to ask how the kids were, but then reminded herself they were fine. As soon as she reminded herself Corey had them, she was wondering about them again, even as she felt them wheel her out of the room and into another.

The doctors and nurses around her kept telling her what they were doing, but she wasn’t registering any of it. Now she was feeling fidgety with brief moments of panic.

One moment and we’re done, Mrs. Van Baine.

The sounds of whirring freaked her out, but when she opened her eyes, she realized she was in the x-ray area. Then they wheeled her out. As they did so, a familiar hand took hers. She felt her anxiety drain away from her and her entire body relaxed.

Bea is here with the kids, Corey said, holding her hand while they wheeled her back to a room.

They okay?

A doctor checked and released them. My kids with your training, this was old hat for them.

Don’t make me laugh. It hurts. What about Annie?

Your kid through and through. She never even woke up, according to the boys.

What about the inspection?

It will happen. Just not with us. We’ll have to wait for the final report.

Banter heard someone else entering the room.

How is she? Corey said.

The x-rays, so far, have revealed a fractured pelvic bone. Ribs are good. Prognosis is good for the fracture. It’s not a solid break so there is no need for any surgery or cast. She’s looking at eight to twelve weeks of bed rest.

What the fuck?

That sounds like my wife, Corey said, giving her hand a squeeze.

I’d like to have her spend at least one night in the hospital if not two, for observation.

Observing what? Banter said.

We need to watch your bruises for any signs of internal bleeding.

Oh.

We’ll get you on some pain meds and get you more comfortable.

I want to see the kids before I get loopy.

Let’s get you settled in a room first. We’ll take you right up, the doctor said.

Banter was feeling the achiness ease which told her they had already given her some pain medications. Corey continued to hold her hand, even as she felt herself wheeled out of the room.

We have a parade behind us, Corey said.

Who?

Two boys, a girl, a woman, and a few police officers wanting to talk to you.

Am I dressed for a party?

Absolutely.

Banter had the feeling she wasn’t in her own clothes anymore, but never remembered them getting removed. She figured they had cut them off.

We need a new car, she said.

The last thing you need to worry about, he said.

I can’t take the kids to school.

You won’t be driving for a while. Bea will handle everything.

Am I babbling?

Just the usual mothering instinct and worry. Bea has everything handled.

Banter recognized getting wheeled into an elevator. Someone else touched her. She thought she knew who, but the voice wasn’t who she expected.

You’ll be okay, mom, Colo said.

She smiled, thinking he sounded confident. Usually, Kyle was the more confident one. She wanted to squeeze his hand, but Corey held that hand, and Colo stood on the same side.

Will you sneak me in a soda? she said in a whisper.

You bet, Kyle said in her other ear.

Colo and Corey laughed.

The elevator dinged. She felt them roll her out. Lights over head passed for a long time until they wheeled her into a room.

Here is your royal suite for the night, someone said.

Banter figured it was a nurse trying to be funny.

We’re going to swing you over to the bed. We’ll lift in one, two, three.

Banter felt herself lifted and swung over. She could see they had a blanket beneath her, which they used to transfer her over to the bed.

Can I sit up?

No. Lie flat.

What?

Flat, Corey said, as if giving her an order.

Orders are to lie flat. You don’t want to put any pressure on your pelvic bones, the nurse said.

That nurse left. Another stepped up.

Hi, I’m Sandy. I’m your nurse until midnight. We need to get a blood pressure.

Banter rolled her eyes, but let Sandy do her job. Kyle and Colo watched closely. She could see Bea with Annie. Standing at the door were the two officers.

Can we get you out of the way? Banter said to them. You don’t want to wait for me to get loopy.

We told them what happened, Kyle said.

You were heading toward Kikken? The other car hit you? one officer said.

Banter wondered what precinct they were from. Yes.

That’s what we told him, Kyle said.

Colo nodded.

Sorry to have bothered you, the officer said. We just needed confirmation from an adult.

You got it, she said.

I’m sure she’ll want to see the finished report, Corey said.

Yes, sir. She will.

Thanks, Corey said.

The two officers nodded and left.

We told them all that, Kyle said again."

Annie fussed.

Oh, now she wakes up, Banter said, but she smiled.

I brought emergency rations, Bea said, shrugging her one shoulder that carried the diaper bag.

The nurse said some more words, but Banter wasn’t paying attention. She had the feeling the drugs were catching up to her.

Press this if you need anything.

Banter nodded. She felt glad the nurse left.

Am I loopy yet? she said.

You look tired, Corey said, taking her hand.

Did you break anything, Mom? Colo said.

Yeah. I broke a butt bone.

Corey chuckled. That’s a good way to put it.

I didn’t think they’d know the pelvic bone, she said.

Around the hips and legs, Kyle said.

Okay, maybe they know more than I think.

That’s still a sore butt, Bea said.

The doctor prescribed resting flat on your back, Corey said.

Just my thing, she said.

How long in the hospital? Bea said.

One or two days, Corey said. She’s banged up. They have to make sure there isn’t anything else.

Bea nodded. I can clear my schedule.

For twelve weeks? Corey said.

Twelve what? Banter said.

I’m only part time at the old folk home. I’m flexible, Bea said.

Are we getting a new car? Kyle said.

I guess I shouldn’t have canceled the order on that new car, Corey said.

Which model were you looking at? Bea said.

Do we get dinner? Colo said.

There are too many conversations going on. Let’s go back to twelve weeks, Banter said. Are you crazy? I can’t lay flat for that long.

It’s one of those SUV’s that can hold seven, Corey said, naming the brand.

Someone has one of those on a lot somewhere, Bea said. Try looking at some of the lots further south.

The dealer near us said they couldn’t find any in the area, he said.

Baloney. They just wanted to special order you a car and charge you more.

Twelve weeks? Banter said.

Can we have pizza? Kyle said.

Chapter 2

Banter woke to find the room dim. She didn’t feel like she was alone. The sound of breathing made her turn her head. Corey had stretched out on a sofa in the room.

How are you feeling? Corey rose to a sitting position, then stood to stand by her.

I didn’t mean to wake you, she said.

You didn’t. You look agitated.

Pain.

Corey turned toward the wall in front of her. She couldn’t tell what he was looking at.

You don’t get more pain medication for another hour.

What if I yell and scream? she said.

You’ll wake the boys.

What?

They’re sleeping on the floor.

Where is Bea?

She took Annie home. The boys refused to go.

There’s school tomorrow.

This is one of the best reasons for them to miss for once. He reached across her. You look too uncomfortable. I’ll summon the nurse and we’ll see what they say.

Can I get up?

No.

What if I have to pee?

You have a catheter in.

Oh. She hadn’t remembered that. Did the boys get pizza?

No. We went down to the cafeteria after you fell asleep.

Damn drugs. She realized she had an IV in as well.

A nurse came in.

Pain, Banter said.

I can get you something. The nurse left.

Banter focused her eyes on the wall in front of her to see a whiteboard. She made out the name of the nurse, her own name, and the time she had received medications. She also saw the day of the week, which read Thursday. Further along the wall, she saw a clock.

Four a.m?

Yeah.

Are you staying with me, too? All night?

Yes. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze. I’ll take the boys home once they wake up. We won’t make Bea do dog feeding. Then we’ll come back.

I’m not good company, she said.

You’re my favorite wife and the most favorite of mothers. If the boys want to be here, then they’ll be here. They want to make sure you do what you’re supposed to do.

I’m just going to lie here.

Exactly.

The nurse returned with two pills.

Do you want a soda with those? Corey said.

Yeah.

Corey pulled one out of his coat pocket. I hope you don’t mind. It’s warm.

I’ll go get some ice, the nurse said.

I don’t mind. Banter didn’t want to wait.

Corey opened the soda and slipped in a straw to help her sip. The nurse assisted her to raise her head enough so she could swallow down the pills.

You’re the only person I know who is calmed by sugar, he said once the nurse had left. The boys get hyped up.

I’m different, she said.

Enough said.

Don’t make me laugh. It hurts, she said.

He chuckled, then lightly touched her left arm. You’re getting some nice bruising. That’s probably where the pain is coming from.

Yeah, that side feels like there’s a heating pad on it. Turned on high.

He touched her forehead. You’re warm all over.

Is the car totaled?

Yeah. That’s the last thing you need to worry about.

But it keeps my mind off the pain.

I guess worry does have its uses.

Banter took a few deep breaths. She couldn’t tell if it was due to Corey’s touch and voice, or the medication, or the soda, but her body relaxed. When she next opened her eyes, a different nurse had come in. The clock showed it was after eight in the morning. Corey was gone. Her whiteboard had a different name. It was still Thursday.

You’re Mary?

Yes, ma’am. I just need to check your vitals. How are you feeling?

Am I alone in this room? Or are there children sleeping on the floor?

They left at seven.

Thank you.

The nurse took her blood pressure and temperature.

We’re going to check your left side here.

Another nurse came in. Banter felt glad they were both women, since they pulled back her blanket and her hospital gown.

Sorry. We’re going to poke and prod.

They rolled her over onto her right side to check her back, then did lots of poking and prodding. Banter replied to their questions without making any fuss. She knew they were checking for any signs of internal bleeding, which she knew could be serious.

The doctor will be in shortly to check on you as well.

When the doctor came, he repeated all that the nurses did. Banter was sick of people poking her. Finally, a nurse delivered some food shortly before Corey and the boys arrived.

Hi, Mom, Kyle said, bouncing up to her.

Hi.

Hi, Mom. Colo stepped up to hold her hand. She gave it a squeeze.

Is it time for your morning soda? Corey said, giving her a kiss.

Let me finish this gruel.

Toast and oatmeal, Kyle said.

Kinda yucky, she said.

What did you have to drink?, Colo said.

Tea and orange juice. I already drank them. Do you want this oatmeal? she said to Kyle.

No. He grinned and shook his head.

Hard to eat flat on my back.

A wet nose touched her hand.

What is Patsy doing here?

Service dog, Corey said. Your service dog.

Where’s Annie? You didn’t leave her alone with Bea, did you? Without Patsy? Patsy is more Annie’s service dog.

No, I would do no such thing to Bea. She is down the hall talking to someone she knows. She has Annie.

We’re spending the day, Kyle said. Dad has to see to the car.

You mean the funeral? she said.

Colo laughed.

I need to clean it out and find your phone, Corey said.

Oh, yeah. I’m missing that.

We’ll have our phones if we need to call for help, Kyle said.

We’re in a hospital. I think we’re okay. I have a nurse call button here, she said.

The boys seemed full of energy.

You guys aren’t sore or anything?

Kyle shrugged.

I was a little stiff this morning, but not now, Colo said.

Annie is fine, Corey said.

You have readers? I’m not going to be the best company.

We’re going to read to you, Kyle said.

What story? The farting princess? she said.

No, Kyle said with a giggle.

We can make up a story, Colo said.

A nurse stepped in, looking somewhat surprised at the gathering. Banter figured it was the sight of Patsy.

I’m done with this breakfast. I need a glass of ice, please.

The nurse smiled, took the tray, and left.

Is the report done? she said.

It is. That’s something I have to do later today. Call the guy’s insurance. He was drunk and died from getting partially thrown from his car. His car then landed on him.

Lovely. Banter liked that