Let Me Know

"Let me know when they return," the detective wrote.

"Okay." I went outside and sat in the sun with my notebook and my phone and started writing. They drove up. My heart started pounding and my legs became leaden. I could hardly walk let alone use the phone. I stepped inside and sat at my laptop, trembling from head to toe. I emailed the detective, "They're back here now." 

 What made me think I'd remain calm, I asked myself. It never goes that way. I was exhausted after a month of surveillance and three days of high alert. I emailed the detective again. "Do you need me? If not, I'm ready to walk my dog."

"All set," he replied.

I grabbed the leash and took my dog for a walk downtown. I felt better after ten paces. I enjoyed the air the bare trees and the time away from my house. I even started to relax and smile. I forgot about everything. On my way home it was like a cliche, a scene from a movie. I saw the flatbed with the drug dealer's shiny black Lexus being towed away. I smiled. I guess they got their man. What a relief.