The Sheriff Cooper of Moon Lake pulls up into the police parking lot. After the past few days of dealing with a renegade FBI agent and the drama brought on by the Lawson's; Cooper was hoping for a quiet and peaceful day. Walking up to the police station entrance he notices one of the non-were officers smoking a cigarette.
“Long night Johnson?” Sheriff Copper nonchalantly comments.
“You could say that Sheriff.” Johnson replies putting out his cigarette.
“Still smoking I see.” Sheriff responds disdainfully. Despite it being legal, Cooper found the habit disgusting. Not to mention unhealthy. He has been encouraging all his officers to not smoke. Healthy body healthy mind, Sheriff keeps saying.
“I’m down to half a pack a day now.” Johnson continues. “About last night, brace yourself Sheriff. Officer Fred brought in Cathy Shaffer. Well beyond three sheets to the wind as they say.”
“Oh joy.” Sheriff Cooper grimaces. “What did she do this time?”
Officer Johnson fills in the Sheriff as they both enter the station. Cathy’s drinking binge was the usual. But finding out she stole a car and shortly after totaled it after passing out was new. Sitting in his chair the Sheriff grabs his aspirin and pops two in his mouth.
“Guess she cooked herself this time.” The Sheriff remarks. “I take it; this file on my desk is the nightly log and Cathy’s latest arrest?”
“Yes sir.” Johnson responds. “Officer Fred wanted to make sure it was as detailed as possible.”
“The vehicle she stole. Who was it registered too?” Sheriff asks while reading the logs.
“The Talbot clan, sir.” Johnson answers. “They were planning to restore the vehicle. Wedding present for a family friend.” Johnson continues. “When the Talbot’s where told that vehicle was stolen, they were less than thrilled. They insist that full charges be laid on the accused.”
“Has Officer Fred left?” Sherriff cooper puts down the log and gets up.
“Ten minutes ago, sir. I told him to take off, get some sleep.” Johnson comments while following the sheriff.
“Very well.” Sheriff Copper responds. “Head home as well. Get some sleep.”
Johnson gives Sheriff Copper a kindly nod and heads to the locker room to change. Meanwhile Sherriff Copper heads to the coffee pot and pours himself two cups of coffee. Both black. The Sherriff heads to the holding cells to see Cathy in one of the cells passed out on the floor. He places one of the cups of coffee on the cell bars and sips the other one. Sitting down he waits for Cathy to finally come around.
******
A couple hours later at another part of town.
******
Eric gets out of his older brother’s vehicle and walks towards the school. He sees Spencer Lawson and smiles as he walks towards her. They both kiss and walk in together. As this happens Julie is dropped off by her mother. The car ride to school was silent. Mellissa is still mad at Julie for her transgressions of last night. Julie gets out and notices Eric and Spencer kissing. This enrages her even more. Yet she resists the urge to make a scene.
Julie notices Brian Walker and walks towards him. Brian notices her and his face contorts in disgust and disappointment. Julie didn’t know yet but Brian let loose their failed attempt of a lake side rendezvous last night. He was sharing their exploits to every one of his male friends, making sure they knew of the trouble Julie was in. As Julie finally reaches Brian, she tries to put on a brave face. Yet Brian is not having any of it.
“What do you want Julie?” Brian snaps at her.
Julie takes a step back in shock. “I was thinking of you.” She nervously responds.
“Bull” Brian retorts. “Just so it’s clear to you. It’s over between us.” Brian continues. “Find someone else who is willing to allow you to polish their knob. It won’t be me anymore. Lose my number!”
With that Brian walks off, leaving Julie all alone in a parking lot full of people looking at her and sniggering behind her back. Julie runs into the school and hides herself in the nearest girl’s bathroom. The break up with Brian was the straw breaking her resolve to not cry.
John Shaffer witnesses the whole exchange between Julie and Brian. While he chose to be a sounding board for Julie to talk to last night. He knew better then to get involved with her issues. All he was thinking about at the moment was what is going to happen to his mother.
****
Back at the station
****
Cathy Shaffer woke up in the cell. Hungover, she stumbles to the toilet in the corner and heaves up the contents of her stomach. She spends a good solid 15 minutes hunched over the toilet throwing up. Sherriff Cooper patiently waiting for her to finish. Cathy finally stands up and starts to regret it. The Sheriff finally lets her know of his presence.
“There is coffee waiting for you Ms. Shaffer.”
She turns around and nearly collapse from the act. Slowly walking to the cell bars she grabs the cup and downs it all in one gulp. Then, Cathy throws it all up.
“Guess you weren’t done vomiting.” Comments the Sheriff. His facial expression show no humor with the scene he is witnessing.
“How much is bail this time Cooper?” Cathy mumbles.
“No bail until you sees the judge dear lady.” Sheriff Copper continues. “Your late night binge, involve a little grand theft auto and property destruction.” The sheriff goes on to explain what Cathy did and what to expect. “Don’t get comfortable here. You’re being transferred to the county jail in Seattle. There you will face a judge and be made to answer for your crimes.”
The sheriff gets up. “You may be an alcoholic, but even you know better than to reveal the towns were secret in hopes of getting some kind of leverage.” Sheriff Cooper continues. “Being a were you should know exactly how alcohol affects us and why it’s important not to drink it in excess!”
Cathy heard this speech a dozen times already. She has learned to tune out the sheriff. Hell she tunes just about everyone out when she’s hung over. Cathy wishes they would all leave her be.
“…And on the subject of money.” The Sheriff continues speaking. “How are you able to maintain your drinking without a legitimate source of income? Are you selling yourself for the money?” Sheriff Copper nearly shouts. “What makes you think you can keep this up?”
Cathy doesn’t answer. She just sits on the cell bed with her head hung low. The Sheriff throws his hands in disgust and walks back to his office, leaving Cathy Shaffer alone with her thoughts.