Chapter One
A Stripper or a My Little Pony?

“So you want me to go undercover in Lily Rock?” She burst out laughing. “And to call myself Dixie Jones?” She could hardly keep the incredulity from her voice. “Why do I have to go undercover? It’s a small town. I can make this a one and done using my own name.”

The captain cleared his throat. “The police academy made an exception for you from day one. We took into consideration your years of experience in McClure, Ohio. Since Los Angeles can be a culture shock, you agreed to go through our police academy for a year; we’re starting you out with soft undercover work in a small town like you’re used to. And as for your name, anyone could look you up and find out you’re a police officer, so Dixie Jones is your new identity and that’s that. You don’t have a choice.”

She wanted to resist. Push back on his boring review of her decision to return to school. But she bit her tongue instead. “Yes, sir,” came out of her mouth, almost as if she really meant it.

“And you’ve done a good job,” he continued. “You’ve passed every test well ahead of the other recruits. That’s why your name was first on the academy’s mind when this Lily Rock thing came up. And if you do this well? We’ll make sure you get the top pick of assignments after graduation. How’s that for incentive?”

I know there’s a catch. There always is. But I can’t refuse. It would be rude, considering how the captain stood up for me since the beginning. “Can you tell me more about the Lily Rock situation?”

“The unofficial town council—they call themselves the Old Rockers—are worried about an increase in theft and crimes this past year. And then something about bad Yelp reviews on the internet. At least that’s what the anonymous emails say. From what I can tell, the town is growing and the usual ways of keeping people in line aren’t working as well.”

She kept her comments to herself, waiting for the captain to continue.

“I want you to go undercover right before Christmas. You can use your experience to get to know people and find out who’s writing the anonymous emails and more about the crime situation.”

She repressed a deep sigh. “So can you tell me more about the undercover part?”

“Gather the information to determine, in your professional opinion, just what Lily Rock needs. Write a detailed report and get it to me by Christmas.”

She held the cell phone away from her ear to think. I really want a job that’s higher profile. More bad guys and lots of chases. Otherwise, I’d have stayed in McClure.

She brought the cell back to her ear. “Are you sure I’m right for the job?”

“Don’t question my decision,” he barked.

Geez, I just asked. Don’t get your tail in a knot. “Sorry, sir. Can you tell me more about the emails?”

A blustery sigh filled her ear. “We tracked the IP address to the local library. There are three emails. I can send you all of the information.” His voice grew louder. “About the other thing, the bad reviews? I can’t control social media. I have enough trouble on the streets.”

Settle down, Captain. I hear you. Not like I have other plans for the holidays. I used to work in small towns just like Lily Rock, but I never expected you’d remember, let alone make me actually go undercover there.

“I’m ready for the assignment.” Check it out. I really sound cooperative. Little does he know…

“That’s the spirit,” he said with a fake chuckle. Then he hung up.

The scent of coffee, rich and aromatic, wafted from the kitchen. As enticing as it smelled, she hesitated, taking time to consider her next step. He wants me undercover; I’ll pretend I’m a tourist. That works in my favor. I won’t make any personal connections. No one will know my real name. In and out, bada boom bada bing. Then back to the academy. Maybe this is a good thing. I’ll forget my misgivings and actually do some work.

When she’d decided to rejoin the police academy, she’d thought she had everything planned. She made a move to get out of her small town, but she told them she’d take a similar assignment, so long as she was in Los Angeles.

The oldest in her class, she thought she knew what she wanted. But the closer she came to graduating, the less certain she became. She had a mentor and the captain was very supportive. But the new city and job didn’t feel quite right. Not even after a year.

She turned slightly, catching sight of the mirror on the wall. Staring at her reflection, she spoke aloud. “Hello, Dixie Jones.” Can that name get any more small town? She picked up her phone and called the captain on redial. The other end clicked. Before he could talk she began.

“With a name like Dixie I’m either a stripper or a My Little Pony. I can be a tourist, but what’s the rest of my backstory, if you don’t mind me asking?”

She put him on speaker. “Uh-huh,” she said as she walked to the kitchen. She lay the cell on the counter to pour herself a large mug of coffee. Bending over, she muttered into the speaker, “Uh-huh,” for the second time.

I sure wound him up. Made my morning, listening to his bluster. Might as well start calling myself Dixie Jones. Otherwise I’ll be found out before I can make any headway. Once in Lily Rock I’ll be a pest and get all the dirt. Maybe they have real problems, but like what, I wonder? Trash in the park… A bad hair day on a Friday…dog poop left on the sidewalk?

She picked up the phone as the captain continued to yell. “Yes, sir.” He ended the conversation quickly after that.

I missed pretty much everything he said. Oh well, I’ll make up my own backstory. Probably won’t be necessary. I don’t plan on having any personal interactions. Gotta pack. Jeans, jacket, and some shirts. Boots. It may snow. I guess that’s what they wear in Lily Rock.

Sitting on the sofa, she took her last sip of lukewarm coffee. On the one hand, I could use a change of scenery. But on the other hand, I’ll be all by myself in a strange place.

She finished the last drop. Okay then, let’s get this over with.

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