The Thanksgiving Guest

Brian had issues reporting on time for his mandatory office visits.  Meaning, he barely reported at all.  After he missed three or four in a row, I’d have to drive out to his house and try to catch him there.  In late November, he had missed too many.  I contacted him by text and told him if he failed one more time, I’m going to arrest him.  His next appointment was scheduled for the Wednesday before Thanksgiving at 10am.  He didn’t show, so I went out to his house that afternoon with the intent to take him to jail.  

Brian lived in a trailer style home set back from the street.  In his front yard there were five to six derelict vehicles, with motors torn out, missing tires, or mufflers removed.  An automobile graveyard.  In addition to the five hound dogs, the house was guarded by multiple banana spiders.  They were everywhere.  The webs hung from the trees at just the right height, if you weren’t paying attention you could walk in face first, right through a web, and allow the spiny critter find its way into your hair and down your neck.  I was once accompanied by a female officer with her hair in a pony tail.  About 20 minutes after our visit she felt a scratch at the base of her neck. When she reached up, she thought maybe it was a hair clip she forgot about…  It wasn’t a hair clip.  

Thankfully, when I arrived at Brian’s house, he and his brother were outside hanging around one of the cars.  Brother was not a felon and openly carried a firearm on his hip.  He did his best to intimidate anyone who noticed.  I called Brian over, and put him in handcuffs right away.  

“You missed too many appointments, you’re going to jail today.” I said flatly.

“What?? You’re taking me to jail the day before Thanksgiving?”

“Yes.”

“For real? What the fuck.  You’re really taking me for this?”

“Yes.”

Brother slowly trailed us through the yard while Brian and I walked to the car.  He was far enough away that I didn’t have to worry about him, but close enough to keep me aware.

“You’re seriously taking him to jail the day before Thanksgiving?”

“Yes.” I said over my shoulder.  

“Mother fucker, I know where you live.  I’m gonna come and get you for this.”

I opened the door and calmly sat Brian inside.  Once he was secure, I closed the car door, and turned and faced brother.  He was standing in a way to expose the pistol on his hip.  I walked directly toward him, maintaining eye contact.  I got close enough to make us both uncomfortable, invading his personal space… Then I took one step closer.  He was much shorter than me, and I was towering over him.  

“Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.  If you are coming over I’ll set a place for you.”  I said calmly at almost a whisper.

The look of shock on his face was something I won’t forget.  

By the time we got to jail, Brian had accepted his recent change in holiday plans.  Going through the booking process, even the magistrate was surprised.  

“You’re arresting him today for not showing in your office?”

“Yes.”

Maybe it was that last question that put me over the edge, but when the magistrate wanted a bail recommendation, I asked that he be released with a promise to appear.  Not a common request, but due to the situation, it was granted and Brian went home later that evening.  

The next day I had an extra seat set at the dinner table for brother, but he never showed.  I was disappointed.

Brian ended up in prison a few months later for possession of a firearm by a felon.  Likely his brother’s gun, but for whatever reason, brother didn’t take the blame.  Brain was released on parole years later and back on my caseload.  We still joke about that arrest and how important it is for him to show in the office.  This year I hope both he and his brother come for Thanksgiving dinner. 

Just kidding, I don’t want them over for dinner.