Hardpan

A deputy's last shift is a heated event

"Jesus Christ!" Deputy Alvarado alternately cursed and prayed as he chase the blue Hummer across impossibly pitted desert back roads in his little Ford Escape interceptor. He expected a broken axle with every pit and bump. Whenever he was able to see through the dust, he could see the Hummer bouncing around, too.

Up ahead, he saw the rooster tail of the other vehicle turn left and head off-road into the desert. After a moment's consideration, Alvarado decided to follow.

The hard-packed dust was actually easier to drive on out here. He followed the Hummer down into a shallow valley of a dry creek. He watched the big vehicle laboriously climb up the steep far side, throwing rocks and sand behind it. Alvarado watched the Hummer drive off; knowing his little SUV would never make that climb. He backed up out of the shallow depression and looked back toward town... and saw nothing!

He realized he had followed the hummer far into the desert with no trace of how to get back. Alvarado got out of the car, take-down lights still strobing. He knelt down and was just able to see the wide tracks of the Hummer and was able to carefully follow his way back to town.

Back at the station, he stood in the Sheriff's doorway. "I'm done in. I'm fifty-two tomorrow, too old to get lost in the desert chasing two-bit marijuana dealers. This is the last time for me and that high-speed washing machine you make me drive."

The Sheriff smiled. "You've been an asset to us, Deputy, and we appreciate it. See HR and ask them to start your retirement process."

Alvarado sketched a salute and turned away.

"Oh, and Alvarado?"

"Yeah?"

"Leave the keys to your washing machine on the desk before you go."

NOTES: ▶︎

Word Count: 300
Submitted for "Daily Flash Fiction Challenge" 
Prompt: Use the phrase "This is the last time"