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Jack did, heart hammering. He hadn’t lied when he said he was on medical leave, but if Andy had already checked with someone at the precinct, they might have told him Jack would have been suspended if he hadn’t been injured. Lieutenant Marsh would vouch for him, he was sure of that, especially after his visitto Jack’s hospital room, but he was still nervous about being judged. He didn’t want to be found lacking. He wanted to do something to help these kids stay off the streets, and while that was a lofty goal, he knew for certain he could bring them some of the best food they’d even eaten and maybe teach a few how to make some themselves.
Andy was staring at some papers in front of him. A stack of folders at least a foot high rested on the desk along with various other papers, office supplies, and a gigantic travel mug. The door was open, but Jack knocked on the doorframe, not wanting to barge in.
Andy looked up. “Oh, hi. You must be Officer Abney.”
“Yes, but please call me Jack.”
Andy had dirty blond hair that looked like he ran his hands through it frequently. He was small and slender, but he looked like he a man who would stand his ground. When Jack shook his hand, Andy’s grip was firm but not overly so like he was trying to prove something.
Andy lifted a stack of papers off a chair by his desk and motioned for Jack to sit down. “Thank you for coming in. Tell me more about what got you interested in our program. Have you talked to some of the officers who’ve worked here?”
Jack shook his head. “No, or at least not much. I did help out with a personal safety class here two or three years ago. I’m on medical leave for several more weeks and…” Jack drew in a breath. “I’m not actually sure when I’m going to be back at work or if I’ll be able to go back at all.”
“Why’s that?” Andy asked, his voice casual and soothing.
Jack understood why troubled kids felt comfortable talking to Andy, because Jack found himself wanting to pour out his whole story. Something about Andy said he’d listen without judging, but Jack needed to seem as sane and trustworthy as possible, so he kept the details to a minimum.
“I used my weapon in the line of duty. That would warrant an investigation no matter what, but I wasn’t supposed to be working the case I involved myself in. I followed my former partner, because I knew he was in danger. My lieutenant will vouch for me though. No one is questioning that I fired my weapon in defense of myself and another officer. They just aren’t sure if they can trust me to follow the rules.”
Andy nodded. “We have rules here, and they do have to be obeyed even when they seem unnecessary.”
Jack nodded. “I get that. This was a special case.”
Andy nodded. “Okay, so why here? There lots of things you could do to keep busy while you’re on leave, why this?”
“I love to cook, and I use it for stress relief, but even my boyfriends can’t eat everything I make.” Jack glanced up to see Andy’s reaction to his casual confession that he was gay and with more than one man. Andy’s smile didn’t falter, so he pressed on. “So I thought about who I could cook for, and I remembered that the kids who stay here help with the cooking. I enjoy working with teens, and I often get sent in when we need to question someone who’s young, especially if they’ve refused to talk to other officers. I became a cop because I wanted to help people, but so often we get mired in routine crap and…” Jack realized he was babbling. “Sorry I didn’t mean to get off track.”
Andy smiled. “I understand completely, and by the way, your being gay is not an issue here.”
So he had been paying attention to that. Jack had been almost as worried that a gay man applying to work with teenage boys would be as frowned upon as a suspended cop.
Andy handed Jack a clipboard and a form. “Fill this out and I’ll give your lieutenant a call. I’ll get back in touch with you later today or tomorrow. We’d love to have your help for as long as you’re available.”
“Great. Thanks.”
Andy looked like he was about to say something, but then he stopped.
“What?” Jack asked.
“I was just wondering if you were okay.”
“Oh. I’m not going to pass out on you or anything, but I’m still not used to being on my feet for too long though.”
“That’s good, but I really meant…no, that’s none of my business.”
Jack frowned. “What?”
“How are you dealing with what’s happened? I work with people all day who’ve been through hell. I know the haunted look I see on you.”
How had Andy seen through his attempts to push away his doubts? “I’m trying to be okay. I think this will help.”
“I hope it does. If you need someone to talk to, I could recommend someone.”
“I’ve got a counselor. I just actually need to go see her.”
“Do that,” Andy urged.
“Thanks. I will.” Jack really liked Andy. He reminded Jack a lot of Mason. Jack had a feeling working at the shelter would be good for him.
