I miss Nick. My actual partner since my rookie days. His wife wanted to move home to North Carolina to be near her family, so they moved a few weeks ago, and now I have Adam.
Going from Nick to Adam has been… an adjustment, we’ll say. He’s a hot headed dumbass where Nick was easygoing and knew his shit.
Stepping out of the bathroom, I sigh in relief when the door shuts and I hear the water turn on so I don’t have to walk with him. At least he washes his hands before coming back out here to touch everything.
I pop my head into the chief’s office. “Headed home, Chief.”
He looks up from his desk. “Can I ask ya something?”
“Sure.” I step into his office fully, taking the seat across from his desk.
“What do ya think of Adam?”
Closing my eyes and taking in a deep breath, I shut the door behind me.
“That kind of conversation?”
“He’s not awful. He has potential. But he makes dumb fucking mistakes. All the time.”Like Tiff.“If he could get his head out of the clouds for more than ten minutes, he’d be a good cop. Also, he needs a goddamn filter on his mouth. It’s going to get him decked soon, and I don’t know if it’ll be someone he’s cuffing or one of us. Either way, I guarantee it’ll be warranted.”
He runs his hand through his hair. “Shit. That’s what I heard about him coming from Portland. Gotta figure out how to get him to quit that shit. I’m not doing extra paperwork because he’s a dumbass.”
“I’ll be happy to help him learn the lesson.” I smile, laughing as Chief gives me a glare with raised brows. “No? I promise to do it off the clock.”
“I think I’m going to keep you together a little longer. You’re the right person for him to learn from. And I know you have more control and willpower than most of the other guys.”
“Lucky me.” I roll my eyes.
“What if I promise you a beer and to run interference on Tiff? You know from back when you were also an idiot.”
“Fine. Add in a coffee on Friday morning, and I’ll do your bidding.” I shake my head. Not happy with the deal.
“You got it.” He winks. “I’ll just ask Tiff your favorite order.”
“Okay, I’m done here. I’ve got a new tenant coming in.” I push my chair back just a couple inches to stand.
“You run a background check on ‘em?” Chief gave me permission to run them because he said it’s best to know who’s moving into our town rather than be in the dark until something happens. Like when Aubrey’s ex came back from the dead and stalked her right under our noses for months.
“Nah. It’s a friend of Aubrey and Cooper. I trust them.”
“Okay. Just let me know if you change your mind. What does the guy do?” He returns back to his paperwork, still keeping me engaged in conversation.
“It’s a woman. And to be honest, I’m not sure. I think she’s in college. Education maybe?”
His head snaps up, looking at me. “A woman? In college? She’s a little young then?”
“Twenty-four.” I shrug.
“Still seven years your junior there, playboy. You better mind your manners or Aubrey will have your tail.”
“Don’t I know it. She’s strictly off limits.” I turn to grab the door knob. “Besides, she’s staying in town, you know I don’t do townies.”
He gives me a pointed look.
“Anymore.”
“Okay then. You have fun, let me know if the girl needs anything.” He looks back down at his desk, effectively dismissing me.
“Will do.” Pushing his door open, I’m finally free to leave.
