Page 88 of Under the Radar

Chase xx

I smiled, tucking the note into my pocket. He was sweet and wonderful. I picked up my sandwich, taking a bite and chewing it slowly. I had to admit, I wasn’t looking forward to going back on patrol tomorrow. But Martha was back, at least for now, and that was my job. I stared at the trees swaying in the wind, wondering if I had always wanted to be a cop because of my dad and keeping his memory alive somehow, rather than wanting to really be a cop. My passion had waned, and I wasn’t sure if it was still the lingering effects from the trauma or the fact that my life had changed so much.

Annette joined me at the picnic table, opening her lunch and chatting. “Hey, you. How’s it going?”

“Good.”

“How is that hunk of heaven you left the bar with? Still seeing him?”

I smiled. “He is actually my roommate, but yes, we’re a couple now too. He had just stepped in to get me away from Dan. It sort of changed our dynamic.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “I bet Dan didn’t like that, did he?”

“No, he didn’t.”

We were quiet for a moment, eating. I leaned forward. “Can I ask you some advice?”

“Of course you can.”

I paused, sorting out my words and how much to say. Then I told Annette about Dan. The things he’d been doing. The suspicions that he was behind the truck damage. She listened, looking thoughtful when I finished.

“I think I should tell the chief. But Chase is worried it’ll cause more trouble or the boss will side with Dan.”

She nodded, finishing her salad. “Dan transferred here about six months before you did. He came from Ottawa.” She met my eyes. “I heard rumors the transfer was not something he wanted but had no choice other than to accept. I also heard there had been complaints against him.”

I felt my eyes widen. “Oh.”

“After he got here, there was another female officer who was new as well. Gail. They dated, and she ended it. She transferred out about a month after they broke up. I heard her tell someone she didn’t want to be around Dan anymore—he was ‘too much,’ were her words. ‘Over the top’ and ‘crazy-possessive’ were other phrases I understand she used.” Annette met my gaze. “I think Dan has a habit of holding on too tight, if you catch my drift.”

I nodded.

“I don’t think the chief would take Dan’s side. I think you should tell him—even if it’s off the record. Then if it escalates, he has something to go on. If nothing else happens, no harm done.” She took a sip of her water. “My boss would want to know. He’s very supportive, and he and your boss work well together. They’re on the same wavelength.”

Annette’s boss was the fire chief, and she was right. Jed, her boss, and Henry, my boss, were both great leaders and had open-door policies. They ran the building as a unit, and it was a positive environment to work in.

I sighed. “You’re right. I should.”

“How is Chase handling it?”

“Better than I am, I have to admit. He’s being coolheaded. I want to yell and tell Dan to stop being such an ass. He seems to be escalating.”

“If he was responsible for the truck damage, I agree. You should talk to your chief ASAP.”

“I will. This afternoon.”

* * *

Henry sat back, regarding me thoughtfully. “I don’t like the sounds of any of this, Hannah.”

“I’m sorry.”

He held up his hand. “Not what I meant. No one in my station should be harassed or have some personal vendetta played out against them using the badge. Chase should have made a complaint.”

“He didn’t want to.” I drew in a deep breath. “He has a record.”

He nodded. “I’m aware of who Chase Donner is. I was around when he was causing his mischief. I also know he’s a changed man.” He smiled kindly. “I was only an officer then, but he and his brother were holy terrors around here. I’m glad he got his life on track.”

“He is a wonderful guy now. He left that life behind him.”