Page 9 of Tanner

Tanner shifted and looked down at her face. She was asleep, her mouth slightly open, and her rabbit tucked under her arm. He couldn’t keep doing this. Running and hiding and starting over again. He was nineteen now and he could do this properly. He could go back to Robinson and take what was theirs and make it work. Make their house a home. A proper bedroom with a bed for Savannah.

Tanner tightened his arm around her and lowered his head. He leaned close to her ear, careful not to wake her. “We’re going home,” he whispered.

Chapter Three

Miles parked behind Robinson PD and checked the time on the dash. He sat for a moment just to gather his thoughts for the day ahead, then got out and locked the truck.

As he entered, Dee Roberts sat at the desk in reception and waved to Miles as he walked inside. In the main room, Miles saw Taylor and walked over to him. “Morning.”

“Morning,” Taylor grunted.

Miles poured coffee from the pot and took a sip, wincing when the bitter taste hit his tongue. “Ugh.” Shrugging, Miles took another sip and noticed Taylor watching him.

“That’s been on since six.”

Miles shrugged again. “I’ve had worse.”

TJ came out of his office with a folder in his hand. He had his jacket on and he looked between them before jerking his head toward the briefing room. “Miles, Taylor. Come inside.”

Miles followed with Taylor behind him and shut the door. “TJ?”

TJ opened the folder. “It was a quiet night. We had two noise complaints. One call about a dog loose on Mill Road which has been handled.”

Taylor said, “The owner found it. Dog wasn’t bothered but everyone else was.”

TJ gave him look. “We’ve got a welfare check on Maple. The neighbor has called twice and there was no answer yesterday. Miles, you take it.”

Miles nodded. “Alright.”

“After that, school crossing for ten minutes after eight. Keep traffic moving. People are already complaining.”

Taylor rolled his eyes. “They complain if you blink too long.”

TJ smiled but carried on. “Taylor, I want you on patrol through the shops this morning. Manager at the grocery store called yesterday about kids hanging around at the carts again. Don’t run them off. Just show your face and make it known you’re around.”

Taylor nodded. “Got it.”

TJ closed the folder. “Paperwork stays up to date today. If you take a report, you finish it. Don’t dump it on tomorrow.” TJ looked at Miles as he spoke. “No messing around.”

Sighing, Miles said, “Why do we have all this paperwork?”

“I think you say that every week.” Taylor grinned.

“It’s true though. We spend more time—” Miles stopped when TJ held up a hand and gave him a long suffering look. “Fine.”

“I know, Miles. We all feel the same way, but it’s a necessary evil.” TJ looked at both of them. “Radio checks. If you’re tied up, let me know. Any questions?”

“No,” Miles said.

Taylor shook his head.

TJ opened the door. “Go to work.”

Miles headed for the lockers. He checked his belt out of habit and made sure he had what he needed. Radio, cuffs, gloves, flashlight. Everything where it should be.

Taylor fell into step beside him. “How’s the new house?”

Miles kept walking. “Okay.”