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The next day at work,I’ve got my head buried under the hood of a car when I hear truck tires pull onto the gravel road. My dad had to drive to Austin to pick a part up from one of the dealerships, so I’m forced to greet anyone who comes in. Stepping through the bay door, I see Chief Monroe making his way toward me.
“Hey there, son.” He removes his aviators and places them in his shirt pocket. “Is your dad around?”
“No, sir. He should be back in about thirty minutes. Is there something I can help you with?”
“The damn town council is making me get a quote for the new tires we need on the patrol vehicles. Apparently, last time we went over budget. Can you ask your dad to put something down on paper? He knows our current fleet.”
“Sure, I’ll tell him when he gets back.”
“Let him know there’s no rush. I won’t meet with the council again for another two weeks.”
“Ok.”
Chief Monroe rubs the graying scruff along his chin as he eyeballs me. Suddenly, I’m filled with the smallest bit of fear. Even though I’ve done nothing wrong, having a cop look at you this way is enough to make anyone nervous.
“Jackson, do you like working for your dad?”
“Yeah, I mean, it’s a job. Right?”
Chief Monroe takes a few steps closer to me. His boots kicking up the gravel as he walks. “Look, I was thinking, I’ve got a few men who are due to retire in a couple of years. Maybe sooner.”
“Um, good for them?” This entire conversation is confusing to me. Then it hits me. “Wait, are you offering me a job?”
“No.” He chuckles. “It’s not that simple. There are certain steps to follow. Physical agility and psychological requirements must be met before I can hire you as an officer. Even in a town as small as this one.”
“Sorry, I’m confused.”
“People are worried about you.” People? Or Rory? “You suffered a life-changing setback, but you’re young, and there are still plenty of opportunities out there. This is one of them.” Chief Monroe puts his aviator sunglasses back on and adjusts his cap. “Take a few criminal justice courses at the junior college, see if it interests you. If it does, you let me know and I’ll make sure Hawk Bend pays for your spot at the academy.”
Chief Monroe opens his truck door and gets halfway in before I ask, “Why would you do that for me?”
Sure, over the years, he’s gotten to know me because of Rory. But this offer seems to come from out of nowhere.
“You were there for my daughter when she needed a friend. Now you’re pushing her away when you need someone. Well, I’m a lot harder to move than she is. If you push me, I’ll push back. I’m not going to sit around and watch someone who means so much to Aurora throw their life away.” Chief Monroe slams his truck door and pokes his head out the window. “Understood?”
