AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Shirley was making breakfast when Aaron walked in. He had showered and shaved, and was wearing dark slacks and a light blue knit shirt that accentuated a very fit, muscular body. Family DNA was strong in all her boys. They had the height, the broad shoulders and long legs, even the high cheekbones and handsome faces. Looking back, she wondered if that was one of the reasons Clyde was so mean toher and the boys. Because he saw none of himself in any of them.
“You look nice,” she said.
Aaron smiled. “You always say that, even when I look like shit.”
She grinned. “Because I love you.”
“Much appreciated,” Aaron said. “I love you, too, and I’m going to the police department this morning to apply for a job.”
“Good for you! Want some breakfast before you go?”
“I think I’ll skip it this morning, Mom. This shouldn’t take too long. Do you have a grocery list or anything you want done before I come home?”
“It’s on the counter,” Shirley said.
Aaron gave her a kiss on the cheek and tore the list off the pad. “If you think of anything else, give me a call.”
“Okay,” she said, then watched the sway of his shoulders as he walked away, and whispered a quick prayer. “Lord, please let this work for him. He’s lost a career and a wife because of his father. It’s time something good came his way.”
Desk Sergeant Walter Winter was nursing his first cup of coffee of the day when the door opened and a tall dark-haired man entered the lobby.
At first glance, Walter thought it was CameronPope, and then he looked again and realized he was too young. The man walked with a long, steady stride as he approached the desk.
“Morning, sir. I was wondering how I go about applying for a job on the force?” he said.
Walter waved toward a row of chairs against the wall. “Take a seat. I’ll be right back,” Walter said.
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir,” Aaron said, and made a neat little pivot and sat down in a chair against the wall.
Walter hurried down the hall to the chief’s office. The door was open.
Sonny Warren looked up just as Walter walked in.
“Chief, I have a Pope look-alike up front, wanting a job application. Do you have any packets, or do I need to dig in the supply room?”
Sonny grinned. “What do you mean, a Pope look-alike?”
Walter shrugged. “For a second, I thought it was Cameron when he came in. That’s what I mean.”
“So, what kind of a job is this man wanting?” Sonny asked.
“A job on the force,” Walter said.
Sonny’s interest was piqued. “Really? Send him to my office.”
“Yes, sir,” Walter said, and hurried back up the hall and into the lobby. The man looked up. “Sorry, I didn’t get your name,” Walter said.
“Aaron Pope.”
Walter stifled a smile of satisfaction. “Mr. Pope, thechief would like to speak with you personally if you have the time.”
Aaron’s heart skipped. “Yes, sir. I have time,” and followed Walter down the hall, then into the police chief’s office.
“Chief Warren, this is Aaron Pope,” Walter said, and then headed back up front to his desk duties.
Sonny stood and shook Aaron’s hand.
“Pleased to meet you, Aaron. Take a seat.”
