Page 11 of The Rookie's Second Chance

“Are you hungry?” I asked suddenly as a commercial took over the screen.

“I…” Jake’s stomach rumbled. “I didn’t think I was until just now. You have something in mind?”

“Nachos sound amazing,” I said, my mouth already watering. “I’ll make them.”

“Let’s do it together,” he said, standing. “I think you may find I like… unique flavors on my nachos.”

Five minutes later, I was looking at his plate in horror.

“Coleslaw and barbecue sauce?” I gasped, looking at my own traditional nachos.

“Don’t knock it ‘til you try it,” he said, holding out a bite.

And I’d be damned if I didn’t take it and make every yummy noise I could, even if it was actually really weird.

It was easy to feel a similar loyalty to Jake, like the one I felt for Lexi. Every shared meal, every lazy afternoon—it was all cementing the bond. There was an ease and comfort in our interactions, which, for the time being, was enough for me.

Maybe, in time, that gap on the couch would close, but for now, it was just another afternoon in Silver Creek, wrapped up in the simplicity of good company and cinematic escapades.

Chapter Five

JAKE

The morning started ordinarily enough. Sunlight filtered through the blinds of my bedroom, casting a warm glow across the sheets. I rubbed the sleep from my eyes, the past few weeks resting heavily on my shoulders. My relationship with Kayla, however, had lightened the load considerably. After the conversation in the chief's office, we seemed to be finding our stride again.

I headed into the station, the scent of brewed coffee mingling with the usual background noise of phones ringing and voices conversing. Kayla was already there, pouring over some notes on a desk scattered with papers.

"Morning," I greeted as I approached. She looked up, her face softening into something that resembled a smile.

"Hey," she replied, a hint of warmth in her tone. "Got this car accident report from yesterday evening. No casualties. Just some paperwork to clear."

"Alright," I nodded, moving to stand next to her, "Let's get this done."

We were in the middle of discussing the details when Officer Warren approached, holding a phone out to me. "Jake, call for you. Seems urgent."

I frowned, taking the phone. "This is Officer Barrows"

"Jake," Luke's voice came through the line, strained with worry. In the background, I could hear the unmistakable sound of Lexi's sobs. Almost nothing got to her like this. Not even when she was kidnapped at gunpoint.

"Luke? What happened?" My heart rate spiked, dread filling my gut.

"It's another fucking letter, Jake," Luke's voice was tight with anger and fear. "From that sick bastard."

I swallowed hard, trying to keep my voice steady. "I'm on my way. Keep Lexi calm, okay?"

Ending the call, I looked to Kayla, who was watching me with a raised eyebrow. "Another letter," I muttered, "Lexi's stalker."

Her expression hardened. "We're on the case, aren't we? So, let's get over there. Scene of the crime."

"Thanks, Kayla," I murmured as we made our way to the cruiser.

She glanced at me as she climbed into the passenger seat. "That's what partners do."

With a nod, I started the engine, heading straight for the Dalton Ranch.

Dust hung in the air as Kayla and I pulled up to the ranch. Its once-pristine appearance was marred by debris and discarded tools, evidence of the ongoing renovations. We stepped out of the cruiser, gravel crunching beneath our boots. Approaching the door, I gave it a few firm knocks.

Luke answered, his face a mixture of relief and worry. “Jake,” he nodded, his gaze shifting to Kayla. “Good to see you, Kayla. It’s been ages. Not since high school, right?”

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