Page 3 of CJ

“You too, CJ.”

He watched her head out to her own vehicle, watching the car of her rude fiancé as it sped away. He casually took his box inside, all the while keeping an eye on her. . It wouldn’t be the last time he ran into Jill, but it was the moment he knew she was supposed to be his.

He just had to convince her of that.

CHAPTER TWO

Jill Morgan stared at her handsome father as he buttoned his coat over his uniform. It was freezing outside with wind chills minus ten. School was called off, and most people were staying home today. Not her father. He was a police officer in their city and seemed to always be on duty.

“Dad, why are you going in? Can’t you stay home and build a snowman with me?” she asked.

“I wish I could, silly Jilly,” he smiled, calling her his pet name. “Crime doesn’t stop because it’s cold. In fact, sometimes it gets worse with the cold. People who don’t have a warm place to stay get desperate and start doing silly things.”

“What kinds of silly things?” she asked.

“Oh, they steal from people, usually food or clothing,” he said, trying to give her the lesser crimes he was likely to see tonight.

“Why don’t people give them food and clothing if they need it?” she asked. He smiled at her, loving her innocence and belief in others.

“It’s a very long story for another time, Jill. Mrs. Clausen is downstairs fixing dinner for you. When dinner is done, make sure all your homework is finished and get to bed early tonight. Stay warm, and don’t go outside. Okay?”

“Okay, Dad,” she smiled, hugging him. Jill followed him downstairs and watched as he spoke to Mrs. Clausen.

“We’ll be fine, sir,” she smiled.

She was as round as she was tall, but Jill loved the older woman. When her mother left her with Mrs. Clausen on a hot summer morning three years ago, she thought she’d be back before her father got home from work. But she wasn’t. In fact, she never came back. Jill didn’t know why and didn’t care. Her father was there for her, and that’s all she cared about.

“See you in the morning,” said her father, waving at her. Jill waved, then had a horrible pit fill her stomach. She raced toward her father, jumping into his arms and squeezing. “Hey. Hey, Jilly, what’s wrong?”

“I don’t know,” she sniffed. “I just wanted another hug.”

“I’m always happy to give another hug,” he smiled, kissing her nose. “Go eat. Mrs. Clausen made her famous roast beef and potatoes.” Jill nodded, stepping back to hug Mrs. Clausen. When the door was closed, they locked it and sat at the dinner table.

“It’s alright to be sad when your father leaves for work,” smiled the older woman. “He’s an important man and does important work.”

“That’s not it,” said Jill.

“Then what is it?”

“I-I don’t know,” she whispered.

They ate in silence, enjoying the flavorful beef with carrots, peas, and potatoes. Mrs. Clausen always had something ready for dessert, and tonight was no different. She’d made a delicious lemon cake with thick buttercream icing.

When she was done, Jill took her bath, finished her homework, and watched a few moments of television. Then, Mrs. Clausen whisked her off to bed.

She wasn’t sure what time it was when the noise started. Someone pounded on the door, and Mrs. Clausen told them to wait a minute. It couldn’t be her father. It was still dark outside. Then she heard whispering and a loud cry that sounded like it came from Mrs. Clausen.

Jill tiptoed to the steps and slowly made her way down them. At the bottom of the stairs was Sgt. Brenner and Sgt. Corvis. They looked up at her face and stared at her, then looked away.

“Where’s Daddy?” she whispered.

“Come here, child,” whispered Mrs. Clausen.

Jill shook her head, and Mrs. Clausen waved her forward again. Slowly taking the steps, hoping to prevent whatever was about to happen, she finally stood in front of the adults.

“Jilly, your dad did something very brave tonight,” said Sgt. Corvis. “A mother and her little boy accidentally drove their car into the river. Your dad dove in and saved them.”

“H-he’s very brave,” she said in a barely audible voice.

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