Page 30 of Espresso Your Love

“I’ll hold you to it, Aunt Clara. Drive safe now.”

She waves as she drives off. I get back into my cruiser and continue on my drive when my phone rings.

“Hey, Sis,” I answer the call.

“Big brother! You haven’t been returning any of my calls.”

A tinge of guilt hits me. “Sorry, it’s been busy here. But I should’ve called sooner.”

“Yes, you should have! Now tell me, how are things going?”

“Currently, I’m patrolling so we might get interrupted.” I turn onto Main Street.

“I guess that’s mildly acceptable,” she teases.

“Things are good. Everyone in town is welcoming. The guys at the station are great. I was given my first assignment. The rest of my stuff finally arrived so I’m settling into the house.”

“Good! What’s your assignment?”

“It’s…security for the town’s fall festival,” I hesitate.

“Oh, a small town festival. That sounds like so much fun. When is it?”

“Just a couple of days away now.”

“How come you didn’t tell me sooner! Text me the dates and times. Maybe we can make it.”

I laugh. “You’re right. It’s just the thing you’d love. Hey, I gotta go. Someone’s taillight is out.”

“Okay, bye, big brother.”

“Bye, little sis.” I hang up and flip on my lights.

The car slows down and comes to a stop. I instruct Max to stay while I step out of my patrol car. I walk up to the car and knock on the window. I hear a mechanical noise but nothing happens. Then the door flings open.

“Oh, sorry, Officer, I—” the woman looks over at me. Hello, pretty blonde caffeine addict.

“Ms. Thompson.” I nod and smile.

“I’m so sorry, Ryan—uh, Officer Hayes. My window seems to be stuck,” Cassie says.

“Not a problem, Ms. Thompson. Can I see your license and registration?” I try to hide my smirk, but I’m unsuccessful. This is my chance—she said only if a police officer pulls her over. It must be my lucky day.

Her face goes from flustered to annoyed. “Do you really need my license? You know who I am.”

“Yes, ma’am. It’s procedure.”

She lets out a big sigh and leans over to her purse.

“Nice and slow there, miss. Otherwise, I might need to get my K9 over here.”

“What? To lick me to death? Max wouldn’t harm me.”

“Ah, you think so?”

“Absolutely. Max likes me.”

He’s not the only one.

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