Page 10 of Justice for JoElla

“Wow. So no flags, red or otherwise?”

“Nope, just the constant fighting.”

“Well, let’s go see if we can shake some fruit from the tree, shall we?” Mick stood. “You can ride with me. They’ve got a car for you, but it’s being serviced. Should be ready later today.”

“A car? Really?” She’d assumed she’d have to drive her own.

“Yeah. We all have one. This ain’t no dime operation. SheriffBillings got more operating capital for us and we’ve been using it. Fixed up the building a bit. Of course, we got a discount on that,” Mick said as they walked and laughed.

“Discount?”

“Yeah. SheriffBillings’ son-in-law is one of the Walters.”

“Oh, that’s right! Construction guys!”

“Yeah. They underbid everybody else because they could get us nicer stuff by not charging us for the labor. The son-in-law paid for it. Have you seen that guy? He’shuge,” Mick said with a laugh.

“Yeah. VicWalters. Heisa big guy. He’s got like half a dozen brothers, and most of them are tall too. Not as bulky, but tall.”

“Yeah. Nice people.” He hit his clicker and the locks snapped up on a dark brown Dodge Charger across the parking lot.

“Is this what I’m getting?”

Mick laughed again. “Actually, yours is newer, and it’s gold. It was Gerald’s until he retired.”

“Nice!” The day was turning out to be a pretty good one. Mick seemed like a stand-up guy, and everything he’d told her made her feel hopeful. It appeared they really were in the business of protecting and serving, and that was what she wanted.

That, and to find AntonWarmuth and make him pay.

* * *

“I’msure your brother explained your limitations.” CaptainReagan had Brandon’s folder open and was thumbing through it.

“Yes, he did.” He almost said something else, then decided the less he said, the better.

The captain closed the folder and clasped her hands on top of it. “I want you to know that we think very highly of your brother. He’s a wonderful guy, and we’re lucky to have him. I understand you haven’t been very, um, supportive of his choice of vocation.” The edge in her voice told Brandon she knew exactly how Landon had been treated by their family.

“Yes, ma’am. And I regret that.”

“Because you’re down and out and need his help?”

His cheeks burned with embarrassment. “Yes, ma’am. I’m not going to lie about it. And I’m not very fond of my sister’s choice of vocation either, and I’ve been inappropriately vocal about it. I regret it. When Landon wound up in the hospital after he saved Jerrica, I saw exactly how dedicated he is and what his job means to him, and?”

“Mr.Fox, it’s not a job to him. It’s a calling, just like a pastor, or a teacher, or a physician.” He couldn’t stop the wince he gave her.

“Yes, ma’am. I understand that. I didn’t before, but I do now.” It seemed very odd to have someone address him asmister. It had been a very long time since anyone had called him that, and he wasn’t sure he’d answer if they did. “I really respect everything he’s doing. When he told me there was a chance to work for the department, I thought maybe this could be my…” Brandon choked. It was right there. All he had to do was say it… “My penance. Plus other than protocol, there’s not a lot you’ll have to teach me. I’m pretty well pre-trained, I guess you’d say.”

“Honestly, we feel lucky to be able to get you. Kinda bargain-basement. We sure can’t pay you what you were used to making.”

“I’m not expecting it. As long as you can use me, I’m here.” They hadn’t discussed salary, and there was really no point. Anything they’d pay him would be more than he was earning lately, which was nothing.

“Okay. I’m turning you over to city human resources and they’ll get you ready to go. They’ll set you up to have your uniforms fitted.”

“Real uniforms?”

“Some. There are also embroidered polos and dress uniforms. You’ll get some of both uniforms, and your dress uniform won’t come along until you’ve finished your probationary period.”

“Why do we need dress uniforms?”

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