Page 35 of Callahan

“I might want to offer you a job.”

“A job?”

“Yeah, you could start as soon as the doctor clears you.”

“Doing what?”

He narrowed his eyes like he couldn’t comprehend how I didn’t understand the offer and spoke slowly, like maybe my head injury was causing me cognitive problems.

“Being an officer.”

“Don’t I have to go to a police academy for that?”

“Normally, yes—and you will, eventually. Since you have combat experience with the military, we can temporarily waive that until the next academy is offered.”

“And when would that be?”

“Maybe six months. We coordinate with other agencies so it’s more cost effective.”

The chief of police was offering me a job—just like that. There had to be a catch.

“Wouldn’t my hand be a problem?”

Brian offered, “You said it wasn’t your shooting hand.”

While Angus shrugged. “It obviously didn’t affect you in a fight.”

A job. In Haven Springs. My thoughts flashed to Lainey and what I’d told her about being on her doorstep if I lived in town. I hadn’t been lying when I’d said it. Which would end up being a problem. I’d probably be run out of town on a rail if I really dated her.

“I’m flattered, but my family is expecting me—”

“We’d start you out at Step Three on the salary scale,” the Chief interjected, then ran his fingers through his hair like he was frustrated. “Look, our staffing is at a critical need. I’m down three officers with no real prospects and have a sergeant who’s basically retired on duty. You could pretty much name your terms, and I’d probably agree to them. It’d still be cheaper than all the overtime I’m having to pay. Normally I’d never tell someone this, but like I said I’m desperate. You have the upper hand here.”

The upper hand. I didn’t think I’d ever been in that position before.

“Can I have a little bit of time to think about it?”

“Of course, that’s all I can ask.”

I didn’t want to get his hopes up.

“Like I was saying, my family is expecting me. I don’t think staying in Haven Springs would go over well with them. Especially since my brother has a job waiting for me.”

“I understand. Just know, everyone would welcome you in Haven Springs with open arms.”

I gestured to the back of my head with a grin. “Well, not everyone.”

Brian replied. “I’d think that would be incentive to stay, so you could help catch the fucker who did this to you.”

He had a point.

“I would like to see that chickenshit caught and tried in court,” I conceded.

That made Brian grin.

“Wouldn’t you like to be the one to put the cuffs on him?”

Fuck yeah, I would.

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