Page 37 of Fighting for Brielle
“Likewise. I heard you’re an expert on Laguna Beach.”
“Born and bred.” They reached Justice’s Explorer. “Do you want me to drive?”
“Yes. I want you to drop me off so I can walk the streets and meet the residents and business owners. You know, get a feel for the community.”
Rivera slid behind the wheel. “Understood.”
As they pulled away from the station, Justice asked, “So, what’s your story, Officer Rivera?”
“Livin’ the American Dream, Chief,” he replied. “My grandparents crossed the border illegally from Mexico. They hid in a peach shed where the owner found them, half dead from exhaustion and starvation. He spoke Spanish and offered them jobs picking peaches. He said they could stay in the shed. It wasn’t ideal, but they made it work. Eventually my grandfather turned it into a small home.
“The owner and his wife loved my grandparents and sponsored their path to citizenship. As time passed the owner placed my grandfather in charge of the day to day operation of the business, and then made him his partner. When the owner and his wife passed away, my grandfather inherited the peach grove.”
Rivera paused and glanced sideways at Justice. “My grandparents were so fortunate. They were able to provide a good life for my father and my aunts and uncle. My parents are immigration lawyers who own a firm in D.C. Believe me, they’re a pain in ICE’s ass. One of my aunts works for Doctors without Borders, and the other is a social worker who spends her time helping migrant children. And my uncle is a software developer in Silicon Valley.”
“That’s an incredible story, Officer Rivera. What about you? Why’d you choose law enforcement?”
“Call me River. It’s a nickname that sorta stuck. To answer your question, my parents taught me and my brothers and sisters to offer our lives in service. My siblings have moved away, but I stayed behind in order to help the kids in this community. I work with them on social skills and reading skills if they’re struggling.”
“Wow. That’s awesome. Are you married?”
“Nah, man. You?”
“No.” Justice broke off, thinking about the hot kisses he’d shared with Brielle.
But I want to be. I’m tired of being alone.
“Well, one thing about Laguna Beach. There are plenty of women to choose from!” He grinned.
“Yeah. I’ve already met someone.”
“You have? That’s great. Hope it works out, Chief.”
River pulled into the parking lot of a 7-11. “We call this intersection Four Corners. Olivera Street runs east and west, and Oak Street runs north and south. I keep a close eye on this area because teenagers like to hang out at the Taco Bell.”
They climbed out of the Explorer.
“Ready to walk the beat, Chief?”
“Absolutely. Let’s start here at the 7-11.”
After spending eight hours on the beat with River and watching and listening to him deal with everyone they met, Justice realized how indispensable he was to the department. He reminded him of a guy on his SEAL team?the one who drew others to him because of his humble, down-to-earth personality. Thinking of his dead teammate brought a sadness to his countenance.
“Hey, Chief, thanks for the opportunity to ride with you today.”
“No. Thankyou, River. I learned a lot being on the street with you. You’re an asset and a credit to this department.”
“I do my best.” River handed Justice the keys to the Explorer. “Look, Chief, I just want to say that I’m sorry about your team. Losing your brothers-in-arms?I can’t imagine how difficult that must have been for you.”
“Not unless you’ve lived through it. But I appreciate your sympathy.”
“I know this isn’t much consolation, but the other officers have said they’re glad you’re here. They’re behind you, Chief.”
Feeling less uncertain about the job he was doing by River’s encouraging words, and especially by Brielle’s promised text message, Justice changed into civilian clothes in the locker room before he stopped at Tawny’s desk to let her know he was off duty.
Anxious to meet Brielle at the Main Street Gym, he left his Explorer in his driveway and hopped on his Harley. He thought he’d be able to recall the directions Brielle had added to her text, but if he got lost, well, he’d just plug the address into his GPS.
Caught in heavy late afternoon traffic, Justice worried that Brielle would think he wasn’t coming. Several times he resisted the urge to text her as he sat at red lights and inched his way through the streets. At least he didn’t get lost, he congratulated himself as he pulled in front of the gym. He checked his phone, relieved to find another message from Brielle.
