Page 86 of Unexpected Danger
Brodie deepened his voice. “Young boy, approximately four feet tall, fifty pounds, in footy pajamas decorated with bugs. He was seen with two accomplices, a live dog named Yukon, and a stuffed one named Spider.”
“Spoken like a true member of law enforcement.”
They both laughed, a welcome reprieve from the heavy emotions of the past half hour.
“I suppose we should probably go inside,” said Brodie. “I’m sure Roarke and Mila would probably like to get Xander home for bed.”
“Thank you for forgiving me and for the second chance.”
“We needed to have this conversation.”
“We did.”
“Xander cracks me up. He’s going to be one tired boy tomorrow with this lack of sleep. You ready to go inside?”
She wasn’t, but she knew that was the best course of action, especially where rambunctious little boys were involved. Xander bounced around in the window. Londyn already loved Xander and wanted to be a part of both his and the new baby’s lives.
This familywasher family.
Chapter 24
Brodie returned from serving papers and sat down to check his messages when there was a knock at the door.
“Sheriff?” Juanita Andrade, the new dispatcher, stood in the doorway.
He motioned her in. “Hello, Juanita, what can I do for you?”
Her shoulders drooped as if she carried the weight of the world on them. In a voice barely above a whisper, she asked, “Can I speak to you?”
“Sure.”
Juanita thumbed in the direction of the door. “Can I close that?”
Brodie nodded, and Juanita shut the door before taking a seat in the chair across from him. Deputy Dwyer peered through the window, his brow furrowed. Brodie gave him the thumbs up and returned his attention to Juanita. “Is there something wrong?” Clearly, she was not her usual bubbly self.
Her chin quivered. “Oh, yes, Sheriff, very wrong.”
Brodie’s mind could go to a million places, and he hoped he would be able to help his new employee with whatever ailed her. Brodie pushed the box of tissues in her direction. Her cheeks were dotted in red splotches, and her black hair hung limp to her shoulders, so uncharacteristic of the usually put-together dispatcher. He didn’t have the schedule memorized, but he hoped Juanita had some time before she had to report to duty. Brodie waited for a few seconds for her to gather herself.
“Everything is so wrong. Have you ever been disappointed in someone and in yourself?” Her voice cracked, and she averted her gaze to something on the wall behind Brodie.
“I have.” Brodie could be hard on himself when he made a mistake. He’d never liked failure. He thought of Londyn. She’d disappointed him, but he’d also disappointed himself when he hadn’t done everything he could to stay in touch with her. To maybe have convinced her to return to Pronghorn FallsbeforeDustin Haack decided to put her life in jeopardy.
With effort, Brodie returned his attention to Juanita. “Do you want to tell me what’s wrong? Maybe I can help.” He was next to clueless when it came to women’s emotions. Having grown up with three brothers, tears were not an everyday occurrence. On the rare occasion Mom had been upset, everyone took notice.
“I had no idea about…no idea he was how he is. And then I just—I really—I thought he was the one.” Juanita wrapped her arms around herself. “All of my sisters are married, and here I am.” She plucked another tissue and slumped in her chair.
Brodie wasn’t sure he was the best person with whom she should discuss her relationship woes. “Maybe you could talk to Deputy Overton about this.” He wasn’t trying to pass her off, but this was awkward.
Juanita shook her head. “No, I have to talk to you about it.”
“All right.” Brodie assumed that the guy she had spoken about nonstop and was so enamored with had broken up with her. Hesearched for the words to say and asked God for wisdom. He lowered his head and attempted to catch Juanita’s eye, but she kept her focus on her hands. Hands now folded so tightly her knuckles turned white. “Juanita…”
She finally looked up at him as a tear slid down her cheek.
“You’ll find the man God has planned for you, but don’t waste your time on ones who don’t appreciate you.”
“I know. I do know that. And thank you, but there’s more.” Brodie’s phone rang, and he flicked a glance at the receiver before choosing to allow it to go to voicemail.
