Page 21 of The Biggest Sacrifice

“What? Why?” My blood is boiling right now and I’m doing my best to remain calm.

“Because he’s a good cop. And we have the budget for it. I’ve been looking for another guy your age to want to come to Christmas. Put down some roots. I’m not going to be here forever, you know.” He jabs me in the bicep.

I furrow my brows, my grip tightening around the glass. “I thought I was in line for Chief.”

“Trying to get rid of me already?”

“No. But we talked about this. If there’s another guy here, does he threaten my position?”

He leans back and eyes me. Chief Hunter has known my family for years. He and my dad have a history together. And he was the one who handled everything when my brother got into trouble. Our family owes him a lot. And I thought I was his first choice to take his spot, when the time came. He knows I’ll take over his position and hold it with the same respect he does.

“Which position do you feel he’s threatening?”

His calm tone in asking a stupid question irks the shit out of me. “Your reverse psychology tactics don’t work on me, Chief.”

He smiles at me and raises a brow. “Don’t think I don’t know what’s going on in my town, Casanova.”

“And don’t think just because I’ve been away that I don’t know either. Where’d this guy come from, anyway? No one seems to have any background info on him.”

“So, you don’t know everything, huh?”

“Chief, with all due respect, I don’t have to know him. But I think keeping him on is a bad move. There’s no need for it. We have enough guys here on rotation. And I noticed you have a new dispatch girl, too. Youalmosthave more people available for intel than I did overseas.” I grunt out a laugh, trying to ease the room, but I’m not happy about this. I glance out the windows again to the floor, as I see Cash stand from his desk.

“Just know, I’ve vetted him. He’s a good cop with a good background. And he’s staying. So you better learn to get along.” I watch as he looks behind me, waving his hand in a ‘come here’ motion. I close my eyes and take a breath.

“Be. Nice.”

I open them and stare him down.

“Cash! Come on in. I was just filling in Officer Casanova on the recent changes around here.”

Now I’m Officer Casanova? I clear my throat. “Yep.” I stand and extend my hand to him. “Looks like congratulations are in order.” I hold on to his hand a moment too long with a stronger than usual grip.

The fucker returns it with a giant smile.

“I’m stoked to be staying in Christmas! I hoped to find a small town like this, and grow within the department. Maybe even meet someone. This is a great place to raise kids in, don’t you think? Seems your siblings are doing well to populate the school Farrah works at.”

His comment has my hackles rising, and when he mentions her name, I see red.

“Tom, go home, get yourself unpacked. I’ve added you back on schedule, but not until Monday.” I listen to the Chief speak. It’s only Tuesday. I’ve got almost a week of downtime that I don’t know how to fill. I look at Cash’s smug face and want to punch him in it. At least that would give me some excitement for the next forty-eight hours.

“Farrah is at the Roasted Chestnut. Why don’t you go stop in and get your coffee?”

Is this guy for fucking real? He has the balls to say he wants to rise withinmydepartment, meet someone inmytown and now he’s talking aboutmygirl?

“Don’t tell me what to do. And keep her name out of your mouth.” I grit out each word through my teeth. It isn’t until Chief Hunter is pulling me back by my arm that I realized I’ve gone toe to toe with this fool for the second time in two days.

“Tom. Enough. He’s right. Go get some coffee. Be here on Monday at eight in the morning.” I shake him off and head out the office door without looking back.

“Officer Casanova!” The new dispatch girl calls out. “Wait!” I hear her, but I’m not stopping. Another new face. What the fuck is going on in this town?

CHAPTER 13

FARRAH

“Alright,boys and girls! Circle up on the reading rug and put on your listening ears! Ms. Johnson is going to read you all a story. Today it’s ‘The Lion and the Mouse’ and I know you’re all going to love it.”

I take a breath and let it out slowly while watching the kids clamor to find their spot right in front of the reading chair. Of course, this is the book Ms. Johnson picked. It’s just another sign the universe is taunting me with.

---