Page 39 of Island Homecoming

“That’s right. He was a big inspiration on my career path.”

Swann grinned. “One of our new protectors served with Caldwell’s son, Devon. We’re told he’s looking for a new venture, something closer to home since Mrs. Caldwell is making noise about the chief retiring in the next year or so.”

“I’ve heard those rumors,” Jess confirmed. “There’s nothing quite like the mother news network here on the island. And, growing up, I was acquainted with the Caldwell brothers. They’re good people.”

Swann and Gamble exchanged a glance. “Then we’ll reach out and see if he’s interested in joining our team.”

Jess nodded along. Hiring was above her paygrade.

“There’s another rumor that you’re on the short list to replace Caldwell,” Gamble stated.

Once more, Jess couldn’t help wonderinghowthey got their intel. “Huh. Guess there’s a first time for everything,” she mused.

“As in a female police chief?” Gamble wondered.

“No.” She shook her head. “As in rumors that haven’t made it around to me,” she clarified. “The chief of police isn’t a role that interests me,” she replied. “If we come to terms on the regional director position, I’ll stick with it.”

Swann gave her a nod. “Thanks for clarifying.” He leaned back in his chair, clearly considering something else. “The two of us have tossed around the idea of creating a new remote research team. We might consider the oldest Caldwell brother for that, based on his skill set.”

Gamble spoke up, “Whoever forms that team, in Brookwell or elsewhere, wouldn’t officially be part of your staff. Just a valuable resource. Looking ahead, if that team is local to you, it might be easiest to combine office space, unless you’d rather work from home. That would be your decision.”

Jess had no issue with anyone in the Caldwell clan. “All right.” She cleared her throat, a little uncomfortable with her next admission, “Right this minute, an office would be preferable to working out of my childhood bedroom.”

The men laughed, not unkindly. “You weren’t expecting to stay in your hometown, were you?”

“Not even a little bit.” No reason to deny it. Her mind went to Nash and all the good things happening between them. “The entire experience has gone better than I’d hoped.”

“We’ll let you think it over,” Gamble said. “If you have more questions, just call or text.”

“And look for an offer letter coming by email,” Swann added.

When the call ended, Jess sat there, trying to make sense of the feelings swirling around. Relief, curiosity, hope. And on top of all of that, she was happy. Happier than she’d been in a long time. She did a few silly spins in Nash’s chair.

She hadn’t seen the offer letter yet, but she knew from her friends at the Ellington that Gamble and Swann believed in rewarding their personnel. She was sure they could come to terms. It was pretty much a guarantee that any private sector salary would be more than she made as a police officer.

She could work anywhere in the area. Anywhere. She could move to Charleston and stay close, or up to Asheville. She’d never lived in the mountains, but four seasons could be nice. And a white Christmas? Practically a given.

She closed her laptop and ran her fingers over the smooth surface. She could stay right here.

She couldn’t wait to tell Nash about her legal drama being over. He’d be thrilled for her.

Would he be equally thrilled if she told him she planned to stay in town? Doing that meant more time for dancing, quiet talks, and kisses that made her melt. More time to figure out where this unexpected relationship was going.

Was it a relationship?

It was entirely possible things were good between them because he didn’t consider it to be a long-term deal. Did she?

Crap. Her mood plummeted, then rebounded almost as quickly. That was a problem for future-Jess. Better to focus on today—especially on the wins, while she mulled over the offer.

Her mother might be disappointed, but this was why Jess didn’t talk about every feeling as it happened. Emotions were unpredictable, a never-ending roller coaster. And since the shooting, she had to work doubly hard to trust herself.

Whether or not she and Nash were temporary, he was the person she wanted to celebrate with. He was her closest friend, even if half the time she was thinking about sleeping with him.

She called his number before that roller coaster took another dip and she chickened out.

Chapter 12

Nashloadedthemoweronto the trailer and climbed into the truck. He started the engine, cranking the air conditioning for his guys while they handled the final details of the current job. Today’s schedule was all residential maintenance and after this, they only had two stops left. At this pace, they’d get to call it a day early.

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