Chapter Fifteen
Adam
The orderly wheeled me back to my room after my CT scan.
I wouldn’t call myself claustrophobic, but I didn’t enjoy being stuck in a tube for twenty minutes like a sardine in a can.
Brian was waiting in my room, along with an older man, also in a police uniform, who looked an awful lot like him. And the guy had four stars on his collar along with the word “CHIEF” on his badge.
“Did you find the guy?” I asked as I stood to move from the wheelchair to the bed. It was hard to act dignified in a hospital gown with the breeze blowing on my bare ass.
Brian shook his head. “No, but we found the bat he used and dusted it for prints.”
“You’re not going to find anything. He wore gloves.”
“Actually, there was a partial print on the handle.”
“Really?” I swung my legs onto the bed, careful not to flash my junk in the process. I knew the fingerprint wouldn’t be from me since I’d kicked the bat. Maybe there was hope.
The older man interjected. “We’re running it in the IAFIS database to see if there are any matches. We should know something this afternoon.” He smiled and offered his hand, which I took. “I’m Angus O’Shaughnessy—chief of police.”
I glanced at Brian and before I could even ask, he rolled his eyes and said, “Yes, he’s my dad.”
“Nice to meet you, sir.”
“How are you feeling?” Angus asked.
“Like I got hit in the head with a baseball bat,” I quipped as I situated the blanket over my legs.
“I saw the video. You were pretty impressive, both in your restraint and how you neutralized the threat without a weapon or even handcuffs.”
“They taught us in officer training to use what we have available.”
The corner of the man’s mouth lifted. “Well, you certainly did that.” He walked toward the window as he continued. “I’m assuming since you went to officer training you have a bachelor’s degree?”
“Yeah, in criminal justice.”
He turned around with raised eyebrows.
“Does that mean you’re interested in being a cop?”
“I wanted to join the FBI, but,” I raised my left hand. “That’s probably no longer feasible, so I’m exploring my options. My brother, Alan’s going to hire me to work on one of his construction crews until I figure out my next move.” I tilted my head. “Why?”
“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.
Now my wheels were really turning, and I knew by the look in his eye, that Brian could tell he was getting to me.
“I said I’d think about it!”
Both men shuffled toward the door.
Angus reminded me, “You can name your terms…” before walking out, while Brian paused and said, “I’ll be back in a bit to check on you. If you decide to stay, or even if you just miss your bus and can’t leave until tomorrow, the offer for my guest room still stands.”
“I appreciate that.”
Brian closed the door, and I leaned back against my pillow.
It was a good thing I wasn’t supposed to fall asleep, because my mind was buzzing with a million thoughts. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep if I’d wanted to.