Chapter 3
Jack
I hate this assignment. I love the outdoors, enjoy a bit of camping and I like my job as a sheriff.
But hiding up here in the hills just to observe the criminal element is driving me crazy.
We know there is a problem up here. Criminals hiding out so close to our nice little town.
But the problem is too big for the town sheriff department.
My job is to get an idea of numbers, the different gangs operating up here and then report back.
But hanging out in a tiny cabin, alone, surrounded by danger is not my idea of a good time.
It’s been a week already. A week of hiding out in the dirt, checking out abandoned cabins, following bad guys, eating the same crap every night.
I miss my uniform. I miss the town and my perfectly ordered life.
But the job comes first. I take my role as protector very seriously.
I was waiting for one of the motorcycle gangs to pass by when I saw the bright yellow car come round the corner.
Music blaring. A cute little face surrounded by curls bobbing away behind the wheel.
And then as it stuttered to a stop I found myself hoping the woman would get out of her car so I could catch a glimpse of her.
She’s a curvy thing. And then I found myself laughing at her little temper tantrum right there on the side of the road. And that’s when I heard the motorbikes and knew I had to get her out of there.
Wrapping my arm around her was just a bonus. Feeling her wiggle against me causing me to feel things I shouldn’t. And seeing her face up close took my breath away. She doesn’t belong out here. All wide eyed, innocent. She reminds me a bit of my younger sister. Someone to be protected.
“It’s alright sunshine, I’ll keep you safe. I’m one of the good guys.” Her smile makes me feel all warm and my heart skips a beat.
“You can call me Jack.”
“April.” Her voice is soft. Nervous but calm. I hate to think what would have happened if one of the gangs had found her. I know at that moment I will do whatever I need to do to protect her.
I’m not meant to let anyone know where I am staying, but I’m not about to leave this sweet girl out here on her own. And so I keep a firm hold of her as we make our way deeper into the forest towards my cabin.
Though heaven help me when we get there.
I am not the greatest at talking to women.
I never know what to say. My sister is always on at me to date more, but I’m no good at small talk and in my experience, women always have an agenda.
Usually they are attracted to the uniform or they know about my family money.
Just once it would be nice to meet a girl who says exactly what she wants without playing games. A girl I could imagine a future with.
This girl might be all innocent, sweet smiles. But I have fallen for sweet smiles before. Best I remember that I am on the job and she is under my protection and I need to keep this professional.