Chapter 12 #3
Chief Flynn's gaze snapped to Beth, his eyebrows shooting upward as realization dawned.
"You're a shifter, too?" He studied her with newfound interest, as if seeing her for the first time.
"I wouldn't have guessed. If you don't mind my asking—" he hesitated, curiosity overtaking his professional demeanor, "what's your form? "
"I'm a clouded leopard," she answered softly.
The chief whistled low under his breath, clearly impressed. "A wild cat. That explains how you stayed so calm during that confrontation. Predator instincts."
Beth gave him a small, quiet smile, something fierce flickering in her eyes. "Let's just say I can take care of myself if needed."
Beth listened intently as Chief Flynn shifted back to official business, his posture straightening as he addressed the room.
"The police department will arrange for more patrols past the clinic," Chief Flynn told them. "You have our full support. Any shifter who feels threatened or is in danger, need only call. We'll also make sure patrols go past your home."
"It's appreciated," Troy said. "Could you include Kazakis on the patrol list?"
Chief Flynn looked puzzled. "Kazakis? The Greek deli?"
"Kester Kazakis, the owner, is Katerina's brother. It won't take five minutes on Google for someone to make that connection. So the deli will be a target also. In fact, probably more so than the clinic, since Kester actually works there, and owns the deli."
The chief pulled out his phone and made some notes. "Got it. Any others I should be aware of?"
Beth cleared her throat softly. "Carter's Bank should be on that list too."
Chief Flynn's eyebrows shot up. "The bank? Why?"
"Lydia Metaxas, the bank manager, is a shifter. She's planning to come out publicly next month." Beth smoothed her hands over her knees, remembering Lydia's determined expression at their last security meeting.
"And her husband Alex is also a shifter," Troy added. "He works at Bobcat Construction, so you might want to add them to your patrol route as well."
Chief Flynn paused in his note taking. "Are the owners of these businesses aware of the situation?"
"Yes, they all know." Douglas assured him. "The bank's CEO has been very supportive of Lydia's decision to go public. And the construction company requested additional security measures for their work sites last week, to get ahead of the situation."
Chief Flynn made careful notes about each location, his lined face set in concentration.
After a minute, he turned to Beth. "Miss Kerrigan, I want to personally thank you for how you handled that situation with Todd.
Having someone recognize the signs and offer support - it can make all the difference. "
Emotion clogged Beth's throat, making speech impossible. "I just hope he knows he can count on us if he needs help."
"Between your clinic staff, my officers, and CPS, we'll make sure that boy stays safe." The chief's stern expression softened. "Sometimes all it takes is one person showing they care to change a life."
Chief Flynn's gaze swept the room, his expression growing more serious.
"I wish I could tell you everyone in my department was as accepting of shifters as my family," he said, his mouth tightening. "But I'd be lying. We've got some officers who are... less than enthusiastic about the situation."
"That said, the majority of my officers are at least willing to keep an open mind. My Patrol Sergeant has been instrumental in managing schedules to ensure safety for everyone."
"How so?" Troy prompted.
"He's partnering officers who support shifter rights with those who are still uncertain," Flynn explained. "And for the patrols covering shifter-owned businesses, we're only assigning officers who've demonstrated positive attitudes toward the shifter community."
The tension Beth hadn't realized she'd been carrying melted from her shoulders. It was reassuring to know they'd thought this through so carefully.
"We want to make sure any shifter who needs police assistance feels safe calling us," Flynn continued. "Having the right officers on those beats is crucial for building that trust."
As the meeting wrapped up, Chief Flynn shook hands with each of them. His firm handshake and direct gaze conveyed both authority and genuine concern for their community's well-being.
"We'll increase patrols starting tonight," he promised as he headed for the door. "And Miss Kerrigan? Don't hesitate to call if you need anything. Day or night."
"Thank you, Chief," Beth replied, warmth spreading through her chest at the sincere offer of support.
She took a deep breath as the door clicked shut behind Chief Flynn. With the chief gone, the formal atmosphere began to ease, and everyone seemed to exhale at once.
Douglas ran a hand through his toffee-colored hair. "Well, that was unexpected. When Barbara said the police chief wanted to meet with us, I thought we were in for trouble."
"Me too." Troy worked his shoulders in that unconscious way men do when stress finally lifts, making Beth have to hide a smile. "I was bracing for complaints about security overreach or demands to reduce our protective measures."
"Instead we got a proud father." Suzanne smiled, shaking her head. "Who knew Daniel's working for us would have such an impact on the situation we're in now?"
"It's nice to know we made a difference," Douglas said softly. "Though I had no idea Daniel was having problems before he came here. He was always so eager to learn, so good with the horses."
"And now we have official police support," Troy added. "That's going to make things much easier moving forward."
"Plus regular patrols." Suzanne stood, stretching. "I'd call this meeting a definite win for everyone."
The three veterinarians shared relieved looks. The atmosphere in the office had completely shifted from the tense anticipation of earlier to something lighter, almost celebratory.
"We should update Shadow Guard about this meeting," Beth suggested, her voice quiet but assured. "And Jake will want to know, too, since he coordinates the daytime security."
Troy reached for his phone. "Good thinking. The last thing we need is our security teams working at cross-purposes with the police."
"I can tell Liam when he gets home.. and Naomi too, of course," Beth offered. "And the rest of the evening shift folks. I know they're going to be relieved. We've all been a bit on edge after… well. After what happened."
Douglas smiled at her. "Thanks, Beth. That'll be great."
As the meeting broke up, Beth gathered her things.
Purpose bloomed warm and steady in her chest. Two years ago, she'd been trapped in her leopard form, lost in despair at the Sanctuary.
Now she sat in meetings with police chiefs, helped troubled teenagers, and served as a bridge between her shifter family and her work colleagues.
The clinic had become more than just a job—it was becoming part of her healing journey. Each day she spent here, each person she helped, each small act of courage built her confidence a little more.
Chief Flynn's words echoed in her mind: "Sometimes that's what healing takes.
Time and patience." As Beth made her way to the staff room to get ready for her shift, Firefly's story stayed with her.
Douglas had spent hours just sitting outside her stall, never pushing, never forcing - just being present until the frightened mare learned to trust.
Beth thought about her own early days here, how she'd flinched away from kindness, certain she was too broken to heal.
And now look at her - she had friends who cared about her, a job that gave her purpose, colleagues who trusted her judgment enough to include her in meetings with police chiefs.
The transformation felt as miraculous as Firefly's—and just as hard-won.
Beth smiled, touching the clinic badge clipped to her scrubs. Life certainly had taken some unexpected turns, and with each passing day, she felt more eager to see what came next.