SHIFT EXCHANGE

Chapter 9

Jake sat at the Sergeant's desk tapping the down arrow with a distinct lack of energy. Reviewing reports was his least favorite task. He figured if his men had been hired and entrusted with a weapon they should know how to spell and put together a narrative. His team seemed to do well, he hardly ever found anything wrong enough to need attention.

This team, however, not the case. He rubbed his eyes tiredly. How did Maxwell put up with this? So far it had been an hour and he'd already sent back 4 of the 5 reports he'd read. It was time for coffee.

Jake picked up his mug and started for the break room. A plate full of cookies and brownies sat on the counter by the coffee maker.  Some deputy's wife had wanted to upgrade the night. Sadly, having lately been spoiled by a certain dispatcher's baked goods, he couldn't bring himself to take anything from the plate.

He glanced at his watch. He'd finish up the last three reports and head back out on the road. He wanted to make sure he had time to swing by Kara's house before he got off shift. It had become a part of his beat the last couple of days while he'd been covering for Sgt. Maxwell. Tomorrow he'd be off duty, but he'd have a word with one of the deputies before he left to make sure they continued his vigil.

He couldn't help shaking his head as he remembered their encounter the night before. It didn't sit well with him that she lived so far from town. The remote location made any response delayed, even in the best of weather. She had a big empty house, large barn, and acreage with lots of cover. He was surprised this was the first time she'd had issue with transients. Especially without a fence.

Then she'd opened the door looking small and sweetly rumpled. He'd instantly wanted to run his fingers through her messy, short blonde hair and run his hands down her neck to see if she was as warm and soft as she looked.

Never had a gray cotton camisole and flannel pants ever looked so sexy. He'd take it over the most flimsy of lingerie. Not that he wouldn't enjoy seeing her in that as well.

He'd be a liar if he said he hadn't been more than a little relieved to see her alone. No hulking, protective boyfriend lumbering in the corner. Not that he should care anyway.

She'd stood there, arms wrapped around herself, staring out at the man who'd invaded her property, not with anger, but pity on her face. The woman made no sense. Any other woman would have been shaking in fear. Jake had gotten a smidge of comfort seeing the .38 revolver on the counter behind her.

Then, she'd simply sent the man on his way with, not only his ill gotten spoils, but a sack lunch too. A man who should be cooling his heels in the county jail for breaking and entering was more than likely sharing a roast duck dinner with the other inhabitants of the city homeless shelter.

The woman had more heart than brains. Now he'd have to worry that the guy would return, thinking she was an easy mark, and next time bring friends with him. Jake simply didn't have the same kind of positivity that she did. All he could think of was a beautiful, vulnerable, and sexy blonde sleeping alone in a big old farm house.

That thought did things to him that were terribly inconvenient at work. It was a good thing he was alone in the station. He topped off his mug and headed back to his desk with a low growl of frustration.

***

An hour later Jake's attitude had worsened considerably. The quality of the last three reports had left him wondering if the other end of the week patrolmen were actually idiots or it they had just completely lost all pride in their work. Considering his comments and rejection of all but 2 reports, they didn't likely have the best feelings for him either.

Jake set his mug in the cup holder and brooded impatiently as he waited for the windshield to defrost. It had continued to snow during his sojourn in the Sheriff's office. A thick layer of white blanketed everything, including his car. It would be slow going on the streets of town. The transportation department was usually pretty good at getting to the highways in a timely manner, but the city department sucked. There was no other way to describe it.