11
Maria
I’m standing in the middle of the station’s bullpen with two dozen officers, some on duty, others here just for the meeting. “Hello, everyone. Some of you may already know me as Mr. Turner’s fiancée, but before that I was a Deputy for the Wolfe Creek Police Department for several years. I’m filling in as an interim chief of police. As you are aware, when the former chief learned of his impending firing, he attacked Aria Turner, who protected me, and then Mr. Turner the following morning after faking his death. His fate was of his own making. Now, I know I’m a woman and new to the area, but I’m not the kind to ruffle feathers. If you have a problem with me, you better figure it out, or move on to another position. We will not have another Anderson incident. This town has been limited to one murder a year for decades, and we will attempt to keep it that way or even better from now on. I am sorry that things ended up this way for Anderson. Do any of you have any questions?”
“Yes—do you have a sister?”
“No, she doesn’t,” Turner snarls out from the back of the room.
“But I have lots of cousins. In all seriousness, it’s going to take a little bit for me to get accustomed to the setup here, and I might make some changes. For the time being, the schedules will stay the same. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate.” I shake hands with each and every one of them before heading into Anderson’s former office. The chair has been changed and the desk cleared out and examined by the forensic team.
“Hello, I’m Agnes, one of the four dispatchers here. I just thought I’d introduce myself. My mate is one of Turner’s cousins and Officer Holden out there. The one who’s talking to Turner right now.” I look through the large glass window with the blinds turned open.
I smile and think to myself how much they look alike. Not identical in any way, but the family resemblance is there. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“I’m not sure if you know this, but I’m with pups, and, well, I’m going to be taking time off in a couple of months to birth them, but I can’t say that I’ll be returning. My mate isn’t happy with everything that’s going on and is too worried about me.”
“I understand. I hope we don’t have any more crazy people living with pent-up jealousy.”
“I hope not either, but we don’t really need the money. I’d been working here before we mated, so it’s not like I just up and quit, but our relationship caught Anderson’s notice a little more than I expected it to. There’s no policy against it since, well, you know.”
“Yes, I know. Well, let me know when you have to leave. Are you having a baby shower or anything?”
“Yes. My mom is throwing one next week. You’re welcome to come, of course.”
“You don’t have to invite me as your boss.”
“It’s not because you’re my boss. You’re the Alpha’s mate and one we all will defer to, so it would be wonderful to have you there. You don’t have to bring anything, but I would love for you to meet some of the other females in the pack.” I ask her for the info and enter it into the calendar on my phone. I want to get to know the women. Turner did inform me that I will be the one female shifters will come to with questions or concerns, as well as someone to admire.
“Thank you. Well, I better get going. I have to start my shift.” She smiles and walks out. I’m so glad I don’t have to worry about the females on the force. Every single female is a shifter. It makes my life easier.
A light knock on my door brings a smile to my face. “What can I do for you, Mr. Turner?”
“I can think of many things, but I have to head out. I wanted to see you one more time before I go.”
“I’m going to be okay. If it makes you feel better, I could have one of them stand at my door and protect me.”
“I would feel better. That’s a great idea. Holden will do it.” He kisses me hard and walks out, and then Holden approaches and without a word, stands outside my door. I laugh and shake my head.
One by one, a few officers come in and say hello. I don’t get cold glares or anything from them, and the day goes about as normal as it can. The one officer that could be promoted to sheriff is a shifter, and he knows that the Alpha’s edict is golden, so he doesn’t pitch a fit.