Fiction Friday
Here is installment four of Garren’s story. You can read the first, second, and third if you aren’t caught up. đ
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Garren stepped out of the car and walked toward the house. Heâd been told to come in plain clothes, but it didnât feel right. It was summer, so it was harder to conceal his weapon. It wouldnât bother him if he was in uniform. But, he didnât usually carry a weapon if he was off duty. Being in plain clothes felt too much like being off duty. He wiped his hands on his pants before stepping up and knocking on the door.
Why was he nervous? Heâd faced worse things than a family in an affluent neighborhood.
The door opened, and he saw the senior marshal, standing there. Garren let out a breath. At least he was here for the initial shift. The man had made him feel a little at ease in the commanderâs office the day before. âCome in, Officer Alexander.â
He stepped inside with the marshal and saw another officer saying good-bye to a little girl. He knew the manâs name, Hersch, and his reputation. Heâd never worked with him before though. But, he was known as a good cop. Thatâs all Garren needed to know. When he turned around, the officer seemed surprised to see him. âWhy did they send you?â
Garren shrugged. âThe deputy chief requested me. Do you have a problem with it?â He knew he was still considered a rookie even though heâd been with the department more than a year. Sometimes it rankled, but it just meant he had to work a little harder to prove himself.
The officer shook his head. âNot up to me. Iâm out though. Officer Mackel will be by to relieve you in twelve hours. Then, Iâll take over from him. And on and on.â There was a slight smirk on the manâs face, but he didnât look that amused.
âRight. Iâll see you in thirty-six hours then.â
The manâs smile widened slightly then he turned and left the house. Garren turned back to the marshal who led him forward. âOfficer Alexander, this is Mary Wilkers.â
He smiled at the woman, who looked to be just a few years younger than his own mother. âGarren Alexander, Maâam.â
She returned his smile and held out her hand. âItâs so nice to meet such a polite young man.â
He could feel his cheeks heat at her words. Then, a man was pushing forward. âAnd this is Jonah Wilkers,â he said, his voice changing, going a little harder.
Jonah barely even looked at Garren though. âA boy, Marshal Berenak? Seriously. Why would you send a boy here? I donât need someone playing cops and robbers.â
Garrenâs face paled, but he saw the marshalâs eyes sharpen. âMr. Wilkers, you asked us for protection. We brought together three officers who have the kind of evaluations that would earn commendations. He may be young, but Officer Alexanderâs name is right at the top of that list. Heâs here for the next twelve hours, so you should get used to it.â
Something went through him at the officerâs words. Pride and a little bit of dread. Would he be able to live up to the manâs opinion of him?
âIâll make a call and that will change.â
âYour friendship with the mayor will only get you so far, Wilkers. The deputy chief personally appointed him to this detail. You can call the commissioner if youâd like, and thatâs not likely to change.â
âIâll not count on a boyâs protection. I want a real cop here.â
Garren stepped forward. âYou have me. And I am a real cop. I signed on to protect and serve. Thatâs what Iâm here to do.â
Jonah turned his scowl on him again but turned away after a minute. âInsolent little brat,â he muttered.
âRight. Iâll be going then,â Marshal Berenak said. âI have a man staked out. We just need you inside with them.â
Garren nodded. Theyâd already been over this. When the marshal had left, Garren turned around and nearly toppled over the young girl.
âYou shouldnât talk to my daddy like that,â she said.
He studied her for a moment. Her dark hair was pulled back into a tight braid at the back of her head. It set the rest of her features at a sharp angle. He thought she might be a cute girl, maybe ten years old, if she didnât look so severe. Her green eyes were just as sharp, and they looked out of place in such a young face. Currently they were hard, as she glared at him.
âYour daddy shouldnât be talking to me like that.â
âHe can talk any way he wants.â
âMichelle,â her mom said, taking her by the arm. âLeave the officer alone. Heâs just here doing his job.â She offered Garren a slight smile, but it felt off. It seemed like she was used to keeping the peace. âYou need to finish getting ready for your piano lesson. Then, you have that playââ she broke off at a glare from her daughter â âmeet-up with Vanessa and Hillary.â
The girl stared at him for another minute then spun away. âCan we go shopping before we meet Vanessa and Hillary. I need some new clothes.â
The mother looked resigned. âYou have a closetful but sure, whatever you want.â
âAlways.â She smirked before moving away.
âIâm sorry, Officer,â Mary said.
He waved her off. âItâs fine. Iâm just here to do a job. Did you clear this lesson and date with the marshals?â
She nodded. âWe have a driver. Weâll be fine.â
There wasnât much he could do about it anyway if theyâd cleared it. So, he nodded and turned away. From what heâd observed so far, this detail couldnât end soon enough.