His grip is firm, his palm slightly cool. Up close, I can see his eyes are light blue with a dark ring around the iris. His lashes are thick and dark and his mouth full. I’m embarrassed that I notice those physical details, but to be fair, he’s a really good-looking guy. Sally and Diane weren’t exaggerating. There’s nothing weird about noticing when someone is attractive, right?
“Collins has a decade of experience with Atlanta PD,” Chief is saying. “But he was looking for a change and we’re happy to have him.”
“We can always use good men.” I add quickly, “And women. Don’t want to be sexist.”
Jude smiles faintly. “No, we wouldn’t want that.”
Chief goes to sit in his leather chair behind the desk. “I realize our department is much smaller than what you’re used to, Collins, but I’m sure you’ll come to enjoy it here. It’s a great little community.”
“I’m sure it is, sir.”
I smile at him. “I’ll make sure to show you all the ins and outs. You’ll fit in before you know it.”
Jude gives a small nod but doesn’t return my smile. His energy isn’t unfriendly exactly, just reserved. Same as he was last night at the bar. He’sjustfriendly enough to not come across as rude, but offers nothing more.
“Obviously, we do things differently here than in a big city department.” Chief leans back in his chair. “I expect we might learn some things from you as well. I’m open-minded aboutchange if it makes sense. If you have ideas about improving something, I’m happy to hear your thoughts.”
“Yes, sir,” Jude says, appearing surprised. “That’s refreshing to hear.”
Chief nods at me. “I’m counting on you to get Collins up to speed quickly.”
“Will do.”
He shifts his gaze to Collins. “It’s pretty quiet around here now, but the Golden Peak Mountain Ski Resort officially opens for business in a few days. That means the town’s rhythm will change. Our department won’t suddenly turn into NYPD, but the pressure on us will ramp up. The bars will be busier, which means more drunken fights. Also, a lot of people who come here from the city don’t know how to drive in the snow, so we’ll have more accidents and stranded tourists.”
“Makes sense,” Jude says.
“Of course, we still have our usual local ruffians to deal with. Martinez can fill you in on who the local troublemakers are.” He flicks his gaze to mine. “Sally already showed Collins his locker. You two will share a desk for now.”
“That’s fine.” I make sure to sound agreeable. I don’t want Collins to think I resent sharing my workspace with him.
Chief looks dejectedly at the stack of folders on his desk. “I’d love to chat more, but, unfortunately, I’ve got time sheets to get through and lunch with the mayor later.”
I grimace. “We’ll get out of your hair, sir.”
Chief rises and holds out his hand to Collins. “Again, welcome to Golden Peak, Jude. I mean that.”
“Thank you, sir.” Jude gives the first real smile I’ve seen from him. “I’ll do my best for this department.”
“I’m sure you will,” Chief says.
I lead the way out of the office and Jude follows in silence. Heading toward the back exit, I grab keys from the board by the door. “Patrol vehicle’s out back,” I say.
Jude merely grunts.
We head out into the cold where we find the parking lot mostly empty. I unlock one of the newer Ford Explorers and we both climb in. Once the doors are closed, Jude focuses on buckling his seatbelt, and the silence thickens.
“So,” I say as I adjust the seat and mirrors. “From Atlanta to Golden Peak. That’s quite a change.”
“It is,” he agrees, staring out the windshield.
“Usually people do it the other way around. They leave a small department for a bigger department.”
“True.”
I wait to see if he’ll offer more, but he doesn’t. Okay, so he’s not particularly chatty. I can work with that. Someone thoughtful and quiet is probably a better partner than someone who never shuts up.
I eye his jacket, noticing it’s a little on the lighter side. “You’ll probably want to invest in some better winter gear if you plan on staying.” I start the engine and let it warm up for a minute. “We’re heading into winter and it gets cold up here.”
