Chapter Eight

THE NEXT MORNING, Chance decided Glenny had earned a ride since she’d missed out on the rescue adventure. Chance called Kendra and invited her to join their run and to go for a horseback ride after breakfast. She needed to pull an afternoon shift on patrol to cover a hole in the schedule. The ride would do everyone a world of good.

The horses traveled through the woods on the farm property that bordered the Monongahela National Forest. “Mom says she’s enforcing the separate bedroom rule on you when you come next weekend for Leaf Peepers.” Chance shifted in her saddle.

Kendra rolled her eyes. “Mom’s house, Mom’s rules. We’re practically living together on campus. I’m either in her dorm or she’s in mine, every night. I don’t get what the big deal is.”

Jax pushed a branch out of her way. “It’s not that she doesn’t trust you. She needs to get to know Brandi and get used to the fact her baby isn’t a baby anymore.”

Chance leaned over in the saddle to pinch Kendra’s cheek. “You’ll always be the baby.”

Kendra shoved her. “Cut that out.”

“Let’s hit part of the Loop Trail.” Chance pointed to the trailhead. “I need to talk to you about the job opening at the Sheriff’s Department. You aren’t going to like this, but I can’t avoid it. I know you want the position and the truth of the matter is I want you there. We can’t do it this time, and I don’t know when the next position will open up. When I fired Brad, it put us in a bad position with Daniel still in training. I have to have someone I can put on the road right now.”

Kendra groaned. “This just sucks.”

“I know it does, and I wish I could avoid it. I’d been hoping he’d max out in two years. You’d be finished with college and able to test. That’s not the way this is going to play out. I have an opening I have to fill now with someone already through the academy until I can get Daniel ready to go. I have two viable candidates I’m interviewing this week.”

Kendra played with Mac’s mane. “I know you have to do what’s best. It doesn’t mean I have to like it.”

“Doing what’s right isn’t always easy.” Jax offered her perspective. “The people of this county elected Chance to provide them with protection. She has an obligation to make that happen in the most efficient method possible.”

“It still sucks.”

Jax chuckled. “It certainly does.”

Kendra blew out a long breath. “Who are you considering?”

“Khodi Lahman is currently an officer with the Bridgeport Police Department. His parents have a house down in Dry Fork. Then there’s Steve Parsons. He’s currently a deputy over in Barbour County and has family over here. Both are good officers. The benefit with Khodi is that he’s already a K9 officer and owns his own dog. He’d be able to start patrol right away.” Chance stopped and let the horses rest and grab a drink in the small stream.

“Is it unusual for an officer to personally own a K9?” Jax questioned.

“Usually the dogs are owned by the department. His department wouldn’t pay for the dog but agreed to pay for the training. He’s been working there for nine years and wants a change. According to the chief, he’s an excellent officer. His K9 is exceptional and trained in narcotics detection as well as apprehension. Between us, he’s my top candidate if his next interview goes well. I can’t imagine being able to get anyone on by Leaf Peepers, but I hope to have someone on by next month. I may have to delay Daniel’s K9 training and have him work the court detail until I can bring on another patrol officer.”

“Oh, he’s going to be bummed. He was looking forward to that.” Kendra shook her head.

“Can’t be avoided. Brad put us in an impossible position and has the department spread thin. Until I get the department up to full speed, we’ll have to cover the shifts as best we can. I promise, Kendra, you will have an opportunity to be a deputy. I’ve got a lot of years left.”

Chance could tell Kendra was disappointed. She also knew her sister well enough to know she would understand that the needs of the public outweighed her personal needs. That altruism would make her an excellent officer.

They finished up their ride, and Chance got ready for work. She slid Zeus’ vest on and fastened it on the excited dog. Jax met her at the door and smoothed down all the Velcro on her vest.

“Be careful out there tonight. Stop in for dinner if you can?” Jax kissed her.

“You bet. I’ll call when I’m on my way. Let’s do simple. We have that chicken we planned for salads, how about putting that together? That way there won’t be any cook time in case I have to go.”

“You got it, Sheriff. I’ll even make that honey mustard dressing you like.”

“Excellent. Call if you need anything.”

“Will do. Zeus, keep her in line, okay?”

A quick bark let everyone know he was ready. “Okay, okay, we’re going. See you later.” Chance gave her a long, lingering kiss, full of promise, before she put on her hat and stepped out the door.