Page 101 of Guarded Deputy
Because Lizzy means a lot to you.
“I’m sure you can imagine why I called you in here.”
“Pretty sure I have an idea.” I sit straight, waiting for him to speak more than a few words.
“Lizzy is my niece. I love her as if she were my own daughter, especially after we tragically lost her father.” McCall frowns, taking a deep breath before continuing. “I hear you two are seeing each other.”
“Yes, sir.”
“I’ve never been in a situation where one of my employees has a direct tie like this to a family member. I hope this doesn’t affect your work here or the work you’re doing at the school.” He lifts a brow.
“Not at all. I understand the difference between my professional and personal life.” I hope to hell he hasn’t spoken to Principal Sanders.
“That’s what I like to hear. I’m not going to throw threats your way. We’re both grown men, and I trust you know how to respect a woman.”
“I do.” I finally relax, leaning back in my seat and breathing out the tension coiling through my body.
“Great. Now that we’re over that awkward conversation…” He chuckles. “Tell me how things are going at the school.”
“They’re going well. The kids seem to be receptive to the classes, and the teens have started to take it seriously.” My knee bounces.
“I’m happy to hear that. Remember how important this pilot program is for us. We need it to go well so the county allows us to implement it across public schools. I’ll be going by some time in the next week or so with the superintendent so she can see how the program is run, observe you in action, all that.” He looks at me seriously.
“Okay.” I nod, hoping like hell that I impress the superintendent. A lot is riding on this, including my job.
My jaw tightens when my phone buzzes in my pocket, and I press the side button, ignoring the call.
“Is everything okay?” Sheriff asks, way too perceptive for my liking.
“Of course. Is there anything else?” My leg shakes some more.
“That’s all. I’ll let you know what I plan to go to the school.”
I nod, standing. “Thanks, Sheriff.”
“Don’t thank me. I’m doing my job, and I expect the same from you.” He gives me a pointed look.
“Right.”
Nodding, I walk out of the office and find a few co-workers, who I say hi to.
My phone vibrates again in my pocket, interrupting my conversation, and I can barely contain my anger. I already know it’s another string of messages I don’t want from a person I have no interest in seeing.
I say goodbye and head out before I read the messages, blood pumping.
Unknown number: Hello, son. How are you? I know it’s been years since we’ve spoken, and I want to mend that.
Unknown number: I can understand if you’re upset or hesitant to meet with me.
Unknown number: Think about it. I’ll wait for your call, but life has passed me by and I’ve realized how important family is. I want to get to know my kids again.
That son of a…
I take a deep breath, staring up at the blue sky. I wish it would calm me, but my body is shaking with anger. How dare he contact me as if nothing happened? As if apologizing for being a shitty father is acceptable through text message.
He abandoned us. You don’t come back from that.
I kick a rock on the ground when what I really want to do is punch something. I take a few more deep breaths before getting in my car. Maybe driving right now isn’t the best decision, but it’s always been something that’s soothed me. My knuckles turn white by how tightly I’m gripping the steering wheel as store fronts pass me by. When I make it to Bay Drive, I slow down. Lowering my windows, the saltiness of the ocean to my left soothes me. In a short time, the beach has become home. Become a familiarity that fills me with peace.