Page 58 of Guarded Deputy
Lizzy,
Never underestimate me. I don’t need bleachers if you want a secret make-out session. If the lady wants a kiss, then the lady will get a kiss.
Nate
Nate,
That sounds like a promise you may not be able to keep.
Lizzy
Ms. A,
I never break my promises.
Nate
Chapter 17
Nate
WhenIlivedinDallas, I focused solely on work. Brooke made me promise that I’d balance life and work when I decided to move to Emerald Bay, especially after a scare that I call my battle wound.
When a bullet graced my shoulder in a domestic violence incident, Brooke was terrified that my job would kill me.
After she lost her husband, I couldn’t put that worry on her, and I moved here sooner than I had planned.
There are very little risks or gun wounds in this area, but there are greater risks like a certain tempting teacher who crosses my path almost every day.
“Smile, little bro. You look like I’m torturing you.” Brooke laughs as we walk into the laser tag facility.
“Coming to a seven-year-old’s birthday party is practically torture. You owe me dinner afterward.”
“Whatever you want, it’s on me.”
When Brooke begged me to come with her since she doesn’t know many of the parents in Walker’s class yet, I begrudgingly agreed.
Now, these kids are my students in a sense, and it’s awkward.
“Deputy Moore!” A boy calls out, waving at me as we enter the party area.
“Wonderful,” I mumble while Brooke giggles.
“These kids admire you.” She pats my arm.
“Yeah.” I sigh, walking behind her and Walker, who’s already racing off toward his friends.
Watching him interact with his new classmates makes me smile. I love seeing him become a part of the school when it could’ve been a harder transition for him.
Brooke says hello to the birthday boy’s mom while I find us some seats in the small party room. I don’t miss the way some of the parents look at me while whispering to each other. I bet those who are unfamiliar with me are becoming quickly acquainted with my role in the school through parent gossip.
“Deputy Moore, are you here to play laser tag with us?” Paul, the birthday boy, asks.
“Sorry, buddy. I’m here to bring Walker,” I respond.
“Aw, man.”
“I told you. He’s too old to play with us,” another boy, whose name I can’t remember, says.