Page 27 of Redemption

"Even if it's just pretend," I say softly, "it's kind of nice, isn't it?"

"More than kind of," Caleb agrees, pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. For tonight, this little corner of our world feels complete.

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

CALEB

"Caleb,you're gonna ride with Raven today. Is that okay with you?" Dad asks as I clock in and head toward the meeting for our shift. He's still sitting in his office, so I duck inside.

"That's fine with me, but why do you want him to ride with someone? He's been on-shift for a few months now."

He indicates with a tilt of his head for me to shut the door. "I wanted him to get comfortable. You know what happened with Alisa and the cops over in Calvert. From what I hear, he was one of the whistle-blowers. I'm sure he doesn't trust others easily. Tonight I'd like for you to observe, see how he's doing. I don't think he's doing anything wrong, obviously, I just want you to let me know how he's holding up. There are no illusions on my part that he had good training out there in Calvert City."

"Got it, Chief."

He chuckles. "I'm still your dad."

"But you're also my Chief." I flip him the bird.

He laughs as I head out toward the patrol cars. Raven is already there, leaning against the cruiser with an easygoing smile that doesn’t quite reach his eyes.

“Ready for a thrilling night in Laurel Springs?” I ask, sliding into the driver’s seat.

“Always am,” he replies, climbing into the passenger side. There’s a layer of tension beneath his words, but I don’t push it.

We’re cruising down Main Street, the town quiet under the blanket of night, the occasional car passing by. I’ve always liked these calm moments, the ones where the air is filled with nothing but the hum of the engine and the glow of streetlights.

“Dad said you’ve been doing good work,” I mention, keeping my eyes on the road. I catch his glance from the corner of my eye.

“It’s been... different here. Good different.” He pauses, seemingly weighing his next words. “Thanks for having my back. With everything.”

I nod, and we drive in comfortable silence until the radio crackles to life.

“Possible 10-31 in progress at Laurel Springs Pawn Shop. Units in the vicinity, respond.”

I grip the wheel tighter and exchange a look with Raven. “You ready?”

He nods, his demeanor shifting, eyes narrowing with focused intensity. “Let’s do it.”

I flip the lights on, the siren blaring as the town blurs around us. We pull up to the shop, and I kill the engine. The front window is smashed, glass sparkling on the sidewalk like fallen stars.

We move swiftly, drawing our weapons, the adrenaline kicking in.

“Police! Come out with your hands up!” I shout, Raven and I flanking either side of the entrance.

Silence. Then, a noise from inside the building.

Raven signals he’s going left. I nod, moving in behind him, careful and deliberate. Inside, the air is stale, the darkness thick. We sweep through aisles of dusty trinkets and forgotten treasures.

Then, there’s movement—a shadow darting towards the back door.

“Stop! Put your hands up, motherfucker!” Raven yells, breaking into a sprint. I’m right behind him, heart pounding.

The figure hesitates, caught off guard, and the split-second is all Raven needs. He tackles the guy to the ground, both of them hitting the ground with a thud.

I’m there in an instant, helping to pin the suspect down, securing cuffs around his wrists. More than anything I want to make sure nothing like the viral video happens again.

“Nice work,” I say, breathing hard but exhilarated.

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