Page 5 of Justice for Samara

He wanted to say,You don’t need a diet drink. You’re perfect just as you are.“Yes. I think the Cokes are.”

“That’ll be fine.”

“Comin’ right up,” he said and hustled out of the room. He was certain that she thought he was an idiot, and she wouldn’t be far from wrong. Women flustered him so badly that he’d never find anyone to date in a million years. He grabbed the can, rinsed the top off in the sink, wiped it down carefully with paper towel, and opened it as he made the trip back to Carter’s office. “Here ya go.” Would she notice that he’d cleaned it for her? Probably not. It would be nice if she did.

“Okay, so let’s get down to business. Edwards here was in charge of pulling applications, and yours was one of five that we pulled. You’re our fourth interview. Can you tell me why you left the state police?”

“It was the new post commander.” Michael had heard about him, and the man sounded like someone he wouldn’t want to work for. “It took about a week for the other two female troopers and me to look around and realize the three of us were in the office while the guys were out on patrol and taking calls. After the years I’d worked there without any problems, why he suddenly did that is still something I don’t understand. I’m sure he’s a good man, sir, but I guess he doesn’t believe in women policing, and he basically turned us into secretaries.”

“I see. We don’t have a big enough department for me to do that,” Carter said, never looking up as he studied her application. “And you’re only ten hours away from your degree. So do you intend to finish it and move on?”

“No, sir. Honestly, I can’t afford it. I have four siblings, so college money from my parents was nonexistent, and I already owe enough. And with what law enforcement typically earns, I can’t see that ever happening.”

Carter leaned back in his chair and locked eyes with the woman. “If I could come up with a way to subsidize your tuition and books, would you even consider it?”

“Oh, yes, sir. I certainly would. What’s your thinking on that?”

Oh, shit. He’s going to replace me, Michael told himself. But he was worried for nothing. “I’ve been thinking about the fact that our patrol officers have to act as detectives too, and I’d really like to have one dedicated detective. And I know that, as state troopers, you have to be your own detectives, unless KDCI is involved.”

“Yes, sir. We did. The Department of Criminal Investigation has extensive resources and equipment, but they don’t do patrols of any kind, so we had to do pretty much all of it, at least in the way of evidence collection and dissemination.”

“Right, right. Done any crime scene reconstruction?” Then Carter chuckled and shook his head. “Wait. That’s a stupid question. Of course you have.”

She smiled, and that smile was dazzling. Michael was entranced. “Yes, sir. I’ve done pretty much everything. McCrackenCounty was a great place to get my feet wet because it’s a good department but not an extremely large one. We could do our jobs but not get lost in the shuffle. I wasn’t a detective there, but I did work closely with them. Once I went to the state police, I missed that small-town work, but the money was so good that I couldn’t walk away.”

“I hear ya there. Not tootin’ my own horn, but we actually have a pretty decent pay scale compared to most, and decent benefits too.”

“Yes, sir. I saw that.”

Carter laughed. “Checked us out, did you?”

“Of course I did, sir. I didn’t want to waste my time or yours if I wasn’t a good fit here.”

“And? Do you think you’d be a good fit?”

“Can’t imagine why not. Being back in a department this size would be perfect for me. I enjoy the small-town stuff. Can I ask about housing though? Are there places here? Because I’d definitely have to move.”

“Not many. Edwards? Can you think of some places?”

“Not right off, but I’m sure there are some. I’ll look around while I’m out and about. We don’t have apartment buildings or things like that, but there’s usually a house or two for rent, and sometimes even a few for sale.”

“Thanks. So how soon will you be making your decision?”

“Within the next two weeks. My former chief deputy will be leaving and I’d like to have someone in place before then, since Edwards won’t be as active in patrolling as he has been.”

“Got it.”

“So, overall, MissFutrell, does this look like a place you’d want to work?” Carter asked, and Michael held his breath.

“Yes, sir. It does. If I get another offer before then, I’ll give you a call.” She rose and stuck out her hand again. “Thanks so much for giving me a chance, sir. And you as well, sir,” she said, turning with an outstretched hand after she’d shaken Carter’s.

Michael took her hand and was instantly impressed with its warmth, softness, and strength. “You’re quite welcome. I’ll walk you out,” Michael offered as he stepped out into the hallway and waited for the woman to move in front of him. That was a view he appreciated.

But when they got to the front, she motioned for him to follow her out, so Michael called out, “Stepping outside the door, sir. I’ll be back in just a second.”

“Take your time,” Carter called back.

As soon as the door closed, she smiled at Michael. “So, tell me, what’s it like working for SheriffMelton?”

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