Page 83 of Hidden Nature

“Sure. No problem.”

“Just keep it simple and routine for the first few days. You can patrol Mirror Lake—a lot of activity on it right now, so license and safety checks. Take her on some of the easier trails.”

He sat at his desk, scanning reports, schedules. “Let’s say three months, then write up an evaluation.”

“Yes, sir.”

He sat back, studied her now. “Are you ready for your board interview?”

“I feel ready, and I’d better be. It’s coming right up.”

Still at ease, he gestured. “Why don’t you tell me why you want to be a sergeant?”

Since she appreciated the support, and the opportunity to practice, Sloan dived right in.

“There are a number of reasons I want to be a sergeant. Becoming a Natural Resources Police officer was a goal I worked toward since college. Having served as a member of the DNR for more than six years, I have tremendous pride in the work we do. I grew up in Heron’s Rest, on Mirror Lake in the Alleghenies, and consider that a gift.

“My background instilled in me a sense of duty to protect and value our public lands and waterways. As a sergeant, I would use that leadership position to motivate the teams I work with as well as the communities we serve to preserve and respect the resources that belong to all of us.”

“Good. You worked in, and smooth with it, your motivation,background, and experience. Also good you looked relaxed, made eye contact, and sounded sincere.”

“I am sincere.”

“I know it, but you don’t have to convince me. They’ll see it and feel it because you mean it. Go ahead, get Officer Sanchez and get started.”

Elana Sanchez appeared thrilled to patrol with Sloan. As far as Sloan could see, Elana appeared thrilled by everything.

She remembered the feeling from her first weeks and months in uniform. The pride, the sense of accomplishment, and the boundless enthusiasm.

“I know I’m brand, shiny new, Corporal Cooper, but I really want to do good work.”

“We all start off brand, shiny, and new. And it’s Sloan.”

“Thanks. Can I tell you my family thought I was crazy when I signed up to train for the Department of Natural Resources?”

“You just did.”

“Oh, right.”

And Sloan laughed as she drove. “It’s fine. How do they feel about it now?”

“Proud, but kind of baffled, too. I mean, I grew up down in Montgomery County. Nice quiet neighborhood, sort of sheltered. Youngest of four and the only girl.”

“Ah.”

Elana laughed. “So yeah, maybe a little spoiled.”

“A girlie girl?”

“Oh, absolutely! My idea of natural resources was the pool in the backyard. I figured to be a supermodel, even though I’m only five-four, or a super something as long as it was glittery.”

Since the rookie obviously wanted to talk, and to help train, it paid to get to know the person inside the uniform, Sloan kept it going.

“So why are you wearing a uniform instead of stilettos and spangles?”

“I do love heels, the higher the better, right?”

“If I’m wearing them, they’re high or what’s the point?”

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