Page 3 of Declan
“You’re welcome. Let’s head back to the office.”
Elise nodded, and after Lydia closed the door and locked it, they walked back down the stairs to the studio. She could not wait to get started.
****
Driving his SUV cruiser along Main Street, Declan Cavanaugh fought a relentless series of yawns. The night had dragged on endlessly, a long, damn night that left him weary. His shift was a grueling stretch from three p.m. to one a.m., Monday through Friday, and two weekends a month, a schedule that left scant time for sleep.
In the back seat, Tank, his K-9 partner, sat with calm intensity, his eyes fixed on the passing scenery. It was clear from the dog’s steady gaze that he, too, was yearning for the comfort of home. All Declan could imagine was a quick, hot shower cleansing away the night’s fatigue before sinking into the sanctuary of his bed.
His mind drifted back to the conversation he’d had with Sam when he arrived for his shift yesterday afternoon. The memory replayed vividly in his head...
“Declan, have a seat,” Sam had said, stepping into his office. With casual air, he hung his hat on the worn rack, pulled out hischair, and settled himself with a sigh.
“What’s up, Sam?” Declan had asked, an undercurrent of anxiety lacing his tone as he wondered if this was a prelude to being let go.
“I’m moving you to day shift starting Monday,” Sam announced, his words falling into the room like an unexpected gust of wind.
“Day shift?” Declan had echoed, sinking back into the chair as the news began to set in.
“I know you prefer nights but with this change, I can reduce everyone’s hours.” Sam explained, his voice gentle yet firm.
Declan sighed. “I see.”
Sam continued, his tone turning reasonable. “We’re shifting to three schedule blocks; seven a.m. to three-thirty p.m., which will be you, Nevada, Logan, Jack and Brody. Brody will be in the office with me most of the time. You other four will be out doing rounds. From three p.m. to one a.m. will be Mark and Paul. Then eleven p.m. to seven a.m. will be two other deputies I’m hiring. The second shift will be the longest.”
Declan leaned forward, his elbows resting on his thighs as he fixed his boss with a steady gaze. “Why not let me stay on the night shift and have the new deputy take the day? I’ve got a lot to manage during the daylight hours.”
“You’re more experienced handling your dog, Declan. Besides, not too much happens after dark. Is that why you prefer it?”
A smirk played on Declan’s lips. “To be honest, I’d rather keep busy…”
“I’m sending an email to everyone else about the change. I didn’t get a chance to talk to anyone face to face, except you and Jack. Jack’s actually quite happy with the shorter hours,” Sam noted with a hint of amusement. “I’m sure everyone will be, except you,” Sam added pointedly.
“It’s not that I don’t want to work during the day; it’s just that night shift allows me to get things done at my own pace at home during the day,” Declan replied, his voice heavy with reluctant acceptance.
“Would you consider hiring someone to take care of your horses? I’m sure you can find someone reliable,” Sam suggested, trying to offer a silver lining.
“Yeah, I could look into that. And what about weekends?” Declan inquired, his brow furrowing as he sought every possibility.
“They’ll remain the same, except now you’ll be on every third weekend instead of every other one. So, most of you will only endure a weekend shift once a month,” Sam explained.
“Okay,” Declan muttered, still mulling over the changes.
“Look, I know you’re not thrilled with this rearrangement,” Sam conceded, “But I want a K-9 unit on days. Go home and think it over.”
“And if I decide against it?” Declan pressed.
Sam exhaled deeply, a sigh of uncertainty. “I’m not sure. You wouldn’t lose your job, but a K-9 would go on days. I know it can’t be Tank because you’re his handler, so a new deputy and K-9 would be hired.”
Pushing himself fully to his feet now, Declan declared, “I’ll give it some thought. I’ll see about hiring someone. I’ll need someone with manager or foreman experience. If that pans out, I suppose I can manage day shift.”
“Alright, Declan, and remember you should be home by four in the afternoon, which will give you some time to work around your place, if you need to,” Sam said. “If you can find someone capable of stepping up, it will make your life a whole lot easier. I’ve seen you trudge in here half-asleep, and this change could really make a difference for you. You’re off this weekend, so give it some serious thought.”
“Okay, Sam,” Declan responded, his tone tinged with the weight of the decision ahead.
“How many hours of sleep do you get?”
“I get to bed around two or three and get up around seven.”
