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Remi considered me. “This seemed more like artwork.”
I rocked back on my heels. “Either way, it’s destruction of property, which affects property values and businesses.”
When Remi flinched slightly at my gruff words, I felt bad for my harsh tone.
“And it costs money to have it removed. It’s happened twice to my building,” Hailey said.
“You could get cameras on the side of your building,” Easton offered.
“That’s not a bad idea, but it’s not cheap either,” Hailey said.
“We’ll get to the bottom of this a lot quicker if there are cameras and security alarms,” I said.
“Let’s talk to each other, too. Even something as simple as a burned-out streetlight is an opportunity for crime.”
Max joked that I was uptight, but lighting and security systems all worked to prevent crime.
Max stepped forward. “Does anyone have any more questions for Colton?”
When no one spoke up, I added, “Please feel free to come to me or any of the other officers. We want to get to the bottom of this, and no suspicions will be disregarded. We’ll look into every lead.”
I had the added motivation of wanting to prove to my boss that I was involved in the community. He’d said I needed to be proactive and that I needed to work on my people skills. Whatever that meant.
When no one asked more questions, Max slapped my shoulder. “Thanks for coming. I appreciate it.”
Moving toward the door, I said, “I’m happy to.”
“Can you stop by again next month?” Max asked.
Stepping slowly down the steps, seeing the bar had filled since we started the meeting, I said, “I hope we’re not dealing with this same situation next month.”
Max stopped at the hostess stand. “You can be our contact at the station. If we have issues, we come to you.”
His suggestion had the added benefit of being in line with what my boss wanted. “I can do that.”
Max sobered. “I can’t thank you enough for taking this seriously.”
I nodded. “It’s my job.”
Max shook his head. “You go above and beyond. You take your job seriously and are attentive to the community’s needs.”
“I do my best.” Compliments made me uncomfortable. Saying good-bye, I stepped out into the warm evening.
My job was my life. I felt a sense of purpose being a police officer. It was an attempt to fill the hollow in my gut. The one that represented my past transgressions.
Off duty, I drove home, parking my squad car next to my truck in the driveway. I moved out of town to a place with land and no neighbors so I’d have peace and quiet. I worked hard, but when I was home, I wanted solitude.
Unlocking my front door, I heard the sound of nails on wood as Scout scrambled across the wood floors.
Opening the door, I patted his head and followed him to the back door, where I let him out. He ran to the fence line, sniffing for a squirrel or something. He was the one who greeted me when I came home.
I didn’t need anyone else.
Chapter Three
REMI
On Friday, I woke up early, going through a series of poses on my yoga mat to gently wake up my muscles and center myself.
