“Now don’t you worry about it at all. I told you before, family does things for family and from what I can see, you need me as much as Ebony does. Anytime you want to go out and have a night to yourself I’d be only too pleased to have her stay over.” Amy smiled and patted Ryder on the shoulder. “You have to make a life for yourself again, girl. Can’t have you working yourself to the bone when there are so many eligible young men in town who would give their last dollar to go out with such a beautiful woman as yourself.” She laughed, the sound soft and light and Ryder thanked her lucky stars once again she’d made the effort to get in touch with her father’s cousin. “Truth be told, I hear you set a couple of hearts on fire already just walking around town with young Mick doing your meet and greet.”
“No!” Ryder blushed at her words. The last thing she wanted was to start dating again but didn’t have the heart to tell Amy she wasn’t interested, not yet at any rate. Make friends in town for sure, dating was a whole other story she didn’t want to think about.
She waved through the window to her little girl and said her goodbyes before heading to work. Ryder pulled up behind the police station in the staff car park and climbed out of her truck. Not used to wearing a uniform again, she’d struggled ironing the blues instead of her usual jeans and shirt. Another year of this and hopefully she’d pass the next round of exams and could move up the ladder. Walking the beat was something she’d have to come to terms with in order to make it back up to detective which was where she wanted to be.
Her heavy shoes clunked on the polished floor as she strode into the station, so different to what she was used to in America. She punched her code into the door beside the reception desk to get into the inner sanctuary of the police station and her desk. The security was well founded but would take some getting used to.
“Morning, Ryder.”
“Sir.”
Jake stood at his door with a mug of coffee in his hand watching her walk in. “Name’s Jake. We’re not that formal around here. Enjoy meeting the locals yesterday?”
“It was interesting, shall we say.” A smile curved her lips and she met his dark brown gaze. “But I’m sure you already know that. You seem like the kind of guy who has his finger on the pulse.”
“Do you always make such impulsive assessments?” He walked over to her desk and sat on the edge watching her.
“Yes, yes I do. Guess it’s in the training.”
“That’s right. You had a lot to do with the FBI I understand. That must have been interesting.” He settled in for a chat and she hoped it stayed friendly and work orientated. She wasn’t ready for personal yet.
“I suppose it was. I certainly learned a lot from them.” She dropped her purse and keys into her top drawer and pushed it shut. “I’m hoping what I know can be of use to this police force.” She looked up at him, not quite ready for the dazzling smile he gave her.
“We were pretty impressed when your file came across the desk, I have to say. I know this town might only be small compared to what you’re used to, but we’re close to Sydney which makes it easy for criminals to deal in drugs and theft. Plus, we have a large amount of tourists here most weekends and holidays. It’s enough to keep us on our toes.” He tapped a finger on his lip and looked back at her. “I’m sure we’ll keep you busy enough while you’re here.”
“Looking forward to it. So, what’s on the agenda today?” She walked over to the coffee machine and poured herself a mug. Ryder took a tentative sip of the hot bitter brew. It didn’t taste quite as good as hers, but it gave her the caffeine hit she needed and she’d get used to it over time. She looked over at Jake, waiting for him to give her directions for the day’s work.
“Pretty much same as yesterday. Things tend to heat up over the weekends here when we get more tourists flocking in. I’m more than happy to have you get to know the town before that happens. Young Mick helpful yesterday?”
Ryder glanced at Jake, noticing the twitching at the corners of his mouth. “Fine. He’s a nice kid.”
“And he’s keen to learn too. I figured you two might be good for each other.”
Ryder raised her left eyebrow before standing tall and crossing her arms. “Is that right? Well, I certainly don’t mind showing him what I know. I’m wondering what he can show me though, and I’m not being what you Aussies call ‘precious’ either. Just interested.”
“Fresh way of looking at things. After some of the things you’ve been through you could be forgiven for being a little bit jaded.”
“Jaded.” She drew in a deep breath, counting to ten while thinking how bad it would be if she decked her boss on the second day. “I think I resent that. I’m too professional to let pride get in my way. One of the things my late husband taught me—never think you can rest on your laurels. Criminals are always on the lookout for ways to get the better of the law. My personal feelings will never get in the way of me doing my job; you can take that one to the bank any day of the week.”
“Pleased to hear it, but I still think you guys can hang out for the foreseeable future. Enjoy your coffee and when he gets in, head on out.” He turned to walk into his office but turned at the last minute. “Keep an eye out for those guys that arrived at the caravan park
