Declan
"I don't take too well to surprises," I grimaced as he led me to the garage.
"Trust me you're going to like this one," he pulled the doors to the garage open that creaked loudly mostly due to the wet atmosphere. Standing behind him was a silver Jeep Wrangler with a black roof. Tires that looked big enough to crush tree trunks and the grill that had probably killed any bug in its path.
I blinked as he jumped in front of the car and waved his hands, "you have another car."
"Yeah," he beamed and nodded, looking rather proud of himself, "it was down for a while and it was from my collage days. You know where bigger, higher cars showed strength. I used to use it a lot to go to the woods when I was into rock climbing. The engine went down a while ago but I fixed it up for you so you can have your own indépendance."
My silence must have said the wrong thing because he quickly sobered up.
"If you don't like it, I completely understand. I didn't bother to ask you what your type of car was. I figured since you know, you're a man of the law it would suit you," he shyly smiled then looked back at the jeep. "I even got you a miniature police bobble head on that dashboard."
I let out a chuckle and finally let my smile come through, "thank you Mal, I'm- I'm overwhelmed no one has ever let me use their car before this easily."
"It's practically yours. You're helping me out by not letting be lonely up here in the mountains all by myself. It's the least I could do."
"If I gave hugs, I would have given you one," I walked over to the jeep and ran my hand over the hood. It was beautiful. Probably better than what I would have afforded before.
"Oh don't worry. I take hugs by resistance too," before I could protest Mal's arms were around me as he squeezed me tightly. "Isn't this nice?"
"You're lucky I like your company," I mumbled as he pulled away from me.
"The keys are inside but since you're probably about to head out, you'll check it out later. I updated the navigation system for you since it's easier to get around. When the rains heavy this side there's no chance of phone reception so you can't rely on your phone much."
"Thank you."
We headed inside and we both went to go get ready. When I saw my reflection it wasn't exactly a good representation of who I was. Eight years ago I was a fresh young cop ready to take on the world. Now it looked like the world had taken me.
There were dark circles under my eyes that showed my lack of sleep. My skin was pale as it had always been but my dark hair looked like a pigeon's. Just up in all kinds of directions.
I had a good scruff on my face that I would have to handle. I didn't want to look like a stereotype. With that I brushed my teeth then jumped in the shower. It took some debating but eventually I shaved and it made me look half alive rather than completely dead.
I had had the entire weekend to pack my things therefore by now I had a good understanding of where everything was. I wore a black suit, white button up shirt, black tie with a black jersey inside just to be safe. Following that a dark grey coat and my formal shoes.
I still had my badge but I figured I would be getting a new one therefore I left it behind. The first days at a new station weren't the easiest transition. You always felt like a rookie when you were entering a new area and trust me. The more experienced cops would make you feel that way until they realized they didn't intimidate you then their fun little game ended quite fast.
My goal wasn't to make friends and be the community's golden boy. I was here to do a job. That was it.
I grabbed my brief case before I went downstairs. Mal had already started breakfast and it amazed me how efficient and fast he was.
"Living with you is going to fatten me up," I chuckled as I helped him carry the bacon to the dining table.
"I like to feed, what can I do?" he beamed. "Ready for your first day?"
"Not like I have much of a choice," I shrugged. "Any tips?"
"Boggs is the town's sheriff. He's a pretty nice guy if you get on his good side but if I was you I'd want to get along with him. He's pretty young, thirty and he'll make your transition much easier for you," he explained.
"Anyone who I should avoid?"
He sighed, "don't get on the deputy mayor's bad side. He's a bit of an asshole but I guess he just takes the job too seriously. Try to make sure you never end up in his office. Elections are next year and he's convinced he'll be mayor next. There's a rumor he already got a name plague ready."
That made me chuckle, "I'll make sure to be an ass when I see him."
"Don't let the New Jersey side of you get the best of you."
I waved my hand dismissively then letting my accent seep through, "I don't know what you're talking about fella."
His laugh made me smile and he continued breaking down the community for me. So far there seemed to be a lot of politics for a town of less than ten thousand people. It was the size of one of the neighbors I would patrol as a rookie. If I could cope handling millions of Americans then this town was going to be a piece of cake for me.
When we were done with breakfast I helped Mal clean up before I grabbed the jeeps keys.
"Declan," he called out from the patio as I headed to the garage. I turned around and raised my eyebrows. He threw an umbrella in my direction which I easily caught. "I hear it might rain later."
As if it wasn't already drizzling.