I guess being the new deputy chief of police is sort a big deal, but it still surprises me just how different Dogwood Cove is from the city of Vancouver.
Which is exactly why I moved here. Being a cop and a single dad to a three-year-old is hard. Like, really fucking hard.
Doing it in a busy city with no family and no support system is even harder.
Battling the fear that something will happen to me while I’m on the job, just like it did to my dad? Crippling.
Because at least I still had my mom. Violet has no one except me.
“Okay, I think that’s it. Anything else you need?”
Mayor Ethan Monroe and I stand up in his office, our meeting over.
“I’m good. Excited to get started tomorrow, thank you.” I shake his hand, noticing the strong grip. My first impression of him was that he seemed young to be a town mayor, but I have to admit he seems to have his shit together.
“Well, we’re glad to have you on board. I know Chief Bailey is looking forward to having some backup. It’s not a super busy department, but there should be enough work to keep you occupied.”
We walk to the door of his office before I reply, “Honestly, I’m looking forward to a slower pace. I appreciate the opportunity to find a better balance between work and family.”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you moved here with your family. It’s a great town for kids.”
It’s the first time we’ve discussed anything outside of my work responsibilities. Even during my interview, I didn’t mention my daughter. A single parent working shift work in emergency services is sometimes frowned upon, and I didn’t want to take the chance of being passed over for the job.
“Just my daughter, Violet. But my aunt, uncle, and cousins live here. The Donnelly’s?”
“Ah yes, Claire and Dennis. Their daughter works at my sister’s café. And there’s a bunch of sons, too, right?”
My eyebrows raise of their own volition; Ethan notices and chuckles. “Hey, I’m the mayor. It’s my job to know everyone.”
“Yeah, I guess so. And you’re right, my aunt’s a busy lady.”
“No kidding. Okay, I’ll see you around, Leo. Welcome to Dogwood Cove.”
As I step out the doors of city hall, right in the middle of downtown Dogwood Cove, I pause. The grassy square is scattered with people enjoying the sunshine, and the unmistakable sound of an ice cream truck is in the distance.This was the right move.I knew that the moment I opened the door to the house I bought, the house that instantly felt like home. And that knowledge was solidified when my Aunt Claire met Violet, and instead of Vi’s usual response of crying at strangers, she actually let Aunt Claire hold her.
We needed this. We needed family. And with my mom splitting her time between the East Coast and Arizona, and Violet’s biological mom who knows where, this was the best option.
I pull my phone out of my back pocket to check the texts that came in while I was talking to Ethan. I knew it was nothing serious, because Aunt Claire knows to call, not text, if it’s urgent.
SAWYER: Bro, we’re heading over to Westport to get some things. Need us to pick anything up?
This is what I mean. Even the simple things, like having someone offer to grab diapers from the nearest wholesale store. But I can’t resist ribbing my oldest cousin.
LEO: Yeah how do you feel about buying diapers?
SAWYER: For you? Wow I didn’t know you were having issues holding it in…
LEO: Ha fucking ha. For Vi. Size 4.
SAWYER: Only because she’s my favourite niece-cousin
LEO: She’s your only niece-cousin.
SAWYER: Do you want the diapers or not…
LEO: Thanks man.
I jog down the steps, a smile on my face. My new job starts tomorrow, we’re all moved in, Aunt Claire has agreed to babysit until I find a suitable daycare, and I can finally start giving Vi the life she deserves.