Chapter 34

A couple of days later, Ben Gatrall called to tell Jenny he would be returning to Ombrea again that afternoon.

She had been pleasantly surprised, considering how little time had passed since he had returned home. She offered him the use of one of the cabin's guest rooms, which he had gratefully accepted. She didn't think Joey would mind if Isabelle roomed in with him for just one night, especially when it was the police commissioner who was coming to stay.

Before he ended the phone call, Ben told her he would be holding a press conference at the bandstand in the Town Center, to ensure that the business surrounding Chloe Dale's death was put to rest once and for all. Jenny didn’t know what to say.

Joey's release had signified the end of the case, as far as she was concerned, but she could understand that the public needed to know the truth as well.

That afternoon, she drove Joey, Roy, and Isabelle into town for the press conference. They met Commissioner Gatrall just as he was about to head onto the stage. He shook each of their hands and directed them to a row of chairs marked reserved at the front of the bandstand.

The press conference had not been underway long when the police commissioner asked for Joey Dale to join him front and center. Jenny encouraged her nervous younger brother to take the stage, clapping along with the rest of the crowd as he headed up the bandstand steps and met the Commissioner on stage.

“Now having been cleared of all charges, I would like to present you with your badge and gun,” Ben said as he reached to a table beside him for the items. “You can report for active duty as soon as you are ready. I want to apologize for the actions of the Ombrea Police Department. You did not deserve the treatment you had to endure. I hope that the reactivation of your service helps to bridge the gap between you and the force.” Ben extended his hand to Joey one last time. “Officer Dale, the town of Ombrea needs good men like you.”

“I'd be honored,” Joey told him.

He was clearly thankful to the police commissioner for hearing out his case and agreeing to grant him his freedom. That he had his job back was just the icing on the cake.

As Jenny watched Joey accept his weapon and police badge, she couldn't help but feel proud. He had come such a long way. He had overcome his rough past and was turning his life around for good. She truly believed there was nothing Joey Dale couldn't do now.

She reached over and took Roy's hand tightly within her own. She was grateful he had been released from the hospital in time to make it to the ceremony. It wouldn't have felt right to be celebrating this special moment without him here.

She could feel his gorgeous eyes on her and raised her eyes to meet his. She could tell he loved her and she couldn't imagine a better feeling. She couldn't imagine her life without him anymore. That he had survived was a miracle, and one for which she would be forever thankful.

“I love you,” he murmured as he leaned in and softly kissed her lips.

“I love you too,” Jenny whispered.

Jenny already knew what was going to happen next. Ben had met with her at the cabin moments before she left to collect Roy from the hospital. She was eager to be on her way, but Ben told her it was important, so she had gave him her full attention.

What Ben was about to say was the best thing she had heard since she had been told Joey would be released from jail.

“Ombrea residents, there is one last piece of information I wish to share with you today. As you are aware, your town is now without a police chief. No police service should operate without a leader, and so I present to you today your new police chief.”

Jenny was beaming

“Roy Peters.”

Roy couldn't believe what he was hearing.

The crowd was cheering for him, calling him a hero. He was just happy to have it all behind him.

Jenny took his hand and helped him to his feet. He could barely feel his legs, but he knew they were moving as she helped him onto the bandstand. He swallowed hard to steady his nerves as he walked across the stage towards the police commissioner.

“Roy Peters, ladies and gentlemen.”

Roy could hardly believe the cheering. He had been hiding out in his cabin for so long he had forgotten how many friends he had in Ombrea.

“I know this must come as something of a surprise to you, Roy,” Ben began.

“It’s a surprise, all right,” Roy said. You sure you’re doing the right thing?”

“One hundred percent. I’ve always known the kind of man you are, Roy. There isn't a man here better suited for the position.”

Roy was honored, but daunted. He had been off the force for a very long time.

“Come on, son, say you’ll take the job.”

Roy held the older man's gaze, still unsure of himself.

“Roy! Roy! Roy! Roy!, the crowd chanted in unison.

He glanced down to Jenny. She was his family now, and he would do whatever she thought was best for him. She nodded, and her gentle smile gave him the confidence he needed to go on.

“Okay.”

Roy held up his hands and the crowd's roar dulled down to a murmur.

“I will accept the position. I would be honored to be your new police chief.”

* * *

Two weeks later, the dust had settled.

The whole town looked brighter as Jenny and Isabelle drove to the police station. People raised their arms to wave to them as they passed. The once disapproving faces were now warm and friendly. She finally felt like she belonged.

“We're here!”

Isabelle's excitement broke her train of thought.

Joey stood at the top of the stairs awaiting their arrival. He was dressed in full uniform, his short, blonde hair caught under a black police cap. He was no longer the scrawny, teenage boy with the permanent scowl. He was a respectable man with a solid career.

Isabelle raced up the steps and jumped into his arms. Joey was a single father now. It would be challenging, but he was up for the task.

“Hey, sis.” Joey said, beaming. “How do I look?”

He spun around in a full circle with Isabelle still in his arms.

“Meh. Not bad. You would look even better if you just...”

She lifted off his police hat and ruffled up his hair with her hand until it stuck up at odd angles.

“There. That's better.”

“Dad!” Isabelle giggled as she struggled free of his arms, “Aunt Jenny made you look like a hedgehog.”

* * *

Roy looked up when he heard a knock at his office door.

He was grateful to see Jenny there. It had felt like too much time had passed since he had left her in bed this morning.

He walked across the room and took her into his arms. He kissed her gently at first and then more passionately.

“Slow down there, Chief,” she said, giggling.

“I came to see if you needed any help sorting out your new office.”

Together, they looked over the room. He thought he had done a good job making it his own. He and Joey had thrown a new coat of white paint on the walls the night before. This morning, he had proudly hung up a few of his old service medals.

“It looks great in here.”

He pressed his lips to hers when she raised her head to meet his gaze.

“You belong here. The people of Ombrea are lucky to have you.”

“I sure hope so.”

Having this beautiful woman at his side was the best feeling in the world.

Roy pushed the office door closed with one hand.

His first line of duty would be to show Jenny Dale what it was like to have Roy Peters in charge.