Declan
Eden Police Station was nothing like the Manhattan unit. In fact it was the size of our lobby and looked just as antiqued and filled with character as the rest of the town. Eden rested just a twenty minute drive from Ontario Lake and had a textbook small town look as those in the movie.
Christmas was rolling around the corner in a few months and I could just imagine how it was going to look then. Every time I came here, it was always snowing and for some reason it just looked different to that of Manhattan.
The snow here was always whiter, almost pure and the air had a clean smell I couldn't ever describe. I guessed it had something to do with the forest but I didn't know the science of it. I chose to be a police officer not a scientist.
The police station was made from a red shiny brick with antique arched window frames, a dark roof and surprisingly a large tower at the front with a gigantic clock on top and golden bell. There was a parking lot at the front for public parking and a boom gate to the side that had a small security house probably for access.
I knew that that was where I was meant to go, therefore I changed lanes and found it oddly satisfying to see how Mal's Jeep towered over the other cars as I drove through the small town.
The security at the gate took one glance at me before opening the gate which was oddly satisfying. I guessed it wasn't everyday you saw a new face here therefore it didn't take a genius to figure out who I was. The parking was 4x4 and pickup trucks perfect for the terrain this side.
I found an empty parking lot that didn't seem designated to anyone before I climbed out. I grabbed my briefcase and Mal's umbrella, opened it then did a slight jog to the entrance. It had long started raining whilst I was driving to the station.
The moment I entered I was relieved to feel the building was warm as I closed up the umbrella and shook it off to not make the station wet. A woman at the front desk dressed in her navy blue police uniform immediately stood up when she saw me.
Her skin was a light caramel tan, a few freckles dusted over her face, thick perfectly arched eyebrows and gentle eyes. Her smile was big and welcoming as if we had known each other for quite some time. Her dark ink hair was pulled away from her face back into a low bun that kept her looking professional.
I blinked in surprise before I cleared my throat, "good morning."
"Good morning Sir," she stepped around the front desk then quickly shook my hand. "I'm guessing your Detective Declan."
"Yes," I responded, not sure why the people in the waiting area were just staring at me in awe.
"I'm Bianca Baxter, normally on patrol. It's such an honor to meet you. The entire town has been so excited for your arrival," she bounced which was amusing considering she only reached up to my chest. "Um yes, let me not ramble. The sheriff asked me to bring you in as soon as you arrived."
She led me through the labyrinth of hallways and to a door that was marked with a gold plague that read 'Sheriff Boggs'. The entire office had a scent of lavender, sandalwood and definitely a strong scent of coffee that was always present in police station offices.
With a deep inhale she knocked on the door and we both waited for a monotone 'come in'. She turned the handle and her smile returned, "Sheriff, Detective Declan is with me."
"Why didn't you say so? Let him in!" She instantly pushed the door further open and allowed me to enter.
"Thank you Bianca," I gave her a small smile which made her entire face redden as she nodded firmly before gently closing the door behind me and leaving.
When I turned to see Sheriff Oliver Boggs, I was surprised. He fit exactly what I thought he would be whilst also not being anything like it either. He was young, probably in his early thirties, peppercorn hair and a charming smile. He had a rectangular jaw with a chin dimple that screamed 'Scooby Doo' cartoon sheriff which amused me.
His eyes were a warm brown that instantly made him trustable for some odd reason. He was tall, not as tall as me, but tall enough. A fit body covered in his uniform and his shiny sheriff badge pinned over his heart.
"Detective Declan," he smiled as he walked around the desk to shake my hand. "It's nice to meet the man in the flesh. Television definitely doesn't do you justice."
I chuckled and cleared my throat already feeling uncomfortable, "It's probably all the lights. You have a lovely town here."
"Thank you Enen is truthfully Eden on earth," he chuckled and gestured for me to sit down whilst he sat back down at his chair. "I was surprised when you took my call and actually agreed to come to town. I know the shift from Manhattan to here is a big one but trust me. You won't miss the noise one bit."
I nodded as I relaxed against the chair then I placed my briefcase down, "I saw the statistics of the town and figured you needed my help more than ever. I needed a change after all."
His eyes softened slightly as he looked at me, "I heard about-"
I shook my head, cutting him off and smiled, "it's alright. These things happen."
"Doesn't mean that it gets easier nor does it mean it's fair," he gave me a small smile. "You'll find the change of pace here to be welcoming. Trust me. Let me show you around and introduce you to your team before we get started."
"No problem," I nodded and followed him out, already feeling a tight knot in my stomach.