Officer Daddy

Chapter 1

Juliana

The kitchen buzzes with energy as I put the finishing touches on my latest creation. The aroma of seared scallops and truffle oil dances through the air, mingling with the earthy scent of wild mushrooms. I can't help but smile as I carefully place a delicate microgreen garnish on the pristine white plate.

"Order up!" I call out, sliding the dish across the pass to Tanya, one of our most experienced servers.

Tanya's eyes widen as she takes in the artful presentation. "Wowza, Jules. You've outdone yourself this time. This looks like it belongs in a museum, not on someone's table."

I chuckle, wiping my hands on my apron. "Let's hope it tastes as good as it looks. Though I'm pretty sure the flavor will knock their socks off."

"No doubt about that." Tanya grins, carefully lifting the plate. "Your food always does. Speaking of which, when are you gonna teach me how to make that amazing tiramisu from last week's special?"

I lean against the counter, raising an eyebrow. "Funny you should mention that. I'm actually planning to film a tutorial for my YouTube channel later today. Wanna be my sous chef?"

Tanya's face lights up. "Are you kidding? I'd love to! But... you sure you want me fumbling around on camera?"

"Please." I wave off her concern. "You'll do great. Besides, my viewers love seeing real people learning in real-time. It makes the recipes feel more accessible."

"If you say so." Tanya laughs, adjusting her grip on the plate. "What time should I be ready for my close-up?"

I glance at the clock on the wall. "Let's aim for after the dinner rush. Say, nine-ish? That'll give us time to prep everything and make sure the lighting's good."

"It's a date." Tanya winks, then turns to deliver the dish to its eagerly waiting recipient.

As she walks away, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement. My YouTube channel started as a hobby, a way to share my passion for cooking with a wider audience. Now, it's become an integral part of my business, bringing in new customers and opportunities I never dreamed possible.

I turn back to my workstation, already mentally planning the video. The familiar weight of my chef's knife in my hand grounds me as I begin prepping for the next order. There's something comforting about the rhythmic chopping, the sizzle of oil in a hot pan, the way flavors come together to create something greater than the sum of their parts.

It's more than just cooking. It's creating memories, bringing people together, nourishing both body and soul. And sharing that with the world? Well, that's the sweetest dish of all.

I emerge from the kitchen, wiping my hands on my apron. The dining room buzzes with life, a symphony of laughter and animated conversations punctuated by the gentle clink of silverware. My eyes sweep across the room, taking in the sea of satisfied faces.

"How's everything tasting over here?" I ask, approaching a table where a couple is sharing a bottle of wine.

The woman beams up at me. "Absolutely divine, Chef Juliana. That scallop dish? I swear I heard angels singing with every forkful."

I can't help but chuckle. "Well, I'm glad it hit the right notes. Though I can't take credit for any celestial choirs."

Her partner leans in, eyes twinkling. "Any chance you'd share the recipe?"

"Now, now," I tease, wagging a finger. "A magician never reveals her secrets. But..." I pause for dramatic effect, "I might be persuaded to drop a few hints on my YouTube channel."

"Ooh, consider us subscribed," the woman says, pulling out her phone.

I move on to the next table, where a family is finishing up their meal. The youngest, a boy about Julius's age, is eyeing the dessert menu with poorly concealed longing.

"What's caught your eye there, little man?" I ask, crouching down to his level.

He points shyly to a picture. "The chocolate lava cake. But Mom says it's too late for sugar."

I glance up at his mother, who's trying to hide a smile. "Well," I stage-whisper to the boy, "what if I told you I have a special sugar-free version that's just as delicious? Think Mom might approve then?"

The boy's eyes widen. "Really?"

I wink. "Chef's honor. What do you say, Mom? Can I whip up a little magic for your budding food critic here?"

His mother laughs. "How can I say no to that? You're going to put ideas in his head, though. Next thing I know, he'll be asking for a chef's hat for his birthday."

"Nothing wrong with nurturing a future culinary star," I say, standing up. "One sugar-free lava cake, coming right up."

As I make my way back to the kitchen, a familiar face catches my eye. Mr. Thompson, one of our regulars, is gesturing me over.

"Juliana, my dear," he says warmly as I approach. "Another triumph tonight. I swear, every time I eat here, I leave wondering how you'll top it next time. And somehow, you always do."

I feel a warmth spread through my chest at his words. "You're too kind, Mr. Thompson. I'm just happy you keep coming back to give me the chance to try."

As I chat with my customers, I love to make sure everyone feels like they're dining in their own home, just with better food and fewer dishes to wash. As I approach a couple celebrating their anniversary, I can't help but share the story behind the dish they're savoring.

"You know." I lean in, conspiratorially. "This risotto actually came to me in a dream. I woke up at 3 AM, scribbling down ingredients like a woman possessed."

The wife laughs, her eyes twinkling. "A culinary vision quest? Now that's dedication."

"More like delicious madness," her husband chimes in, taking another bite. "Whatever spirit guide you've got, keep listening to them."

I'm about to retort when movement at the entrance catches my eye. My heart does a little skip as I recognize the tall, broad-shouldered figure stepping through the door. Jayden. Even from across the room, I can see the slight furrow in his brow, the set of his jaw that tells me he's had a long day.

Our eyes meet, and his face softens into a smile that brings out those dimples I've known since high school. God, how long has it been? Nearly twenty years of friendship, and he still has the power to make my breath catch.

Memories flood back - study sessions that turned into all-night gabfests, prom night when we both got stood up and ended up having more fun together than any date could have provided. And Mary. Sweet, vibrant Mary, who completed our trio, who Jayden fell head over heels for, who became my sister in all but blood.

The familiar pang of grief hits me, but it's duller now, softened by time and the joy of the life Mary lived, however brief. She'd hate to see us moping, I think, as I make my way towards Jayden.

I greet Jayden with a warm smile, but it falters as I notice the tightness in his jaw and the seriousness etched into his handsome features. Something's off. The usual twinkle in his blue eyes is dimmed, replaced by a storm of worry.

"Jules," he says, his voice low and urgent. "Can we talk? Privately?"

My stomach does a little flip. "Sure thing, Deputy Dimples. My office okay?"

I lead Jayden to my office, my hand trembling slightly as I turn the doorknob. The cheerful chatter of the restaurant fades as I close the door behind us, leaving us in a bubble of tense silence.

"Alright, Jayden," I say, leaning against my desk. "What's got you looking like someone stole your last protein shake?"

Jayden runs a hand through his short blonde hair, his jaw clenched. "Jules, there's no easy way to say this. Ben's getting out early. Good behavior or some baloney like that."

The words hit me like a sucker punch to the gut. My knees go weak, and I grip the edge of the desk to steady myself. "What? No, that's... that's not possible. He was supposed to be in for at least another five years."

"I know," Jayden says, his voice low and tight. "Believe me, I'm as shocked as you are. I came as soon as I found out."

My mind races, memories flooding back. The sound of shattering plates, the sting of a slap across my face, the terror in Julius's eyes as he watched his father transform into a monster. And then Jayden, bursting through our front door, his face a mask of fury as he tackled Ben to the ground.

"Lord, Jayden," I whisper, my voice cracking. "What if he comes after us again? What about Julius?"

Jayden steps closer, his presence solid and reassuring. "Hey, look at me." His blue eyes lock onto mine, fierce and determined. "I won't let that happen. Not again. You and Julius are safe, you hear me?"

I stare at Jayden, my mind reeling. The bustling sounds of my restaurant fade away, replaced by a high-pitched ringing in my ears. My hands tremble as I grip the edge of my desk, knuckles turning white.

"Jules?" Jayden's voice sounds distant, muffled. "You with me?"

I blink, trying to focus. "I... yeah. I'm here. Just... processing."

Jayden steps closer, his presence both comforting and overwhelming. "Talk to me. What's going through that head of yours?"

A hysterical laugh bubbles up in my throat. "What's going through my head? Oh, I don't know. Maybe the fact that my abusive ex-husband is about to be back on the street? The same man who threatened to kill me and my son?"

"I won't let that happen," Jayden says, his jaw clenching.

"You can't be with us 24/7, Jayden," I snap, then immediately regret my tone. "I'm sorry. I know you're trying to help. It's just..."

"No, you're right," he says. "I can't be everywhere. But we can take precautions. Increase security at your place, set up a panic button system-"

"A panic button?" I interrupt. "Jayden. Is this really my life now? Living in constant fear, jumping at every shadow?"

Jayden's eyes soften. "Hey, come here." He opens his arms, and I find myself stepping into them without hesitation. His embrace is warm, solid, grounding me as my world spins out of control.

"We'll figure this out," he murmurs into my hair. "You're not alone in this, Jules. You've got me, the whole police force, and half the town backing you up."

I pull back slightly, looking up at him. "And what about Julius? How do I tell my son that the monster under his bed is real and coming home?"

Jayden's eyes harden. "We don't let it get that far. Ben so much as looks in your direction, and I'll have him back in jail so fast his head'll spin."

Despite everything, I feel a small smile tugging at my lips. "Here's hoping."