"The attacks are getting bolder. More destructive,” Heath said.
"Any leads?"
"We've made arrests. Multiple convictions." Heath's jaw tightened. "But they're not talking. Won't say who's backing them. FBI's been brought in to investigate the money trail, but whoever's running this keeps their hands clean."
Heath leaned forward, elbows on the desk. "These people don't hesitate to hurt anyone who gets in their way. Fire. Cut ropes. Poisoned water. They're escalating, getting desperate." Heath paused, tapping one of the photos. "We've increased patrols and implemented the Fate Mountain Security Initiative. It’s a joint program between Bear Patrol and veteran volunteers. I want you to coordinate it.”
"Yes, sir."
"Good." Heath pulled out a folder. "Here is a list of at-risk businesses."
Andre flipped through the pages. Names and addresses. Hampton Orchard. Blue Moon Pottery. Mountain Meadow Leather. Timber Bear Ranch.
"Both my kids followed me into law enforcement," Heath mentioned. "Gabriel's a detective now, and Valeria just graduated from the academy. They're around here somewhere if you need backup."
"Good to know," Andre replied.
"Tomorrow we're making an announcement at the farmers market," Heath continued. "Let everyone know about the increased patrols and the Security Initiative. After that, start your rounds. Visit each property on the list. You’ll be able to make your own schedule, but I need you to make sure they know we're taking this seriously."
"Understood."
Heath stood, extending his hand. "Welcome to Fate Mountain. I know it's not Portland, but?—"
"It's perfect," Andre said quickly. He shook Heath's hand, felt the careful strength there. "Thank you for the opportunity."
After work, Andre drove through Main Street, taking in the postcard-pretty storefronts with their flower boxes and American flags. Couples strolled hand in hand along the sidewalks. Children played in the town square.
His new apartment sat above Handy's Hardware. He stopped to check the mailbox, grabbed the mail, and made his way up a narrow flight of stairs. The key stuck in the lock. He had to jiggle it twice before the door opened.
The furnished space smelled like lemon cleaner and loneliness. The landlord had tried to make it homey. The place came furnished with a plaid couch that had seen better decades. A dinette set for two, though he'd only need one chair. The bedroom held a queen bed and dresser, nothing more.
Andre finished unpacking. Uniforms in the closet, hung precisely. Bathroom items in the medicine cabinet. The police scanner went on the nightstand, volume low but audible so he'd know if anyone needed help.
Andre set his laptop on the dinette table and powered it on, planning to review the incident files Heath had emailed. While the files loaded, Andre went through the mail. Most of it was addressed to the previous tenant. Some junk mail. And a flyer for a shifter dating website. Mate.com.
"Find your fated mate!" the flyer proclaimed in cheerful pink letters.
The glossy paper felt heavy in his hands. In Portland, he'd been too focused on work to even think about dating. Too consumed by guilt and overtime shifts. But here, in this quiet apartmentwith its empty second chair, the loneliness pressed against him like a physical weight.
His bear rumbled, restless. It had been quieter in Portland, subdued by routine and exhaustion. But the mountain air had awakened something primal. A need that went deeper than companionship. Andre opened the laptop browser and typed in the website address.
The sign-up form loaded with cheerful graphics of various shifter animals circling a pink heart. He added basic information first. Name: Andre Holt. Age: 32. Shifter type: Grizzly bear. The cursor blinked at the photo upload.
Recent pictures were all official ones. Department headshots. Crime scene documentation. Nothing that said "date me." He scrolled back, found his academy graduation. Young Andre in dress uniform, actually smiling. Before he knew what watching someone's back really cost.
He clicked upload and moved to the next screen. "Our personality questionnaire helps us find your perfect match!"
After several innocuous questions, he came to one that made him pause. "If you were a vegetable, what would you be?"
Andre stared at the screen. The options ranged from whimsical to bizarre. Carrot (grounded and reliable). Broccoli (strong and protective). Tomato (technically a fruit, but passionate). He clicked broccoli. His bear approved. Strong. Sturdy. Good for protecting.
The quiz continued with multiple choice options that grew increasingly specific.
"What hobbies bring you joy? Select all that apply."
The list was extensive. Andre scrolled through options like "Extreme sports" and "Wine tasting" before finding ones that fit. He checked: Baking. Teaching/mentoring youth. His bear rumbled approval at the baking selection. Creating something warm and comforting, that was good.
"How do you serve your community?"
