KICK 'EM BEFORE THEY GET UP!

(6) work.

not much had changed between that day and now. the flower bouquet was quietly dismissed as an unrequited admirer. william knew you'd never do something like that. he'd be aware if you did, and if he was aware that you did, you'd be dead.

today, you began your detective work. it was a day little eleven-year-old-you dreamt about and you were proud of yourself for finally getting here. you'd been sitting—at your new desk in your own office—doing a small amount of paperwork for about an hour before lila barged inside, party bag in tow.

"woohoo! y/n, you got your own office!" she squealed and giggled, "you definitely have to let me come slack off in here!" you squinted your eyes at her shrill voice, still trying your best to show her you were happy she was there, despite her volume. "yeah, thanks. what's in the bag?"

she shook it teasingly and you heard soft clanging from the inside. "you'll never guess..." dramatically zipping it open, she pulled out a mini freddy fazbear figure holding tiny cymbals and handed it to you. you examined it and chuckled, "even i didn't know this was official merchandise."

"well, that's because it ain't... i don't think so. i got it from the gas station on 309 west state, probably a knock-off. it's still so cute, though!"

you thanked her and sat it in the corner of your desk, near your pencil cup. pressing the little red button on its stand, you grinned endearingly as it clapped and made music. you suddenly felt a wave of pride, knowing that your husband helped create a character so beloved. the company itself? debatable. you pressed the button again and it ceased its noise making. she nodded, beginning to turn towards the door to leave when you called out to her, "hey, actually! sorry to spring this on you, but... do you know anything new about leonard calwick?"

she quickly retraced her steps and sat down in one of the leathery chairs in front of you, leaning over as if the two of you were gossiping about a recent scandal between a local couple.

"so, you know he's out now, huh?"

"yeah, my mom and her whole goddamn posse decided to drop by a few days ago. apparently, she was worried about me because of it."

"i can understand that, he's a dangerous guy. you remember what happened last time y'all saw each other, and it's a small town. you will see each other again," she lowered her voice in warning.

"then what am i supposed to do? am i supposed to trust that he's a 'changed man' and won't hurt me or my family?"

she exhaled and looked to the floor, brows furrowed as if she was thinking hard. there wasn't an easy answer to this question. you couldn't hurt anyone unless it was in self defense. admittedly, many of your fellow officers didn't abide by this rule and harmed people when they wanted, going as far as to lie and claim the role of the victim. in a place like hurricane, there weren't many people to right those wrongs. you wanted to be one of the few reliable officers this town could count on, and that meant sitting still until leonard made a move.

"i don't know, y/n, i'll be honest. i couldn't imagine how it would feel to be in your place," she placed her hand on top of yours and gently stroked your thumb, "just... be extra careful. keep your kids closer than before, keep your gun on you. if you ever need me, you know where to find me. i'm not afraid of sucker punching that bitch and losing my job for you, alright?"

while her words were meant to be comforting, it only worried you more. you loved lila, and it was evident that she loved you too, but this was your family's business alone. you didn't want to be the reason she possibly ruined her life. despite your concerns, you didn't want to make anything worse. you told her, "thank you, i appreciate that," and sent her on her way.