prey - s.p

i.

concord

•
.
.

She didn't hear from Deputy Pratt since that night. And as much as Amelia would prefer to deny her pessimism, she'd be lying. Was she surprise? No. This generational dating pool was complete and utter garbage. Ghosting was normal nowadays. But despite the normalcy of this occurrence, it didn't necessarily mean it didn't irk the young woman. Sure—Deputy Pratt could truly be busy. Who knows, the guy could be out there wrangling criminals and busting dope right now. Perhaps dealing with Peggie's, even.

The deputy must of forgotten their conversation—but she surely hadn't..

Riddled with anxiety. The woman began to draw her own conclusions. Apart of her wondered if she had overstepped boundaries. The man was a police officer, after all. She could've easily made him feel uncomfortable. Did she miss any social cues? Girlfriend, perhaps? Was he wearing a wedding ring?

Amelia constantly questioned herself. Finding herself zoning out at work & home. It didn't go unnoticed either. Her family & co workers taking note of the behavior.

"She's probably just overworked."

"Or it's the weed."

The young woman would begin to internally belittle herself. Convincing herself that he simply wasn't attracted to her. That she misread his friendly words for flirtatious behavior. Well—Whatever it was, it would remain unanswered. As Deputy Pratt never returned to the Spread Eagle. Leaving Amelia feeling discontent.

After another week passed, Amelia finally convinced herself to pretend as if the interaction never existed. Dismissing her delusional "what if's" and return back to reality.

That was—until the devil himself rode in with his squad one late evening...

Today was a slow-pace day. Which was normal. As Holland Valley residents usually spent their Monday evenings at home with their families. Of course, we had our usuals. Mainly the older folk in town. Nothing out of the ordinary, or exciting.
Actually—no. Not true. Dutch swung by earlier ago. On a date with her old Highschool teacher, Ms. Gretchen. Who is as a total babe, by the way... The blond bombshell was in her mid-40's, and kicked ass. A fitness freak—who hiked, biked, and even going as far as winning multiple marathons. So I guess, Amelia couldn't be that surprised that Ol' Grump Dutch dragged himself out of his cave—It was quite adorable. But it'd been hours since they last departed; leaving the young woman bored.

Tomorrows preparations already set, and chores finished to completion. Amelia & Casey still had three more hours to kill.

Not expecting any stragglers, the girl leans onto the half wall with her newspaper. "What's another word for: Whirlybird?" She reads out loud, eyeing the cross puzzle in contempt.