Behind the Badge: Obsession in the Shadows

Toothpaste

I feel the sun shining brightly on my face and the warmth of my skin.

I sigh deeply as I move the big comforter off my body.

The warmth is slowly escaping my skin.

I slip my legs off the edge of the bed, stretching my legs. I placed my feet on the cold ground. I walk to the bathroom to brush my teeth and use the bathroom.

I opened my medicine cabinet, and my almost empty toothpaste had been replaced.

My stomach drops.

What the hell? I think.

Someone has been to my house.

My hair sticks up. I close the medicine cabinet and grab the lamp outside the bathroom door. Griping the lamp tightly, I walk around my house to see if I can see anyone. A breath of relief leaves my lips as I find nobody.

I set the lack back on the small table and plugged it back in. I walk to the kitchen and grab a knife. As I go to the bathroom and find my old toothpaste in the trash, I dig it out, not trusting the new toothpaste in the cabinet.

I throw it away, putting my own back.

I brush my teeth and go get dressed.

I make my way out the door when I see a note on the door.

My heartbeat quickens.

I open the note, and it reads

Thank you for locking your windows, baby girl; it makes you much safer. Not as safe as you'd be with me. In due time, of course.

Love yours

Ewe I dropped the note on the floor. Bile threatens to escape from my fear. The note falls gently down. I open the door and head to my car.

This is getting creepy and uncomfortable.

I get in my car, turn it on, and drive. My body feels weird like I'm in a state of panic.

I see lights behind me. I pull over, seeing the all-too-familiar cop. Making quick strides to my car.

"I see tickets for not wearing your seatbelt; I thought you were nothing." He is blinking at me slowly.

I reach up and buckle the seatbelt.

"I'm sorry. I just had an eventful morning. I'll remember next time." I said, looking at him.

"What do you mean, ma'am?" he asks

"Just someone is doing some uncomfortable things, leaving notes around my house and car. It's just frightening me. I don't want them to hurt me; I'm scared. When I called the station, they said there's nothing they can do." I say emotional.

He leans against my car.

"I'm guessing they said that as it's not violent treats, right?" He asks me.

"No," I replied

"They, why would you be scared? If the notes aren't violent, "He asks me.

I scoffed

"Because they have been in my house while I slept. That's creepy. I don't feel safe." I say

"Well, if they continue to leave notes in your car, maybe get the window fixed?" He suggested.

"Yeah, I was planning on doing that this weekend," I replied to him.

"About the notes in the house. Maybe install some better-quality locks. Or even buying a security system. "He suggested it to me.

"I don't even know how to do all that. Maybe I could ask my "dad" to install a new lock. I've been locking all my windows. That's how I originally thought he was getting in. As the windows would be open. They even left a note suggesting to lock the windows." I replied, running my hands through my hair.

"I can install it for you." He says it with a small smile.

"Oh, no. I couldn't ask that. I can probably figure it out on my own." I say, smiling back.

"Oh no, I insist." He says to me, his eyes holding room for argument.

"If you say so, What kind should I pick up?" I ask him a question.

"Don't worry, I'll pick something up." He says to me:

I was lightly tapping my car.

"Well, remember to buckle up next time." He teases

"When would you like me to replace the lock?" He asks me with one eyebrow arched.

"Whenever you want to," I say.

"How about today? I have some free time." He asked me with a small smile.

"I'm sure I get off at 5. If you want to, I can cook you dinner to say thank you." I say this, looking at his stunning face.

"I'd like that." He says to me:

"Well, I'm going to let you off with a warning. I think our first date would have been awkward had I given you a ticket the same day." He says cocky.

"Who said it was a date?" I ask, teasing him.

"Me, of course." He says this, smirking again.

I scoffed and rolled my eyes.

"Okay, only because you say so." I winked at him playfully.

"Well, I gotta go. It was nice seeing you." He says he is waving at me and walking away.

I wave back. I lean my head out of the car.

"It was nice seeing you. I'll see you tonight when I get off!" I shouted out.

I lean back in the car and start driving again. Pulling into my work. I park and run inside.

I was the first one there. I set the items out and started making replacements for what we didn't have. The rest of the day was quite pleasant.

I felt a little bit of relief knowing that I was getting the locks fixed tonight and that I'd be able to sleep better.

This weekend, I'd be getting my window fixed and wouldn't have to worry about notes being left in it.

It was getting closer and closer to being time to leave. I had forgotten my lunch at home, so I was very hungry. My stomach is growling. I will just wait until dinner. I think not too much longer. The customers continue to come and go, helping me not focus on my hunger.

It was closing time, and I cleaned softly and listened to music as I did so.