Behind the Badge: Obsession in the Shadows

Buddy

The next morning, morning, I woke up to the sun beaming down on my skin.

Yawning I stretch and walk to my bathroom. I quickly use the bathroom and brush my teeth.

I needed to pick up so much toothpaste, as I didn't trust where the new one came from.

I walk into the kitchen, grab a cup, and fill it with ice and water.

I set it on the counter and walked back into my bedroom to get dressed.

I sigh, grabbing my leftovers from the fridge and placing them in my lunchbox.

I gather all my things and make my way to my car.

This weekend, I'll try to get the window replaced.

It's always something I think about.

I open my car door and plop down, sitting down with my things in the passenger seat.

I look at the radio and see another note.

It read

I am so proud of you for taking your safety seriously with the new lock.

I frown. The sooner I get my window replaced, the better.

This creepy stuff will stop, hopefully.

I crumble the note up and throw it on my floorboard.

On my way to work, I hear my phone go off.

I park in my parking spot.

Unknown number:
Hey, it's Gregory. I'm not sure if you saved my number yet, but I'll be stopping by your work this morning; those chocolate croissants are calling my name. Haha.

I laugh to myself as I slide my phone into my pocket and gather all my things. I head in and see some of my coworkers already working.

I slide my lunch into the fridge and head to the front. I drink my water here and there as I help the flow of customers in the morning.

I hear the bell of the front door ring yet again.

I look up and see Gregory.

I feel a blush creep up on my cheeks.

"Good morning, Officer Griffin." I noticed him in his uniform.

He smirks at me, his dimples showing.

"Good morning. Madison," he says with a smile, placing his hand on his belt.

"Let me guess chocolate croissants." I tease him with a wink.

"Yes, please." He tells me he is removing one of his hands from his belt and leaning on the counter.

"And a date." He says.

"A date?" I ask him, trying to hide my blush as I get his food.

"Yes, tomorrow whenever you are free and I get off work." He says this to me, carefully staring at my face.

"Alright, why not?" I say it with a chuckle.

"I'll pick you up." He says it with a smile.

"6? Work for you," I ask him.

"Perfect, he says."

"$9.00," I say to him as I set his food on the counter.

He places his card in the scanner.

"Are you going to pick me up in your cruiser?" I am curious.

"No, I'll be using my car." He looks at me questioningly.

"Well, I wouldn't want to ride in a cop car unless I did something bad. You know what I mean." I laughed at myself.

"Well, certainly if someone is riding in the back of the police car, the last thing they are worrying about is riding in the police car." He laughs at me.

Pulling out his card
Grabbing the bag from the counter.

"Bye Madison." He says waving and walking out the door; the bell ringing signaled his departure.

The rest of the day went smoothly. I went home, throwing my lunchbox in the passenger seat.
I saw another note attached to the radio.

I enjoy watching you; seeing your beautiful face makes my day. I'll be watching you. Be safe.

My hair stands up on end as I crumble the note up and buckle up, starting the car so I can get home. I was so scared.

As I was driving home, I saw a dog eating the trash running down the busy road.

I park the car.
"Come here, doggie," I call, and the dog runs to me. I open the door, and he jumps in. I finally notice the poor shape of the dog, which is emaciated and has wounds all over.
I guess instead of going home, I'll just get the dog scanned for a chip.

I drove to the animal shelter.

Taking the dog inside.

"Can you scan him for a chip, please?" I ask the front lady.

"Sure," she says, taking him from me.

They scanned him. Taking him up front.

"No chip." She says she is sitting down.

I glanced at the wall.

Grabbing a collar, leash Dog food, a crate, dog bowls, and a pillow.

"I guess you're my buddy now, huh?" I ask him, petting him softly.

I buy the stuff, slip through the new collar, and leash on him while strolling to my car.

I snap a picture of my new dog and send it to Gregory.
My newest man:

He replied quickly.
What a handsome boy! You will have to introduce him to me tomorrow. He replied

I set my phone down in the cup holder, buckling up.
I look at the large dog.

"What should I call you?" I ask him as if expecting a reply.
"Max called nothing.
"Jack?" Still, nothing as I drive.
"Cooper?"
"Rocky?"
"Duke?
I sigh
"Come on, buddy, give me something." I tease.
He wags his tail.
"Buddy?" I question
He leans over and licks my face.
I laugh, "Ewe buddy, im driving here." I say, moving his face away from mine.
I drag him inside.
I take him inside and slowly take all the things inside, setting up his crate and pillow inside. I fill a bowl with food and set it down. Going to get water, I reach down to set it down and hear him scarfing down the food.
"Buddy, it's okay. I'm not going to steal your food." I say, backing away slowly. I walk back into my room and get dressed in comfy clothes.
Checking my phone, I see Gregory has messaged.
"What's his name?"
I replied quickly.
"He only responds to buddy"