Behind the Badge: Obsession in the Shadows

First date p1

I awoke once more to the gentle touch of the sun's rays on my skin, the early morning light filtering in through the window.

As I wake up, I take a deep breath and feel Buddy peacefully sleeping next to me. I ran my fingers through his soft fur, gently waking him up. After that, I head to the bathroom to freshen up and brush my teeth, then quickly get dressed for a morning walk.

I hastily grab a plastic bag and shove it into my pocket as the cold air sends shivers down my spine. Buddy breaks into a sudden sprint in desperate need of finding a restroom.

I sigh as he uses the restroom, lightly shivering. I pick up his poop with the bag and throw it in the trash. I walk inside and gather my lunch and water before putting Buddy back into his cage with some water.
"I'll be back, sweet boy," I tell him, locking him in.

I made sure to lock the front door behind me before heading out. This time, I remembered to grab a jacket before stepping out. As I got into my car, I noticed a single flower placed on the dashboard with a note attached to it.

The note read:

Behold this exquisite flower, a token of my love for you. Yet, compared to your beauty, it pales in comparison. The day will come when our love is no longer confined to mere words. Soon, you will be mine, held closely in my embrace.

With affection and admiration, always thinking of you, your devoted admirer


I was taken aback, and I quickly threw the rose and the note onto the floor of the car. I hastily fastened my seatbelt as my heart pounded with fear. The engine roared to life as I drove to work, adrenaline pumping through my veins.

I must have this window fixed immediately. I will bring up my concerns to Gregory again and demand that he come up with ideas to help me feel safer.

I texted Gregory:
Hey, I just wanted to confirm if we're still on for our date tonight. Let me know whenever you get a chance. No rush. Take care.

As I walk into the bakery, he responds, "Definitely, I'll head that way to pick you up whenever you let me know you're free."

I can't help but smile at the thought of that sweet man, feeling a blush creep up on my face.

I replied promptly with, "Okay, I'll let you know when I'm off."
Gregory's response was almost instantaneous:
"Great, I'm so excited to take you on a real date."

I respond about clocking in: Yes, that's fine. I have to clock in. I'll text you when I get off.

I slide my phone into my pocket as I stride to the door, ready to unlock it and kick off another exciting day of business! Haha not!

A while later, when my coworkers came in, the bell rang on and off throughout the whole day.

Finally, the work day was done, and I hurried to my car. No more strange notes today—what a relief! As I buckled up, I quickly messaged Gregory:
"Hey, I'm off work now!"

I start the car and drive, not checking my phone when it comes.

I park my car, dulling the sound of the car as I turn it off.

I woke up at my front door, unlocking it. I sit all my things down and get a plastic bag to walk Buddy.

Softly humming I walk my buddy, letting him get some exercise.

I see a car pulling into my driveway while I walk, Buddy.

"Hello, Madison," Gregory says to me in normal civilian clothes with a smirk.

"Is this outfit okay?" I haven't had a chance to change yet." I ask timidly, his presence creating butterflies in my stomach.

"You look breathtaking." He says he is smiling at me.

"Okay, let me run in and out, buddy up, and grab my purse," I say with a smile, heading to the door.

Opening the front door.

I was so nervous. I put my buddy up.

"Wish me luck, buddy; he's way out of my league." I chuckle, grabbing my purse, locking my front door, and walking to his car.

"Hey, let me open your door." He says he is stopping me from opening the door.

He gets out and makes quick strides to open my door.

Once the door was open, I sat down, looking at him. He stares intently at me.

"Yes?" I ask the question, my nerves getting the best of me.

He leans in, causing me to shrink into the seat.

He gets close and buckles me in.

My seat belt clicked.

"Tsk, tsk, Madison. You gotta buckle up, baby." He says he is closing the door.

Baby? Baby?! I think. My face is red and hot from embarrassment.

He opens his door and closes it, buckling a bit dramatically for effect, looking at me.

He starts to dive in the standard vehicle with no difficulty, as though with muscle memory.

I hate to admit it, but I did find it attractive watching him shift through the gears so quickly and easily.

"So, where are we going?" I ask him, glancing at his face, his blue eyes slightly gleaming in the sunset.
His sharp features were amplified. Works of art poke from his long sleeves and the collar of his shirt. His big-built body intimated me slightly.

"Well, I thought about taking you to the Italian restaurant in town. Is that alright?" He asks me, glancing at me quickly before returning his focus to the road.

"Oh yeah, that's fine; I've never been there before. So I'm excited to try it." I say with a small smile, tucking my hair behind my ears.

"Oh, then you are in for a treat. Maybe we could even get some dessert." He smiled at me.

"Oh, dessert is my favorite," I say, laughing.

"I had a feeling he laughed while pausing, but only after we ate actual food." He winks at me.