Chapter 3
Caitlyn did her best to finish the paperwork left on her desk. It was almost 5:00, which meant most officers would be gathering up the rest of their belongings to head home. It had been an even more chaotic week than usual with everybody learning their new partners and teaching them how they were going to work together. Caitlyn usually stayed late, way to late. She always made sure she didn't leave anything for the next day, or in this case for over the weekend. Today though, she didn't think she had it in her to stay long. After watching Vi continuously flirt by telling old jokes, or by purposely sitting on her new partner (Alina)s desk just so she could repeatedly stroke her arm. Caitlyn knew she just needed to get out of the office.
She began wrapping things up when she looked up to see Vi heading her way.
"Hey Sherriff" the words wrang through Caitlyn's ears making her heart sink slightly. Vi had never once actually called Caitlyn Sherriff. It was always Boss, Cupcake, Cait's, or some other term of endearment.
Caitlyn was not even sure what she should say, just looked at Vi.
Vi not noticing anything wrong in Cait "Hey me and a bunch of the officers and newbies are going out to get drinks to help celebrate the new recruits making it their first week on the job". Vi gave Cait a big smile. "I just wanted to let you know that yes ill be on my best behavior, and to tell you that I really think this new partner thing is going to work out splendidly". Vi winked at Caitlyn. "Oh, and I know I asked for your help with finding some new curtains for my apartment tomorrow, but Ali offered to help. Turns out she just moved into a new place, and also needs supplies. Something tells me that girl has great taste in curtains." Vi smiled, turning back to look at Alina. "Isn't she just the best".
"The best", Caitlyn exclaimed with barely any enthusiasm.
"Well got to go, can't keep a girl like that waiting". Vi started walking quickly out the door, she stopped turned back to Caitlyn "have a great weekend, especially now you don't have to put up with me".
"Wait Vi, I need to run something by you". Vi stopped and turned back to look at Caitlyn. "Now that you have a partner, we need to look to trading your motorcycle out with a more practical police cruiser". Caitlyn knew Vi would put up a fight. She loved her motorbike more than anything.
Vi looked at Caitlyn with a huge smile. "No need Ali said she loves riding on the back. Makes her feel dangerous".
Caitlyn felt her mouth go dry. "Even so Vi, it's really not safe or practical for you to be using it as your main mode of transportation while on shift with a partner". Caitlyn saw Vi lose her smile. "Tell you what, ill think about it over the weekend and see what we can come up with". With that Vi gave her a quick fake smile and walked out.
Caitlyn couldn't handle disappointing Vi. She knew Vi never had much growing up and taking something she so cherished felt wrong. She knew she could come up with something to keep her happy.
Caitlyn, feeling even more frustrated, began shoving her things in her bag. Even though she gave Vi a little grief over having to help pick out curtains (she didn't want to seem to eager to spend time with her) she was really looking forward to hanging out with Vi this weekend. She had never been over to Vi's and was always curious to see how this young woman lived. How her walls must be decorated, did she keep a nice tidy home, or keep it in total disarray like her work desk. Caitlyn pushed the thoughts out of her head knowing it didn't matter anymore. She grabbed her things and headed for the door.
After locking up the office, she walked across the hall to another, smaller but still similar police office space. The small night crew were all at their desks. She walked over to the small office in the back to where the night police Sgt sat. She knocked on his door.
"Come in". A tall slender man with dark slicked back hair sat at his desk. "Sheriff, your early. I didn't expect you for a couple more hours".
"Yes, yes" Caitlyn exclaimed. "It's been a long week with the new recruits and all. But about time I get out of here at a decent hour". The man behind the desk gave a small chuckle.
Caitlyn went over the day's notes with her Sgt, letting him know of anything important he and his small crew needed to know for their night shift.
"Well, I think that should be everything, and as always please don't hesitate to call with any emergencies. Good luck Sgt Buckle".
With that Caitlyn was on her way home. To what she had no idea. She didn't exactly have anything to go home to, she just knew she couldn't be in that office anymore.
Her two-bedroom place wasn't far from work. She preferred to walk most days knowing the streets were well lit, and it was in a safer part of town. Plus, she always had her trusty rifle if things were to go wrong.
As she began her walk home, she passed by some local bars. Wondering what her officers (especially a certain pink haired goddess) were up to. "Oh how I really hope Vi is on her best behavior with that one. I don't think she knows what kind of fire she is playing with" Caitlyn said quietly to herself. As she rounded the corner, it was only now a short distance to her building. Also, the only somewhat dark area of the walk. She went over in her head now how Vi would always tell her, "Now look cupcake, you have a big target on your back being sheriff and all. I think I should walk you home on the days you don't drive, you know, to help keep you safe". Caitlyn let out a small chuckle at this thought. Oh, how she wished she had at least once taken Vi up on her offer. Thinking what might have happened if Vi were to walk Caitlyn home.
Caitlyn quickly pushed the idea out of her head. There was no point in thinking about what ifs, it was to hard to hold on to such a fantasy.
Caitlyn pulled her keys from her pocket, unlocked her door, and prepared herself for yet another boring lonely weekend.