Unleashed Desires

Chapter 3

Creed (Deputy Marshall)

I found myself sharing information about the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) with Amy, though I cannot explain why. She appeared young, almost fresh out of high school, and I have a son who is only a few years younger than her. However, there was something about her that drew me in. Perhaps it was her captivating smile or my instinct to protect her like my child.

Amy was a stunning girl with dark brown hair and piercing blue eyes. Her smile had the power to melt even the most callous of hearts. As I spoke with her, I realized she had no idea about my family's wealth or status. My great-grandfather invented the pop-top can, and my family still collects royalties from its sales worldwide.

Despite my financial security, I choose to work in law enforcement because of my deep-seated desire to help others. My job allows me to make a difference in people's lives, and Law Enforcement gives me that chance.

My wife and I crossed paths during our high school years, and we decided to tie the knot soon after she found out she was expecting. A decade and a half has passed, and although I still hold affection for my wife, it's become apparent that we've drifted apart over time. Despite my best efforts to keep us together, I can't shake the feeling that our split looms on the horizon, approaching me like an unwelcome shadow.

Sitting at my desk, my thoughts drift to my impending divorce. The stress and uncertainty threaten to consume me, but I push those thoughts aside and focus on my task. I need to speak with the prosecutor about a case I'm working on and whether I need more evidence to pursue charges. I make my way to their office to get their opinion.

Upon arrival, I display my badge and am immediately summoned back. Something urgent has come up. I brace myself for whatever news is about to come my way, reminding myself that this is just another day in the life of a law enforcement officer.

To my surprise, the Special Investigator and a few male prosecutors were not discussing criminal cases but engaging in gossip. It was like watching a male version of "Gossip Girls" play out before my eyes. The conversation had taken a more lighthearted tone, with the gentlemen delving into topics such as physical attributes. It was somewhat amusing to observe. The conversation had taken a more lighthearted tone, with the gentlemen delving into topics such as t**s and ass.

"Hello, Creed. How are you today?" Bill queries.

"I'm good. And you?" I respond warmly.

"I'm doing great," he chuckles. "Listen, we've got a new iHumane Officer at the Animal Shelter working on Animal Cruelty cases. She's stunningly beautiful, and you won't believe it. She walks in here wearing khaki shorts and a t-shirt, and let me tell you, her legs go on for days." Bill comments, his voice filled with admiration.

As the people in the room nod in agreement about the girl, I feel uneasy. Their words have a certain effect on me that I can't quite put my finger on.

"I've met her as well," I spoke up, trying to sound confident, "and she seemed like a nice and sweet girl." I stressed the word 'girl' to make my point clear. Okay, why am I legit bothered by all this 'guy talk'? Is it the chick they're talking about that's got me all fired up, or what?

Bill rolls his eyes and turns to the group. "Come on, guys, let's just drop it. We don't want to make our friend here uncomfortable."

"You know," I said, trying to change the subject. "I heard there's a new restaurant that just opened up downtown. We should all go check it out sometime."

After proposing the suggestion, I notice the team considers it with a receptive attitude. We then delve into potential dates and times, and I feel a sense of ease wash over me during our conversation. There may be a chance for us to evolve beyond our primitive tendencies as men, although the likelihood of success remains uncertain. Regardless, I remain optimistic and hold onto the possibility of progress.

As I step away from the prosecutor's office, my mind drifts back to our conversation. But my thoughts are quickly interrupted by the memory of Amy and how the guys were talking about her last night. I can't help but feel concerned, even though I barely know her. It's not like me to get so worked up about someone I just met. I shake my head, realizing I'm starting to turn into an old man worrying about other people's business.

I chuckled to myself, trying to shake off the feeling of being overly concerned. But as I walked away, I couldn't help but wonder why Amy had gotten under my skin. It could be because I can see a young, vulnerable girl in her, someone who needs protection. Or it could be because I see similarities between her and my nieces, who I worry about constantly.

Either way, I must let it go and focus on helping her with the case. But it's hard to shake off the feeling of wanting to help Amy, to make sure that the guys in Law Enforcement don't see her as just another girl to objectify and talk about.

As I drive to the next location, my thoughts drift back to Amy. I shouldn't get too involved, but something about her just tugs at my heartstrings. Maybe it's because she's so young and innocent, or perhaps I see a bit of myself in her. Whatever the reason, I know that I need to be careful. Law enforcement isn't always kind to women, especially young ones like Amy.

As I finished my call, I heard the radio crackle with a message about a pony walking around the Walmart parking lot. I quickly contacted dispatch and told them I was on my way. They informed me that Animal Control had already been called, as the caller had reported that the pony's hooves were in terrible condition.

When I arrived at the scene, I saw a Dog Warden van parked nearby. As I approached, I saw Amy, the Animal Control officer, step out of the van with a dog leash. She walked up to the pony and looped the leash around its neck.

The Dog Warden immediately began arguing with her, saying, "There's no way that pony is going to walk in that van."

Amy smiled at him and said, "Watch and learn." She calmly led the pony towards the van, coaxing it with gentle words and gestures. To everyone's surprise, the pony obediently followed her and entered the van.

The Dog Warden looked on in amazement as Amy secured the pony safely inside the van. As she closed the doors, she turned to me and said, "Sometimes it just takes a little patience and understanding to get the job done."

"Hey, Deputy Marshall," she teased me, raising an eyebrow.

As I approached her, I couldn't help but notice the dark circles under her eyes and the exhaustion on her face. She had been working tirelessly to rescue animals from abusive situations, and it showed. I decided to lighten the mood and tease her a bit.

"Hey, how's my favorite Humane Officer? What can you tell me about this situation?" I said with a playful grin.

She looked at me with a mix of amusement and irritation. "Very funny," she replied, rolling her eyes. "This is a serious case of neglect. The pony had been left at the farm behind the store. I was there last week and told him to move the pony to his residence and get the feet done. He had failed to heed my warning. We need to act fast and get him out of here."

I immediately sobered up and followed her to the scene. Watching her work, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for her dedication and compassion. Despite her job's challenges and emotional toll, she remained determined to help needy animals. And I knew deep down that I would always support her in any way I could.

As she mentioned the sweltering heat, I trailed her to the shelter. I planned to extract her statement once we reached our destination. Upon our arrival, Amy carefully unloaded the pony and positioned it in a makeshift area outside the shelter constructed of chain-linked fences.

Amid our efforts, a shelter worker rushed over to us, conveying the irate arrival of the pony's owner. The worker expressed concern, warning Amy about the owner's massive and angry demeanor. I immediately observed this girl's countenance transform from exhaustion to confidence and determination.

With her shoulders squared and head held high, she strides confidently into the room. I trail behind, eager to witness her in action. As she approaches a towering man standing at least six and a half feet tall and weighing well over 250 pounds, she crosses her arms and begins to speak.

"Let me make something clear. The pony will not be returning to the abandoned farm. Instead, it will be taken to your residence. You will sign a release authorizing my entry onto your property to check on the pony, and you will have one week to trim its hooves. If not, I will immediately head to the county prosecutor's office to file cruelty charges against you."

Observing the gentleman before her, I noticed a stark change in his demeanor. Once commanding and authoritative, he became submissive, acquiescing to every request she made. As she drafted the release form, both parties let out a heavy sigh of resignation before signing it. Finally, he departed with the pony in tow.

"Girl, that was awesome," I said, holding my hand out for a fist bump. Amy returned the gesture, and I could see the excitement in her eyes.

"You know who that man is?" she asked me.

I shook my head, curious.

"That is the owner of Harper Homes," she said, a note of warning in her voice. "The last thing he needs is his name splashed across the news in an animal cruelty case. And this one, I would win."

I couldn't help but smile and give a nod of approval. "You know, you seem to have the perfect mindset for a law enforcement officer. Using a bit of a good cop, the bad cop can make a difference when it comes to getting what you need. It's all about being in control and using the tools you have at your disposal. In this case, that meant leveraging publicity to your advantage." As I finished speaking, my smile faded, and I looked at her with a gentle expression.

"I am so grateful for the ORC. It's been an absolute pleasure reading it every night, and I've learned so much from it," she says, beaming with appreciation.

"Hey, no worries at all. It's always a pleasure to share knowledge. Would you mind sparing me a moment to fill out this form?" I asked with a friendly and easygoing tone.

"Oh, the notorious Police statement! Gotta love leaving a paper trail, right?" she chuckles as I hand her the form to fill out her statement.

"Making sure everything is properly documented, huh? Can't forget to dot those I's and cross those T's," I quipped with a smile.