It was around 8 pm when I finally grab my badge and tossed it in my purse and signed out. The chief had me stay later to finish some paperwork on my daily reports. I was completely exhausted but I didn't really do any heavy work today other than walking outside, but either way I felt it's toll on me as I walked down the stations lobby, towards the door. I said goodnight to the others who always seem to stay later, burying their heads into the computer screen in front of them. They were all mostly older men, in their early 40's, but they did their job and always worked hard. It felt weird sometimes remembering that I'm the youngest officer in the police department, let alone one of the only women. I'm not complaining, it's not like the older officers treated me like a child but I could definitely notice when they are trying to keep heavy cases away from me. Okay yeah, I've only been working here for a few months but they know I can't improve unless I get hard cases to increase my skills. I walk out of the building that held the big letters wording "California Police Department: the Head of the Bureau" after another uneventful day. Every morning, everyone is supposed to meet in the main lobby room so the chief can assign everyone's cases and check for anyone who hadn't attended the meeting. I had joined the Bureau at age 23 and everyone is seemingly waiting for me to break or something and I could tell because today, the chief gave me the assignment to go do ticket patrol. Ticket Patrol! I might as well just go and be a store cashier with the kind of action I get with that kind of assignment. Just as the thought crossed my mind, one of the officers from my division trotted up to me from behind.
"Hey Alison, don't get to worked up 'bout today. The chief is just tryin to get you used to the ropes before handing you the reins to the Stallion." Dave is from Texas, and though the twang in his voice is likable and even intriguing to hear, his comparisons to horses and other cowboy aspects are sometimes hard to follow. He's a nice guy though, and has been working here for about 3 years and has been helping me out when I need it. Part of me feels he has the hots for me by how much he seems to cling to my side, and it's not like he's an unattractive guy because honestly anyone would be lucky to be with him. But I promised myself that I would focus on my job until I had officially become a real part of the bureau and could tackle more things at once. Right now I barely have energy to go out to eat by the time I'm done with work, let alone try to entertain another person at the same time.
"Thanks Dave.. I just wish that he would give me a chance to prove myself you know? All he knows is that I'm good at giving out tickets to idiots who don't know how to drive. I didn't sign up as a police officer to be a ticket women the whole time... How long do you think until I can hold the Stallion, as you put it...?" I know I shouldn't be encouraging Dave but I really wanted his input. I had to admit.. I was desperate for answers to get over this stupid hoop of lame assignments and getting them from Dave was as good as any 'cause he is an exceptional officer and I trusted him with my life, so why not my career?
"Well... It took me 3 months to get where I am now. Given the fact you're still a fledgling and a youngster, I'd give you about... 6 months." He seemed to be weighing his answer in his head before nodding in satisfaction with his math and kept walking as I halted immediately, shock apparent in my expression.
"6 months! Dave I've only been here for like 3! That's 3 more months of crap work!" As I say this, Dave turns back around and looks at me.
"Alison, everyone starts with those kinds of jobs. It's not just you.. so just man up and do them with a smile on your face and sooner or later the chief will notice. Just give it time." Dave's response kicked me back to my senses and I kept walking beside him.
"yeah, you're right. Sorry, it's just I've wanted this job so bad I forget how much it takes to keep with it. Okay well, I'll see you next week. Have a nice weekend."
— hey guys! I'm new to posting my stories on here! Please give me any feedback you have! I'm gonna be posting quite a few chapters because I wrote a lot already. It is a bit slow in the beginning but give it time! Thanks so much! —