Page 25 of Mine to Keep

“How can I help you?” the woman asked with a warm smile.

“Hi, yes, my name is Matthew York, and I was hoping to file a report about someone sending me inappropriate gifts and stalking.”

The officer didn’t act surprised; I imagined she’d seen all sorts of things.

“Okay, if you have a seat, I’ll have someone come out and get you in a few minutes.”

“Thanks.”

The station wasn’t too busy. There were a couple of people on the benches waiting, so I was optimistic I’d be taken back shortly.

“Mr. York?” I lifted my head at the sound of my name and saw a uniformed police officer by the door.

“Hi, yes.” I stood, pushed back the strap of my messenger bag on my shoulder and walked over.

“I’m Officer Mendez. If you’ll follow me, we can talk at my desk.”

I’d never been inside a police station before, and it was cooler than I’d thought it would be…likely because I didn’t lead an exciting life. When Officer Mendez gestured to the chair by his desk, I sat.

“So tell me…what brings you here today, Mr. York?”

“Well, this may be strange, and I understand there’s likely very little you’ll be able to do, but I’d feel better if there’s at least a report written up about it.”

“I hear a lot of strange things. Tell me.” He chuckled, and it put me at ease a little.

I opened my bag and took out the presents. “For about a month—I actually can’t be sure the exact amount of time because I wasn’t living at my apartment—I’ve been receiving these gifts.” I went on to explain that I was living with a client at the time and that my landlord had intercepted them and what each item signified to me. I didn’t have the flowers anymore, and I didn’t think to photograph them, but I did inform him about them, what they looked like, and what Nicole had told me about their significance. Then I told him about the letter on my car, and how for the last week it had felt as if someone had been watching me.

“I can absolutely understand how all of this could be jarring. The nightwear, pictures, and certainly the note.”

“I installed a Ring camera after this happened and haven’t received anything since.”

He nodded as he typed into his computer. “Likely they saw it at some point, trying to deliver something, and it scared them off.” He motioned to the note. “So, they resorted to following you and leaving that.”

“I suppose. I just feel really uncomfortable.”

He finished typing and turned to me. “It would upset anyone to know they’ve been followed, photographed, and while nothing here is threatening, it feels like a violation.”

“Yes!” I smiled. “That’s exactly how I’m feeling.” I was so glad I’d come to the police. I shouldn’t have doubted they wouldn’t do anything.

“Unfortunately, we have no suspect, nothing more than gifts, and nothing further in a week. It’s so little to go on.”

With that, my bubble burst. “Is there nothing to be done?”

“We’re understaffed and overworked. I can see if I can get patrols to drive around your building a few times a day. Is there anyone who you could think would do something like this?”

A cop driving by maybe three times a day, that was it? “Uh, no. I thought my ex, but he didn’t give me gifts even when we were together, and when I confronted him he thought I was nuts.”

“Doesn’t mean it wasn’t him. The best way to convince someone it isn’t them is to deny and act like it’s business as usual.”

Well, this trip had gone from elation to depression fast. “That’s a sobering thought.”

“Look, I will write up this report and talk to the patrols, but the best thing I can tell you is to be vigilant and stay smart. Don’t approach anyone you think it could be, and if anything escalates, come see me.”

“Thank you, Officer Mendez.”

“Sit tight, I’m going to take pictures of all you’ve brought here today.” He gathered everything and took it into a room.

I sat and waited. The station was very nice. I wasn’t sure if all of them were like this, but it wasn’t so bad if you weren’t being dragged in in cuffs, I guessed.

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