Page 6 of Falling for the Quarterback
We leave out of one exit, only to loop around and enter the parking lot at a different spot, like he’s suggested. He finds the perfect slot, and we park, the truck’s windshield facing my car so we can easily watch.
“Should I call the local police, or someone else, to report this?” Because I’m damn sure reporting it. I don’t want anyone else to become a possible victim.
“Starting local is probably your best shot. They would know who else to contact if there’s a process to file a report.” He Googles the local police station’s phone number and hits the call button. When it starts ringing, it comes over the speakers in the truck.
“TPD, is this an emergency?” The dispatcher asks when she answers. I glance at him and he nods, silently telling me to talk.
I start out a bit quiet, but end up getting louder with each word until I’m probably damn near shouting. Did I mention my nerves are shaky at the moment? They are, and talking about it is only making the situation that much more serious and real. “Yes and no. I was walking to my car in the parking lot, and there’s a zip tie on my driver’s side door, along with a cart positioned in front of it.”
“Stay away from both. Return inside the store immediately and don’t wait alone. Go to the customer service desk and let them know. Watch your surroundings; it could be very dangerous.”
“I’m-” I glance at him momentarily, and he offers me an encouraging smile. Gah, he’s got such Golden Retrieverhero energyit has me all fluttery inside, along with the previous fear and anger over my almost assailants. I continue, “I’m in a friend’s truck with the doors locked. We’re watching my car right now, parked in the store parking lot.”
“Do you feel safe where you’re waiting?”
“The guy I’m with is built like a tank, and he’s the one insisting I not go to my car, so I’m going to say yes. He’s giving mehero-green-flagvibes.”
She laughs, “I apologize, it’s not a funny situation at all. You’re just the first person to ever say that on one of these calls. I’m glad you’re in a safe spot. Which store and where is your vehicle located?I’ll have an officer dispatched to you right away. They may take a few minutes to get there, so stay in the vehicle or go back inside the store.”
I relay the info, and the dispatcher remains on the line, randomly checking in over the next few minutes while we wait for the officer to arrive. I make sure to thank her multiple times before we hang up because her service was amazing and much appreciated. We tell the officer who has arrived to assist us what’s going on, and watch on bated breath as he parks behind my vehicle. The small truck we were suspecting of suspicious activity immediately takes off, along with another vehicle shooting off in the opposite direction.
Guilty!
“Oh my God, you were right. Two vehicles are working together!” The second is an old van, dented up and whatnot. It’s probably used to being mistaken for a work vehicle, but there’s no doubt in my mind for what it is truly used for.
Kidnapping women.
The officer quickly makes note of both, calling their info in. He later explains it’s so that another officer who’s down the street can pull both of the vehicles over and do a check, to see if they notice anything suspicious. I’m in shock over it all; my body rattled inside over the seriousness of the situation. There’s no longer one peace officer with us, but multiple, offering us a comforting presence with the safety they provide.
The first officer cuts the zip ties from my car after taking pictures of them, along with the shopping cart position. Another cop has me follow him back to the station, claiming it’s in case anyone’s watching us. He says if they were to follow me, they’ll follow me straight to the police station instead of my home, and we can pay attention to any suspicious vehicles. Thankfully, we notice nothing, so I’m most likely in the clear. Saved from a possible trafficking situation, and I’ve never felt luckier for a random do-gooder to cross my pathbefore. Without my parking lot hero, there’s no telling where I may’ve ended up today.
It could’ve beenscary-bad.
“Do you make it a habit to play hero?” I ask my persistent shadow after we’ve exited the station. I noticed a few of the officers taking pictures with him, which was weird, but maybe he’s just a fan of the police and thought it was cool. He’ll probably post them to his social media later or something. He should, though, he deserves the recognition for his help today. He literally could’ve saved my life with the choice he made to step in and interfere.
“I’m no hero, I just did what anyone in that position should do.”
“Hm,” I hum to myself, thinking he’s being far too modest and deserves some acknowledgement for his kindness and help.
We’re standing on the sidewalk in front of our vehicles when he suggests, “Want to grab something to eat?”
I wish I could. I truly do, but I can’t. My pups are at home waiting for me, and I need to check on them. It’s not an excuse; it’s the truth, and I pride myself on being a good dog mom to them. Rather than share as much, I keep it simple and reply, “I can’t right now.”
His expression is crestfallen as he nods, almost as if he expected me to turn him down, but hearing my words made it worse somehow. “Okay, I understand.”
“I want to, though,” I say immediately, and his eyes light back up at my confession. “I just have other stuff I need to do that can’t wait any longer. I’ll use your number this time. If you want to give it to me again?”
His smile is bright, eyes sparkling as he murmurs, “Absolutely.”
I almost mistake that twinkle as sexual interest, but itcan’t be, right?
“Also, what’s your name?” I ask, and his laugh is loud as we both realize we went through the entire situation, not even knowing each other’s names.
“My friends call me JJ.”
“Are we friends?”
He grabs my phone to key in his number. Once he’s finished, he hands it back to me. “We are now.”
