Damaged

6

AN/ I felt called to come back to this story it is very dear to my heart. I hope you enjoy the chapter! Now it's 4am here, so this chapter is not edited. I just wanted to get it out before I lost my nerve. Also, triggering warning for a brief description of a panic attack and violence

The sheriff turned the keys and pulled them out of the egnition and let out a sigh as she stared dreadfully at her home. The home that was now occupied by a missing woman in the state of California. The car ride home from the bar was not enough time for her to think clearly about what she was going to do. She cared about her town more than anything, and she needed to protect them from the storm that was going to come. But in doing that, she realized she would also be serving this woman up on a silver platter for whomever she was running from.

Demi didn't know if she had the heart to actually do that. She took an oath to protect and serve, and she knew this woman needed protecting, but how much was it going to cost her? She fought tooth and nail to get to where she was at now. She was the first female sheriff the town had ever elected, and she didn't want to disappoint them. Or the mayors office. She visibly shuttered at the thought of having to explain this to the mayor when questions arrived.

Dreadfully, the sheriff started to unload her car. Placing all the bags on the porch as she slammed her trunk shut. Jessie must have heard her pull up because the door was slightly ajar, and she could see the woman peering out. Too afraid to be seen by the outside world just yet.

"I got everything on the list." The sheriff said, gently remembering the state the woman was in. Her gaze softened as she peered over at her. Even with the information she just found out, she couldn't bring herself to bombard her with questions. It just wasn't the time.

As they both unpacked, a defeaning silence filled the room. The sheriff's mind running a mile a minute with different scenarios of how this will all play out. And none of them were in her favor. Just as she was about to make a retort. Jessie has already disappeared down the hall. The sheriff sighed as she heard the door gently close behind her.

She decided as Jessie got herself together that she would attend to her cattle. She walked out back the sun, nearly setting for the night as she watched Keaton round everyone up for the night.

Her phone rang, and her deputies name flashed across the screen. She immediately answered it with no hesitation. Desperation in her voice "Did you find something?"

She could hear the clicking sound of his keyboard on the other end of the line as he typed away at his report."Our little popstar is married. Husband filed a missing person's report this morning. Shall I notify the husband?"

Dread filled her stomach, nearly knocking her off her feet with a sickenin twist. She leaned against the barn, suddenly feeling weak in the knees at the information. The woman was married? The Sheriff's head started spinning as all the different scenarios of how much worse things were getting swarmed her.  So many questions ran through Demi's mind she started to feel sick.

Finally, after a few moments, she was able to muster a few words. "Get me everything you have on him. Let's hold off until I know more about him. She's pretty banged up I need more information from her before we proceed. "

She was breaking every law she swore to uphold by doing this but she felt it needed to be done. She had to have a serious conversation with Jessie before she notified any outside parties. She felt called to help this woman even if it meant the end of her career. Keaton must of picked up on her distress because suddenly she felt warm fur brushing against her knees as he sat in front of her waiting for attention. Demi smiled softly at her pup, kneeling down so she could take comfort in his playful energy even just for a moment.