I’ve Seen A Lot Of Sick Things As A Police Officer, But I’ve Never Seen Something Like This

I placed my own cup in the holder and flicked on our lights, pulling out of the gas station, and roared down the highway. As we drove, I anxiously tapped my fingers against the wheel. We had been on dozens of calls like this, but each time I felt my pulse quicken. Domestic disputes meant that one of the parties was out of control. Out of control meant unpredictable. And unpredictable meant dangerous.

After a couple minutes, Henry pointed out into the night.

“There’s Tenner.”

I spun the wheel, “Got it.”

The road was dark and quiet, a neat line of small houses set on quarter acre plots. I checked the address and then pulled into the driveway of a small two story house at the end of a cul-de-sac. I scanned the surrounding houses, searching for curious neighbors. The street was still, and empty. I got out of our cruiser, the warm night air caressing my face, and adjusted my hat. Henry mirrored me on the opposite side of the car, casting a quick glance my way.

“I don’t hear anything,” he muttered, watching the front of the house. The curtains were closed, but we could see the lights on.

“Probably saw the flashing red and blues and shut the argument down,” I snorted, walking up the driveway. Henry joined me and together we marched up to the front door.

“Do the honors?” Henry asked, waving a hand before us.

“You sure know how to spoil a guy,” I said, raising my fist and pounding on the door.

“Hello, police, please open the door!” I announced.

We paused for a moment as someone moved around inside, the dull thud of footsteps drawing closer. Then there was silence and I thought I could hear someone talking, a male voice.

“Police, please open the door!” I repeated, rapping my knuckles on the wood.

More silence, followed by a low muffled conversation.

Finally, the door opened a crack.

A woman peeked out at us, her face flush.

Henry tipped his hat, “Evening ma’am. We’ve had complaints about a domestic dispute…could you please open the door?”

“Everything is fine here,” She breathed, her eye shifting between the crack to appraise us. “Just leave us alone, we’re ok.”

I placed a hand on the door, my voice stern, “Ma’am can we please speak to the man of the house?”

And then a voice drifted out from inside, cool and controlled, almost amused.

“It’s alright Mary, let them in.”

Shaking, licking her lips, the woman stepped back and pulled the door open. We stepped inside and I noticed the disarray she was in. Her hair was a mess, her cheeks were red, and sweat lined her brow.

And she looked absolutely terrified.

Henry and I removed our hats and I gave her a reassuring smile as she closed the door behind us.

“Evening, officers.”