The Daily Life Of A Worn-Out Cop and An Abandoned Demon Kid, Chapter 2 - A New Day

I opened my eyes, the room was darkened with nothing but the soft shimmer of the waning moon illuminating it. 

"Ah…" 

My body was more tired than usual- I woke up early, it seems. Hmn, strange. 

From instinct, I rubbed my eyes and got up from the bed…

"Hm? Oh, Right."

Only to reflexively stop from the feeling of something sitting on the left side of my body. 

I looked over to my left side and there she was - red skin, long, straight, brown hair and tiny little horns that protruded out her head and slightly dug into my lower ribcage - it was the kid, still fast asleep and hugging me as she was dozed off. 

A small smile flashed across my face, glad to know the kid's sleeping nice and tight. 

I looked over to the small digital clock on my bedside table, its red dotting lights illuminated the what-would-be pitch black space around it. 

"4:13." 

It was eighteen minutes before what I'd usually wake up at, my body was understandably groggier than usual - though, it didn't really bother me. I was more than used to extreme amounts of grogginess and some part of me has even found comfort in that, guess it's in my nature to be tired.

"Ah, gotta to buy the kid some clothes-" 

Now being reminded of why I got up early, I stretched my back and carefully got up from the bed - I made sure to move slowly so I didn't disturb the kid, I gave them a pillow to hug just to make sure they won't prematurely get up. I gave them a small pat on the head before starting my work.

I walked around the apartment as quietly as I could, Using the small amount of moonlight peaking into the apartment to get around - I made my way to the small, wooden closet near my bed and slowly opened it, the hinges squeaked slightly as I slid the doors open, I should lubricate the old joints soon. 

The closet was dark but that didn't matter to me - I already knew what and where I was grabbing. After a bit of fumbling I grabbed a large, black windbreaker jacket. 

"Still breathing?"

It was one of my oldest jackets. The old jacket was slightly tattered and torn, with large patches of cloth sealing up the holes in the old and clearly damaged jacket, for what it's worth this thing's been with me since my time in the academy and throughout my years serving as law enforcement, it's always been with me.

I put on the old windbreaker, it fitted perfectly on my fatigued body. 

"Hah, that really doesn't feel right…" 

When I received this jacket as a gift, it was much larger than my normal clothes - back then, I thought this was annoying but this suprisingku it was quite a blessing as it gave me a lot of size allowance and it's what made me able to wear it to this day.

I made a goal for myself, to grow big enough that I could actually fit into the jacket - I still vaguely remember all that work I did just for such a small thing.

…

...

...…

"Hah-"

I chuckled to myself. All those push-ups and squats for something so insignificant, I couldn't help but laugh… or at least I'd want to, but I don't have time for all of that right now - gotta keep on moving, no time for reminiscing. 

I grabbed my wallet, phone and keys along with a small piece of paper and stuffed them into the inner pocket of my jacket. I made sure that it was safe and sound, double checking if everything was locked.

"Stay safe." 

I pat the kid on the head as I made my way out. I moved past the hallway and out the door.

The cold morning breeze whistled through my body as I walked out, it was silent - unnervingly silent. My breath turned into a white mist as I stayed outside.

"Hmn. Today's gonna be cold." 

Now I had a different problem, I couldn't just leave the kid alone at the house, I'd be wildly irresponsible if that were the case - not like I already was, but I digress.

"Hmn… welp, this is an annoying predicament-" 

I didn't have any contacts, at least not one awake at this hour - sure, I could probably call Vera but I'm not gonna put work load on her, poor girl's had more than enough of that for multiple lifetimes. 

"Hmn..." 

It seems like the cons of being a loner have caught up to me, at the worst time and in quite possibly in the worst way. 

As I was pondering my options, a cheery voice near me suddenly rang.

"Ooooweee, sure is goshdarn cold today!" 

Tanned skin, short black hair and a heavy country bumpkin accent - it was my neighbour Ms. Carol. She's well known in the complex as the gardener and takes care of the flower beds around the place, I've actually had some conversations about those exact same bushes - though it never really amounted to much.

Her daily routine includes her frequently getting up early just to water the beds, if she didn't… this place would look dead and depressed. Additionally, she has her own small farm she takes care of - she'd even give away some of her harvest to other tenants of the complex as a gift, I was no exception.

I still haven't gotten to pay her back for those times, she says she doesn't mind but it doesn't sit well with me not being able to give something back for people's kindness. She moved in about two years ago and has been very friendly ever since. 

"Oh hey Mista Chesta! Up early are we?"

"Yeah, what about you?"

"Just doin ma usual gardenin'!"

I knew she got up early since I'd occasionally pass by her on my way to work but even I never knew she got up this early. Must be one hell of a tight gardening schedule, huh? I can definitely respect that discipline.

"Oh yeah! I dun heard some girl cyin' in yer apartment yesterday, I neva' knew you had a daughta!"

"Oh… uh, sorry about that… she's not really my daughter but it's a bit complicated…"

"Ohhh awright' awright' I ain' gon' fork ya for more details but I never did dun' seen you up this early much, you got sum' problem? I'd be right happy to help!"

Well, yes. Very much so. Even though we're neighbours I never actually interacted much with Ms. Carol, I prefer not to bother anyone if need be… but in this case… I didn't have much of a choice, did I? 

(I'm gonna hate myself for this, aren't I?)

"Well you see, I need to go grocery shopping and well… I don't really have anyone that can guard the house while I'm gone so…"

"Oh that ain't' no problem, I'll guard the house while you're gone!"

"Well if doesn't inconvenience you, you need to water the plants well I'd appreciate it if-"

"Oh, those old yella's can wait, it's fine!"

"Well, thanks and… sorry for the inconvenience. There's a bed just down that hallway and the kid is still sleeping. I'll go as fast as I can." 

I pointed down the dimly lit hallway of my apartment.

She walks into the apartment and quarterway down the short corridor. 

"Alrighty! - Take your time, Mista Chesta, yer daughter is safe with me!" 

"Well, I'll be going now - I'm so sorry for inconveniencing you again Ma'am."

"This ain't' nuthin' Don't worry about it!" 

She waves to me as I close the door.

Before I locked the door, I double checked to see if I had somehow dropped the keys as I was talking. 

"Alright, still there… Oh- guess that old habit's still with me huh?" 

There was a small miniature flashlight in the other pocket of my jacket. I always leave one there with a lot of my jackets, especially since I travel when it's still quite dark out. I decided to check my phone's security camera app just to make sure everything was in order and that the kid was safe.

I put a small piece of paper and headed down the familiar building, towards the bike rack in the parking lot, using the miniature flashlight to light my way. 

It was dead silent, nothing but the cold dawn air and the sound of my footsteps walking through the asphalt road present - still, I kept my guard up, the dark is a dangerous place.

I cautiously made my way to the bike rack and preemptively pulled my keys out of my pocket, there's a misconception or should I say… a notion that keys can be used in a self defense situation but I beg to differ, sure if you get the key between your fists serrated side down then yes, it may help… but in a real situation you'd most likely not have time or mechanical skill to pull out your keys and put it in between your fists - even if you did, if you put it serrated side up it's possible to cut your hand, trust me I'd know, I've seen it. It can also lack structural support behind it, unlike a normal fist. Overall, it's better to just have it out so you can unlock your vehicle and get out safely.

Once I arrived at the bike rack, I unlocked the lock on my bike while still keeping an ear out for any threats from the dark. 

…

...

...…

Nothing. I guess that's slightly reassuring. There's a mall about walking distance by my apartment complex, about five to ten minutes on foot. Sure, I could take my car, that's definitely gonna be faster but… it's honestly just cheaper to go by bike - also I gotta do something to keep my stamina relatively in check, you can never have too much of it. 

"Hah, not for her though." 

A certain mischievous and workaholic girl came into my mind, maybe you can have too much stamina. I stretched my legs, hopped on my bike and hurriedly made my way to the mall.

The breezy, cold morning air flew by me as I pedalled my way to the mall as fast as I could, this wasn't something I wasn't used to though, my training regimen has always included sprints and I've had numerous incidents where I was careless and forgot to do groceries so I had to bust my heart out just so I could eat breakfast. Those days are behind me now though, maybe some things are best left in the past.

"Hmn, who am I kiddin?" 

If you aren't practising what you preach, why preach it anyways?

After what seemed like ages, I had finally arrived at the mall. I put my bike on the bike racks and secured it with two locks. I walked into the mall. The bright yet silent lights gleamed down on the smooth, almost shining tiles of the mall. 

This mall is much smaller than others and as such, can work 24/7 with proper staff and management. I've actually had some talks with the manager of this place due to some cases and the guy was actually quite cooperative. He seems like a good guy but I'm not ready to trust just yet.

(God, this feels wrong.)

I made my way over to the girl's clothing section, somehow it feels like I'm doing something illegal even though I know damn well I'm not. 

(Ah, I don't know the kid's cloth size but from what I can tell it's about small or medium… okay, this dress looks fine, maybe this shirt too… getting a pair of pants wouldn't hurt…) 

Picking out random sets of clothes, I hurriedly bought enough to last the kid about a week or so. Once I had enough clothes, I headed to the check out with a basket full of them. It was still early out so there wasn't anyone that was shopping this early in the morning, it's always been a nice convenience when shopping at these hours.

"Your total comes out to 67.93 quiros, Sir. Would you like to pay by cash or do you have a member card?"

"Oh, yes I do, please use my points."

I pull out my wallet and hand over a gold colored card. There was a reason I picked my apartment complex, mostly because it's near this mall and the police station - I'd already been living at that place for ten years now and this place is the most convenient to shop at so I got myself a membership card about a year in, the 15% discount is very useful.

"Okay sir, please wait for your receipt."

After a bit of waiting, the employee at the checkout packed my clothes and handed me my receipt. I was charged extra for a small eco bag, the government outlawed the use of paper and plastic bags about thirteen years ago - I was still about fifteen years old when it happened and it was a bit of inconvenience but once you had an eco bag it was definitely a worthwhile investment. I guess it all worked out in the end, huh?

"Thank you for shopping sir, please come back again."

"Thanks…"

I grabbed my items and made my way to the grocery section of the mall. I had a new mouth to feed at my apartment and I needed to account for that.

A loaf of full grain bread near the grocery section, some tomatoes, some lettuce, a bit of low calorie sauces, chicken breasts, some beef and a carton of eggs. I was just grabbing ingredients that I have already cooked multiple times with. I headed to the counter and paid with my card. I bought a separate eco bag just to make sure the clothes I bought wouldn't get ruined.

(Welp, that's all I need - gotta hurry now.)

After gathering all the things I needed, I headed back to my bike.

Walking out to the asphalt ridden sidewalk, I headed to the bike rack quickly yet cautiously.

(Good, still there.)

My bike hadn't been stolen or disappeared, thankfully. After freeing the lock - I put my groceries and other items to the small built in basket-like compartment of my bike, after having to make runs for groceries when I forgot to charge my car, I had decided to add these small compartments so I could use my bike to carry groceries. 

I started to head back to my apartment complex as quickly as I could but I couldn't just mindlessly pedal as fast as I could, I had groceries and other items on my bike and that could cause uneven balance - I had to take extra precautionary measures to make sure that didn't happen. 

Compared to the barren roads before I entered the store - there were a few cars driving on the road now, the slightly warmer morning air flew by my face as they passed through. It was a smooth ride back and I eventually made it to my complex without trouble. 

(I wonder if the kid's awake now, gotta hurry back if she is.) 

I looked up to my apartment from the outside as I rolled into my complex, the light was off - it was dark. I parked my bike and double checked the lock before grabbing my items and heading to my apartment. 

Some people were already awake at this hour but most of the tenants were still inside their houses and either way I ignored all of them as I walked up the stairs. It wasn't like I wanted to be rude or anything but I could never really bring myself to talk to others that much. 

Don't get me wrong, I've never seen them as bad people but I just don't like getting familiar with others. Not in this profession. No time for sentiments right now though, gotta make it back as fast as I can. I quickly made my way back to my apartment, a floor above ground level and second to the farthest door - before I knocked I checked the small piece of paper I put through the door and the frame earlier. 

"Still there. Good." 

It was probably safe to go in.  

I knocked three times on the cold steel door, not too loud so I wouldn't scare Ms. Carol or wake up the kid if they were still sleeping. 

"I'm back." 

…

...

...…

"Oh!"

After a moment, I heard a female voice coming from the apartment, a few more moments after that  the sound of footsteps rushing to the door followed.

The steel door creaked slightly as it opened, the dim light of the now open nearby street lamps cut ever so slightly through the darkness of the apartment. The figure of a woman stepped into the light.

"Heya, Mista Chesta! Glad yer back!"

It was Ms. Carol.

"Oh, thank you. Is the kid still sleeping?"

"Yep, sleepin nice an' tight like lil' lamb!"

"I'm extremely sorry for inconveniencing you, if anything comes up please contact me."

"Aw shucks, it ain't no problem! I'll see ya around now Mista Chesta!"

"So sorry for inconveniencing you again."

Just like that Ms. Carol started walking back to her apartment again.

I wonder if the kid's okay, gotta check up on her first. As I arrived at my apartment, I walked slowly through the darkness and to my bed. 

"Still safe and sound."

I had finally been able to breathe a sigh of relief, the kid was still sleeping thoroughly - I gave them a soft pat on the head before I started cooking. A little smile lit up their sleeping face, I couldn't help but let out a small grin. 

I put down my grocery bag in the kitchen and took out all the stuff. I put the beef into the freezer and the eggs in the refrigerator. I'll use those for another time, I'll just make these for now.

First, flatten and season the chicken. Salt, pepper, smoky paprika, some onion powder, some garlic powder with olive oil put into an air fryer, cook for 5 minutes each side. Low calorie mayonnaise on the bottom bread, lettuce, tomato, chicken breast, low calorie barbeque sauce, some pickles on top and top bread. 

A fast yet mostly nutritious sandwich, repeated for six times because I have to split it between me and the kid. 

It's a recipe I'm extremely familiar with and have been using with since I was about fifteen years old, I came across it when I met a guy in the gym once and he told me this recipe when I was a beginner - he was a nice guy, a great friend though, I don't know where he is know. Even if that's the case, I hope he's safe - from what I could tell the guy was nice, genuine and loyal. I hope he's doing alright.

After I had cooked all the sandwiches, I went back to my bed. I looked at the clock across the room, 4:37. Twenty three minutes before I head into work. I gently pat the kid on the head to wake them up. 

"Rise and shine, kid. Breakfast is nice and ready, you're hungry right?"

The kid yawned as they slowly opened their eyes, their eyes looked around as they woke up. 

"Come on, kid - up and at em." 

After a moment, the kid yawned and started to get up from the bed, they probably aren't used to waking up this early.

I led them into the bathroom where I had prepared a towel and some change of clothes. 

"Do you… know how to take a bath by yourself?" 

I asked, some parents would commonly teach their kids how to bathe at a young age but I didn't exactly know how young that would be, I guess it's just one of the things nobody really tells you about when taking care of kids. 

The kid paused and then looked down for a moment, they seemed to be in deep thought. After a minute of thinking the kid suddenly looked back to me and made a small nod. 

"Good. I already prepared a towel and clothes over here, okay? Come to the table when you're done and we'll eat some breakfast." 

The kid nodded as I walked out.

I got my things packed and ready for the day, making sure to double check so I don't forget anything. As the kid was still bathing, I prepared the sandwiches and poured a glass of milk for the kid and brewed some coffee for myself. 

Though I wasn't as reliant on it as Vera, with my tight schedule and early mornings I couldn't imagine going through a day without coffee, it's not really about the energy boost - it's more of something that's just… familiar, something comforting. 

*DING DONG*

As I was finishing preparing the table I suddenly heard my doorbell ring, paranoia ran through my body as I quickly put my guard up - there's not really anyone in this complex that would come looking for me at this time, especially not at this hour.

No, It could be Ms. Carol - It's possible she might've forgotten something but… the odds of that happening would be small… After all, she always remembers to water the plants everyday.

No - either way, they know I'm home due the lights - not only that but the kid is still in the bath and may also be in danger, can't risk it. I already made that mistake before, not something you could easily forget. The door is steel for a reason and it would've been ideal to gain vision using security cameras but sadly, this apartment didn't have any in the hallway and we weren't allowed to install them either.

I quickly headed towards my bed and grabbed the gun underneath the frame.

"Who's there?"

I shout, taking cover behind the closest corner near the front door. The gun is on safety and my fingers are off the trigger. I can't rush or I could injure an innocent civilian.

I can't and won't just start randomly blasting if I don't know who's there. 

"It's me, Chesterrrr" 

To my pleasure I heard the voice of an old woman, like your stereotypical grandmother in an old 90's cartoon. 

"It's just Mrs. Bakers… dammit, what the hell is wrong with me?!" 

I quickly berate myself. I put back my gun underneath the bed frame and head to answer the door.

"Sorry for the wait, Mrs. Baker - I had… something to take care of."

Standing outside the door was a very old, grey haired woman with a purple dress and a cane to carry her hunched back body carrying what seemed to be a fruit basket. It was Mrs. Bakers, one of the oldest tenants in the complex, she's essentially been here ever since this building was made and has been living here ever since. 

I don't really know her on a personal basis but she's my second neighbour to the right of my apartment so I occasionally pass by her and I'd say we're on relatively good terms.

"Oh, it's no worry sweetie. After all, you have a kid to take care of now. Ahh, I still remember those days of raising Rosa as a baby-"

"Oh no, I… Well, it's a bit complicated."

"Oh, no worries sweetie Ms. Carol has already told me all about it and I've come here to give you something to help you take care of your child." 

She slowly pushes the fruit basket towards me.

"No need please… Thank you but honestly, It's not that big of a deal." 

I said as I slowly pushed back the small basket. 

(Ah, I can't accept this, this isn't even my child - it could be a bit troublesome if that rumour spread amongst the complex. I can't just get gifts and take advantage of people's kindness like that, though it's also rude to just deny people's gifts…)

Augh… what a pain.

As I was lost in deep concentration, I suddenly felt a small tug behind my leg. I reflexively looked back and saw the kid hiding behind my leg, they were wearing a slightly oversized white shirt along with some pants.

"Oh, Isn't your young one just adorable? Here sweetie, have some candy." Mrs. Baker slowly reached her hand deep into her pocket, pulled out some hard candy and offered it to the kid. 

"nggh…" The kid reflexively hid more behind my leg and started trembling. (Poor kid…) 

"Mn... sorry, could I have one?"

"Of course, sweetie."

 I took one piece of hard candy and turned around to face the kid. I unpeeled the orange plastic covering the piece and put the small treat into my mouth. 

"It's fine kid, see? You can trust her but don't go chasing anyone that offers you candy, alright?" 

The kid stared at me for a moment and slowly reached out to slowly and carefully grab a piece, she quickly swiped one out of the bunch and stuffed it into her mouth slowly. 

"mmm…!" 

As soon as she tasted it, her beige colored eyes started to sparkle with excitement, as her tail swayed back and forth in happiness. I couldn't help but crack into a slight smile. (Heh, guess they're a sweet tooth too. How cute.)

"Good, right?" 

The kid nodded furiously in agreement, she quickly took off towards Mrs. Baker's slightly wrinkled dress to get more candies - in return, Mrs Baker was more than happy to grant the demand of the now sparkly eyed kid.

"How adorable. You truly have an amazing kid."

"Oh, it's not that-"

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP* 

As I spoke, a sudden loud beeping blared through the small corner of my apartment complex.

"Oh, I guess it's 5 am now- mnnnn… I don't have anyone to watch over the house,  I'll

call in sick for now-"

"Oh sweetie, could I watch over the house for you?"

"Oh,  no need ma'am- I'll just call in sick today- I wouldn't want to inconvenience anyone-"

"No, no, it's fine really, ever since hermanos died and the kids stopped visiting me it's been quite lonely at my home. I'll be more than happy to take care of your kid."

A few years back, Mrs. Baker's husband got caught in the crossfire of breaking and entering and got beaten to death with a crowbar. I'd heard this altercation and quickly went in to help but I was too late, too hesitant. Mr. Hermanos died due to blood loss and the thief got away.

It was my own fault that everything had happened the way it did and as such, I needed to make up for it - that much should've been fair. I spent a whole week of my life with little to no rest just to bring that sack of shit to rot in jail and in the end, I nearly killed him with my own bare hands. 

Even though it was ultimately the piece of shit that's now rotting in a jail cell that killed him, I… I'm not innocent for what happened. I kept hesitating over and over again - I wasted valuable seconds that could've saved him. Sometimes, I could remember the first bloodcurdling scream of Mr. Hermanos as I was about to sleep.

"No, it's really fine I don't want to inconvenience anyone with my- oh-"

The kid stopped happily grabbing candies from Mrs. Baker's hand and suddenly tugged on my legs. The kid hurriedly bopped up and down, seemingly trying to grab my attention. I squatted down to hear them out.

"What's the matter, kid?" I asked.

The kid pointed quickly towards Mrs. Baker 

"want… her… stay…"

"You… want her… to take care of you?"

The kid nodded.

"You… sure kid?"

The kid nodded once more.

"Guess that's it then... it seems she wants you to stay."

"Oh, how nice. Take this as a thank you for solving my husband's case."

"No… no need to thank me."

My throat compressed upon itself as those words left my mouth.

I quickly ate my share of breakfast and started to head out for the day.

"There are ingredients in the fridge if you want to cook, It's no big deal to me."

"Okay sweetie, take care nowwwww…"

"Will do."

I packed one of the extra sandwiches I made and headed to work. The station's about 30 minutes away from my house via car. The trip to the station was silent, deathly silent - I… don't like it. I like silence, it's nice and calming but… something about it being totally silent feels off, like something is waiting for me to put down my guard to pounce on me… whatever it is, I don't like it. 

After a short trip, I made it to the station. I parked in and made my way into the station. I checked the time on my phone.

 "05:39, I should hurry."

I hurried my pace through the porcelain white tiles of the station and quickly changing into my uniform, wearing my usual belt, jacket and vest after making sure everything was fit into place. I made my way into our armoury - I grabbed my pistol, Sig P226 9mm, handy and reliable. 

I loaded one brass bullet magazine on my gun and had another one on my belt along with three non-lethal rubber bullet magazines. I passed over into our equipment room to grab my radio along with the other essentials like handcuffs and plastic gloves. I double checked, making sure my equipment was working properly so that it wouldn't fail me.

I walked into our main office and walked through everyone talking to each other to make my way towards my desk, never really been the type to be all friendly with my co-workers. 

Don't get me wrong, I think they're probably good people but getting attached in this profession… it's not something I'll count on. Debriefing hadn't started yet. I boot up my computer and check in to see my workload for today.

"Patrolling…"

I'm on patrol duty today, not the worst thing in the world I suppose - I just hope I'll be able to come home to the kid early today. 

"Alright everyone, good morning - Is everyone here?"

As I was going through my schedule for today, a cheery and familiar voice rang out the station.

"Now I understand it's a bit chilly today but I hope everyone can accomplish their tasks nicely. Martha, you'll be with me - also I need you for court duty on friday-"

As friendly as ever, I see. Though, I suppose that is one of the things that makes her a great chief - I really do wonder at times how she's able to seemingly talk with anyone, regardless of their personality. Hell, I sometimes even wonder why she still talks with me-

"Chester."

Before I knew it, the chief had made her way towards me.

"Yes, yes - I'm Chester."

"You'll be on patrol duty today with Bolt, don't put the kid through your level of training now all right?"

"...No promises."

"Hmn, you seem slower than usual. How'd you sleep last night?"

"Just fine, you should worry more about yourself princess eyebags"

"Hoho, back to you prince sleepy eyes. Alright, wait for your partner before heading out - don't go going alone on me now."

"Noted and trashed."

Guess I'm waiting for my partner first. Well, since I have nothing to do - I'll sort out some paperwork, Vera would probably take these if I don't and god knows she already has too much on her plate.

After sorting out some paperwork for about ten minutes, a voice from what seemed to be a teenager called to me.

"U-um.. g-greetings m-mister chester-"

It was Yu Raijin, my patrol partner for the day. Yu is a transferee hero student from japan, he's a part of a new program called the "Police-Hero field teaching program" this program makes hero course students work with police to gain active field experience in law enforcement. 

In my time in the academy, we never had this. Though, that doesn't mean I don't see the benefits from it, still… It's quite risky to put teenagers into such a dangerous line of work so early.

"Oh. Hey, there buster - I'll just finish up some paperwork, then we'll go out on patrol."

"O-okay, I-I'll wait for you mister chester."

After about a minute or so, I finished up my paperwork.