Amy

As I sat in the courtroom, waiting for the proceedings to begin, I couldn't help but feel a sense of deja vu. I mean, I was just here yesterday. The prosecution and defense attorney were present, along with the defendants, all ready to battle it out. Just as I was out to drive off into my thoughts, the prosecutor approached me and pulled me aside to discuss the case.

As we went of the details of the case, I couldn't help but feel a rush of adrenaline. It was like I was in a crime drama, and I was the key witness who had the power to sway the entire case. The Prosecutor's questions were tough, but I felt confident in my answers. However, I know this case wouldn't be easy to crack. It would take all of us working together to bring justice to the situation.

"They are contesting the search warrant. They claim that you could not have seen the horses from a legal standpoint. The only way to see them is to come on the property, and they did not permit you to do so," She explained.

I took a deep breath and responded, "I parked my car in the driveway and aw the horses from there. I knocked on the door, but no one answered. So, I walked to the fence that met the driveway and yelled to see if someone was in the barn and would come out. No one answered, and I had a clear view of the horses. I did not enter the fence."

The prosecutor listened intently and recipes, "Okay, we can use that to challenge their claim. We need to make sure we have all the facts straight. Thank you for your input."

I nodded and returned to my seat, feeling more confident about the case. My actions were justifiable, and I hoped the court would see it that way.

I returned to my seat in the gallery, scanning the room for any familiar faces. And I then saw him. The deputy from the night before was sitting a few seats away. My heart skipped a beat. What was he doing here? I raised a question eyebrow at him, and he scoffed in response.

Curiosity got the better of me, and I got up from my seat and walked over to him. "What brings you here?" I asked.

"I come bearing gifts," he smirked. You seemed a little worried last night, and you also seem to be new to this. Thought I could help you learn a thing or two."

I am not sure how he could tell I was worried. And I need to find out if I trust him. It's me, not him. Trust issues, remember. But he seems genuine, so I give him the benefit of the doubt.

"Why would you do that? I'm sure you had other things to do today." I am baffled by his sudden generosity.

"Because I know how it feels to be a rookie, and I also know that you may be sworn in as a Peace Officer, but you don't need any training to be a Humane Office. So say I am helping out a fellow Peace Officer," he explained.

What he said makes total sense. He then hands me a book titled Ohio Revised Code. "This version is on the Ohio Animal Laws. We had it at the station. It wasn't getting used, so I thought it would help you more than the shelf." he added.

"Thanks," I said, still surprised he took the time to help me. Humane Officers may be peace Officers, but we aren't respected like Police Officers. That is why I am stunned he treated me this way.

As he stood to leave, he turned back and said, "Good luck. Maybe I'll see you around and can answer any questions you have on that book."

Then he walked away, leaving me stunned and grateful for his unexpected kindness and wondering how it was always possible to be that hot. He was the epitome of tall, dark, and handsome, with eyes that seemed to see right through me. He is the male lead in my romance novel, and I've been a bad girl. I don't have a real boyfriend, so it's a romance novel. Plus, romance novels man comes with no strings and no complications. And I am talking about me. I'm the complication.

Sitting on the witness stand, I couldn't help but feel like I was in a scene straight out of Law & Order. The prosecutor fired questions at me like bullets from a machine gun, and the defense attorney gave me the third degree like I was a suspect in a murder case. It was intense, it was intimidating, and most of all, it was exhilarating.

But when I thought I had the upper hand, the judge dropped a bombshell that left me feeling like a complete amateur. Let's be realistic. I am. My warrant was invalid because the judge thought I obtained the evidence illegally.

Despite dedicating six months to this case, the outcome was not in our favor. The shelter will have to relinquish the animals to the owners, and it's devastating. My sense of defeat and self-anger is overwhelming. I have given my all to this case, but the victory seemed beyond my reach. I have no choice but to make the solemn promise to myself and the animals I have pledged to defend-I will not allow another case to slop through my fingers.

It felt like a punch to the gut, especially knowing that their relationship to the County Commissioner most likely influenced the outcome. But let me tell you, I am not one to back down from a fight. From this moment on, I vow to be even more vigilant and tireless in my efforts to save the animals. I will not let the influence of any connections or associations affect my mission to protect these vulnerable creatures. It's time to roll up our sleeves, animal lovers, and show the world what I am made of.

Of course, when I returned to the animal shelter, my colleagues were easier to hear the outcome. I shared the news with them, but my mother is the one who truly understood the weight of defeat I carried on my shoulders. She often reminds me that I possess the most empathetic and compassionate heart out of her three children. Despite my doubts and fears, she assures me that with time and experience, I will become a skilled and effective Humane Officer.

The bastards who owned those horses arrived at the shelter, demanding the colt's return. It was like something straight out of a cheesy Western movie. The elderly mare was useless to them, and their only concern was the colt. And they weren't content with just taking it. Oh no. These sadistic jerks decided to load the poor animal into the trailer and leave it in their driveway for everyone to see. It was like some sick form of torture.

To make matters worse, the prosecutor's response was infuriating. As long as the animal has the bare necessities, leaving it cooped up in the trailer like a criminal on the run was perfectly legal. Are you kidding me? It's enough to make your blood boil.

I'm completely powerless here. It's like being caught in a spider's web; no matter how hard we try to break free, we just can't. The frustration is real, folks. We know something is wrong, but we can only sit and wait until if becomes terrible enough for the powers to allow us to step in. It's like waiting for water to boil, but instead, we are waiting for the limits of justice.

As the sun began its descent, the clock struck five, and I wrapped up another day of work. My mother and I picked up Dakota, my little bundle of joy, on a dark day. Upon reaching home, I tended to my horses before taking Dakota for a leisurely ride around the farm. Her infectious laughter warmed my heart, reminding me of all the good in the world. As I let go of my worrier, I couldn't help but think of how much love and protectiveness I have for my loved ones.

(Hey, everyone, this was my first case, and I did lose the case for the exact reason I wrote about. This case shaped my career, and I remember it like yesterday. Even thirty-two years later. I also was a mom at 15 years old and did leave my husband due to abuse.)