Chapter 9: The Second Imprisonment

“Noah, the person you detained yesterday is clean—no criminal record. When we found him, he was unarmed and had no contraband. It seems he was simply unlucky to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
“What about the restaurant?”
“The timing matches. He did leave around 10 o’clock.”

Noah shrugged helplessly. The incident escalated so quickly—from a home invasion and shootout to this—anyone seen wandering at night would surely be misunderstood.
“Let’s go. Let’s send our unlucky guy home.”

Noah returned to the interrogation room, opened the door, and said to Jimmy, “We’ve cleared everything up. You can go now. Come with me; your backpack is outside.”

Noah led Jimmy to retrieve his backpack and checked inside—his clothes and wallet were all there. Jimmy slung the backpack over his shoulder and walked out of the police station.

Outside, Jimmy glanced back at the building. The emblem of the Pulaski County Police Department hung above the entrance. The badge looked familiar—he remembered the emblem from the police car at the convenience store robbery a few days ago.

At the roadside, Jimmy looked around in confusion. He had never been here before and had no map. He couldn’t find Ashar Street or figure out how to return to the restaurant.

Helpless, he went back inside and approached the front desk.
“Hi, ma’am, could I borrow a map?”

“Jimmy? Why are you back?”

Before the receptionist could reply, Jimmy heard his name called from behind. Turning around, he saw Officer Noah, who had just escorted him out earlier.

“I don’t know the way back to the restaurant, Officer. I’d like to borrow a map.”

“Follow me, I’ll take you there. You’re in luck—I’m heading out on patrol anyway.”

Officer Noah led Jimmy to the parking lot. Jimmy casually opened the rear car door. “Sit up front.” Jimmy took the passenger seat as Noah started the police car and drove off.

...

“Thanks, Officer.” Jimmy thanked him, got out, and returned to the restaurant.

It was already 10 a.m. Jimmy waited by the door for a moment before John arrived.

“Jimmy, what happened last night? The county police called me just now to check on you.”

John asked as he opened the door, and they walked inside together.

---

“Talk about bad luck. On my way back last night, I ran into the police handling a home invasion with a shootout. I got dragged into it and even spent the night in the hospital.”

“Damn, were you hurt?”

“No, just knocked out. The police brought me back this morning.”

“Good to hear you’re okay. You should get some rest.”

Jimmy changed clothes in the break room and lay down on a bench to rest.

Reflecting on the past two days, it had been overwhelming—homelessness, work, a car accident, two crime scenes, being held at gunpoint, time in the police station, and a hospital stay. Could the United States really be this chaotic? Even his steel nerves, forged through countless fires and disasters in his past life, were starting to fray. In this state of lawlessness, trying to be a law-abiding citizen was a daunting challenge.

Jacob and Erica arrived at the restaurant. Seeing Jimmy, Jacob smiled and asked, “Jimmy, why were you at the police station this morning?”

Jimmy recounted his misfortune again. “How did you know I was there?”

Jacob laughed heartily, flashing a mouthful of white teeth. “Of course I know—I’m an auxiliary police officer. I got a call from the station before heading out.”

“What’s an auxiliary police officer?”

“Auxiliary police. I’ve been one for years. I still do some part-time shifts during my days off.”

“Police officers can have part-time jobs? I had no idea.”

“Ha! Most people don’t notice. We have our own badges, and the station even has special cars marked for auxiliary police.” Jacob pulled a badge from his pocket—hexagonal, the same style as the Pulaski County police badge, but with ‘auxiliary’ inscribed above ‘police.’

“Auxiliary police are volunteers. Our shifts are flexible. I only take on assignments when I’m off duty.”

“Do auxiliary officers get paid?”

“No fixed salary—it’s volunteer work. But the department offers a small stipend for shifts, though it’s minimal.”

“Sounds good. Can I become an auxiliary police officer?”

“Definitely. I’ll take you to the station this afternoon to register, and you can attend their training when you have time.”

“Thanks, Jacob.”

Life at the restaurant was usually dull, though sometimes very busy. After closing for lunch, Jacob drove Jimmy once again to the Pulaski County Police Department.

Looking at the building, Jimmy was speechless. Twice in one day? Was this like being locked up twice?

---

“Good afternoon, Sheriff James.”

“Hi, Jacob. On duty today?”

“Not at all. I’m still on leave. This is Jimmy, one of our restaurant staff. He wants to sign up as an auxiliary police officer.”

“Okay, go see Amy to register.”

“Will do. Goodbye, sir.”

Jimmy followed Jacob into an office.
“Amy, please help register a new auxiliary police officer. The sheriff has approved.”

“That’s great, Jacob. You’re so thoughtful. We’re short-staffed right now.”

Amy pulled some files from a cabinet and handed a form to Jimmy.
“Fill this out, please.”

Jimmy sat at a nearby desk and began to fill in the form.

“Amy, what’s the story with the staff shortage?”

“The police academy hasn’t had enough recruits for two years running. You know, our pay isn’t great, so many people go to academies in other states. Now the county police are understaffed. Many auxiliary officers are registered, but fewer actually show up. And you—when was the last time you came to the station? Over two years ago, right?”

“Ha! You know I got married and need more time with my family. Erica even wants to go on vacation this Christmas.”

“Exactly. So most auxiliary officers are in the same boat.”

“Sorry, being an auxiliary is a personal choice. We should respect that.”

“True. But that means we have to work overtime. The station barely has normal shifts now; everyone’s working extra hours.”

Jimmy finished the form and handed it back to Amy.

“Okay, Jimmy. We’ll conduct a background check and notify you within three days. If all is well, you’ll need to complete 16 weeks of training—legal education, first aid, emergency response drills, physical fitness, and more. You can ask Jacob about it; he’s been through the training. We’ll inform you about the rest later.”

“Okay.”

“All done. Let’s head back to the restaurant. Amy, you should come over sometime to try my special spicy barbecue. You’ll love it. Bye.”

Jacob said, then gestured for Jimmy to follow and turned to leave the office.