Chapter 1: Introduction
The street was alive with the bustle of people rushing here and there, lost in their own thoughts, intent on reaching their respective destinations. Tall skyscrapers loomed overhead, casting long, oppressive shadows over the pavement, which sloped downward towards the busy intersection. Anna, a tall and imposing figure in her mid-twenties, stood out amongst the sea of tiny heads, her athletic build and curly brown hair making her hard to miss.
A scowl pulled at the corners of her mouth as she gazed upon the diminutive figure of Tom, who was making his way down the street.
As he walked past, she couldn't resist the urge to make a comment, "Hey, small fry, you look like a clown."
The words hung in the air for a moment before Tom flushed with embarrassment and hurried away, all too aware of Anna's mocking laughter following closely behind.
Wanda, patrolling nearby, was quick to react to the situation. She stepped out from between parked cars and approached the two, her arms crossed.
"Excuse me, Miss," Wanda said with a stern tone, "but I would appreciate it if you didn't pick on the citizens of our city."
Anna sneered at Wanda, her blue eyes sparking with anger. "Oh, and who are you exactly? Some kind of law enforcement?"
Wanda nodded. "Yes, ma'am. I'm Officer Wanda of the local police department.
It is my duty to maintain law and order in this city, and I won't stand for anyone disrespecting its citizens." She spoke with firm conviction, her deep voice echoing through the empty streets.
Anna scoffed, her lips turning upwards in a smirk. "Well, excuse me for having an opinion.
And I can pick on anyone I like, as long as it's not against the law," Anna snapped.
Wanda raised an eyebrow. "I see. And what is your profession, Miss?"
Anna's smirk vanished, replaced with a scowl. "It's none of your business, officer."
"Actually, it is," Wanda replied, her voice calm and collected. "If you're not employed, then how do you afford such a lavish lifestyle?"
Anna's eyes narrowed.
"I don't have to answer to you," she hissed. "And I can afford whatever I want, unlike some people I could mention."
Wanda remained calm, her demeanor unruffled. "I see," she said, her voice devoid of any emotion. "Well, we'll just have to see about that."
She motioned to one of the nearby patrolmen, who stepped forward. "Take her into custody," she ordered.
Anna bristled at the idea.
"You can't do this," she snarled. "I'm a citizen of this city, and you can't just lock me up without a reason."
Wanda gave Anna a cold stare. "I have more than enough grounds to hold you," she replied. "Bullying is a crime, Miss."
Anna's smug expression faltered as she realized the extent of her mistake. "But...but that's not fair! I was just having some fun."
Wanda shook her head.
"I'm sorry, Miss," she said, "but the law is the law. And in this city, we take bullying very seriously. You will face consequences for your actions."
Anna's eyes blazed with defiance, and she struggled against the policemen's grip. But Wanda remained calm and unflinching, her eyes fixed on Anna's face.
"Please," Anne begged, "I'll do anything you want. Just let me go."
Wanda paused for a moment, her eyes searching Anna's face.
She could sense the building tension in the woman's body, her muscles tightening as she struggled against the men holding her.
"You will face the consequences of your actions, Miss. You will be held accountable for your actions," Wanda said, her voice calm but firm.
Anna's struggles ceased and she slowly began to slump in the grip of the officers. She let out a slow, defeated breath as she looked at Wanda. "Please," she begged, "I'm sor..."
Wanda interrupted her.