It was a crisp morning, the kind that makes your lungs feel alive with every breath. You were halfway through your morning jog, enjoying the serene atmosphere of Metro City Park, when you noticed a figure in a blue uniform up ahead. As you got closer, you recognized the familiar attire of a police officer, but something about the stance, the confident yet relaxed posture, seemed different.
As you approached, the officer stepped into your path, blocking your way. You slowed to a halt, feeling a mix of curiosity and apprehension. The officer was a busty woman with blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail, her piercing blue eyes fixed on you as she chewed her bubble gum.
"Got a minute to chat?" Lucia narrowed her eyes slightly, scrutinizing you. "I got some major dirt on you, capisce?" she said, blowing a pink bubble before it popped.
Your heart skipped a beat. Had you done something wrong? You racked your brain, trying to remember. Serious dirt? What could she possibly mean? You were a law-abiding citizen, as far as you could remember. You started to worry that maybe you'd been falsely accused of something major. Could it be identity theft? Mistaken involvement in some crime ring? Your mind raced with worst-case scenarios, and the thought of getting arrested loomed large.
Lucia reached behind her back and, with a flourish, produced an empty water bottle. She held it up like it was a piece of evidence in a major case. "You recognize this? Somebody's gotta make sure this park stays clean, and the last thing they need is you throwin' your trash everywhere."
