Standing in front of her, noticing her arms straining to even carry my bag, which I guess we switched somehow.
“Thought you had a bus to catch?” I try to tease her, noticing at once that maybe it’s not the best approach.
She looks suddenly fragile. Like a wounded bird. Her lower lip trembles and I can’t help but reach out for her.
My hand on her shoulder.
“Hey… It’s okay. It’s okay,” I console her.
That look in her eyes I’ve seen too many times.
Young girl, big city. Whatever happened to her couldn’t be as bad as what I’ve been sent to protect her from.
That alarm bell that’s been ringing in my body and soul since last night has finally shut off.
But she doesn’t have to worry anymore. Whatever it is she’s running to or from. She’s gonna be doing it with me from now on.
And not just because my old boss wants to stitch up his little scratch ticket massacre mystery.
She’s coming with me because my gut was right.
She’s the one and she’s mine now.
Harry and Megan… Ha! I can’t believe she didn’t get that.
And as much as I could jump her bones, Megan looks like she needs a friend more than anything just now.
“How about we start over?” I ask her gently, my hand absently moving to her chin. Lifting it up so I can see those baby blues better.
She’s fighting to be strong. But is it for me, or just outta habit?
“I- I didn’t recognize you at first….,” I start to explain. “Could we Uhhh… Could we go someplace and talk?” I tell her.
More of a gentle command than a question.
She seems rattled enough, I don’t wanna give her the whole story out here in public.
I think I’ve already acted crazy enough.
She nods and sniffs. One of my arms lifts my bag from her hands and joins it with her little pink case I’m gripping. My other arm reaches around her shoulders, guiding her slowly through the crowds to a taxi stand.
The sassy, loudmouthed girl from the rideshare doesn’t have anything to say. And I’m a little surprised that she’s just coming along without any questions.
But I know she’s gonna have nothing but questions once I lay the situation out for her.
But before that, I just want to let her see for herself that I’m here to help.
I can throw her over my shoulder and take her to my cave later. Right now, she needs to get safe and get used to feeling that way.
I hold the door of the cab open for her before slipping in next to her.
The driver giving me that look they do these days.
Like they know you’ve been ridesharing and they’re all like ‘Oh, sonowyou wanna cab…’
I reach into a compartment in my bag, producing my card.
“Megan? I’m Harry Holmes. I’m a former police officer and Private Investigator—.” I begin.