A/N: This story has been rattling around in my head for a while, and I had to get it out. Not sure if anyone will like it, or even read it, but I feel better now that it's out of my head. :)

Except for some minor editing, the story is complete, so I'll try to post chapters pretty quickly; maybe one per day, or every other day. I've decided to do this without betas or pre-readers, so go easy on me. :)

Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.

Chapter 1

The night was dark—as dark as it could be under the relentless glare of neon lights, which shone garishly from the windows of the buildings she passed. Her high heels made a quiet clicking sound as she walked. It was a sound she was sure only she was aware of against the din of the street noise. Cars honked and people yelled, creating the cacophony of noise that was so much a part of her life. She sighed and checked her watch as she paused on the curb, waiting for cars to pass before she crossed to the other side.

"Bella!"

She smiled without looking up. She knew the voice. As the last car passed, she hurried across the street, the rhythmic click of her heels increased in tempo as she ran. She found Jane leaning against the side of a building, one knee bent, foot resting against the stone, a cigarette dangling from her fingertips. Bella smiled as she saw her.

"About time you got here. What took you so long?" Jane asked without looking at Bella.

Bella sighed and shrugged. "I don't know. Just couldn't get going. I still don't feel great." She ran a hand through her hair, wiping away the small amount of moisture that had accumulated along her hairline. If she was being honest, she still felt a little feverish.

Concerned, Jane turned to face her. "Bella, if you're sick, you should stay home." She placed a hand on Bella's arm. "One more night wouldn't have mattered that much."

Bella shook her head. "No, I'm fine, really. Besides, I need the money."

Jane rolled her eyes and snorted softly. "It's just one night. And you do not need the money. I'm your roommate, remember? I've seen your bank account."

Bella wrinkled her nose and stuck her tongue out as she slapped Jane lightly on the arm.

"Hey, hey! Stay away from me, sickie. I don't want to catch what you have!" Jane squealed, flailing her arms in mock protest.

Bella giggled. "I'm not sick!" she insisted.

"Yeah, yeah…" Jane muttered, her attention diverted by an oncoming car. Bella turned to watch its approach, both girls wary. They were well aware of the need to be cautious and discrete. The car slowed to a stop in front of them. It was dark and expensive-looking. The tinted window rolled slowly down revealing the car's occupant: a man. Bella guessed he was in his mid-forties. He glanced around nervously and opened and closed his mouth several times. His throat bobbed up and down as he swallowed.

Beside her, Jane giggled quietly. "Look at him. He's going to have an aneurism before he even says a word," she whispered.

Bella smiled but said nothing. She couldn't help feeling a little sorry for the man.

After another few awkward moments, Jane sighed. "Oh geez." She looked at Bella and rolled her eyes before approaching the car. "Hey there," she said sweetly, turning her attention back to the nervous man. "What are you up to tonight?"

Bella heard the rumble of the man's voice but couldn't make out his words. She heard Jane laugh playfully as she leaned against the man's open window, tossing her hair. A few minutes later, Jane sauntered back to Bella's side, in full professional mode now.

"Okay, so you're good here?" Jane asked.

Bella nodded. "Of course. Go."

Jane nodded. "All right, but call me if you need anything." As she spoke, Jane checked her bag. Satisfied that she had everything she needed, she began walking backwards toward the man's car. "And Bella, if you don't feel better, go home!" she called.

Bella laughed. "Go, go! I'm fine." She waved Jane off and shook her head as she watched her climb into the man's car. Once Jane had closed the door, the man sped away, his expensive tires making a squealing noise against the pavement.

Alone again, Bella sighed. She kicked at a small pebble on the sidewalk with the toe of her heel. As cars continued to rush past, Bella wrapped her arms around herself, rubbing her bare arms. The night was warm, but suddenly she felt chilly. She groaned quietly as she finally admitted to herself how sick she really felt. Her head was pounding and her throat burned. Unwilling to go home, she decided to walk to a nearby drugstore and pick up some medicine to help her get through the night.

The door chimed as she stepped through it. It was late, so the store was nearly deserted. The clerk glanced at her disinterestedly as she passed, heading for the cold and flu section. She selected a box of medicine that promised to relieve her symptoms for twelve full hours. She paid for it, the clerk barely making eye contact with her, and headed back out the door. She swallowed the medicine, washing it down with a swig from the water bottle she found in her bag.

Bella sighed, closing her eyes as she leaned against the wall of the drugstore building, silently willing the medicine to take effect quickly. Despite Jane's assurances, Bella didn't want to miss another night of work. Her thoughts were interrupted by the sound of an approaching car. She kept her eyes closed until she heard someone call out. Reluctantly, she opened her eyes. The car, a sporty two-seater, had stopped in front of her. The window was down, and the driver was leaning across the passenger's seat.

"Hey there," he said, grinning at her. She pushed herself off the wall and approached him, slinging her bag over her arm.

"Hi, how's it going?" she asked, smiling as she leaned into his open window.

"Good, how are you, sweetie?" the man asked, looking her up and down.

"I'm good. Do you need some…help?" she asked, always cautious.

He winked at her. "Sure, I'll take whatever help you can give me. Hop in."

Bella grinned back at him and nodded, lifting the handle and sliding in beside him. Once inside, she got a better look at him. He was tall and thin with a shock of blond hair that seemed to stick up in every direction. She estimated him to be in his mid-thirties, and he appeared to be dressed fairly well in jeans and a polo shirt.

"So, where to?" he asked. Now that she was in the car with him, some of his bravado from before seemed to be fading away.

Bella smiled sweetly. "Honey, that's up to you." She crossed her bare legs and turned in her seat to face him better.

He nodded, glancing at her as he drove. "Okay, I think there's a hotel nearby."

Bella groaned inwardly. Well, at least she could be fairly certain he wasn't a cop. "Turn left here," she said, pointing to the street he needed to take. His hand shook a little as he shifted gears.

It was going to be a long night.

A/N: Thanks for reading! Reviews are always appreciated. :)