"How can I help you Mr. Hyde?" I ask.

He's leaning way too far over the desk, invading my personal space. He makes me uncomfortable.

"I got an email that my vehicle registration was up for renewal. I was hoping to do that today."

Vehicle registration? That's not me. That's not the department of archives. That would be Sally down the hall in Vehicle and Vessel Licensing. It should have said that in his email.

"Ummm, I'm Vital Records and Archives, Mr. Hyde. Registrations are down the hall. Room 12B."

"I know, I know," he says holding his hands up. "There was no one there so I was hoping you could help me."

"Did you make an appointment?"

"No, did I need to?"

"Yes, appointments are required for after-hours services. You'll have to go online and make one, with the right department."

Well, if he isn't my six fifteen, then my six fifteen is late.

"Are you sure you can't help me?" he asks, flashing me a smile. I'm sure the smile is meant to be charming, but he gives me the creeps. And the smile just adds to that. I don't trust this man. I have no reason not to, but my gut has never failed me. And something is off. Out of the corner of my eye, I see someone walk past the open door. He's wearing a dark suit. He reminds me of Muscles McMuscles. I think he might be the personal protection Mr. Grey was talking about. I'd thought it a ridiculous proposition, but somehow, I'd glad he's there.

"I'm sorry Mr. Hyde. The best I can do, is go into the system and set you up with an appointment right now. Would that be OK?"

"Yes, please," he says, touching my hand in what I presume is gratitude. I pull it back involuntarily, and his face hardens.

I log into the appointment system and pull up the calendar for Vehicle and Vessel Licensing.

"Can I have your vehicle registration number please?" I ask, and he gives it to me.

That's odd. When I type the number into the system, it doesn't show as due for renewal. In fact, that registration was renewed only three months ago. I read the number back to him and ask him if he's sure.

"Yes, that's it," he confirms.

I shake my head. "You're not due for a renewal Mr. Hyde. Your registration was renewed three months ago." I tell him.

He looks surprised, but I can tell that he's faking it.

"Well, silly me. I must have read the email wrong."

"Mm-hmm," I mutter.

"Well, I guess I'll be going. I'm sorry for wasting your time."

"That's OK. We're here to serve the public." I answer.

"Hey, before I go. I was wondering, was that Christian Grey who was just in here before I was?" The Christian Grey?"

What does he mean "The Christian Grey"? Was my Christian a big deal or something? huh… my Christian? Really Steele? He gives you one smoldering look and now he's your Christian?

"Ummm… Err…" I shake my head. "Christian Grey? Who's that?"

"You don't know who Christian Grey is?" his voice is skeptical, like he doesn't believe me. I shake my head again.

"Well, what did he want?"

"I can't tell you that Mr. Hyde. I'm sure you understand."

"Oh, come on, not even a hint?"

I shake my head.

He shrugs. "You really don't know who Christian Grey is? Do you live under a rock?" he laughs.

"No. I've only just moved to Seattle," I explain.

"Oh, where from?"

Darn it Steele. Now you're inviting conversation. You should just have shaken your head and asked him to leave. Well, there's no reason to not be polite.

"I just graduated from WSU this summer."

"And you're working at city hall?"

"Yeah, well temporarily. I'm hoping to find a job in publishing. I've sent in a bunch of applications to all the publishing houses in Seattle, and I'm just waiting to hear back."

"Huh. Interesting." He says. "Well, I won't take up more of your time Ms. Steele. Goodnight."

I breathe a sigh of relief when he walks out. I don't know what it was about him, but I hope I never have to see him again. I look over at the clock. It's now six thirty five. I guess my appointment was a no show. There is no one else on the calendar, but I'm required to stay in until eight o'clock anyway. Just in case someone tries to call or something. I don't mind. Suddenly I remember the CPO.

"Umm, Ryan?" I call out, unsure.

A burly man walks in, another ex-military type.

"Yes, ma'am?" he says.

"You don't have to stay. I'm perfectly fine here." I feel guilty that he's stuck here in the basement of City Hall because of me. I'm sure he's got better things to be doing.

"Mr. Grey said I was to make sure you made it home safely, ma'am," he answered. I could tell from his tone that nothing I said would make him leave. Very well then.

"Who is Mr. Grey, Ryan?" I ask.

He looks at me in confusion.

"Do you not know Mr. Grey?" he asks. I can tell where his mind is going. Why is he here guarding me, keeping me safe, if I don't even know his boss?

"I just met Mr. Grey this evening," I tell him. "Who is he, what does he do?"

"He's a businessman, ma'am. He's very successful."

Huh. A businessman. From the bodyguards and the way Jack Hyde harped on and on about me not knowing him. I would have thought he was a YouTube sensation or a local TV star or some big shot at Amazon or Boeing or something. Businessman. That's… tame, all things considered. Although, I'd have to admit, he looked young. That's probably a good thing. We're probably not looking at a Warren Buffet level of success at his age. Maybe I have a shot.

A shot at what? My inner goddess sneers.

I pull out the novel I keep in a drawer in the desk and find my bookmark.

"If you're staying, you can find a seat, make yourself comfortable," I tell Ryan. "I have to stay until eight. I promise I won't tell Mr. Grey if you choose to leave though."

"I'll wait outside until you're ready to leave, ma'am," he answers.

At eight, I turn off the computer, collect my bag and leave. There is a black Audi parked outside. Ryan indicates that I should get in, but I hesitate. I don't want this man I've just met controlling my life like this. I love walking home. It's my time to reflect on my day. And honestly, it's the only exercise I get.

"Oprah says not to allow yourself to be taken to the second location," I quip, and Ryan breaks out into a deep belly laugh.

"I'd rather walk," I tell him.

Ryan walks with me all 20 minutes to the apartment. We don't say another word to each other, but nevertheless, I'm glad for his company.

A/N: Thanks so much for reading and following and reviewing. I know this was a short one, but I'm already working on the next chapter and hoping to post that one soon. This one was meant to be a transition I guess. Also: someone guessed right that Hyde has been following Grey around.