The tall thin man walked through the darkened, dank arches. His eyes scanned the huddled forms that inhabited the space. This section was mostly young people. These were the run-aways and cast-offs of London. Those who called this space home were not yet hardened but not quite hopeful anymore either. A few solicited him along the way. Some asked for money. One asked if he was in need of any substances. A few young women and men straightened themselves up and stood with hips forward in provocative offers of sex for money or warmth or escape.

Tara watched all of this, and then she watched as he strode right up to her as if she was exactly who he came there to see, even though they had never met before now. Anyone else would have found her indistinguishable from those around her. She worked hard at not drawing attention to herself. That was how Tara kept herself safe.

"I have a job for you if you are interested" He said simply as he offered her some folded bills, making sure to position himself so that others wouldn't see him flashing money about.

Tara's eyes flicked back and forth incredulously, as if there was suddenly someone else behind her that he must be speaking to instead of her. "Why me?" She asked.

"Because you don't look stupid and you know how to not be seen. Now don't be boring and just say yes." was his fast and flat reply. "Oh and did I mention that it would mean relocating to a more hospitable part of London than this little slice of paradise?"

Tara felt a bolt of some sensation she couldn't quite explain shoot up her spine and light up parts of her brain that have been dormant for some time. Pride? Excitement? But as soon as it arose her defenses kicked in. These were the practiced defenses that kept her alive.

"What's the job?" she asked. But mind you, she was already extending her hand to take the money.

"I need you to watch someone and not be detected in the pocess. You will send me text messages daily with your updates." As soon as the money left his gloved hand he reached back into the pocket of his leather coat and produced a small mobile phone. "My number is in the phone."

"Who is it? Where?" Tara replied, aware that her heart was beating faster and that her voice was sounding more confident than the usual unassuming stammer she used when panhandling.

"You don't need to know his name. The area is Westminster, address 221B Baker Street. His flat is above a place called 'Speedy's'. There is an alley across the street 2 buildings down that should provide decent cover as well as a few others. There are some cafes that are homeless-friendly, minimal street crime, and the officers that patrol there regularly are not the type to badger young ladies."

"Okay" Tara said with a nod. "I can get there by tomorrow if that's okay."

"Splendid" said the stranger with a small courteous smile that held no real joy behind it. "Oh and I will text you with different locations to pick up your money weekly."

He turned to leave as quickly as he came when Tara mustered the courage to ask him "Seriously though, why me?"

The stranger sighed in a annoyance but she thought she saw a hint of amusement as he tossed his head to clear the audburn curls for over his eyes and explained: "You chose a spot in this arch that was not ideal as far as shelter and privacy goes but that gives you a good vantage point to see who and what is going on around you. It is also a spot that others won't bother to bother you over. You have no physical signs of substance abuse and your hands are relatively clean for someone who sleeps rough. Your clothes as well, although in poor repair, are fairly clean. I see tucked in the top of your backpack is a library book of classical works. You don't just go there for the warmth like some others. You go there to read and to try to pass as 'normal' for a while. Also just visible in your backpack is a blue pressboard folder stuffed with documents. Blue is the color used by the local juvenile courts. But you are no longer a juvenile so you either hung onto your own records for the past few years or you have some siblings still in the system, or both. Having been in the juvenile system for a fair amount of time you know how to present the right faces at the right times to get what you want or need from the situation. You also tend to know who does and does not present a possible threat to you."

"How did you figure that last bit?" She ventured boldly.

"Because when I approached you didn't flinch. I may be a threat to some in this world but not to you. And, in case you were wondering, the man you will be watching will not be a threat to you either." His glance faltered to the ground for a moment. "You may even find yourself liking him. Please don't let that cloud your objectivity in this assignment. And don't approach him under any circumstances." The stranger's voice returned to a stern tone on his final warning, and then he turned and walked off decisively.

Shocked, Tara let one word slip from her lips quietly. "Brilliant."

The tall man's long steps broke pace momentarily. He glanced back ever so slightly. Tara thought she saw a small sad smile.

SHJWSHJWSHKWSHJWSHJWSHJWSHJW SHJWSHJW

Sorry this chapter is short. I promise the next stop is Baker Street! Should be some more action in the future and I needed to split this up a bit. Thanks for everyone who has been following and thanks especially to those who have reviewed and PM'd me. Please don't hesitate to write me with questions and comments. Reviews are appreciated!