30 MINUTES TO SAFETY
By Goliath
5:00; 13 year old Cody Martin bid his friends on the chess team goodbye and started the short walk from school back to his home, the Tipton Hotel. He was feeling pretty good about himself. He had just won a match against one of the best players in Boston which had clinched his team's victory. 'Nothing could ruin this moment' he thought as he carried the trophy in his right hand. He couldn't wait to show his trophy to Maddie. She had been the one to encourage him to join the team. She was usually the one to encourage him to try new things.
5:15; Cody turned the corner around the side of the hotel and was making his way toward the front door as the sun had finished setting. He knew his mom didn't like him being out after dark but he had been so adamant about joining the team that she couldn't say no. Carey knew that Cody usually felt inadequate next to Zack so whenever he found something that he excelled at she couldn't help but allow him to go despite her concerns. Cody had been so wrapped up in feeling good about himself that he didn't notice the large man coming up behind him until he had grabbed Cody's backpack. He let out a small yelp which drew the attention of some of the security people at the front door. They rushed around the corner, grabbed the thief and made their displeasure with two-bit criminals who pick on small 13 year old kids known as violently as they legally could. Cody watched them drag the man off while his hands shook violently. At that moment he knew only one thing that would make him feel safe again.
5:30; The police took the punk away and talked to Cody and Dylan Gallant, the hotel's new security chief. After he, Cody and the rest of his security team had given their statements to the police, Dylan saw some news vans pulling up in front of the hotel and carefully guided Cody through the front door easily avoiding the press and instructing his team to not let them in under any circumstances unless they really wanted to collect unemployment. Cody went to the couch in the lobby and sat down. He was still shaking terribly when he felt a gentle hand on his shoulder. Cody turned to see Maddie looking at him with concern in her brown eyes. Cody finally broke into quiet sobs that shook his entire small frame. Maddie gathered Cody into her arms and pulled him on to her lap. Cody had not quite hit his growth spurt yet so he was still light enough for her to pick up. "It's ok, Cody" Maddie whispered stroking his long blonde hair. "you're safe now. Shhhh." Cody rested his head against her shoulder and it was not very long before his sobs stopped altogether. This was what he needed to feel safe.
A/N There isn't enough stories like this so there it is. I know this is A) Really short and B) Pretty bad but it is 3:00 AM I might take another stab at this another time.