Author's Note: Ahh, another chapter. It's not taken me too long to get chapter 3 going, so I'm giving you chapter 2. For those of you who are following Staying Strong, chapter 10 is in the works.

In the Shadow of my Father

I wasn't sure how much time had passed, but what must have been hours later someone knocking on the window woke me. I had dozed off with the book lying open on my knees. I'd moved from the driving seat to the back seat for more room. I would the window down to speak to the police officer.

"Are you all right, Miss?"

Was I all right?I'd just walked out of my job, my life and my home, and been on the road for the last two days with nowhere to go. I spotted his car parked behind the sign. I'd not noticed it when I been forced to stop. I shivered a little in the night air, it really was cold now.

"I – I think I'm all right." I replied slowly. "Well, apart from having a broken down car and nowhere to go…"

"There's a motel not far away, why don't I take you back there for the night. I can get someone to look at your car too."

I picked up my book and closed it, thinking over my options. "Is there anyone that can tow my car into the town? I don't want to leave it out here all night."

"Sure. We can wait for him to get out here if you want."

I nodded, pulling my jacket closer around my body. The officer went back to his vehicle and pulled out the radio. I couldn't make out what he was saying from this distance. A coyote howled in the distance. I jumped. I wasn't used to the night noises. In the city all I was likely to get were vehicles rumbling along on the road and the occasional group of drunks meandering home after a night on the town. I could see the officer standing by his car out of the corner of my eye. He didn't come over to me again, which suited me just fine. I opened my book and carried on reading.

A few minutes later a rattling truck pulled up between us. I looked up at the sign on the door. Tow Mater.

"Thanks for coming, Mater."

"No problem, Sheriff. Nothin' else tuh do."

I stowed the book back in the glove compartment and stepped out into the night. I didn't realise just how cold it was until my legs nearly gave out beneath me. I caught myself on the car door as the officer walked over to me.

"Are you all right?"

I nodded. "Just a little cold."

There was a quiet whirring noise as Mater lifted my car up on the tow hook. I watched as he turned his truck around and headed back the way he had come.

The police officer put his hand on my back while I pulled the collar of my jacket up and tried to hide my hands inside my sleeves. It was never this cold in the city at night. He led me to his car and drove the short distance to the town. It was perhaps another couple of miles from the sign.

He stopped outside a small café. It was still open, despite the late hour.

"Come on, Miss, let's get you a room for the night. I expect Doc can take a look at your car in the morning."

I eased my stiff body from the car, suddenly aware of the long skirt and smart shirt that I was wearing. Everyone inside the café seemed to be wearing jeans and thin tops despite the temperature. I followed the officer inside, hesitating slightly in the doorway as all eyes turned to me. I stared at the floor as he led me to a table in the corner. I glanced up as I sat down. There was another man at the table with us. I quickly averted my gaze again, not really comfortable with the sudden attention.

"Evening, Doc." The officer sat down next to the man.

"Sheriff…who's the kid?"

Kid? What kid? It dawned on me that the man (could this be Doc?) was referring to me.

"Found her out at the sign. Car's pretty knackered."

"I'll take a look at it in the morning."

"What can I get you?" A gentle female voice joined us.

"Just a weak tea for me, Flo." Sheriff replied. "What do you want, Miss?" He touched my arm lightly.

"I'm ok." I replied automatically, trying to stop myself from shaking visibly.

"You should have something." Doc said quietly. "When was the last time you had anything to eat?"

I looked away, not happy with answering his question.

"I'll sort something out." I heard Flo say as she turned to leave.

I kept my eyes averted, suddenly wishing I were still driving the roads on my own. I didn't want company, I wanted to be alone again. Normally I would have welcomed the company gratefully, but not tonight. I shut my eyes against the threatening tears as Flo returned.

"Miss?" Sheriff was speaking to me again.

It was no good. I had to get out of the building before I lost control. I stood up quickly and made for the doors. I sank onto one of the benches in the parking lot, not aware of anyone following me until Doc spoke to me.

"Miss?" He sat down beside me.

"I'm ok." I whispered, knowing I most definitely wasn't.

"You're not ok. Want to talk?"

I shook my head. I wasn't comfortable telling all my problems to a complete stranger. I was glad he was there though. I suddenly realised I was shaking worse than ever. He appeared to notice too. He walked over to one of the cars, returning a moment later with a thick blanket, which he put around my shoulders. He wrapped a caring arm around my shoulders, letting me lean against him. I was starting to trust him a little more.

A few minutes later another figure moved through the darkness. I glanced up as the police officer got back into his car and drove off.

"It's getting late." The doctor said quietly as the sound of the engine faded into the night. "I'll put you up in the surgery for the night."

I followed him down the road, still wrapped in the warm blanket. It was only a short walk to the building. He let us inside, told me to sit down, and went over to a cupboard. He pulled fresh sheets from inside and set about making up one of the beds. It didn't take long for him to finish, and soon I was lying in the warmth as he left me alone for the night.

Author's Note: More coming soon I hope. I'm most of the way through the 3rd chapter, though I'll want to get started on the 4th before I put the 3rd online. Just the way I am really. Hope you lot are enjoying this. Reviews are very much appreciated.

Thanks to NikChik-11 and xForeignxConcepts for reviewing the last chapter.