"Dr. Turner, can you tell me what happened."
She closed her eyes, trying to calm her nervous. Just breathe! Everything will be okay, don't panic! Just answer his questions, don't elaborate!
"The two men wanted to rob the dinner and us, I wasn't fast enough getting my money and jewelry to them. One of the gentlemen grabbed me by my hair, at that moment it was fight or be killed."
She answered his questions, just what he asked. She had already brought unwanted attention to herself, she was going to have to watch her back for the next several days to make sure she was safe. Sgt. Parker seemed happy with her answers, he released her to go home, she was exhausted. She just wanted to go home, and crawl into her king sized bed. She walked out the doors, into the bright sun, she pulled on a pair of sunglasses. She was glad to get home, she slept for the next four hours.
XXX
"Tatiana, come out!" Her step-father called for her, waving a gun.
Sixteen year old Tatiana Martain ran through the house trying to find a hiding place, the very people she thought she could trust have turned out to be murderous liars. She found the secret panel in the library, she stepped into the hidden stair case that led to her room. She grabbed a backpack and started shoving clothes into it, she opened her dresser opening the secret compartment and pulling out all the cash she had hidden. She walked to her closet, opened yet another panel pulling out a clean ID. Complete birth certificate, driver's licencee, and social security card, everything she would need to start over.
She heard several foot steps coming up the main stairs, her time was almost up. She went back down the hidden stair case sneaking out the back door, out the garden into the street. She would never forget what she saw that night, or be able to live her life normally.
XXX
She sat up in bed sweating, looking around her room, taking three deep breaths she relaxed and calmed herself. She pulled her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. She looked at her phone, checking the time and missed calls and text messages. She got up from bed, heading to the shower, time to clean up, and face the day.
Her phone rang before she could get out of bed, she recognized the number. She knew she should ignore the call but there was the part of her that needed comfort and peace.
"Hello."
"Kendall, it's Spike."
"Nice to hear from you."
"I wanted to check on you. Make sure you were okay, after what happened in the dinner this morning?"
She was touched by his concern. "I'm fine. Thank you for calling and checking up on me."
"I was wondering if you'd like to go out for dinner tonight?"
She was torn on how to answer him, no was the right answer it kept everyone safe, but unhappy. Yes, was unsafe but it would make her happy even if for a brief moment.
"I'd love to."
"Let's meet at seven at Sun Cafe on main street?'
"Sounds great, I'll see you then."
She hadn't been on a date in years, she was nervous. She slowly got out of bed, headed for the shower, smiling at herself.
XXX
She walked up to the doors of the Cafe at six forty five, she sat on the bench out front waiting for Spike. She was nervous, she went for a simple look that night. She wore a blue sundress, jewelry was simple, and sandals. There was a slight breeze blowing, playing with her hair, she'd curled it, pulling it into a pony tail. It was a beautiful spring night, she was enjoying sitting out under the moon and the stars.
Then she heard it, it made her heart stop beating, and panic set in. "Tatiana, come over here by your mother! We've got to go!"
She slowly stood up, looking around, to see where it was coming from. A little girl launched herself at a women, wrapping her small arms around her neck. Her breathing returned to normal. She turned around, and found Spike standing in front of her. She let out a squeal because she was startled, he put his hand on her arm.
"Are you okay?"
"I'm fine. Just a little jumpy. Sorry."
"I can imagine after what happened this morning." He took her hand, and led her into the cafe.
She enjoyed their dinner together, he made her laugh with stories of his team. He talked about his mother and father. "What about your family?"
She got silent, not wanting to give too much information because that would be dangerous. "I've been on my own since I was sixteen."
His expression took on one of sorrow, "I'm sorry." He took her hand in his, caressing it, it sent a shiver up her spine.
"It's been a long time ago, I survived." She gave him a small smile.
He continued to hold her hand throughout their dinner, as they finished dinner, she was wishing it could go on a little longer. She didn't want it to end, he held her hand leading her outside. He suggested a walk, she agreed. He continued to hold her hand as the walked along the main street under the street lights. He paused under a streetlight, he cupped her face, leaned in and kissed her.
She closed her eyes, and enjoyed the kiss. Alarms were sounding in her head to stop it, and stop it now, but she wasn't listening. She wrapped her arms around him, it felt good to hold someone, his arms were around her waist. He broke off the kiss, looking into her eyes, he smiled at her. His mile made her stomach do funny things, he had adorable dimples, his eyes lit up.
"I'd like to take you out again." He said softly.
She knew she should say no, that's what her brain was going to say, going out with a law enforcement officer was too dangerous. Too bad her brain and mouth didn't have a conversation before she answered.
"I'd like that."
She started to mentally beat herself up. What are you thinking? He's a cop! He could find out about your past, and it could all come crashing down around you! Stop it before it starts!
He walked her back to her car, he pulled her into his arms, kissing her. The kiss made her weak in the knees, she really shouldn't enjoy it so much considering she wouldn't be seeing him again. She'd call and cancel their next date, saying she was sick, or some emergency came up.
"I'll call you later, about going out again."
"Sounds perfect."
He opened her car door for her, waiting for her to drive away before he left the restaurant. She really did like him, he was a sweet man, but knew there could be nothing between them. A piece of paper flapping on the windshield caught her attention, letting out a curse word, she pulled over to retrieve it. She unfolded the paper, in black marker someone had written:
Have you seen Tatiana?
