"It must be fate, I found a place for us.
I bet you didn't know someone could love you this much."
"Your shoulder muscles were torn up a bit and you lost a lot of blood, but you should have a successful recovery. Just get a lot of rest, don't use your arm too much, ok?"
Molly nodded, not really listening. White bandages restricted the movement of her shoulder and a nylon sling supported her arm. The doctor coughed loudly. She tore her gaze reluctantly from the window.
"Ms Hooper, the police will be wanting to speak with you. When you're ready, of course."
"I don't want to talk to the police." She looked back at the window and closed her eyes. The starched sheets rubbed against her legs uncomfortably.
"Ms Hooper, if you want your attacker to be caught I advise you to-"
"Thank you doctor, but I think Molly can take care of herself." Jim was standing in the doorway. Molly's throat tightened. His eyes met hers, but he did not smile, wink, or stray from his cold demeanor. The doctor muttered something about another patient and stumbled out of the room. Jim's eyes followed him. He shut the door and walked slowly to Molly's bedside. "Who was it?"
"Who was who?" Molly dropped her eyes to her lap.
"Don't play stupid. I've read all your messages. Who told you to go to King's Cross?"
"I don't know." She inhaled shakily. "I thought it was you."
"Well, that helps." Jim sat down at the foot of her bed and massaged his temples. "Smarter than the average teenager."
His suit stretched across his back as he leaned forward, his elbows on his knees. He ran his hands over his slicked back hair and sighed.
"Jim," She said tentatively, "I thought it was you. If I had known, I…" She trailed off. What could she have done?
"It doesn't matter. We're leaving." He rose suddenly.
"What do you mean?" Something wasn't right. "Leaving where?"
"London. It's getting a bit old here, isn't it? All the ordinary people…"
"Jim, I can't just leave. I have work, and Toby and-"
"Stop talking. If you say another word…" He pinched the bridge of his nose between his fingers. There was a soft knock and the door opened slightly. The doctor peeked through timidly.
"So sorry to, um, interrupt, but Ms. Hooper's brother is here to take her home." The door flew open with a bang, revealing Sebastian, his foot still raised from kicking the door.
"Ready Molly?" He raised an eyebrow at her. Molly frowned, but nodded. Jim glared at the doctor.
"Don't you have a patient to kill?"
The doctor looked hurt, but shuffled down the hall without comment. Jim nodded to Sebastian. "You know what to do. Do not contact me until you've gotten there."
"You can't just take me like this!" Molly sat in the back seat of Jim's dark car, shouting at Sebastian in the front seat. "I have a job! Someone is going to notice I'm gone and-"
"As far as your coworkers are concerned, you just got shot and are going on holiday to get your strength back. I don't think anyone will really care."
"Just tell me something!"
Sebastian scoffed. "No. What would you do if I told you, anyway? Don't worry, all your things are packed and ready to go already." He gripped the steering wheel tighter and muttered, "Bloody fun time that was. Is that all the thanks I get?" Molly's anger faltered.
"Thank you," She said, "Sebastian. Thank you for pushing me out of the way."
"Don't mention it," He growled.
They arrived at London Oxford Airport as the sun was setting and rain was beginning to dampen the pavement. A small jet waited on the tarmac. The captain rushed forward to open Molly's door, umbrella in hand, as soon as Sebastian parked.
"Ms Hooper," He grinned. She took his hand awkwardly, reaching across her body with her uninjured arm. They jogged to the jet, the captain shielding her with his umbrella. She blinked at the change of light and stared at the luxurious features of the airplane. Sebastian grunted behind her. She moved aside to let him board. He was drenched in rain and scowling angrily. He glared at the captain.
"Thanks mate. Go fly the fucking plane." His soaked clothes squelched loudly as he slammed down into a smooth leather seat by the window. Molly adjusted her sling slightly and sat across the aisle from him.
"I don't suppose there's any point in asking where we're going?"
"None at all."
Molly laughed to herself. What did she expect? A sliver of the sun peeked over the horizon. The jet began to taxi away from the car. Lights flickered to life above her, casting a warm glow across the cabin. The sliver shrank, casting more and more of the world into shadow. It finally disappeared, leaving the dark rainclouds glowing red and purple. Rain pattered against the windows. Molly closed her eyes and took several deep breaths. The jet accelerated and lifted from the ground slowly. Her chest felt compressed by the momentum. This isn't over, Molly thought. Its not that easy.