Innocent Bystander

Leah grimaced as the officer squeezed on her arm.

"Now I have you, you dirty rotten thief." Grunted the large officer.

The man who had just introduced himself as 'Tommy Ryan' looked extremely puzzled.

"Oi, what'd ya think your doing. You can't just go grabbing girls like that."

"This 'girl' is nothing but a no good thief."

Leah couldn't help but let a whimper escape as he gripped harder.

"And who the hell are you?" Barked the Officer.

"I'm Tommy Ryan, and this girl has been with me this whole time Officer…"

"Phillips. John Phillips. And what do mean with you. I've seen her with my own two eyes. She's nothing but a no good lying thief." He yelled, shaking Leah. "I bet she doesn't even have a ticket, where is it, huh?"

"It's in my room." Leah winced.

"A likely story." Officer Phillips exclaimed.

"Officer, if she says it's in her room, then it's in her room. And like I said, she's been with me, so your accusations are clearly false. But if you like, we can bring this up with the captain. I'm sure manhandling a female passenger will be a reasonable excuse for your behavior." Tommy Ryan interrupted.

Officer Phillips growled and released her arm forcefully, causing Leah to fall into Tommy's chest. Tommy's arm quickly snaked their way around her in a secure grip.

"Fine, she can go. But don't think I won't be watching you closely. No vandal has ever passed by my eye, my records perfect and I intend to keep it that way." He warned.

Leah sighed in relief as she heard Officer Phillip's fleeting footsteps. She then became very aware of the arms that still held her. Her cheeks were a slight hint of pink as she pulled away from Tommy.

"Thanks, for standing up for me." Leah said shakily.

"It wasn't a problem at all." He grinned. "Why was that Officer giving you so much trouble?"

"Uh…who knows?" She mumbled, turning a slight shade of pink.

"Well, now that that's over with, would you like to accompany me to the top deck? I hear it's supposed to be a lovely night out."

"Um…Thanks, but I think I should be heading in now. It's been quite an exciting day."

"Can I at least walk you to your door then? What kind of an Irish gentleman would I be if I couldn't even do that?" He smirked.

"Sure." Leah whispered.

The two of them walked in silence back to Leah's room. There were a few twists and turns, but all in all, it was a quick.

"Well, thank you again for before." Leah stammered.

"Anytime. Just let me know, maybe I can rescue you again." Tommy joked.

Leah turned to quickly hide in her room, but Tommy stopped her.

"Wait, I don't believe I caught your name."

"Leah. Leah O'Malley."

"Well, Leah O'Malley," He said taking her hand in his. "Until the next time you need saving." And he gently kissed her hand. Leah gave a small smile and disappeared inside her room. She held her hand against her chest, her heart was pounding and she could feel that her cheeks were hot. She put her back against her door and allowed her knees to buckle. Soon though, her smile faded as reality set in.

"Sadly Tommy Ryan, no one can save me."