This is the chapter where my character is brought in; I didn't want to make her weak or helpless like some other comic book girlfriends. I also introduce the restaurant owners to bring in some humor.
Around 2 p.m., Donnas Donuts. The shop has recently become very popular with cops for giving them extra food and refills at no charge. Dick hangs out in the corner booth in the back with a full view of the restaurant eating a box of donuts (with an extra two thrown in) and is finishing his third cup of coffee. A waitress comes over to refill his cup again, Dick is in mid yawn.
Waitress: Late night, hu?
Dick: You could say that.
Waitress: Well just call me if you need anything, ok sweetheart?
Dick: (looks at her sweetly, but still half asleep) Yeah, thanks miss…
Waitress: Lilliana, (extends free hand for Dick to shake) call me Lilly.
Dick: Lilly. (takes her hand and kisses it)
Lilly: Well, well, well, a cop and a gentleman.
*RRRRIIIINNNNGGGGGG-A-LING-A-LING* (bell on front door bell rings) Lilliana smiles, turns and walks to service a man who appears homeless, but still greats him with a smile.
Lilly: Hi hun, how can I…
Hobo: M-Money! (pulls out a revolver and points it in Lilly's face)
Lilly: (puts one hand up) Ok, (staying calm) it's in the register, I have to move to get it.
Hobo: GO! (twitching and shaking aggressively)
Lilliana puts the coffee pot down and walks (hands up) to the register.
Lilly: (turns around) Do you have a bag?
Hobo: MONEY!
Lilly: (hands still up) Ok, I'm gonna put it in one of our bags. Turns and opens a bag and the register and puts the money in) Come on over, I'll give you your money.
Hobo walks (shaking rapidly) forward, lowering the gun for an instant. Dick has been cautiously approaching and an off duty officer turns from his family and readies his weapon. Lilliana extends the hand with the bag for the man to take with the other hand still in the air. Just as the man is distracted with the money, Lilliana takes her free hand and slams the would be robbers head into the counter, knocking him out instantly. Dick is there to restrain the man and the other officer kicks away the gun, securing the scene. From the back a woman screams franticly.
Donna: LILLY! LILLY! OH GOD! LILLY!
Donna has been on the phone with the police and now runs out to be with Lilliana, grabbing her in a tight hug.
Donna: Oh my Lilly! Oh my Lilly!
Lilly: Aunty, aunty… (swarming between Donnas' large breasts) I can't breathe… your boobs… are huge! (meekly)
Donna: Oh sorry baby. (repositions Lilly under her right arm and reaches over her with the other) (turns to the kitchen window) DON! THE COPS COMIN!?
Don: YEAH, THEY COMIN!
Cop: Damn, you knocked him out cold.
Lilly: I didn't hurt him too bad, did I?
Dick: He'll have a hell of a head ach when he wakes up, but he'll be ok. You could've gotten yourself shot.
Lilly: So could you.
The two stare at each other for a moment, Lilliana breaks the stare and the silence.
Lilly: I have to clean this up. (looking at the blood on the counter and pushing out of Donnas' grasp)
Donna: Lilly baby I'll get it. DON! GET ME A RAG!...AND A MOP!
Don: OK!
Donna: Lilly baby you go on home, you shaken up. Officer Grayson got this right? DON! WHERE MY MOP!?
Don: IT COMIN!
Dick: I've got this Lilly. (smiling at Lilly)
Lilly: Thanks off…
Dick: Dick, call me Dick. (still smiling)
Lilliana smiles back, hugs Donna and turns to leave. She grabs her bag and leaves out a back entrance.
Dick: (thinking to himself) Bank robberies, the Penguin, now this. Can this day get any weirder?
After a patrol car comes for the robber Dick leaves (with his meal comped) and heads off to get milk and other groceries.