Page 34 of Redemption

Standing in front of my driver's side door, I click the key fob, and that's when I hear the low voice. "Give me what's in your purse."

My heart skips a beat, and I freeze, realizing the danger I'm in. Slowly, I turn to face the voice. A man stands there, a gun pointed at me, his eyes hidden under the brim of a dark cap.

I swallow hard, trying to remain calm. "Take it easy," I say, hoping to keep him talking. My fingers fumble inside my purse, and as they close around my phone, I discreetly press the button for the emergency call.

The operator's voice is barely audible as she answers in my ear, but I can tell it's my cousin Becca. Relief washes over me, knowing someone familiar is on the other end.

"Keep calm, Steph," Becca's voice is steady, meant only for me to hear. "Officers are on their way."

I focus back on the mugger. "Okay, okay, I'm getting the wallet," I say, stalling. My hands shake as I slowly pull it out.

Just then, a police car pulls up, and my heart leaps seeing Raven step out. He approaches with a calm confidence that reassures me.

The man hesitates, glancing between me and Raven. "Drop the weapon," Raven commands, his voice firm and unwavering.

The mugger looks panicked, but with Raven closing in, he drops the gun and sprints the other way. Raven starts after him, but another officer intercepts.

Raven turns back to me, concern etched on his face. "Stephanie, are you okay?"

I nod, still trying to catch my breath. "I am now. Thank you."

He smiles gently, his eyes kind. "I’m just glad you’re safe."

For a moment, we stand there, the world around us almost forgotten. The chaos fades, leaving just the two of us under the dim streetlights. And in that moment, I realize that maybe, just maybe, I've found the person I've been looking for all along.

He clears his throat, breaking the silence. "Would you like to sit down for a moment?" Raven gestures towards a nearby bench.

I nod, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through my veins. We walk over, and I sit, taking a deep breath to steady myself.

"Thank you, really," I say, my voice stronger now. "I didn't expect to see you here."

Raven chuckles softly. "Patrolling this area is part of my beat tonight. Lucky timing, I guess."

"Very lucky," I agree, trying to process everything that's happened.

He studies me for a moment, his gaze thoughtful. "You're sure you're okay, right?"

I meet his eyes, seeing genuine concern reflected there. "Yeah, I'm okay. Just a little shaken up."

Raven nods, his expression softening even more. "Can I get you anything? Water, maybe?"

"I think I'm good, thanks," I reply, feeling grateful for his presence.

We lapse into a comfortable silence, and I let the cool night air wash over me, gradually bringing my heart rate back to normal.

After a few minutes, Raven speaks up again. "Hey, I know this might not be the best time, but... would you like to hang out sometime?"

His question catches me off guard, but in a good way. There's a vulnerability in his eyes that seems so genuine.

"I'd like that," I say, smiling. "Actually, I'd like that a lot."

Raven's responding smile lights up his whole face, and I feel a warmth spread through me, chasing away the last remnants of fear.

He shifts slightly on the bench, still looking at me. "How about coffee this Saturday? I know this great little place."

"Sounds perfect," I reply, my mind already racing with possibilities.

As we chat softly about mundane things—coffee preferences, favorite books—I realize how easy it is to be around him. The chaos of what just happened seems like a distant memory, and I find comfort in the steadiness of his presence.

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