Page 5 of Laying it Bare on the Run

Joe and Mike were on my ‘would be’ attacker in an instant, tackling him to the ground as he struggled to get out of their grasps.

As I raised my light again to get a good look at the situation, the guy released a scream that sounded like something straight from a horror movie. It sent shivers racing down my spine. In that instant, I realized the he was a she and she wasn’t in here causing trouble, she wasinsome sort of trouble. “Back off guys! Let her go.”

Joe and Mike swiftly released her and stood off to her side.

After she shakily came to her feet, she wrapped her arms tightly around herself and stared at us in wild terror.

Raising my hands in surrender, I approached her again but left at least an arm span between us and was careful to keep the light trained on her chest and not glaring in her eyes. “We didn’t mean to startle you. We’re the good guys. But you can’t stay in here.” It was in that moment, I detected something else. The poor girl smelled like body odor, locker room feet, dirt, and fast food grease.

“Just because you have on a uniform doesn’t mean you’re a good guy.” Her voice was raspy and I wasn’t sure if that was her normal but either way it was sexy as fuck. I shook away my errant thought. “Can’t I just stay for a few hours? I have a horrible headache and I need just a little more rest.” Her question brought my attention back to the situation.

“What’s in your back pack?” I signaled with my flashlight to her bag.

“Not much. Extra clothes and some snacks.”

“Can I see?”

She shrugged and then peeled the bag from her back before tugging it open.

I pointed my light inside to find that in fact it was packed with some clothing and snacks. “Do you mind if I stick my hand in there to make sure you don’t have a weapon?”

“Be my guest, if it will then get you guys out of my hair. I don’t trust you so I guess it’s only fair you don’t trust me.”

Reaching in, I shone my light inside and rummaged around but found no weapons. “It’s clear. Mike, Joe, you guys can head back to your fun. I got this.”

“Are you sure?” Joe’s concern made me smile. She was a feisty little female but I was pretty sure she didn’t want any problems.

“Yeah, I’ll meet up with you guys for drinks tomorrow night. Thank you.”

Their footsteps padded toward the door and then disappeared outside.

“Why don’t we head outside so we can see better?”

“I don’t need to see any better. I need you to leave me alone so I can get some more rest before I head out again.”

“If you’re homeless, I can get you into a shelter, no problem.”

“I’m not homeless, I’m on the move and I can’t stop until I get to my destination but thank you for your concern. And besides I won’t be safe at a shelter.”

“Are you running from an abusive relationship? I can help you with that too.” For some reason I couldn’t get a good read on her. Something was off but I couldn’t figure out exactly what. I didn’t feel as if she was a threat but I was definitely missing something important.

“No. And I don’t think anyone can help me. That’s why I have to keep moving. And stop trying to get me to divulge information that’s not any of your business.” Her tone grew annoyed but still no warning bells sounded in my head.

“I’m Cannon Rush.”

She stared at me for a beat. “Harper.”

“Can I get a last name?”

“You’re a cop. You’ll probably figure it out before I’m ready for you to.” Her comment came out a bit snarky. I kinda liked it. I was starting to get the impression she had been through the wringer but somehow managed to come out on the other side. Maybe a little worse for wear but she still survived it, whatever it was.

“When will you be ready for me to?”

“After I’m long gone.”

“Harper, why don’t you come home with me?” Wow. I just blurted that out; my mouth not even considering consulting with my brain. But I had meant it. There wasn’t a single part of me wincing at my snap decision. Something inside wanted me to help her and not just with finding a decent place to stay for the night, get a shower, and eat proper food. I had to resolve the situation that had put her in her current one.

“No way – ”

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