Fly While You Can

Chapter One

I've noticed two strange men a safe distance away almost always around me. They are secretive but apparently keeping an eye on me. I'm not sure if I should be concerned or feel oddly comfortable with them following me. I decided to confront them to figure out what is going on. Thinking quickly, I decided to buy them both a coffee just to start a conversation. As I walk up to them, two hot coffees in hand, the man in eyesight to me hurriedly breaks eye contact and starts a conversation with the other man. "I heard that it's supposed to rain tonight." he says to the other man. I roll my eyes and can't help but giggle. "That's the most absurd thing to say, especially because it is late December." I say as I sit the two coffees down in front of them. Both men stare at me in disbelief like they can't believe I had the balls to come up to them. "My name is Abigail. You can call me Abby. Now, would you care to explain to me why I've noticed you watching me in different locations for weeks now?"

The first man, who is undeniably handsome with short brown hair and multiple tattoos up his arms, takes a moment to speak up but eventually responds with "You catch on quick. My name is Sebastian and my partner here is Andrew. We have been assigned to watch you to see if you're a good fit." I glanced over to who he says is Andrew. He looks so familiar but I'm not sure where I know him from. I grabbed one of the red chairs that are scattered all around the coffee shop and sit in front of both Sebastian and Andrew. "A good fit for what?" I ask genuinely confused but curious, wanting to learn more. Sebastian lets out a small sigh and proceeds to answer my question. "We can't talk about it here. Meet me at the bar on 16th street at 11 tonight. Tell the bartender you'd like to speak to Connor."  I was caught off guard and wasn't sure what to think. "You're not gonna kind nap me are you?" I jokingly asked. Andrew quietly responds with "No, don't make such jokes." Both men get up to leave. As I watch them head for the door, for just a moment I make eye contact with Andrew as he looks back. His eyes are ice blue and makes me feel cold. He has a messy stubble and it looks like he hasn't slept in days with unusually dark eyebags. He breaks eye contact and continues walking out the door to catch up with Sebastian.

It is only early afternoon so I head home to change and make myself presentable. While I walk down town to get to my apartment, my head is filled with a lot of questions. 'What if they are going to kid nap me and kill me?', 'Why do I feel like I can trust them?', and 'Why do they need to give me such a secretive place to meet?'. I'm finally home. That walk felt like it took hours compared to the thirty minutes it normally takes. When I unlock and open my apartment door, I'm greeted with a warm welcome by Penny. I'm not sure where I'd be without her. Penny is my 85 pound dog. She's a gorgeous white Boxer with a brown spot on her left eye. We walk up stairs together and head to my bedroom. I set my keys down on my vanity and walk to my closet. 'What should I even wear? I wasn't given a dress code.' I think as I look through the clothes I have hanging up. I grab a handful of items and toss them on my bed. Blue dress with matching sandals? 'No, I for sure need pants.' There goes half my wardrobe. After a long 40 minutes of debating between outfits, I decide to play it safe and wear my jeans and burnt orange sweater. DING! I grab my phone and read the text from my mom. 'Thinking of you. Your father and I hope you're doing well in the big city.' After reading the notification, I glance up at the time. 10:15. 'I'm going to be late if I don't leave 10 minutes ago!' 

Running out the door, I almost forget my purse. I grab it and go on my way to 16th street. It will take longer to get an Uber than walk. 'I'm going to be horribly late.' I think as I start to sprint down the sidewalk. It was a gorgeous day and an even more admirable night. A lot of people are out; mostly tourists. 13th street. 14th street. I'm not far. 15th street. Finally! I made it to 16th street. Now I have to make my way through the crowd to get to the bar. 'MICKEY'S PLACE' I see lit up in red neon. This bar is probably hundreds of years old. Somehow still in business. This is New York City after all. I make my way through the line to go inside and find the bartender as quick as I can. I'm already late for my secretive meeting. 'Clarissa' her name tag reads. She's jaw-droppingly gorgeous with long blonde hair. "Hi...Clarissa. I'd like to speak with Connor. Do you know where I might find him?" I ask. She nods and picks up the nearby telephone. She isn't facing me and I can't understand what she's saying. Clarissa turns around. "Down the hall to the right." She says as she points to a dark, crowded, long hallway. At this point I almost turn around and leave. It's definitely sketchy now.