The Matchbox Woman

Part 4: Name

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Part 4
Name
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She sat on my bed wrapped in my large bath towel. I made sure to cover her hair as well. The room was cold even though I had the luxury of having my portable heater on.

I gathered a few things for her to wear. A cotton long sleeved gray shirt, which was extremely warm and a pair of blue training pants. I also gave her a brand new underwear from my army kit that was preserved as part of my Orbitor's personal supplies. A kit designated for every lucky RSVP passenger.

I felt guilty...She had nothing but the clothes on her back when she came.

I placed the bundle of clothes on her lap and headed for the kitchenette to give her some privacy.

Some warm tea with perhaps a splash of milk will do us both good now.

I was still high on the aftermath of what just happened. My skin was feverish and I felt every droplet from my wet hair descend down my neck. The collar of my white shirt was getting damp. I adjusted the towel around my neck and focused on the hot beverage. My heart was still beating out of rhythm.

I walked back to her with two cups in hand and placed them on a small table next to my bed. I then dragged a chair and placed it at an angle beside her. The small table being our corner.

Her gaze was on me the whole time. I could detect a hint of a defensive atmosphere around her.

I sat on the chair and handed her the cup: "be careful, it might be a bit hot."

She placed her fingers on her mouth and then moved her hand from her mouth and down towards me. She smiled and then took the cup.

"You're welcome."

I sat there a bit awkward. Now that the initial fever has worn out. I was at a loss for words. Should I just dive in and ask her what happened, if she needs help, if she was in danger, or should I talk about what the fucking session we just had meant.

Perhaps, something a bit lighter, after all, I barely knew this woman.

I reached into the drawer of the small table and took out my notepad and a pen.
"Here, let's use this to talk for a bit, unless you're tired."

She shook her head 'no'

"Alright, I guessI i'll start with the basics, what's your name?."

She scribbled her name quickly on the paper and showed it to me.

'Yarunda'

"Yarunda..." I repeated half to myself and smiled faintly. "This is a bit out of order, but I guess I finally know your name."

She smiled and then proceeded to write something else, and soon after handed it to me.

'I am not a prostitute, like your friend said... in fact, you're the only person I slept with since my husband.'

I held the notepad inspecting the words. The word 'husband' stood out and lingered.

"I never thought you were one. I am not sure how to put this... but I don't think it's wise for me to be letting my guard around you, but here we are."

She stayed quiet and lowered her face to her lap. Might as well get to the point right now. No point in dragging this mystery.

"So Yarunda, care to tell me anything about you and what brings you here, before I come to my own conclusions. I am pretty sure you know what I do, so please don't lie to me."

In my line of work, I did many things I am not proud of. I didn't take pleasure in any of it. Interrogations were my least favorite and now they have become my absolute worst.

Please, god, please don't make her turn out to be a pawn in someone's ploy for a political proclamation or some personal vendetta.

I placed the notepad back in her lap and waited.

She paused for a moment and then proceeded to write. A stern look washed over her features.

'Does the name Killian Dara mean anything to you?'

"No, is it supposed to? I am assuming that's your husband's name?" I looked at her seriously, I could sense the answer was something I didn't really want to hear. Did I somehow harm this man? Even if I did, It was probably during combat or an uprising. My brain raced. But even if that is the case, why single me out?

'Yes. or he was my husband. If it means nothing to you then it doesn't. Let's leave it at that. To answer your question, I simply came here because I needed somewhere to stay off the streets. You seemed like you would help if I asked."

"You barely know me, so, I am assuming that you're homeless and with no relatives or friends close by. Is that a correct assumption? " I looked straight in the eyes to see if I could detect any hint of dishonesty in her face.

She simply nodded yes.

"Alright, now, did you simply want to get off the street or is there more to it."

'The local gang is after me. I think I killed one of them.'

"You think? Nevermind, why did you kill that person?"

'The usual, he tried to force me to do something I didn't want to do.'

"...and that's all?"

She nodded yes but her demeanor told me there was more. Much more. For now, I decided to leave it at that and revisit this when I had more intel on this woman. I have a few names now for a half decent background check.

"I am shipping out in 20 days. You can stay here until then. After that, well..." I paused for a bit, trying to articulate the words that followed. "Let's think about that in due time."

She nodded and lowered her gaze back to the floor.

To be continued...
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