Fate Spinner

Caged

The wind was cold as it bit at my ears. "I need a hat," I mumbled to myself. The street was narrow, with houses and shops lining the road, a poster for a lost puppy was taped in a shop window. I hoped he was okay the poor thing.

A car rumbled past, the driver beeping his horn along the way. Probably just an idiot trying to amuse himself. I pulled my thin jacket tighter around me and tightened the threadbare scarf, I was starting to lose feeling in my fingers.

The smell of fresh donuts wafted from under a shop door, the bitter scent of coffee followed. My nose led me to the small café that was empty except for a boy stood at the counter. He smiled at me as I entered, "you smell the donuts?"

I smiled back and nodded, "I couldn't resist."

"So donuts and coffee for you?" He asked with a laugh.

I shook my head, "Hot chocolate."

"Take a seat, I'll bring it over in a second," his name tag said Jason.

"How much will it be?"

Jason seemed to look me up and down before smiling sweetly, "It's on the house."

I gingerly took a seat at the high counter top that lined the back wall, the table had a little heart scribbled on "C + T". I traced it with my finger absentmindedly. I wondered if I should leave some money, but after counting the change in my pocket I realised I probably didn't have enough anyway.

Jason set down the cup and a paper bag filled with mini donuts in front of me.

I wrapped my hands around the mug and sighed with relief, the warmth spread through my fingers and instantly started to heat me up.

"You look like your thinking hard," he said.

I nodded, "Trying to make a decision."

"Ah," he slid over a small tub of dipping sauce. "Maybe this will help."

I smiled my thank you and took a sip of the sweet drink just as someone else entered the shop. I saw the reflective jacket through a small mirror hanging on the wall. It was a police lady. She ordered a coffee and glanced around the shop. "Excuse me," I called out with out thinking.

The lady smiled and made her way over to me, "Can I help you?"

She was pretty, with bright eyes and dark hair. "I wanted to know if anyone had found the little girl yet, the missing one from the news?"

She shook her head, "We haven't found her yet, but I'm not on the case so I couldn't tell you anything more than that."

My heart flew to my mouth. I knew I had to do it, "I- I think I know where she is."

The police woman looked taken aback for a second, "Excuse me?"