Second Chances // Martin Riggs

1. 2014

D A N G E R

"Can I please have the steak, medium rare with fries on the side?" I asked as I sat in the dingy bar, sitting along the counter with like three other people, all men.

I nervously fixed the jacket I wore over my jeans and loose tee, my hands wouldn't quit twiddling with the fabric of my jacket, my bangs tickling my eyelashes.

Not because I was nervous in this bar with men, late at night.

But because I just told my mom off, because she couldn't see me doing the job I've always dreamed of.

"Don't worry," A man's voice spoke, a few stools down from me, "These men are too drunk and depressed to pull anything." He said and I looked over to see a man my age sitting by himself as he drank a beer, a baseball cap covering most of his features.

I lightly smiled at the stranger, unsure of this man and his soft, Southern accent.

A plate full of food was set in front of me and I thanked the cook/bartender.

I cleared my throat and started cutting into this wonderful meal.

"So, what's a pretty girl like you doing at a place like this on Christmas Eve?" He asked and I internally sighed, pretty girl.

"Uh, would you believe me if I told you that I'm running away?" I spoke, my subtle accent sounding the opposite of his.

"Woah, you're a long way from home, aren't you?" He said, slightly taken back by my London accent that I inherited while living with my father.

"What brings you to small town El Paso, Texas?" He asked as I felt him turn towards me.

"I'm passing through. I was born in Oregon, but raised in London. So I'm kind of running away from home to my old home." I said with my mouth full.

I chuckled as I covered my mouth.

He chuckled, too.

"You gonna finish that?" He asked and I looked over at him, I could see his kind brown eyes underneath his cap.

"If you're trying to get my leftovers, go look elsewhere." I smiled.

He stood up and walked towards me, "May I?" He asked pointing at the spot beside me, I nodded.

"Martin Riggs." He said introducing himself.

"My names Danger." I said facing him to shake his hand, he smiled sweetly.

"Danger?" "Danger. And yes, that's my actual name. My parents were both in law enforcement." I said as I cut through the steak.

"Well, Danger, do you have a place to stay tonight?" He asked, "I'm not really looking for anything-" "Me neither, I'm just wondering if a girl who seems pretty alone, wants a place to rest her head for the night." He said and I looked over at him.

"Nothing sexual, no favors, nothing. I just want to make sure you're not sleeping in your car." He offered and I tried to keep my jaw from falling on the floor.

"That'd be wonderful. Thank you." I said putting my trust in somebody I didn't know, at all.

He could be some creep or a rapist or some guy who skins women alive.