RC.

Ch8 ............ L

The police arrived a few minutes ago. They wanted me to answer some questions.

I told them everything I knew. I felt really unhelpful and I blame myself for not reacting sooner when I saw that creepy guy strolling through the crowd.

I couldn't have known ... After all, he just looked sleazy and he only jostled me.

The police offiers were reassuring, telling me that my testimony was useful.

I saw myself years ago when they knocked on my door.... Same detached voice, same way of stating the facts.

My heart tightens and I immediately block the thought out of My mind. The last thing I must do is let myself be caught by these depths of despair.

I take a deep breath. All is well, Nobody was hurt...

Ryan is still with the cops. No doubt they have many questions to ask him ...

And he's not out of the woods yet. I also have many questions I'd like to ask him!

Jake escorted me to the Limousine. With my back against the car, I breathe, staring at the ground.

I can't wait to see Ryan and finally have a real discussion with him.

Jake:"Will you be ok?"

T:"Yes, I think, I'm just a little shaken."

I gently breathe in rubbing my hands on my arms. In actual fact, I can't wait to see Ryan.

T:"Who was that guy, Jake?"

He leans against the car next to me and pulls a cigarette out of his pocket. He taps the cigarette against the palm of his hand.

Jake:"I can't talk about it ... It's up to Carter to do it."

T:"Really, you're going to keep secrets after what just happened?"

Jake puts a warm, reassuring hand on my shoulder.

Jake:"It's my job, there are things I can't tell you, it's for your safety."

T:"My safety ..."

I roll my eyes.

At the same time, I see some security guards and the young entrepreneur leave the building

The young man looks as if he's seen a ghost. Obviously, he's not cut out for action! I think I look better than him!

I see that Jake is watching him out of the corner of his eye. Does he suspect something?

(I ask him.)

T:"What is it, you think he's responsible for somthing ...?"

Jake:"I'm a bodyguard, Tayla, not a detective."

His answer isn't satisfactory but Jake has obviously decided to stay as quiet as a grave.

Jake lights his cigarette and drags on it, taking a big puff. We remain silent for a few minutes.

T:"So you're not just the chauffeur."

Jake:"No."

I must say that his nerve suprises me. I who naively thought that he was who he claimed to be! ...

Although, I think I had a hint. I didn't see how a former soldier ended up as a chauffeur; Nor why he accompanied his boss absolutely everywhere...

T:"Will the police be able to protect Ryan?"

He gently inhales and doesn't answer.

(I ask again.)

T:"Your silence ... does it mean No?"

Jake:"Tayla ..."

All of sudden, I see Ryan coming towards us, followed by a police officer.

They exchange a few words before parting politely.

Has Ryan ever dealt with this policeman before? Do they know each other?

As he approaches us, Jake quickly moves away from the car and resumes his usual stoic state.

Jake:"Sir."

R:"We can go."