Don't Talk to Strangers

X

When he finally appeared, it felt like a dream. It couldn't possibly be real. I nearly leapt from my position and threw away the plan, but I planted my heels and reminded myself of how much worse he deserved, and that I was hardly going to get arrested for talking to him.

As long as I could keep my temper under control. Attacking him wouldn't get the result I really wanted...

The interrogation was off to a fine start, if frustratingly blunt. But it was when I started feeling my blood pressure rising and I nearly bit his head off, getting up into his face for the second time, that I knew I'd made a mistake.

Honestly, though, he'd made the mistake. Seriously—what made him think he had the right to kiss me?

                                                             *       *      *

He'd clenched his fists. And I'd noticed. I was getting to him, breaking him down. A cold grin crept over my face and I was just about to snap again, when he completely took my by surprise.

He moved and suddenly, his lips were pressed against mine.

It felt surprisingly nice and, despite the minimal kissing experience I'd had, I had to massively fight the urge to kiss him back.

I raised my foot and stomped it down on his toes—hard. He broke away and leaned to one side, blinking in shock. I took the chance to reach over and slap him. It probably hurt me more than it hurt him, honestly, but it felt good to do it.

"How dare you!" I screamed. "Who the hell do you think you are? Are you trying to ruin my life?"

He was still recovering, looking extremely starstruck—no pun intended. He finally responded quietly, quite unlike the confident man who'd picked me up in the first place. "I... Cassie... Please, I promise I'll... leave you alone. Just help me. I only... wanted..." he trailed off, looking desperate.

I rolled my eyes. "Just. Explain. Why me? Why did you destroy my life?" My confidence was breaking and I had to bite my tongue to stop the tears.

He took a breath, speaking quietly, "I... They were going to fire me. It was my life. If I... I thought if I did something—saved somebody—they would reconsider. I couldn't leave. I have nothing." I hated how pitiful I was feeling towards him. "I found some files... a new case. It was a dangerous stalker going around. You were the next suspected target. I... stole the files and took it on myself..." He looked so much smaller, somehow. Shrunk into himself. Weak.

I stood still, unable to respond. That was it. That was my explanation. That was why he'd decided to destroy my life. And now he expected me to help him.

I blinked slowly, choking out a small, "Thank you," before stepping away to collect myself. He didn't move, just shifted more comfortably.

What do I do now? My mind raced. I could call the cops, lock him up, anything. But he's just so... misguided. Desperate. He was just desperate. He did help me, after all. Who knows what could've possibly happened if my true stalker had gotten to me?

I shuddered and turned back to him, looking him over thoughtfully. Why had he kissed me? What was I supposed to make of that? He's probably going to lose his job anyways, now that he's stolen from the police and such. I pursed my lips. This was proving a harder decision than I'd thought.

"Alright," I said, causing him to jump. "You're already doomed for theft, honestly," I told him. He shrunk even further, realizing how true I was, "but you... did... save me. I won't press charges for kidnapping. Just..." My voice caught in my throat. What was I doing?

Dan took his cue to speak, breathing, "Thank you. I promise, I'll do everything I can to keep you safe. I won't bother you."

I clenched and unclenced my fists indecisively. "Yeah... Thanks..."

We stood in silence for a while, unsure of what to do. He seemed to slowly regain his confident posture and I stiffened, hardening myself again. He's still not stable, I reminded myself. "Alright, let's go. You're coming with me."

I was about to bring the enemy to the heart of good. Please let me be doing the right thing, I silently pleaded.