MINDCHANGER

blinding lights (8)

[PARK CITY, KANSAS]

Dennis is on a ladder, installing a security alarm for a single woman who just recently moved to the area. As he's installing it, he occasionally glances over in her direction. It's rather late in the evening, but she is a junkie for the local news.

"I didn't want to move to this area-" she casually begins to say to him. "But my job made me do it. And I love working for my boss."

"It's okay, miss." he responds lightly. "These alarms will ensure your safety. I'm almost finished installing the last one."

"Thank you so much sir!" she smiles. "Do you mind if we test them out before you leave?"

"Not a problem at all."

He descends the ladder, and then test the alarms. They are all functioning, loud, and echo through her small house. "Perfect!"

"Yes, very well! They work just fine." Dennis responds quickly. "If you would like I can make them louder? And do you think you can bring me a glass of water? It's not an easy job."

"Of course," she leaves the living room and goes to her kitchen. He climbs the ladder, and grabs a tiny pair of scissors from his shirt pocket to cut the wire to the alarm. She returns to the living room, without a suspicion. "Here you go!" 

He climbs back down, and takes a long drink. "I'll take this back to the kitchen for you and wash it!"

"Oh well aren't you too sweet!" she giggles. "It sure is a shame I see that you have a ring on your finger."

He smiles at her, entering the kitchen. He runs the water in the sink, and keeps an open eye to watch for her as he extends his arms high to cut the wire on the other alarm. He quickly rushes back to the sink, washing the dish. He returns to the living room. "Alright, I have to go now, it's gotten dark. I hope these alarms will make you feel more safe though, ma'am."

"They sure will," she says as she walks him to the door. "And if you ever lose that ring, please do come back."

"I might just have to keep that in mind," he responds with a wink. "Have a wonderful night."

[QUANTICO, VIRGINIA]

Wendy quickly drives down the road she turned onto. Kay is breathing heavily. "I know the shape of those headlights, and the car is clearly following us! It's him!"

"It will be okay, I'm right here. I can call for help-"

"No! I'm too afraid!"

"Just breathe," Wendy assures her. "I know this is scary but I am right here. You're safe with me, I promise!"

They see the bright lights of a gas station a mile away. Wendy slams on the accelerator, and quickly cuts left into the parking lot. She parks right in front of the camera, and steps out of the vehicle. The car follows in to the parking lot, but changes direction as she stands up. She watches the car that was once speeding to chase them, slowly drive by and disappear. She walks across the parking lot to ensure it's far down the road. Then, running across the lot back to Kay's car, she opens the passenger door. "Kay, come inside with me!"

Kay shakily grabs Wendy's hand as the two walk inside. Wendy is holding Kay's hand with a soft, gentle grip. They approach the counter. 'We're in public, and she still has a hold of my hand?' Kay thinks. 'I can't believe this, I feel so relieved.'

"Sir, can I use your phone? It's urgent!" Wendy asks the cashier. He nods and turns the phone to face her. She then dials a number. 

"Tedd Gunn speaking."

"Sir, it's Dr. Carr," she begins in a frantic voice. "I know I may be pushing my limits, but is there a way you can get a warrant on footage from the 7/11 on Fuller Heights Road?"

The cashier looks up with a curious face. "Ma'am is everything okay-"

She quickly nods back to him and holds up her index finger, to sign for him to just wait a second. "Trust me on this one, Gunn-" she pauses. "Thank you! Let me know when you receive it." 

She hangs up the phone and looks at the attendant. "Sorry about that, I'm with the FBI. It's nothing to do with you, everybody is safe and okay. It's just for something your camera may have caught in the parking lot."

"Oh, okay ma'am." he responds.

The two go back to the car, and continue to make the trip to Kay's apartment. "Thank you Wendy."

"For what?" she asks as she slightly turns her head in Kay's general direction.

"For everything, for saving me, making me feel safe, and holding my hand." Kay smiles and looks down. "You're so wonderful."

"Well, I care about you," Wendy briefly looks at Kay, gazing at her smile. "And though your situation is unfortunate, you and your son are in safe hands now."

They pull up to Kay's apartment building, and go up the stairs. There is not a lot to be packed, just enough for one trip thankfully. They work together to carry her belongings down the stairs and into the car. It only takes about twenty minutes before they are back on track to their new, shared home.

"So," Wendy begins. "We should probably furnish up that bedroom now."

"Yeah, I guess so." Kay sighs.

"Nick is going to really enjoy it." Wendy says, making eye contact with Kay. Kay returns the eye contact with a smile. 

"So we can share a room?"

"Of course! I already said it, but I'd love to say it again. I love you."

They both lean in a hand to interlock fingers, and then face forward to the road. The sky is partly cloudy, and the moonlight reflects nicely off of the dashboard. 

[Dancing in the Moonlight by King Harvest plays]

As they cruise through town, they begin to notice things they were distracted from. There are holiday lights around every street light on Main, making the glow off the road even brighter. The local shops have neon signs in their windows, and the variety of colors shining feels alluring to Wendy and Kay. They are both imagining their first Christmas together, and how wonderful it will be to have a healthy relationship with for once. "What does Nick like?"

"What do you mean?" Kay laughs. "He's a kid, he likes toys!"

"Well obviously," Wendy rolls her eyes. She lets out a slight chuckle. "For the holiday though, what specifics?" 

"He's big into wrestling, he likes that Randy Savage character." 

"Oh yeah," Wendy growls in a raspy voice, "Macho Man Randy Savage!"

"Did you just impersonate the Destroyer?" Kay shouts, laughing so hard she tears up.

"Yeah," Wendy giggles, almost embarrassed. "I think I did!"

"I believe he's going to love you," Kay says as her laugh is dying down. In a serious tone, she turns to face Wendy. "I know I do."

They then quickly pull into the driveway of their shared home. They begin to unload Kay's belongings inside, excited to begin the new chapter of their relationship together.