by J. A. Howell
I’m right here!
I could have sworn I'd heard those same words whispered behind me right before everything went black. Could I have imagined it? Had it been my attacker taunting me? At first when I told the cops about the incident in the bathroom a few of them had made an effort. They searched through the apartment, checking all the windows and the fire escape. Another had gone outside, searching around the building. But of course, he too, found nothing.
As I continued to insist that someone had been there, their eyes turned to a narrowed expression of annoyance, save for a couple that were more than willing to entertain the rantings of a deranged, but half-naked young woman. None of them, unsurprisingly, even had the decency to grab my clothes until the paramedics arrived.
The paramedics also blew my story off, quickly coming to the conclusion that I had suffered a seizure-induced hallucination. The cause? The cue ball injury from the other night. As soon as I made the mistake of mentioning the incident, they zeroed in on that being the cause. No attack, no dark figure. I had suffered a seizure related to the head injury and nearly drowned myself. According to the stocky paramedic that was examining me, that was the only possible explanation. There were no bruises where the hands had shoved me down, or any other signs of an attack.
I refused to go to the hospital for observation, but the more stubborn cop – the one that had driven me here, was uneasy about leaving me alone. From the way he kept peering back at me in the rear view mirror, I had an inkling that it was more due to my mental health than my physical health. I didn’t fight him on it though, not wanting to set foot back in that apartment at the moment. I didn’t know Aggie’s number or where she lived, and I couldn’t afford another night at the hotel. So here I was, standing outside Finley’s Pub in the middle of the night, teeth chattering from the mixture of cold air and damp hair as the cop banged on the back door. I glanced down at Remy once more. At least one of us looked presentable.
A dim yellow glow lit the alleyway and a minute later another light flickered on over the door. Nolan’s muffled curses followed the heavy thud of tired footsteps down the stairs before the lock jiggled in front of us and the door cracked open enough to see one sleepy blue eye peering out at us.
“Harley?” Nolan’s voice was hoarse with sleep as he pulled the door open wider. “Is everything okay?” He stood up straighter as he eyed the cop suspiciously then returned his gaze to mine.
“I um...had a seizure.” There was no way I could tell Nolan what really happened. I looked at my feet, for a moment, then back up to him. His eyes appraised me with a worried look as his eyebrows pressed together.
“Ms. Martin refused to be taken to the hospital for observation, but we thought it best if someone kept an eye on her.” The old cop explained, glancing at me then Nolan with an equally scrutinizing stare. Nolan muffled a quiet laugh and a smirk pulled at the corner of his mouth with the cop’s words.
“Harley? Refuse medical treatment? That’s a shock.” He gave me a teasing look but pulled the door open the rest of the way. “Of course she can stay here.”
“You’ll make sure to keep a close eye on her? She nearly drowned herself, you know.” The cops tone was wary and condescending as he pointed toward me like I was a mischievous five-year-old. I glared at the side of the shiny balding officer’s head before looking back at Nolan. His smile was gone, replaced with a look of alarm.
“I’ll make sure she’s safe.” He told the officer, not looking away from me. The officer didn’t seem very convinced, but shrugged. It was late after all. With a curt nod, he hobbled back to his squad car, leaving Remy and I with Nolan.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
That Arse...
“Harley, maybe ya should go ta the hospital.” Nolan said as he held the door open for me at the bottom of the stairs. I wasn’t sure what was more frustrating, not being able to tell the truth or making myself sound like some accident-prone damsel in distress. I sucked in a breath, hiding my sour expression in the darkness as I climbed the stairs to his apartment. I heard the locks clicking back into place and a few seconds later Nolan bounded up the stairs. His stare fixed on mine as he crossed the room and stopped inches in front of me. His fingers gripped my shoulder gently as his eyes searched the depths of my own for something unknown.
“What is it?” My voice was uncooperative and came out in an odd squeak as I attempted to look away. This action only seemed to agitate Nolan, who reached a hand out and gently held my chin between his finger tips as he tilted my head back. “Nolan. This is weird.”
“Sorry, I was trying ta see if yer pupils were different sizes again,” he said then let go of my chin. “They’re normal.”
“Right. Because I’m fine.” My cheek felt flush where his hand had been. Remy meowed, flailing a paw up at my chest, pulling Nolan’s attention away from me, thankfully.
“Who’s this?” Nolan’s question was answered with another meow as he tilted his head at the plump kitten.
“Remy,” I said softly as I scratched behind his ears, “I’m sorry, I should have asked if it was okay for him to stay. I didn’t want to leave him alone.”
“It’s okay. I like cats.” Nolan’s face lifted into a grin as he reached a long finger under Remy’s chin and a loud purr erupted in response. Both of us stood there for a moment, doting over Remy before he grew tired of the attention and his normal craving for adventure kicked in. He wriggled out of my hands and leapt onto the couch then scampered across the floor.
“Heh, cute little fella.” Nolan’s gaze followed him until he disappeared around the corner, and then refocused back on me.
“I'm fine.” I blurted out as soon as his eyebrow twitched up.
“Harley, ya could have died tonight.”
“I'm really tired, I just want to get some sleep.” I said softly and went to step past him. An arm flung up in front of me, blocking my path.
“Christ, Harley, why are ya so hardheaded?! First ya get knocked out from a damn flying cue ball and yer falling all over yourself while still tryin’ ta tell Aggie and me yer fine. Tonight, ya nearly drown yerself in yer own bathtub but don't think that constitutes a good reason ta get checked out?” I could feel his eyes fixed on me but refused to look at him, instead clamping my lips together. I felt like a bomb about to explode. The last thing I needed was another person questioning my sanity tonight. Especially him.
“Will ya at least look at me?”
“I just want to get some sleep!”
“I’m sorry…I’m just tryin’ to look out for ya. There’s no reason ta be snappin’ at me like that,” Nolan spoke in a subdued tone when I finally looked up at him. “I’ll grab ya something to sleep in and get ya an extra blanket.”
Guilt hit me as he nodded toward the guest bedroom then disappeared into his room. Good job, Harley, snap at the guy that just let you crash at his place after being woken up at three in the morning. I sucked in a deep breath, doing what I could to calm my nerves as I walked to the other room. A few minutes later, Nolan appeared in the doorway.
“I'm sorry, Nolan. I didn't mean to be like that. I'm having a really hard time getting settled here. I was just frustrated.” I apologized, looking down as if my fingernails were something of interest. “I’m really fine though, the paramedics checked me out.” He didn't say anything but handed me a towel for my damp hair and placed the blanket and pajamas on the bed.
“Don't apologize.” I could feel Nolan's gaze on me as I patted the towel over my hair. “You've had a rough night. I'm sorry for pushing ya about the hospital.” Nolan stopped abruptly as if he wanted to say more, but instead of speaking his lips turned into a frown as my eyes met his. I watched him, waiting for him to continue. “It's just that, I would be upset if something were ta happen ta ya, Harley.”
“Oh,” I found my words missing, unsure of how to react to his comment. He let out a nervous laugh after a few seconds, scratching his head as turned for the hallway.
“I'd best not take
up any more of yer time. I’m sure yer exhausted. Get some rest.”
“Goodnight, Nolan. Thank you.”
He stopped and looked over his shoulder at me with a simple nod before continuing down the hall.
“Goodnight, Harley.”
The sun was shining high in the sky when I awoke the next morning. Golden rays lit up the small bedroom causing me to squint against the overwhelming brightness. I turned over, doing my best to ignore the daylight and pressing my face against the pillows. Once more I had slept a long, dreamless night – peaceful and uneventful. So peaceful that I didn’t want to wake up yet. I was perfectly toasty underneath a pile of blankets and wanted to remain there, even for just a few extra minutes. It was no use though. I was wide awake now. After allowing myself a few more seconds of bliss, I leisurely slid my legs off the side of the bed and out from under the blankets before leaving the warmth of my cocoon behind. The air in the room was equally warm, infused with heat flowing from the radiator. I hadn't remembered it being on last night. Maybe Nolan had come in at some point and turned it on for me.
I glanced up at myself in the mirror, wiping the sleep from my eyes and combing my fingers through the more unruly strands of hair that stuck up off my head. Nolan had given me a comfy long-sleeved thermal shirt and another pair of pajama pants. The pants were a bit too long and I had to take care not to trip over them as I walked into the living room. As the couch came into view, I unsuccessfully stifled a giggle at the sight of Nolan laying under a quilt with Remy curled up under his chin. Both creatures stirred at the unexpected noise and two sets of blue eyes blinked up at me.
“Mornin’, Harley.” Nolan shifted and sat up against the arm of the sofa, cradling Remy to him so that he wouldn't fall.
“Good morning, Nolan,” I smiled, still studying them both in amusement. “Don't you have a bed? You were sleeping on the couch the other night too.”
“I do,” Nolan’s lips eased into a sleepy smile beneath his trimmed mustache before he scrubbed a hand over his face and ran his fingertips over the stubble of his goatee.
“Why are you sleeping here then?” I gestured at the couch. It couldn't be very comfortable compared to his bed.
“With ya being hurt and all, I didn't want ta be too far away. In case ya needed something.” He said matter-of-factly as he placed Remy on the floor. Heat instantly rose up through my neck and face as I froze at Nolan's words. He’d been sleeping there because of me? Before I could re-gather my senses, there was a knock at the door. “It's only Aggie. I told her to come over.” Nolan explained, mistaking the unexpected visitor to be the cause of my startled expression. Given Aggie's reaction the other day, this only caused further panic.
“Why did you tell her to come over?!” I looked down at myself as if I was completely bare. Nolan only let out a tired, husky laugh as he strode to the door.
“Relax, I messaged her last night. She's just bringing you over some clean clothes.” He waved a hand at me as the other pulled the door open. Aggie burst into the room carrying a shopping bag of clothing and a small familiar take-out bag from The Crusty Biscuit, which she promptly handed over to Nolan.
“Morning, Harley.” She smirked at me. I had a feeling despite Nolan's message, she still suspected a more torrid explanation hidden underneath my reason for staying there. Nevertheless, I smiled back, offering a little wave as she bounded towards me. I glanced over her shoulder to see Nolan's amused expression as Aggie set her targets on me. I gave him a questioning look but he only shrugged innocently and took a bite from his breakfast sandwich.
“Come on woman, let's get you dressed. We're going out.” Her eyes narrowed in determination before she yanked my arm and pulled me back down the hall. As soon as the door shut behind us, Aggie dumped the contents of the shopping bag on the bed. “You've got a bit more hips than I do, so I wasn't sure if my pants would fit you. These have a little stretch to them.”
“Gee thanks,” I said as she tossed me a pair of jeans. I caught them, holding them up to my hips. She was right, it might be a tight squeeze.
“Please, Harley. I look like a damn rail. If it wasn't for growing boobs Nolan would still tell me I look like a boy,” Aggie scoffed. “You, however, have got the almighty birthing hips that most guys around here go crazy for.”
She had me there. I'd inherited my mother's overt curviness, something which generally served me well – pants shopping aside. I pulled off the pajama pants, and somehow managed to work my way into the jeans, though unsurprisingly they were tight around my hips and butt. I turned around in front of the mirror as Aggie appraised me with a satisfactory nod. “Now then, I think this will look nice with your eyes and skin.” She tossed a royal blue sweater at me and waited for me to put it on. I hesitantly pulled off the thermal shirt in front of Aggie, hoping she didn't notice the fading bruises on my back.
“Geez Harley, do you make a habit of injuring yourself?” She sucked in air through her teeth as she eyed the marks with a cringe.
“You would think so. I fell down and hit my back on the stairs when I was moving into my apartment.” I quickly fabricated something reasonably believable given my recent injuries. She seemed satisfied and returned her attention to the contents of her bag as I slipped the sweater over my head and slid my boots onto my feet.
“I brought my hairbrush. I figured you might need it and I’m pretty sure Nolan doesn’t own one.” She handed me the brush then sat on the bed, watching me as I pulled it through my long black tresses a few times. After I handed the brush back, she went to wait in the living room as I splashed my face in the bathroom sink and brushed my teeth with my finger. Coming back down the hall, I heard her and Nolan chatting as they waited for me.
“So twice now she's stayed over and you've not tried anything?” Aggie whispered. I could just see her narrowing her eyes at Nolan speculatively.
“Shut up, Agatha.”
“Don't you call me that!” She hissed.
“Don't be insinuatin’ anything then.” Nolan's voice huffed back.
“Puh-lease. I'm not blind, you know. I see how you look at her,” Aggie said, adding, “especially that arse.”
“Agatha!” Nolan's voice rose an octave. I coughed as I turned the corner, hoping it would deter any further comments regarding my rear end. Nolan regarded me with wide eyes, his ears growing red. I did my best to look aloof as I walked toward them.
“I'm ready to go when you are, Aggie.” I cleared my throat again, glancing down at my nails to break the awkward look between me and Nolan. She nodded then glanced back at Nolan for a second, no doubt giving him another mischievous smirk before she joined me and headed for the door.
“Oh! I forgot. I need to get food for Remy.” I stopped and looked back at Nolan. Part of me wanted an excuse not to be alone with Aggie, given the line of questioning she'd been putting Nolan through before I walked into the room.
“Don't worry. I'll see ta it the little guy gets a proper meal.” He winked and scooped the kitten up to keep him from running for the open door. With one last look of defeat, I followed Aggie out to Nolan's car.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
A Call Home
Aggie drove about an hour outside of Midtown to a large farmer's market that she frequented whenever she wanted an excuse to borrow Nolan's car. There were tons of fresh fruit and vegetable stands as well as fresh-baked goods that taunted the senses with their delightfully sweet aromas.
“We should probably stop and grab breakfast,” Aggie suggested, as if reading my mind. That or she could have heard my stomach rumbling. She grabbed my wrist and led me through the throngs of market-goers, past a few jewelry stands, and around a corner until we found ourselves in front of a little diner attached to the marketplace. Immediately we were greeted with the smell of maple syrup and searing sausage. My stomach growled triumphantly as I breathed in another delicious whiff. Aggie gave me a knowing grin before turning to the girl at the counter to order. “Two number fives please.”
“Oh stop it. Save your money to buy some goodies from the market. Now go find us a seat.” She waved me off with a sly wink. No other patrons were currently present, but I did as she asked and slid into the least shoddy looking booth. The whole diner looked pretty shabby and run-down, a good breeze might knock the entire structure into a pile of sticks. But the food smelled amazing.
“There! Now that's breakfast.” Aggie's grin widened as she ceremoniously placed a tray full of sausage, eggs and pancakes drenched in syrup right under my nose.
“I don't think I can eat all that.” My own eyes grew wide at the heaping mounds of food on my plate.
“Oh, you'll want to. Trust me.” Aggie wiggled an eyebrow at me as she dug a fork into her eggs.
“I don't think that's humanly possible.” I laughed and shoveled a bite into my mouth. “Oh my god...that's so good!” An involuntary moan rumbled through my lips as I savored a bite of syrup-covered sausage. Aggie's signature mischievous grin turned up the corners of her mouth as she observed my reaction.
“You won't be able to stop yourself.” She shook her fork at me before stabbing a piece of pancake and sausage together. Aside from the occasional moan of deliciousness, both of us fell quiet as we engorged on the rich and unhealthy breakfast. Forty-five minutes later we finally managed to pull ourselves away from the booth, and our empty plates. It was then that I sincerely regretted fitting myself into Aggie's already tight jeans.
“Aggie, you should have brought me sweatpants.” I panted as we made our way back toward the rows of merchants.
“Probably. I forgot about the diner until we got here.” Aggie was a bit short of breath herself as she stopped to look at twisted metal earrings.
“How often do you eat there?”
“Every time I come out here.”
