Rescue Me

Part 7

Fifteen minutes later, after Kayla had given her statement, Jesse saw the officers out. As he walked back in the door, he noticed she didn’t look up. She looked like she was concentrating hard, but her movements were laboured, like she was forcing herself to move. Eventually she moved into a room at the back of the shop and after a few minutes the shop was plunged into darkness. She reappeared with her bag and Jesse followed her out. She locked the doors and he helped her secure the shutters.

 She muttered “thanks” as she turned the key in the lock. 

Watching her slow movements Jesse could see she was tired. He knew how much the sort of stress she was under could wear a person out. Worried, he asked “you sure you’re right to walk home?”

“Yes, I’ll be fine as long as we keep moving” she said and as they began the journey she added with a hint of a smile “I promise to wait until after you leave to fall in a heap.”

He smiled at the first hint of humour she had displayed, “just make sure you land some place soft.”

Kayla smiled properly this time “don’t worry I intend too.”

“Is there going to be anyone home when you get there?” He hoped she’d have someone to talk to so she could process what happened.

“No, there is never anyone home, unless I’m there” she said, her voice flat, her little glimmer of levity gone.

“Is there someone you can call?”  

“No” she replied again with a sigh “the minute I tell anyone what happened, I’ll get an ‘I told you so’ lecture. I can do without that tonight.”

“Fair enough” he muttered, thoughtful. He wondered who she was worried would give her a lecture. Boyfriend? Family? Either or both were possible.

“I’ll be fine Jesse really, but thanks.”

He nodded. He couldn’t push it any further. It was up to her after all.