Alleys and Broken Dreams

“Robert? I’m here.” Sarah answered immediately. “But where are you?”

“I’m at the corner entrance of Abrams and Compass.” Robert replied smiling. “You know, I gave you one simple task to do… and you manage to mess it up! God only knows why I keep you around…”

On the other end of the line she was sputtering in mock outrage, he chuckled before flipping the phone shut. He was still smiling when the sleek black sedan’s power window slid down as it pulled up to the curb a few minutes later.

“Hey baby? You looking for a ride?” Sarah smiled her sexiest smile as she leaned out the window. “There’s a warm cup of coffee in it for ya!”

“Yeah? Just warm? That shit better be hot…” Robert started toward the car. “Or I’m not interested!”

“Oh well… I guess I’d better keep looking...” Sarah pouted prettily at him, letting the car roll forward when he reached for the door handle, keeping it just out of Robert’s reach.

“Don’t get cute with me…” He warned her reaching for the handle only to have her do it again. “I’m tired and cold Sarah!” With a sudden burst of speed he wrenched the door open, threw himself into the seat and pulled the door shut all before Sarah could repeat her little trick again.

“You’re lucky there’s coffee in this car, or I would so fire you!” He glared at her over the rim of his cup; then took a sip of the hot liquid. He grimaced when he realized too late that she had not put in his usual five sugars and two creams. “Still might after all.” He threatened while she laughed and drove off.

“So how’d things go?” Sarah asked barely able to conceal her excitement.

“I think it’s a solid company…” Robert began smiling.

“And…” Sarah drawled, excitement dancing in her eyes. This was a company she had found, if he was happy with it… it could create a large commission for her.

“And I think…” Robert grinned making her wait. “That we can start recommending them to our clients.”

“Oh my god! Are you serious?” Sarah let out a whoop of joy while glancing over at Robert; he was smiling lightly. His had his head leaned back against the headrest and his eyes were closed.

“Congrats…” He said tiredly.

“Thanks!” Sarah looked over at him noticing that his teeth were chattering and he was still shivering despite the heater and his heavy clothes. She reached over to turn the heater on full blast then trained the vents directly on Robert.

“Are you all right?” She asked flicking him another concerned look. When she pulled up to a red light, Sarah was able to get a really good look at him. “I haven’t seen the cold affect you like this in a long time.”

Robert sighed. “Getting old I guess…” He began.

“Bullshit! If twenty seven is old, then I’m ancient!” Acting on a sneaking suspicion, she reached over to she ran her hand up under his sweater. As she suspected she found flesh instead of another layer of clothes. “What the hell Robert?! It’s like twelve degrees out there! Are you trying to freeze to death?”

“I don’t recall giving you permission to touch me so freely Sarah.” Robert said tersely. He had clamped his hand over hers pinning it in place.

“Fine!” Sarah muttered. She jerked her hand free of his and placed it firmly back on the steering wheel. “I was just worried about you.” The rest of the ride was silent except for the whir from the heater; each of the occupants of the car was too busy sorting through their thoughts to speak.

The silence grew strained.

Robert sent a sidelong glance at Sarah. While her expression gave nothing away he could tell by the way she held the steering wheel that Sarah was upset. I don’t like being touched. He immediately began to try to justify his actions to himself. She’s an employee... she shouldn’t have done that!

When he looked over at her, her professional mask that never let on to anyone just how important it was to her to land the account, or how bad a situation truly was firmly planted on her face. It was one of the reasons she had gotten this job in the first place.

Over time he’d gotten to know the person behind the mask, and now she was one of the most trusted advisors in his company. She didn’t deserve that... she’s the closest thing I have as a friend. It’s time to explain things to her. I just dunno how to start... He sighed to himself.
“We’re here.” Sarah’s voice broke into his thoughts.

“Sarah... Look…”Robert began.

“When should I pick you up?” Sarah cut him off..” When he didn’t respond, she asked in a tight voice. “Or would you prefer to make other arrangements?”

“Sarah… we’ll discuss this matter later.” Robert slid out of the car then leaned in to add. “But in the meantime, nothing has changed; if it does... you’ll hear from me.” He closed the door and walked away never looking back; as the car roared away leaving no doubt that Sarah was still mad.

The office would be an interesting place to be come Monday morning.

Not far from where Sarah had left Robert, headlights passed over a ragged figure. The brilliant flash of headlights left him temporarily blinded; although Don’s hand had came up instinctively to shield his eyes, it had been too late. He blinked owlishly trying to clear away the spots in his eyes.

When his eyes worked again he pulled his sweater cap lower to cover his ears. It was a cold February night and he was shivering even with his heavy jacket. He was sure that he would find what he was looking for and headed further into the dark alley away from the street and the lights.

When a police car suddenly slowed down at the end of the alley Don slid out of view behind a dumpster. A powerful Q-beam clicked on scanning the alley for signs of trouble. The spotlight focused on a window here and a door there making sure the chains were still in place. It came to rest on a window just above Don’s head; his heart pounded as he held his breath hoping it would move on.

His long black hair hung in disarray, coupled with his natural five o’clock shadow and scruffy appearance would have him arrested for vagrancy. The heavy jacket he had found a couple of months ago was, tattered and torn from years of use, his jeans were too large and baggy with holes in the knees. His gloves didn’t match, and were missing at least one or more fingers; one of his shoes was duct taped to keep the sole from slapping the ground as he walked.

He didn’t feel like spending the night in jail even if it was warmer than where he was now. Finally the light clicked off and a few minutes later and the cruiser finally pulled away. Don waited a few minutes to make sure and then sticking to the shadows made his way further into the darkness.

This is where he grew up, the dark alleys of Worthington. Where the drug addicts sold themselves for their next hit, the mentally ill people ranted at passersby, and runaway kids skulked like beaten puppies in virtually every shadow and alcove.

Don could always tell who the new kids were… they didn’t look scared…. Guess the better word would be scared ENOUGH. They were still only worried about sleeping outside, and what happened if they got caught and sent back home.

Little did they know there were far worse things to worry about. Older kids knew and wore their “I don’t care anymore” attitudes like a barbed wire fences, but underneath tough exterior was the realization that they had little say in what happened to them. They were the ones that were truly scared, although you could never tell by looking.

Don shuffled along, his eyes darting to each darkened space that someone could hide in, or take shelter in from the cold. He had a feeling that wouldn’t go away that something important was going to happen tonight. Something urgent, like the feeling you get when you know you’re forgetting something but can’t figure out what, nibbled at him.

I just have to find out what IT is. He thought as the wind suddenly gusted, blowing bits of paper and other light trash into the air. He wrapped his arms around himself hugging the coat closer to his body. MAN! It sure is cold!

Don kept walking lost in thought and shivering; he looked up to see a small shape step out of the shadows. It was only cat; Don gave a sigh of relief. Hearing his footsteps it darted behind the box it had just come out of. He smiled.

Slowing his pace until he was close to the box he reached into his pocket he produced a tear open pouch of cat food. He tore it open then held it out; a white paw snaked out to dip out a tasty morsel and pull it back to the safety of the box. Don left the pouch on the ground near the box, and moved away before the frightened cat could take a swipe at him.

The cat was the only other sign of life in the alley, and Don had had enough of the cold so he headed to another part of town. He knew somewhere along the way there were men gathered around burning barrels and that as long as he brought something to toss on the fire he could use them to warm himself too.

He tucked the jacket around his shoulders and made his way along the streets, his stomach growled and his teeth chattered together. To make matters worse, it felt like it was going to snow. Maybe for tonight, I’d better head to the shelter. Trying to stay out of the wind he stuck to the alleys when he could; but they weren’t entirely safe even for a big guy like himself.

Don was just passing a pile of milk crates and old boxes when he heard something rustle then the boxes came crashing down followed by a blur of movement. He barely had time to understand what was happening when someone slammed into his chest almost knocking him down; and then tried to run off.

This was a classic pickpocket maneuver, one he’d used himself when it had become necessary. Reacting quickly he grabbed a handful of the assailant’s jacket jerking them to a sudden stop and almost back into his body. The person whirled away, trying to shrug off the jacket. Don took mental notes. Small build, light weight, probably a kid. Still dangerous; but definitely manageable.

“I don’t think so kiddo!!” Don growled, throwing his weight into the person before they could manage to get their arms loose of the jacket. They tumbled to the ground with his weight holding the kid against the ground “If you took something from me, you better give… it…” His words trailed off.

“What the hell?” He was looking down into the frightened blue eyes of a teen-aged girl. He judged her to be roughly sixteen years old. She had her hair tucked up under a hat to hide that she was a girl, but now it spilled out during her struggles. She still had her jewelry, which meant she hadn’t been out here long.

“Please Mister, I didn’t take anything! I swear! Let me go… let me go!” Tears were in her eyes and her breath came out in little visible puffs of moisture. “You let me go now! Or… or, I’ll scream!”

Don chuckled and loosened his hold just enough that he wasn’t hurting her. He was no fool, just because she was a girl didn’t mean she hadn’t picked his pocket. At most she weighed in a buck ten if that, while he was a solidly built 190, so she was no match for him.

When he began laughing the girl’s eyes widened in horror, then she renewed her hysterical efforts to free herself. She must have realized that he was laughing because her threat was an empty one and that no one would come to her aid. Tears rolled down her cheeks, but Don could tell by the look in her eyes that she hadn’t given up.

“O... Okay, you…you’re right!” Christina gambled; she took a deep breath to calm herself to try to think her way out of this. . “I… I took your wallet and if… IF you let me up… I can give it back! That’ll work, right?” She looked him in the eyes, gathering confidence as she went on with her performance. “I mean I can’t reach it like this…”

Don he wasn’t carrying a wallet; she obviously didn’t know that though, which meant she probably didn’t have anything of his. He couldn’t help but toy with her a little. “What if my wallet isn’t what I want, girly?”

Christina opened her mouth and screamed for all she was worth she didn’t care if he thought it was useless. She only managed a short yelp before the man clamped his hand over her mouth.

“Shhhhh! Listen… listen to me! Calm down, I am not going to hurt you.” Don waited for the words to sink in, Christina had stopped fighting him, but her eyes were wary.

“If you have anything that is mine, I want it back immediately. Do you understand?” He watched her nod then continued. “Do you have anything I might want back?” She shook her head no this time.

“Ok, now I am going to let you get up… BUT! I’m not letting go until I make sure I have all my belongings. Don’t try to run off, or I’ll give you a reason to scream. Do we have a deal?” She nodded again and Don removed his hand from her mouth. “Oh, one last question…. You have any weapons?”

“What?! No, I don’t have any weapons! God man, chill out!” Christina exclaimed. “Now will you GET OFF OF ME? And I didn’t take anything from you anyways.”

Don slowly made his way to his feet while holding onto her arm. “Well... now… you’ll excuse me for not just taking your word for it. So reach nice and slow into your pockets and show me they’re empty.”

Christina reached into her pockets and turned them inside out and glared at him as she did. When Don released her arm she muttered. “SEE! I told you I didn’t take nothing of yours!” She started backing away from him. “I don’t know what someone like you could have that I might want anyway!”

“I am sorry I doubted you.” Don bowed sarcastically. “So I know why I’m out here, being a loser and all but what about a nice girl like you? Don’t you have a family or something looking for you?”

“I didn’t say you were a loser…” Christina protested. “Why do you care anyways?”

“I didn’t say I cared... I’m just curious. I can tell by your clothes you aren’t from the streets and despite what you MAY or may not think of me… I AM a nice guy. If I wasn’t you’d be in real trouble right now.” Don gave her stern then softened. “Look, I just made some money working for this deli, cleaning out the back room… I thought you lifted it from me. Sorry I didn’t really mean to scare you.”

“You did that on purpose!?” Christina accused while looking at Don closely. “You wanted me think you were a rapist! GAWD! Man your twisted!”

“Next time it might be…I don’t know why you‘re out here, but you might want to reconsider.” Don turned to go but a soft sound had him looking over his shoulder. His gaze softened as he caught the glint of a tear track on her cheek in the streetlight. The girl was starting to look scared again, Don sighed.

“Hey… you hungry? I think we can manage to get something from this all night diner that’s close by? I mean at least we’ll be warm right?”

She stood there considering his offer. Don could tell by her changing expressions that she was working through her options. Maybe didn’t seem quite so dangerous now, and a diner with people in it would probably be safer than being where she was. He could hear her stomach growling softly even from where he was.

“You comin’ or what?” Don asked impatiently. “I’m freezin’ my ass off!”

“Okay… I’ll go with you.” Christina finally agreed, but she tacked on a warning. “But don’t try anything weird! And I am buying my own food! So don’t think I owe you or anything…” Christina kept what she thought was a safe distance from Don but followed him to the street where it was a bit brighter and she could see him better. “I know how guys think!”

“Fine! Do whatever you want.” Don said throwing his hands up, then pointed to a spot down the street. “See that almost blown out sign that says... ALL IGHT DIN R? That’s where we’re headed.” He paused to grin at her over his shoulder.

“It don’t look like much from here, but the waitress likes me; and if the boss isn’t there, she throws in a coffee or soda free when I buy a bowl of chili.” Don rubbed his belly and smacked his lips while they walked, making Christina give him a half smile. “Which I might add is the best chili in the world! Don’t a hot bowl of chili sound GOOD? My name’s Don by the way.”

When they left the relative shelter of the alley they were buffeted by the wind, it blew against them as if it had a reason it didn’t want them to make it to their destination. Christina shivered and hunched her shoulders trying to keep her coat from opening up under the wind’s onslaught. Her hands were jammed deep into her pockets and she used them to help hold the jacket tightly against her.

“Hey! Girly?” Don called and reached out to tug on her sleeve.

“Don’t do that!” She yelped and took a few steps away from him. “Don’t touch me!” Her eyes burned into his, even though she looked like she was going to take off running.

“I’m sorry!” Don exclaimed pulling his hands back as if he were under arrest. With deliberate movements he slowly turned his back to the wind then flipped up the collar of his jacket and began walking backwards.

“Ohh…” Christina said catching on quickly, she blushed and followed his example. Once again they were making their way, albeit at a much slower pace, to the hot dinner waiting for them.

When they finally reached the entrance to the diner Don pulled the door open. A wind gust ripped the door from his grasp and it clanged noisily against the outer wall. The place was empty except for an older couple sitting in a booth and one old grizzled, dirty looking man who sat furthest from the door on a stool at the counter.

“Shut the damn door!” The grizzled man shouted at them the second the door opened. He gave both of them dirty looks before he went back to staring at the cracks in the wall. He continued to mumble things under his breath while Don corralled the unruly door.

“ED! For gawd’s sakes! Let them get inside before ya start yelling!” A female voice called from the kitchen. “It’s not like you’re paying the bills round here anyways.”

A slim but well built brunette came out of the back, with a tray of food in one hand and a full pot of coffee in the other. She smiled at Don and Christina as she passed.

“Take a seat Hon; I’ll be with ya in a minute.” She hefted the coffeepot in their direction. “Ya got great timing, Don! It’s a fresh pot.”

“Thanks Lucy…So girly, where you wanna sit?” Don asked, letting Christina make the decision so that she could choose a place she would feel most comfortable in. He watched her look the room over before making her decision.

Each table had a place setting of small saucers with coffee cups turned upside down and silverware, so it really didn’t matter where they chose to sit. The important thing was for Christina to make the choice and feel in control of the situation.

“Over there.” She pointed then moved toward a table against the wall but with an easy path to the door. Don followed her to a table near the older couple where they sat down with her taking the seat that would give her the best view of the room.

He understood why she chose that particular table. She figures they are her best chance at getting help and her seat offers an unobstructed path to the door, while she gets to keep an eye on everyone. Don again was impressed with her ability to think quickly and size up the situation, although she was still here with him, a stranger.

“My name isn’t girly… it’s Chris.” Christina revealed rather suddenly as she watched the waitress place a breakfast platter in front of the woman, and what looked like a grilled cheese sandwich and French fries in front of the man. Christina was caught looking at their food and blushed but the woman just smiled and gave her a small wave.

“It’s nice to meet you then, Chris.” Don smiled watching her looking at the couple’s food hungrily. “The menu’s right under your elbows.” He pointed out to her.

“Oh, ok.” She quickly turned her attention to the menu that was held in place on the table by a large plexiglass table topper. The prices were right there as well so Christina could figure out what she could afford to order, Don on the other hand played with a straw.

“Cream and sugar are on the table…” Lucy stopped by their table and turned the cups over to fill them with fresh steaming coffee. “I’ll give ya a few a minutes to look at the menu while I get Ed taken care of. Is there anything else you need?” When both Don and Christina shook their heads she took the extra settings and silverware then moved off to disappear into the kitchen again.

“Lucy!” It was Ed bellowing again. “Bring me some more coffee and hurry up with my soup! Don’t forget the damn crackers this time!”

“Yeah, yeah! Keep your pants on Ed! I’ll be there in a minute!” Lucy yelled back.

Don added sugar and cream to his cup, ignoring the banter between the waitress and the grumpy patron, meanwhile Christina was distracted by the menu and he hoped to catch her off guard and get an honest answer. “So what were you running from?”

“Huh?” The sudden question confused Christina for a minute. “Oh! You mean in the alley!”

“Of course I did… Why?” Don countered. “What did you think I meant?”

“I dunno...”Christina mumbled looking embarrassed. “I just wasn’t listening.”

“You dunno what you thought I meant?” Don asked. “Or you dunno what you were running from?”

“I’m not stupid!” Christina glared at him.

“I didn’t say you were.” Don stared intently at the bottom of his empty coffee cup. “You’re stalling…come on now; it must have been something truly terrifying for you to dang near run me over.”

“I dunno, I didn’t hang out long enough to find out!” She glared at him daring him to laugh at her. “Are you happy? It was probably a big dirty rat, or something.”

“And then you ran into an even bigger rat than the one in the dumpster, huh?” Don poked fun at himself.

“Yeah….” Christina smiled but her eyes were glistening with tears. “Some tough girl I am huh? Scared of an oversized mouse? And I must have chosen the worst day to leave home; I should’ve checked the weather forecast this morning. ”

“Naw… you’ve done pretty well so far.” Don smiled softly. “Hey speaking of leaving, I know it ain’t none of my business, but why’d you leave? You look like you had it pretty good wherever you were…. So why leave?” He turned his eyes away from her, sounding embarrassed and a little envious. “I mean, I’d … never mind…”

“I know what you’re thinking!” She murmured. “You think that I am just a spoiled little girl running away from home because I couldn’t go to some stupid dance or something!” She accused, with angry spots of color dotting her cheeks.

“Yeah and so what if I do?” He returned. “From where I sit, you have it pretty damn good! I mean look at you!” He reached out and flicked a strand of hair. “Not a split end to be found, your clothes are all designer labels and not bought second hand.”

“You don’t know anything!” Christina hissed trying to keep her voice low and not call attention to them. “You’re just a bum off the streets!”

“I know enough to recognize Diesel jeans when I see them.” He leaned back in the seat and fixed her with a dry look. “I’m also betting you’ve got a nice house with a big comfy pink bed too. You didn’t flinch just now, so I’m betting you aren’t being beaten at home. There’s little in this world I wouldn’t do to have just the bed!” He glared back at her, daring her to prove him wrong. Come on, little one tell me I’m right and then go back home where it’s safe.

“You know what?” Angry tears glistened in Christina’s eyes. “Just because I am from a supposed “good” family doesn’t make it true! You’re a jerk!” She spat at him; she leapt up and threw some money on the table and after a brief struggle with the door stomped out into the night.