I stepped outside and was amazed by the bright spotlights aimed at the bank. Police cars, fire trucks, ambulances, news vans, were all parked in a circle around the entrance. An officer came up to me and wrapped me in a blanket, "Has someone taken your statement yet, ma'am?"
"Not yet."
"Please come sit in a chair over here and someone will be right with you."
There were folding chairs lined up along the grassy square outside the bank. I sat quietly reflecting on the day and my choices. Surely there had been enough confusion when the police breached to cover up my weird talent?
I was hungry and very tired. I had used up entirely too much energy today. I desperately needed food and a nap. Nachos. Fries. There goes that diet from this morning.
Lost in my own thoughts, I didn't notice Rowan come to stand in front of me. He placed his thumb under my chin and lifted my face look at him.
"Are you even listening to me?" he asked.
"I guess not. Sorry."
He grabbed my hand and pulled me along. "My father wants to meet you and thank you," Rowan explained.
I tried to pull my hand free. I was in no state to meet Paul Kitzker. Moments later I was face to face with an older man in a tailored suit. Not a single salt and pepper hair out of place. Same icy blue eyes as his son. The power that emanated from this man made me weak in the knees. You would never believe he had been negotiating with murderers over his son's life for the last 12 hours.
Paul took my hand gently and placed a kiss on the knuckles. "Thank you for helping bring my boy home safe."
I nodded, too dumbstruck to speak.
Rowan pulled my hand along again, straightening his tie as he went. He had lost his suit jacket and his hair was mussed, but he was still a striking figure. Why was hw fixing his tie? Where are we headed now?
"Are you ready?" Rowan asked.
"I have no idea what we are doing? Following you is like following a hummingbird," I said.
He chuckled lightly. "Press statement time."
Before I could object he stepped in between a few vans into a bright light and pulled me along with him.
"Yes, it is true I was in a hostage situation today. I cannot say much because the investigation is ongoing, but I am here to confirm that I am safe and sound. I also want to introduce you to the hero of today's story. I would not have made it out safe if it wasn't for my new friend, Ruby Blackfield."
***
I hated press conferences, but they came along with the gig. And the name. I should've given Ruby more opportunity to prepare for her first foray with the press, but I knew she would run the second I gave her the opportunity.
I answered all the questions I could, but I had been prepped by the police and the family lawyer on what needed to be deferred. After a few minutes I left the makeshift stage. I assumed Ruby would follow me, but she continued to stand in front of the cameras awestruck.
I told the chief of police Ruby was feeling unwell from the day's events and he said she could come down to the police station tomorrow with me. We could both make our statements then.
Perfect.
I maneuvered her to my car and asked Tom, my driver to take us to my house. She never said a word. As we started driving she stayed quiet. I worried for a moment. What happened to the strong, resourceful woman from the bank today? This shell of a woman seemed so tiny and fragile. Did the events of today truly overwhelm Ruby?