" 1112 Field Rd. Step on it."
Kay wrapped my jacket around her and sat very quietly trying not to show she was shaking.
" What's up with your gal's outfit?" The cab driver shifted his mirror to look at me.
I ignored him and stared out the rainy window. My head pounded with a migraine.
" You know that hot-shot Ivan Stock? He owns that club you walked out of. He's kinda a big deal business man around here."
I watched as Kay wretched and placed her hand over her mouth.
He looked in his rear view mirror at her. His rash voice was like nails on a chalkboard. " Did your lady drink too much or somethin'?"
"No, sir." I stated through my gritted teeth. " Now, if you could just be quiet please?"
A little while passed before he decided to open his fat mouth again.
" Not in the mood to talk tonight, Chief?" The driver smirked.
I leered at him out as I was leaning against the head rest.
Usually, I would've been more upset he had recognized me, but the events of the night made me especially tired. " You must be mistaken. I'm not a chief ."
" I recognize your face from public addresses on television and the badge on your chest speaks for itself."
I slowly peer down at the shiny gold badge. The damned thing shined even at night.
" It's strange, I didn't expect you to be in such company." His eye darted to Kay, who stared out the opposite window.
" I paid you to drive not talk. "
" Enjoying spirits and women- typical pig."
At this moment my hand brushed where I usually kept my pistol- my eyes grew wide realizing it wasn't there.
'Damn it...'
I crossed my arms and leaned back again, listening to the rain putter patter on the roof of the vehicle.
We reached the sidewalk that paved way to the front gates of my manor. I slipped the rude asshole-of-a cabby an extra twenty dollars to keep his mouth shut.
"Whatever you wish! Have a great night lover boy." His raspy laugh-turned-cough was abruptly stopped when I slammed the door.
"What an ass." Kay mumbled.
" Hold my jacket like an umbrella over yourself."
As she did so, I picked her small frame up and carried her to the front door which was covered by an awning.
" I could've walked."
" Don't be silly, you don't have shoes. "
I grabbed my key ring from my pant's pocket and searched for the right one.
"Ah. Here it is."
I unlocked the door and ushered her in. " Lady's first."
She smiled sweetly and we went through the front door. I turned on the lights revealing the ornate and exquisite interior.
"Wow!" Kay exclaimed," this place is massive. "
My shoulders shrugged nonchalantly." I'll get you a change of clothes, come with me."
I led her through the house and up two flights of stairs to one of the many guest bedrooms. I picked out for her one of my shirts and some trousers to sleep in.
" Do you have a family?" She asked looking around the room.
Admittedly, I was quite hesitant to tell her about my personal, sensitive family matters. Everyone in town knew what happened to my parents and it isn't the sort of thing that gets brought up often. A wave of grief washed over me.
She gazed around the room and spun in a circle. Her eyes glittered looking at the intricate wall decor.
" No. I don't have anyone. " I shuffle uncomfortably, " I lost both of my parents when I was young and inherited their home."
" Oh. I see. This is a pretty big home for a single man."
I nodded super tired with a migraine and frankly in no mood to chat. My watch said 2:00 a.m.
" Welp, I'll see you later on today. We'll figure out this whole mess."
I went to leave but she grabbed my arm. My heart skipped a beat.
" Thank you for your kindness, sir. You're my hero."
I chuckled and rubbed the back of my neck. " Well, you're welcome. I didn't expect anything like this happening tonight."
Kay took one more look at me before she shut the door softly.
***
I awoke the next morning to hear singing. I hurried to throw my robe on and investigate.
Downstairs in the sitting area, Kay was singing along to music being played by the phonograph and dancing about. She drifted along for a moment before taking notice of me.
" You're awake! I hope I didn't disturb you."
" I liked that you woke me up actually, the silence is about the only thing that follows me through life."
"Maybe that can change someday."
" The only women I meet are the ones who get processed through the police department."
She held out her hand to me for a dance.
"Miss, I am dressed in nothing else but a robe. It would be quite improper to dance like this. We are strangers."
Her shoulders shrugged," And I'm dressed as a man- we are improper together."
I let out a loud chuckle and took her hand. " If I step on your foot, forgive me. It's been literal years since I've danced."
" With a woman?"
"At all- with anyone!"
She laughed as we gently swayed back and forth.
" I just can't believe you don't have a wife yet." She smiled.
"Because I'm such a good dancer?"
"Well, because you're nice. Because your chivalrous. Because of your handsome face."
My face flushed. " Thank you... I also think you are quite beautiful."
She looked away, blushing.
We danced for a while before the record ended. As we let go of each-other, I glanced up to the standing clock. It read 8:00.
" This was so much fun, but I have to get going to work."
Kay wrapped her arms around me as I went to leave. " Thank you for saving me- you are kind of like m-my hero."
My heart skipped a beat. " Anytime Kay. Whenever you need me I'll be there."
I got dressed, brushed my teeth and hair before waving good-bye to Kay.
"I'll be back around 6 pm."
" Maybe we can do something fun tonight!" She waved back, holding another cylinder for the phonograph.
' Is this what it is like to be married?' I wondered walking out the front door.