“So you don’t know who the woman from the camera feed is?”
Lena shook her head. Her eyes widened and returned to their normal size.
If the detective had blinked, she’d have missed the expression.
She raised her eyebrows enough to signal she didn’t buy it. You’re lying. She thought, watching her subject like a hawk, while nodding that she understood.
“No, I’m not.” Lena blurted. The detective frowned.
“I’m sorry, not what?” She invited Lena to expand.
“Um, I’m telling you the truth. I don’t know why I’m being asked to go through the experience again, I didn’t do anything wrong. I was attacked and someone saved me. Even if I could give you more information than I already had, I’m sure I wouldn’t. Justice doesn’t seem to work very well in this place. I want whoever saved me, to be left in peace. If they wanted to be found they would have come forward, I imagine they’re probably traumatized by the whole thing, maybe even more than me, I’m sure they’ll come forward when they’re ready.” She pressed on, “If she hadn’t come along, it would be me, in the position you found my attacker in.” Lena crossed her arms, resolved.
The detective slowed her nod. The corners of her lips pulled into a smile. “Well Miss Burilyn, I guess we’re done here for now. We’ll be in touch if we have any further questions.” She rearranged the papers into the file folder with Lenas’ last name attached.
Lena smiled politely, “Great. You know where to find me.”
She stood, declining the offer for a ride politely assuring the detective she’d rather walk; then spun for the door without another glance.
Her hands shook as she made her way to the outdated marble staircase and high dome ceiling that bled into the main entrance and out onto the Plaza and parkway marking historic downtown.
She loved the style. It was scattered through old bones and landmarks of the city, and felt familiar to the natives who’d grown up in her keep. Those who still knew the city had a heartbeat.
Lena smiled, quite certain enough loyalty still existed these remnants would never be pulled down. She ran a finger over the dark wooden trim while passing. Beautiful engravings. She leaned in to examine.
Whoever had done the work, had taken their time chiseling in the scenes. She slowed, looking them over, lions, tigers, bears, hunters in safari hats, with weapons hoisted over a shoulder by each. She glanced at the couple walking past not paying any attention to the details. Minds clearly on the mission at hand. Whatever it might have been.
Lena returned her eyes to the trim work. Her gaze fell on the marbled flooring that blended, catching the light in all the right ways. She was grateful some things remained the same. She couldn’t imagine the city wearing different skin. It felt alive as it was. Always buzzing with bodies bearing hearts that beat for the buildings and interests tended within their ancient bones.
Her steps echoed through the hall. Another set fell into step, not far behind.
She resisted the urge to run, or look over her shoulder to see who might be following. Don’t get paranoid. She forced a smile, stepped into the sun, and let it sink, the smile lines deepened.
Don’t give them a reason to follow you longer than they have to. Act as innocent as you know you are, and if all else fails, you are a blackbelt. She chuckled to herself. Amused by the thoughts that came to her rescue. It’s different now. I have a partner in crime. I have backup.
Lena’s eyes filled with tears. After all these years of losing everything, it seemed she stumbled over someone that felt like home. One far, far away, like a distant dream. Lena remained in the hallway, lost in thought, enjoy the scenery.
We never get to walk from here. We haven’t ever before anyway.
She talked herself out of the anxious feeling knocking. Sending it away from her doorstep and allowed her excitement to pour back in.
What had she witnessed last night? The chaotic scene played on repeat, all things indicating, her friend was different.
Stranger still she seemed unaware to what extent her outlandishness pushed the limits. Lena let loose a small laugh as she descended the staircase.
When push came to shove, she did something that led to something horrible not happening, while something equally horrific occurred on the delivering end… It was like, something she couldn’t see had come to life and strangled him.
She frowned, concentrating on the memory, what am I missing?
She turned the next corner and let her eyes travel the height of the skyscraper she was walking along. The sun reflected through the mint tint of the glass walls of the modern towering giant. I wish I could fly. Or travel like Spiderman… She smiled at the muse as she descended into the heart of the city.
What can I get my friend to say thank you? She spent the next three hours window shopping, the man from the detectives’ office, her constant shadow remaining in her wake.