Chapter Two – Not Running

I had no idea what to say. This very beautiful woman just asked me, a police officer, if I think about killing someone? Between you and me, I have thought about it, lots of times even. I have met so many bad people, but I couldn’t kill them, even with my badge, I wasn’t allowed to just kill someone because they were criminals. But that doesn’t mean I never thought about doing it.

She laughed a bit when I didn’t say anything, “oh God! I am so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I was internally thinking and my mouth ran. I’m sorry.”

I didn’t move or say anything again. My mind kept running also, but I wasn’t going to let it out like she did. Worse since I was now wondering why she thought that. Was she in trouble? Or was she trying to protect someone?

I couldn’t tell much by just looking at her. Besides her sitting here with summer clothes during winter and having nothing with her, even a purse, nothing seemed not to fit. She was beautiful and clean. Looked like she left the house like that.

She sighed, “I am so embarrassed and waiting for you to just leave.”

Suddenly, my face changed, surprised I asked, “you want me to leave?”

She shrugged, “I mean, don’t you want to leave? You asked to buy me something and I asked if you thought about killing someone. If I were you, I’d run.”

That’s when I realized what she meant. My thoughts consumed me so much, and I was silently profiling her not realizing I’m making her feel worse about her awful question. I mean it was bad.

I laughed a bit though, “I am sorry. I was just really thinking about your question. But now I’m curious as to why you asked, and before you can give me an answer. Please allow me to get us something warm. I get cold by just looking at you.”

She smiled, genuinely smiled, and my heart melted at how more beautiful she got. I didn’t even realize that her smile was strained before. This one was genuine.

“Tea will be fine, but only because my question didn’t send you running.”

I lifted my hand up trying to get Lilly’s attention then smiled at the woman next to me, “trust me, it would be hard for you to send me running.”

She bit her bottom lip and leaned back on the couch, “good then, because I’d really love to have that tea with you.”

“I didn’t get your name.”

“I’m uh.. Madison, but you can call me Maddie.”

“Alright Maddie, it’s nice to know you.” I said wondering why she hesitated about her name.