The Hitchhiker (terken & darkangel76)

‘Just keep running. Don’t stop. Don’t look back. The road isn’t far now.’ Jane’s thoughts were erratic, but the goal of them was one in the same. And that was to keep going at all costs.

As Jane scrambled through the cluster of trees that barricaded the residential houses from one of the main routes that cut through town, a streak of lightning forked through the sky. Following the flash was a loud crack of thunder, which interrupted the moaning howl of the wind as it gusted through the area. The rain was coming down hard now, torrential sheets that bit at her skin as she continued her way through the trees.

‘Almost there. You can do it. Keep going. Don’t stop.’

The trees began to thin and despite the darkness, Jane was able to make out a chain link fence just beyond them in a clearing of sorts. She knew that meant the road was near. All she could do was hope to hell that someone would drive by and take pity on her. Give her a ride to somewhere safe. Somewhere away from… him.

Again, the lightning flashed lighting up the sky an eerie shade of blue. Blinking, Jane could make out the fence quite clearly. Her heart pounding in her chest, she ran up to it and immediately began to climb. Panting and whimpering, she made it over, the thunder clapping, the rain still falling. Shivering, she glanced about herself and pulled her coat tighter about her body. She knew it wouldn’t make a difference. She was soaked to the bone, would probably get sick from having been out in such weather for so long. But it didn’t matter. It was an instinctual reaction.

Seeing the road as the lightning continued to flash, Jane clutched onto the straps of her drenched backpack and began walking along the slick shoulder of the road. Her teeth were chattering, her lips blue, but she had to keep going. Frantic, she held out her hand and extended her thumb.

‘Oh god, what am I doing? What the fuck am I doing?’

Jane could feel her tears despite the rain and still she kept her thumb out to anyone who might pass by on the road. She was desperate, terrified, the fear so very evident in her pale face. Yes, she knew this could be a stupid move, but it was a risk well worth taking. Better to face some unknown stranger than him. Anyone but him.

Shaking and shivering, Jane hoped that somehow someone would take pity on her. Just then, she saw the gleam of headlights approaching. A wave of relief washed over her and she held her hand out for the vehicle to see.

‘Oh thank god!’

The vehicle approached, slowing down as it got closer. Jane could already feel her lips quirking up into a smile. She hadn’t expected someone to stop so quickly, but she wasn’t about to complain. Just then, the vehicle sped up, its tires hitting a puddle of water that had collected near the side of the road, spraying her with the muddy water as it drove through it.

“Fuck you!” Jane shouted, her hand still extended. She could feel her heart sinking, her nerves fraying as the fear grew deep inside. She wasn’t going to make it. He’d find her. Somehow he always found her.

Carson hated Southerton jobs. He hated them even more when it was pouring buckets. But he needed the money. If he was going to start over again he needed the money. So he bit the bullet and drove though the rainstorm as fast as he safely could.

At the fork he took the road heading southwest. He might have opted for the freeway, but he hadn't eaten lunch and could hear his stomach growling. He was still headed in the right direction, more or less, and there was a better chance he'd find a diner or coffee shop down this road.

He caught sight of her just a few moments later. Some girl, or woman, with a backpack, soaking wet in the rain. A hitcher.

For just a moment Carson hesitated. She could be a con artist, or even more likely, a druggie. As a rule he didn't pick up hitchhikers. But on the other hand, there was this damn thunderstorm. You could die of a chill from this storm.

Carson muttered something under his breath and pulled up next to her. He rolled down his window and called out, "I can take you to the next town." Best that he got that out of the way. He wasn't a damned passenger bus.

The weather was getting worse, Jane was sure of it. There was no sign of the storm letting up and with the chill that hung heavy in the air, she knew she was going to be in a world of trouble later on. She could already feel her nose getting a bit stuffy and as it was it was getting harder and harder to feel her fingers. Trying not to mull over such things, trying to keep her head in the here and now, she shoved such thoughts aside. She didn’t have time to speculate. Hell, she didn’t know how much time she had. Period.

‘Okay, Jane… just keep trying. Just keep trying.’

Jane had no idea how long she stood on the roadside. It seemed like hours, but she knew that couldn’t be the case. If it had, he’d surely have found her by now. At that, a hard shiver ran down along her spine. Letting out a small whimper, she jutted her hand out further onto the road. As she did so, she began to mumble to herself, saying words to help soothe her nerves. Unfortunately, they didn’t really work. But it was better than nothing. Anything was better than keeping totally silent. Silence meant her mind was allowed to wander and when it did… Oh god!

Just then the sky lit up with a streak of lightning and another boom of thunder rumbled causing Jane to shake. Suddenly, she saw another set of headlights in the distance. Again, her heart began to pound harder.

“Please, please, please…” Jane begged, her voice a mere whisper.

Squinting her pale eyes, Jane could see that the approaching vehicle was larger than the other ones that had passed her by. A truck. When it slowed and came to a halt, she immediately felt her stomach drop. Her instincts went onto full alert. She was terrified, but she was more fearful of staying out in the open. Just then, the window rolled down.

“I can take you to the next town,” came a voice from inside the truck. It was definitely male and from the looks of the guy, he seemed to be the typical trucker.

Jane gave the man a nod and went for the door handle. Jumping into the truck, she threw her backpack down onto the floor by her feet. She reached for the seatbelt and secured it and then turned to face the man who’d just saved her life. At least for the time being.

“Thanks,” Jane said as she pushed her hood back from her head. Her long, dark hair was soaking wet just like the rest her and she couldn’t stop herself from shivering. “The next town is fine. Anywhere is fine.”

Jane winced a little as the sound of her voice reached her ears. The panic and urgency was more than apparent and she wasn’t about to spill the ‘why’ of her current problems. Doing so would only lead to more. And she was already drowning in a problem she never saw coming. Not until it was too late. So adding more to her already very full plate was just not happening.

“By the way, my name is Jane,” Jane then added. She had problems, but giving away her first name didn’t seem like it would do any harm. Besides, it would be nice to talk to someone and try and forget what she was running from. Even if for only a little while.

Carson nodded back at the woman, taking just a moment to look her over. Just to make sure she wasn't obviously high or packing something. Then his eyes went back to the road.

When she said "Anywhere is fine" he gave a little grunt. That sounded like she was on the run from something. Bad family situation? The cops? He hoped it wasn't the cops. That was the last thing he needed on this job.

He gunned his engine into a higher gear before replying to her introduction. "I'm Carson," he said simply. He spared her another glance before turning his attention to the road again.

"There's a towel under the seat," he said, as he switched lanes. "May not be the cleanest, but it's dry." He kept all sorts of odds and ends in the cab, since he more or less lived in it. And she could be trouble. But for now, Carson was prepared to give her the benefit of the doubt. Sometimes it paid to be polite.

"Bad day to be stuck without a ride," he added, as the rain continued to pour.

Immediately, Jane began reaching under the seat for the towel Carson had mentioned. She was thoroughly drenched and, though it wasn’t much, a semi-clean towel better than nothing. Giving him an appreciative smile, she brought the cloth up to her face and patted it dry. She then began to rub it against her dampened tresses. Oh if only she could change into some dry clothes. Anything! But everything she threw into her backpack was just as wet as the rest of her. And then there was that little detail that, more than likely, they wouldn’t be stopping anywhere anytime soon anyway.

‘Just as well,’ Jane thought to herself.

Jane chuckled a little at Carson’s comment about it being a bad day. He had no idea. It had been one of the worst, though not the worst. Thankfully. Just then she shivered, and not just from the onset chill she felt trying to consume her body. No. She was recalling the downward spiral that was her life since the day she left him. If only she’d known what such an act would trigger. She hadn’t seen it coming, not by a long shot. Still, what she did had to be done. Her health had depended on it, her safety. There was no way she could’ve predicted that by looking out for her best interests she’d actually be placing herself in more danger.

“You don’t know the half of it,” Jane answered. “So… thanks.”

Jane gave Carson a grin as she wriggled her body so as to remove the soaked coat she wore. Hoping to allow it a means to somewhat dry, she laid it flat on the floor at her feet and then removed her sneakers. She then brought her legs up to her chest and stared out the dashboard window.

After several moments of silence, Jane began to fidget. She combed her fingers through her hair and began to tug on her lip nervously. The silence was deafening, allowing her mind to drift onto… him. Again, she shivered.

“So,” Jane then said, interrupting the silence. “Where we headed?”

"You're welcome," Carson said automatically. He even found himself responding to her grin with a slight smile of his own. When she took off her shoes and pulled her legs up to her chest he chuckled softly. She might be trouble, but something about her told him she herself, as a person, was probably okay.

Still, trouble followed nice people around, too. And it could drag him into something. So when she broke the silence that followed, he kept his tone civil but firm.

"I'm going to Southerton," he said. That was still 200 miles away; he wouldn't reach it today in this rain. "But you can probably get a bus in Red Mills. About seven miles from here." He planned to stop there, too, for the lunch he missed. They'd probably be there in ten to twelve minutes.

Red Mills. Jane knew that town wasn’t too far away. No matter, it placed distance between herself and him and that was what mattered. She couldn’t expect to get very far right away, especially given the time of day and the storm that was attempting to swallow them whole at the moment. Yes, it would take time. She just hoped she had more of it as opposed to less. The storm would definitely help her odds, covering her trail. Hell, even her scent. She just had to keep herself calm and collected, though that was easier said than done, if she was to stay ahead of the game. And out of his grasp.

Jane gave Carson a smile. “Southerton, eh? That’s quite a trek,” she said knowing that it was at least another 3 to 4 hours away from their current location.

Jane wondered if Carson planned on finishing out the drive that night or waiting until after he took a rest. The weather was definitely making travel difficult and thus adding hours to what should be an easy enough drive.

“And Red Mills is fine…” Jane began, her voice trailing a bit. Biting down on her lip, she wondered if she should dare try to keep Carson in her company a bit longer. For reassurance purposes, of course. She was beyond terrified of being found by him and maybe being seen with someone like Carson would help give her an edge. Just in case. “Want to get a bite with me before you head out of there then? I’ll buy. It’s the least I can do since you helped me out.”

Swallowing and praying that Carson would say ‘yes’, Jane gave him a hopeful smile. She just wanted him to stay with her until she could find another ride. That wasn’t too much to ask, was it? She honestly didn’t know. It could very well be that being seen with her could mean he’d become a target too. Just like she was. She definitely didn’t want that, but the fear wracking her body was strong, making her desperate, act in ways she normally wouldn’t.

“What do you say?” Jane then asked, her blue eyes pleading for that ‘yes’.

Carson kept his eyes on the road, nodding at Jane's comments. This was a dangerous stretch of road, and accidents weren't uncommon. But when she offered to buy him a meal he turned to face her.

"Um." Several things went through his head at once. He was really hungry, and any amount of money saved, however small, was a good thing. On the other hand, he'd be taking money from someone who didn't have a ride. And did he want to spend more time with her if she could be trouble?

Maybe it was her smile that decided it. Or the particular shade of blue of her eyes. Maybe he was tired of eating meals alone on the road. He gave Jane a his own slight smile again, then turned his eyes back to the road.

"Okay," he said. "Why not. There's the Campbell Diner off Main Street. I'll pick up the tip."

Immediately, Jane’s smile brightened. The relief that washed over her body was unbelievable and for the first time since her life went haywire, she actually felt somewhat normal. Normal. Her life could never be normal again. There was only one way to ensure that and she refused to stoop to such a level, not if she could help it. Doing so would only make her like him. And that was just unacceptable.

“Wonderful!” Jane exclaimed, the eagerness in her voice fairly apparent. At that she winced, hoping that Carson didn’t quite catch it, but knowing her luck, he did. No doubt that would mean he’d refuse dessert too, anything to be rid of her so that he could get back on the road and away from any potential funny business.

Curled up on the passenger side seat, Jane stared out her window. The black pavement just ran on by endlessly, but she knew her time with Carson was nearing its end. The corner of her eye caught a glimpse of the sign letting them know that they’d reached Red Mills. That meant that the diner wasn’t far off. That meant she’d be alone again soon.

Jane didn’t know what it was about Carson. The tone of his voice, the fact that he’d been kind enough to pick her up and not try anything underhanded. But, for some reason she felt a bit safer with him around. It had to be his build, the way he carried himself. Maybe the fact that he was a trucker and thus a sort most people didn’t mess with. Oh, she just didn’t know, couldn’t even begin to explain it. She was too terrified to fully think straight. Just then, she sneezed.

“Excuse me,” Jane said softly, yet sheepishly. Shivering lightly for a moment, she looked down at her still soaked coat and backpack that were on the floor. “Stupid me, eh?” she laughed nervously. “I’ve gone and gotten myself a cold.”

Seeing the sign ‘Main Street’, Jane felt her teeth beginning to chatter. They were nearly there, nearly to the diner. Oh god, their time together was coming to a close fast. Faster than she expected. Taking a deep breath, she tried to calm herself down. If she let the fear overtake her, it would only drive Carson away faster. Yes, she needed to keep her cool, keep her mind working properly. Dessert. For now she’d focus on that. Men loved pie, right? They couldn’t resist a piece if it was set before them. It was enough of a plan as any.

For now.

Carson spared her another look when she exclaimed, "Wonderful!" but didn't say anything. Maybe she just needed someone to talk to, also. He was now almost completely certain she wasn't high on something. At least there was that.

He chuckled and said "Bless you" when she sneezed as they pulled into town. Now her teeth were chattering. This was no good. And Louie, who owned the Campbell diner, wouldn't like someone completely wet mucking up his floor. Carson let out a small sigh as he pulled into the far side of the diner parking lot, well clear of the other cars.

"Tell you what," he said as he opened the door. "I'll get us a table. My rig's full in the back, but you can change out of your wet things here in the cab. Just stay below the windows. When you're done come find me in the diner. Okay?"

Carson slipped both his main key set and spare into his pocket, then clambered down and shut his door without waiting for a reply. He still didn't completely understand why he was doing this.

Jane nodded as Carson got out of his truck and headed toward the diner. She looked down at her rain soaked backpack and bit down on her lip. She wondered if anything inside was actually still dry. Not likely. Though, she supposed they’d be dryer than what she had on. So, heaving a sigh, she unzipped her backpack and began to search for something a little less… wet.

As Jane began pulling clothes out, she suddenly began to scowl in frustration. “Damn it!” she exclaimed. Nothing was really dry. The rain had soaked nearly everything she brought with her.

Annoyed and more than embarrassed, Jane decided to pull out a t-shirt and cardigan. They were somewhat dry, but not really. But she figured they were her best option at the moment. Ugh! If only she had access to fully dry clothes! Peeling off her shirt and bra, she laid them on top of her coat. She then grabbed the towel she’d used earlier on her hair and blotted it against her bare upper body. Chuckling, she didn’t know why she was bothering. The t-shirt was still pretty damp. Shrugging, she twisted her body about until the thing was covering her up. She didn’t even bother with her bra. It was soaked and she didn’t have another one with her.

Letting out a loud sigh, Jane then went to peel off her socks and jeans. It was tough getting the wet clothing off her body. The material was stubborn, wanting to stick to her skin like glue. Finally, she’d gotten the articles of clothing off her body. Wincing, her eyes immediately were drawn to the dark bruises on her thighs. They were clearly in the shape of fingers, fingers that had somehow held her down. Gasping as morbid memories flooded her mind, she began blinking back the tears that desperately wanted to spill down her pale cheeks.

“Don’t think about it, Jane. It’s done,” Jane said aloud to herself as she pulled off her wet panties.

Pushing the memories aside, Jane pulled out a pair of cargo pants and slipped them on, commando-style. No use in putting on another wet pair of panties. The pants were already pretty damp as they were. Ugh, she felt terrible and she knew she looked it. But she didn’t have much choice. Throwing on a new pair of socks and putting back on her sloshy sneakers, she grabbed her cardigan and flung it on over top her t-shirt. More or less ready to meet Carson inside the diner, she then snatched up her wallet that was full of cash, every last bit of money she’d been saving over the course of her life.

Opening the truck door, Jane got out of Carson’s vehicle and closed the door behind herself. The rain was still coming down in torrents, so she ran to the diner’s entrance and went inside. As she stood there, knowing full well how frightful she must’ve looked, she scanned the area for Carson. When her pale eyes found him, she gave him a smile and walked over so as to sit across from him at their table.

Carson nodded at the hostess, who smiled back. He was a regular here, since he made a Southerton or Miranda run at least twice a month. "I got someone else coming," he said, and the hostess took him to a booth table that had a view of the street. It was late for lunch and still a bit early for dinner, so the place had only a few other diners.

Jane looked better when she appeared. Still damp, but less ragged, and she did have that very nice smile. Carson actually grinned at her this time.

And he stood for her, too. Carson wouldn't have called himself old-fashioned. It just seemed to feel right to stand up as she came up to the table. Maybe because she seemed in a rough spot. The trucker found himself wondering what to do as he faced her....

"Sit over here," he said suddenly, indicating his spot and moving to the opposite side. "They got the heat on behind me, it'll help warm you up." It was even true, he had sat down right underneath a vent. The menus were already on the table in front of them.

Jane walked over toward Carson and was somewhat surprised to see the man smiling. He’d seemed apprehensive at best back in the truck and now, the vibe she was receiving said that his tone was changing. Even if only a little bit. And though seeing him smile had taken her off guard, she was glad of it. Given everything she’d been through the past few days, she needed a diversion, no matter how small. Besides, she liked the way his lips turned up as he did so. She blushed at that last thought, but it couldn’t be helped. It was true.

Carson stood up and offered his seat near the heating vent to Jane and she was more than grateful for that. Not only would it warm her up, but she hoped it might dry her off somewhat as well.

“Thanks,” Jane said as she moved toward her seat. Sitting down, she crossed her legs and picked up one of the menus and began to browse it for something good to eat.

As Jane skimmed the menu, she finally decided on what she wanted. She needed comfort food, something to make her feel a bit more at ease. And that would be a grilled cheese with a side of fries.

“Well, I know what I want,” Jane said, her voice soft. She then set her menu down and looked into Carson’s eyes. “So, uh,” she then began. “Do you think you’ll stay the night here in Red Mills or continue on some toward Southerton?” Swallowing, she added, “That storm out there is pretty bad. I should know.” She gave him a sheepish grin, which she hoped covered up the anxiety she was feeling inside, the fear of being left alone. “Might be safer to wait it out.”

Jane wondered if she sounded desperate or worse. And she hoped Carson didn’t find her to be a stalking freak as a result. She was hardly that, just seeking safety. Safety and company and, if lucky enough… protection. Even if it was only temporary.

Carson picked a club sandwich and fries, and small cup of soup. "I'm going on to Southerton," he said evenly. Before he could say more a waitress came to take their orders. Once she left Carson explained why.

"Costs more money the longer I'm on the road," he said. "Might take a bit, but it's best to get the job done." He jerked his head in the direction of some nearby buildings. "Buses'll probably keep running. May only get you to the next town tonight but they'll run."

As he said this he felt a slight twinge of regret. Carson realized he was enjoying the company. You've been alone on the road too long, he told himself.

Just then Louie came by the table. "Hey Carson," the rake-thin, balding owner said, "the Miranda bridge is out. Just came in on the news."

Instinctively, Carson cursed and turned to the television over the high stool section. Louie was right. The trucker nodded his thanks and shook his head, then stared briefly at the table. He could struggle on to the next town, but that would only cover another ten miles, and he'd have to find another spot for the rig.

He favored Jane with a wry smile. Truth be told, he didn't feel completely sorry about the money. "Guess we're stuck here," he said. "Good thing this place serves a good breakfast."

Jane gave Carson a weak smile as he told her he’d continue on toward Southerton. She figured he’d say something like that, it was why her mind had been racing to figure out silly ways to keep him around her longer, maybe even convince him to bring her further on his travels. When he mentioned the buses, all she could do was nod mindlessly. Sure, the buses might still be running, but her money situation. It was not good. There was no way she’d be able to afford the fare, he had seen to that. And with the storm as bad as it was, not to mention the fact that it was getting later and later, the chance that someone would be able to give her a ride anywhere was slim to none. It would mean sleeping on the streets and hoping someone would take pity on her come morning.

Just then a man who appeared to be the manager of the small diner approached the two of them. Jane noticed that he seemed to know Carson and that made her smile inwardly. Carson knew a lot of people being a trucker, had a lot of friends. People who could… help. Again, her mind began to spin, trying to think of what to do to ensure her own safety, her own survival. As it was, she could see her goal shifting, becoming that of determining a way to stay with this trucker she’d just met and who strangely seemed to make her feel safer.

“…the Miranda bridge is out. Just came in on the news,” the manager said.

Carson turned to look at the television to confirm what the guy had said. It did. Just then, he turned to look at Jane. “Guess we’re stuck here. Good thing this place serves a good breakfast.”

Jane felt her heart begin to pound beneath her breast. She had to think fast. Carson was now stuck in Red Mills too. Given that, she wondered if there was a way she could ensure staying with him just a bit longer. Though she didn’t want to come off as creepy either. Oh god! She felt vile! She was going against her normal way of thinking entirely, but desperate situations called for desperate measures.

“Yeah,” Jane said. “Just as well. I don’t think I’d have left until morning anyway.” She gave Carson a smile and took a bite of food. She felt sick inside at the partial lie, the lie of omission. But she had to do what she had to do. “So, where are you going to stay for the night?” she then asked. She wondered if he was going to stay in a motel or, as a lot of truckers seemed to do, sleep in his vehicle. Either way, she hoped he’d let her stay with him. Thinking quickly, she then said, “If you’re going to sleep in your truck, you mind if I stay with? It’ll save me some cash if I don’t have to get a room.” Swallowing and feeling more than terrible about herself, she added, “I won’t be any trouble. You won’t even know I’m there.”

Jane could feel her body shaking as she made herself somewhat vulnerable to Carson. Either he’d see what he wanted to see or he’d see through her entirely. It was a gamble, but something about him made her feel like she could trust him, so she decided the chance was worth it. Besides, it would mean safety during the night and maybe even a longer ride than she’d originally anticipated.

For just a few moments, he had forgotten she was a hitchhiker. Of course if she had money she wouldn't need a ride. And if she had money she could afford a motel. Something tugged at Carson deep inside, and his eyes met hers for just a second. There was a brief of spark of sympathy, and then his road wariness took over.

The waitress brought his soup. Carson ignored it, his eyes focused steadily on hers. He leaned forward, his eyes searching her face. "You need to level with me a bit here, Jane," he said softly. "You running from the cops? Or running from someone?"

There was no judgment in his voice, just a gentle probing. But his expression made it clear he also needed some sort of answer. Carson didn't like making a play without some kind of read. Jane probably wasn't an addict. Probably wasn't a con artist. But he had to know what he might be up against. The road didn't forgive fools.

His soup lay untouched as he held her gaze in his and waited for an answer.

Jane sat there silently across from Carson. The look in his eye, the expression on his face. From what she could tell he had a good soul at his core, that he sympathized her plight. She had to give him credit for that too since she didn’t know if she’d have been so trusting had their situations been reversed. He didn’t know her at all, knew nothing about her. Yet for some reason, he chose to pull over and give her that ride.

Honestly, Jane was thankful that it was Carson who’d pulled over. She couldn’t have gotten luckier and she knew it. In no way was she about to try and rationalize it differently either. She’d done a stupid thing resorting to hitchhiking, but she also knew that she’d had no choice. She didn’t have much left in the way of money, plus trying to stay off the radar was in her best interest if she wanted to see another day.

‘Fuck!’ Jane thought to herself as her eyes fixed to Carson’s. She really thought him to be a decent guy, hell a nice guy. After all, he’d helped her when most wouldn’t have and now, here she was, placing him in danger just by being seen with him. And to think that she planned on keeping him in danger for even longer so as to help ease her nerves all because he made her feel safe for some reason. Swearing at herself, she honestly felt like she didn’t even know who she was any longer. She’d never been the selfish sort, nor had she been the sort to like and manipulate someone. Upset that she was resorting to such tactics, she felt her stomach suddenly get queasy. She was upset with herself.

Sighing, Jane mumbled, “Yeah, you deserve to know some things.” Taking a deep, shaky breath, she stared at her hands, which had begun to fidget with her napkin all of a sudden. “I’m not running from cops. I haven’t done anything wrong. I…” her voice trailed as she heard her tone breaking. “I… uh… but yes. I’m running.” Looking up into his eyes, her own pleaded with his. She could feel them getting wet with unshed tears, but that only added to her frustration. ‘Damn it!’ she scolded herself as she wiped at them angrily. “I’m just scared. Shit.” She paused again. “Look, I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be bothering you, Carson. You’re a good guy for having helped me out. I really appreciate it.”

Just then, Jane pulled out some cash, the money she owed since she’d promised to pay for both their meals.

“This should cover our tab,” Jane said. Her body shaking, her teeth chattering, she added, “Hopefully we’ll run into each other again one of these days.” She tried to force a smile, but it was hard. She knew Carson wasn’t stupid that he’d know she was in some sort of trouble. A part of her hoped he’d stop her, help her further. But another part worried for him if he did, worried for what sort of needless danger it would be placing him in. Danger that would be all her fault.

At that, images of what her ex had done flooded Jane’s mind. Her screams. Her begging for his mercy. ‘Damn him!’

Carson took it all in, his eyes widening. Her explanation, her shaking, her teeth chattering, her tears. Damn, she was in bad shape. If she wasn't an addict, and she wasn't a con artist, she was likely getting beat up by someone. Never good news.

Without thinking, Carson shot his hands out to gently but firmly grasp hers. "Hey, hey," he said softly, his eyes still focused on hers. "It's okay." He pressed her palms against the table, in an effort to both warm and calm her. "It's okay," he repeated.

Carson smiled and jerked a chin at the money. "I'm gonna to want coffee after my meal," he said. "And I still have to pick up the tip. So let's slow down."

He relinquished his hold as the waitress came by with their food. "Get something in you," he urged as he took a quick bite of his sandwich. He watched as he chewed, then quickly made up his mind. He wouldn't be able to explain why afterward. But he couldn't do nothing for her and still be at peace with himself.

"You can spend the night in my cab. It'll be a little cramped, but we'll manage."

Jane felt her entire body go still the moment Carson reached out and took her hand in his own. It was both a gesture of kindness and trust and the contact of his skin against her own made her instantly feel warmth, feel safe. He told her things would be all right. And she found herself strangely believing him. The tone of his voice, the look in his eyes, something was there that placed her at ease. And she was grateful for it.

Carson urged Jane to eat her food and then said, “You can spend the night in my cab. It’ll be a little cramped, but we’ll manage.”

Oh this man was too good to her. Jane gave Carson a smile. She could feel the tears welling up in her eyes once more, tears of relief and gratitude. She hoped he understood the dangers she was placing him in and that he didn’t judge her as a result of it. The thought of it was revolting enough to her that she didn’t need to feel any worse. Yes, he truly was a good man.

“Thanks,” Jane mumbled before biting down on her lip. “You’ve no idea how much help that will be for me.” Swallowing, she looked into Carson’s eyes. Her face expressive, revealing the onslaught of emotions that were coursing through her body at that very moment. “I owe you my life,” she added on a whisper. “My life.”

Somewhat relieved, Jane nibbled on her food. She didn’t talk much for fear that Carson would somehow change his mind and leave her to fend for herself for the night. But, when she finished, she reached into her pocket to retrieve the cash needed to pay for their meals.

“I promise not to bother you tonight. You won’t even know I’m there,” Jane said, hoping that her words reassured Carson that his decision was an all right one.

Jane decided that she’d leave quietly in the morning, though she had no idea where to go. But she’d placed this wonderful man in danger long enough. Who knew how close behind he was? Who knew if he already knew that Carson was helping her? She knew it was only a matter of time before troubles would follow. And this kind man probably had a girlfriend back home that loved him. Being the one to end such a relationship due to her own selfishness didn’t set well. The woman who had him was a lucky one and she didn’t want to be the person who destroyed something she was sure was beautiful.

“And Carson…?” Jane added, her voice trailing a little. “Thanks for all your help.”

When Jane said she owed him her life, Carson felt a surge of conflicting emotions. On the one hand, he wanted to puff out his chest in pride. On the other, there was that road wary tingle on the back of his neck. Who the heck was this guy? He put it out of his mind for now. Do the Robin Hood thing and go one step at a time.

He chuckled when she said she wouldn't bother him. His sleeping cab was comfortable enough, but it was a cab, not a motel room. One of them would be on the mattress, the other on the floor in a sleeping bag. Unless of course...but that thought died quick, too. He was past those days, wasn't he? And he was helping her escape a guy, not go from one guy to the next.

"It'll be cramped," he repeated. "But it's warm, and I keep the bathroom clean." He ate for a bit while the silence grew between them. To Carson, it didn't feel uncomfortable, despite the danger he might be facing. He looked up again and touched her with his eyes.

"You're welcome," he said, nodding. Then he gave her that slight grin. "Anyway, you're getting me coffee, too." He signaled the waitress for a cup while the rain kept pouring outside.

Jane gave Carson a smile. “Coffee. Of course.” She couldn’t help but chuckle a little at that. Being with this man made her feel so much better. It truly was crazy. She didn’t even really know him, but for some reason, he made her feel safe. Maybe it was the fact that he’d stopped to help her when no one else did. Maybe it was the kindnesses he was showing her. Maybe it was the pleasing way he looked in her eyes… She shook her head at that thought. ‘What had just happened?’ she wondered to herself, trying to figure out where that little thought had suddenly come from.

As she tried to clear her head, Jane could feel her typically pale cheeks burning a deep shade of red. She hoped it wasn’t too noticeable. After all, she hadn’t said anything strange or anything that could make her appear to be a stereotypically silly woman.

“And I’m sure it’ll be just fine. I don’t doubt that all.” Jane gently touched Carson’s arm just then. It had been meant to be a gesture of gratitude, appreciation for the offer he’d made her. But the moment they made contact, she felt a tingle make its way over her skin. It wasn’t a bad feeling at all. Actually, it was rather pleasant, though somewhat startling.

Just then, the waitress came over and brought Carson his cup of coffee. Jane smiled as she watched him sip it, her thoughts having been somewhat disrupted due to the interruption. Licking her lips, she felt a yawn creep up on her.

“Oh, I’m so sorry,” Jane mumbled, her cheeks reddening again, only this time from embarrassment. “It’ been a long day to say the least,” she added. “Well, whenever you’re ready. I am,” she stated, her blue eyes a bit glassy due to everything she’d gone through the past several days. Most of which she wished she could forget. At least she could let her thoughts linger on Carson. Yes, thoughts of him were much more pleasurable indeed.

Carson saw Jane redden. She didn't have Hollywood looks, but was quite attractive, he thought, the warmest thing on this cold, wet day. He was about to shake that thought off again when she touched him. There was something electric that shot through him, then. He simply met her eyes once more and couldn't quite reply for a while.

"It has been a long day," he finally said to her.

Carson saw Jane redden. She didn't have Hollywood looks, but was quite attractive, he thought, the warmest thing on this cold, wet day. He was about to shake that thought off again when she touched him. There was something electric that shot through him, then. He simply met her eyes once more and couldn't quite reply for a while.

"It has been a long day," he finally said to her, clearing his throat. He sipped his coffee, and for the rest of their stay at the diner he spared her only furtive glances. Inside though, he felt quite good.

He was in a bit of a daze as he went over the sleeping cab with her minutes later. It was tidy enough, by male standards, and featured a small table and fridge, a cramped washroom, a television set and a single mattress. Carson pulled a sleeping bag out of storage that would fit into the floor space.

"Go ahead and get a shower," he said. "Water pressure's not strong but it's warm. I'll sit up front while you do. You can have the mattress or the bag, your choice."

The thought of being near her was making him feel funny. Get over it, he told himself. You're just doing her a favor.

Jane followed Carson to his truck and got herself somewhat situated in his sleeping cab. It wasn’t luxurious by any means, but it was dry and cozy and, from what she could tell, more the comfortable. She was beyond grateful that he was allowing her to stay here with him. He so easily could have blown her off, told her to ‘get lost’. He’d have been well within his right. Who was she, after all? He didn’t know her and he definitely didn’t owe her anything. Especially given that he’d gotten her a decent distance away from him.

Taking in her surroundings, Jane noticed Carson pulling out a sleeping bag. There was no way she was going to let him give up his bed for her. He’d done too much as it was. And the danger… oh he just had no idea. No. He’d keep his bed, she’d take the floor. That was just how it was going to be.

“Go ahead and get a shower,” Carson said, interrupting Jane’s thought slightly. “Water pressure’s not strong but it’s warm.”

The idea of a shower sounded heavenly to Jane. Not to mention the idea of getting warm. Smiling, she gave him as she began to take her clothes out of her bag. Everything was still so very wet. Biting down on her lip, she wondered…

“I’ll sit up front while you do. You can have the mattress or the bag, your choice,” Carson finished up.

Blinking, Jane gave Carson another nod. “Umm…” she began, her voice a bit hesitant and unsure. “Do you by any chance have a large shirt or coat or something I could borrow? And… uhh…” again her voice trailed. Only this time it was accompanied by the reddening of her cheeks. “Ummm… and maybe a towel? For after I finish my shower?”

Jane felt so silly and embarrassed. She hoped Carson had such things she could borrow. If not, she’d make due. It was just the thought of something completely dry seemed so nice, so very appealing, that she couldn’t deny herself the hope.

~~~

Meanwhile, on a dark and lonely road, a sedan sped along, its wheels screeching as it raced along the pavement beneath it. It was clear that the driver behind the wheel didn’t care that it was raining outside. No. It was the speed limit or nothing. A little water wasn’t going to slow the vehicle down. Not if they could help it or had a say.

“Jane, Jane… you think you can run…” came a rich baritone voice. The man glanced at himself in the rearview mirror. His sandy hair hung in his eyes a bit, chocolatey pools that showed a glimmer of something ‘not quite right’. “You can run, but you can’t hide,” he laughed. “At least, not for long, my pet.”

The man brushed his hair out of his eyes and focused them back on the road once more.

Red Mills 1 mile, read the sign.

“Oh, you little minx. I know you’ve gotten farther than this dumpy town,” the man chuckled as he spoke out loud to no one. “Perhaps a town or two more… no matter. I’ll find you. I always do.”

At that, the man pulled something from out of his pocket. Holding it up, he admired it for several moments before placing it on his dashboard. A picture of Jane… of Jane and he together.

Carson hadn't played "host" to a guest in his cab for some time. It felt a little troubling. But it was also kind of nice. Get over yourself, get over yourself, get over yourself, he told himself again and again. She's in trouble.

"Ummm..yeah," he said, mulling over the options. He pulled the fresher towel from the small closet, handing to her. What did he have that she could wear? That had actually been washed in the past couple of days or was kind of clean. Carson didn't want to give her his heavy coat-- it had seen too much use. And he didn't really have a night shirt, even for himself.

He settled on a large flannel shirt that he hadn't used in a bit. It would cover her well past her waist.....Shut up, he told himself again.

"Here you go," he said, opening the door to the driver section. "You set? Just knock on the door when you're finished, and I'll shower." He still felt a bit lightheaded. It would be good to be alone for a bit. Right?