Night Ride Home

His hand twitches, like he's restraining the urge to ruffle Martin's hair. "Sounds like you've got a good head on your shoulders."

 

Martin smiles back, a little shyly. "I try t' keep it on straight. You're nice."

 

He gives a wry smile. "I try. It's a hell of a job, if you don't take care of people. You start seeing everyone as a criminal. I've known some guys like that."

"This is your building here, right?" he asks as he pulls over.

 

"Yeah. I. You seem cool." He hesitates, then digs in his pocket and holds out a card. "I. You'll. Can you let me know. If they find anything out?"


He pauses, gives a wry little smile. "Uhm. And maybe how that book goes?"

 

"I will," he says, taking the card and digging a pen and pad of paper out of his pocket. "Call me if you need anything, alright? Or just... If you need a sympathetic ear, or if you're not feeling safe." He sprawls on the paper, handing it to Martin.

 

Martin hesitates a moment more, then gives a sharp nod. "Okay. I will. Thank you."

 

"Take care of yourself, Martin. I know it's rough."

The name on the paper is John Harper, with a number beneath it.

 

"I will. You too, John." The name rolls off his tongue easy, and he offers another small smile.

 

John smiles back. "... Go on, then. I'll tell you when I know more."

 

"Thanks. I. Thank you." Martin grips the phone number, smiles again, then bounds for the front door, pausing to wave briefly before vanishing inside.

 

Harper waves back, smiling a bit as Martin goes. The car stays there on the street for a few minutes, before driving off.

 

- Scene End -