The detective who would save her heart

His footsteps echoed in the stairwell as he made his way down to the bottom floor.  She intrigued him and made him feel in a way he thought he had left behind or forgotten.  What would he say to her though?  He had no idea who she was or if she would even consider seeing him.  She did agree to meet him below however.  There had to be something he could do to help her out of the situation.  Some way to find this briefcase and save her life, do something so special for her that she would stay with him.  He ran through all of the connections he had.  A few connections came to mind, ones he would consider deeply in the coming hours as he had to be able to trust them as well.  It's not every day someone as attractive as her came across his path.  He dismantled the microphone and stashed it in his bag before finally reaching the bottom floor exit.  His future lay just outside this door.

She took her time down the flights of stairs, the windows on each landing showing her a different view of the night sky and the oncoming rain.  Who would believe that this is where her life would have ended up.  Stopping for a moment, she looked out into the streets around her.  People ran trying to cover from the rain while others drove by unaware of what had transpired a few floors above them.  They were off home to enjoy a relaxed night, not worrying about a damn briefcase that sealed their fate because of a stupid friend.  She took a deep breath and continued down towards the door.  She could hear the rain picking up outside hammering on the ground.  Her future lay just outside this door.

A part of him was excited, he had been out of the realm of love for quite some time and it took someone like her to jump start that old feeling in his bones again.  He could hear the rain defying his decision to go outside but against its loud defiance, he opened the door and through the fog of the downpour, she emerged.  He thought she was beautiful before but now his eyes were treated to a more up close view of her and it was better than he could have imagined.  There was a slight trepidation between the two to go near one another but once she saw that he was drawing near, she found the nerve to continue on as well.  To her, he was handsome and had a look to him that you couldn't quite pin down.  She had read about detectives before and that was the only thing coming to her mind that made sense.  They looked at each other in the eyes for a period of time, something felt warm between them like it was supposed to be.  He had a slight smile that made her feel safe and comfortable, contrary to the human trash she had just experienced floors above.  He was close now and had a hand held out assumingly directing her out of the rain to an overpass close by.
"Come, let's get out of the rain and open view for a moment."
Her heart reached out to him with a sense that he was going to be what saved her, in more ways than one.  She let him take her arm and matched his pace to the overpass, it felt good to not be drenched in the rain.  They were both cast in shadows obscuring them from the view of any passerbys and he lit a cigarette.  The small flame lit up his face and there was a feeling in the depth of her stomach that she hadn't felt since she was a child.  He looked caring yet professional.
"Name is Edward, seems you are in a bit of trouble."
"You could say that.  What are you, a detective?"
"Could say that.  I solve problems and help people find things.  I heard a bit of information from your little meeting tonight. "
"You were up on that roof listening in the whole time?"
"I've been following those jerks for quite some time.  We have a....history...if you will."
"I'm sure it's very lovely.  So you heard about the case then?"
"Missing.  Not a clue where it went or who took it.  Quite the sum inside, smart girl not to mess with it."
"yeah well, I'm sure I would be crazy noticeable with little Meg suddenly dropping large loads of cash for new shoes, purses, and various assortment of treats."
"I want to help you.  You're a good soul and..."
He trailed off and couldn't look her in the eyes.  Two men ran by splashing in the street yelling something to one another that she couldn't make out.  His eyes were the bluest she had ever seen, definitely someone she wanted in her life.
"and?"
"You're very beautiful.  I don't see many girls out there that look like you and give off a sense of....peace."
She blushed.  "Well thank you, you're not so bad yourself Mr.Detective Edward."
Lightning flashed and a rumble of thunder rolled over the clouds.
"How will you help me find the case?"
"I have a lot of connections and I've found way crazier things in the past.  I can't let anything happen to you.  Something inside me wouldn't forgive myself if I didn't.  Besides, a world like this is lucky to have someone like you in it."
"I would be honored if you would help me.  Can I see you formally sometime?  Maybe.."
"Dinner, sure.  I'm going to get a few things going tonight as fast as I can for you, your little time limit can and will be extended.  You'll be safe with me."
She couldn't find the words for it but she knew she would be safe with him.  Trying not to jump to conclusions that arose from the adrenaline of having a day left to live, she wanted to kiss him but shook herself out of it citing the rush of dread might be swaying her feelings.
"Should I go home or...?"
"Yes, go home.  They won't hurt you during your little time period, they want that money.  Get your things together in case you have to be out of there immediately.  You have my word that I will take care of you."
She smiled and held herself close for warmth.
"Thank you."
His eyes finally laid upon hers and for a moment the rain didn't make any noise at all.  He watched her eyes like he was looking into the future for both of them.  It felt amazing.  She would do all she could to keep him around and if she survived this, then she would happily pursue more.
"I'll find you when i have more information.  If you have any problems please get in touch with me."
He gave a small card to her that listed his business and a phone number.  He pulled the collar of his coat up to shield from the rain and started walking towards the other end of the overpass.  He stopped a few paces away and turned his head back to look at her again.  The water had left her looking shiny and smooth.
"Looking forward to seeing you again beautiful."
Then he turned the corner and was gone.  She rubbed her arms to create some heat before she too exited the pass and continued towards her home.  She felt like she was on the strangest cloud of her dreams.  Going from a death threat to....did she feel it?  Was she in.....love?  She had to get home, this was all too much too fast for her.  She gripped the card in her pocket and ran back to her building, she couldn't wait to see him again and get to know him more.  Her last hours alive would be a gift if it were to be spent with him.  Edward.  The detective who would save her heart.

TO BE CONTINUED