One for the Money...

Autumn Tomson walked down the sidewalk, staggering like a drunkard. She'd had a few drinks at the local bar, but could not remember how many. Surely not so many that she was this drunk. It was dark and late, around one in the morning, perhaps even two or three. She had no sense of the time, nor did she really care.

She decided to walk home. Her keys jingled in the pocket of her jeans as she walked down the lonely sidewalk, her only compainion her shadow and the nearby streetlights and lamps that she walked under. The moon was high in the sky, a bright yellow orb that hovered in place. It also gave her light by which to walk by.

Her jacket was thin, though it had been enough earlier in the day. It was a chilly autumn night, and the wind howled continuously in her ears, reminding her of the cold as it clawed at her jacket and clothes. She wrapped her arms around herself to keep the warmth there.

Autumn was only a few blocks from home when she heard a noise behind her. She stopped walking, which she knew was probably a bad idea, and peered into the shadows of some nearby bushes. When the noise didn't come again, she shrugged and started walking again, humming to pass the time in her drunken stumble.

The wind seemed to be doing her some good, though, it seemed. Her head was beginning to clear somewhat, and that was definitely a good thing in her book. Not many cars were out this late at night; only one zoomed past her as she walked home. Her long brown hair was still tied back in a loose ponytail, though a few bangs had broken free and now hung around her lean face. Her hazel eyes gaze about with a slightly glazed look.

SNAP

There was a sound behind her, and she whirled around, drawing her keys from her pocket and holding them like a weapon, ready to stab someone. Her purse was at home, with her pepper spray in it. This wouldn't be the first time a guy had tried to come onto her while she was drunk, she was prepared to take him on. She hated guys who took advantage of women who were drunk and out of it; it was just cruel and rude.

"Who's there?" She asked, her words slurred, if only slightly. There wasn't an answer, and she narrowed her hazel eyes, glaring into the shadows. "I know you're there. Come out. Now. Before I have to get rough." she tried to make her voice sound as threatening as possible, so as to make the person stalking her to change their mind.

Her only answer was the howling of the wind. She sighed heavily and pocketed her keys as she turned to continue walking. She resumed her humming and looked up at the night sky.

When she looked up, a bag was thrown over her head, and, as it went over her neck, she was pulled back quickly, making it cut into her throat and make her cough and choke.

She screamed beneath the bag, and clawed frantically at the warm body behind her, intent on clawing their eyes out so they would release her. There was a ghostly chuckle, and the person grabbed her wrists and pulled them behind her back, holding them tightly even as she struggled to break free.

"Let go!" she cried, and kicked with her leg. She hit him in the groin and he went down with a hiss, letting her go. She moved away quickly, tossing the bag off of her head. She looked back as she ran. He was dressed in black; black pants, black shirt, and he even had on a black hood so she couldn't see his face. She growled and spat out a curse and then ran as fast as she could the rest of the way home.

As she rounded a corner, someone grabbed her and pulled her into the bushes. She screamed again and tried to get away, but they put a hand over her mouth and gripped both of her wrists with one hand.

"Shh," they whispered quietly. "Be quiet. He'll hear you."

She frowned, not sure what he meant, but complied, for he didn't sound very threatening. He seemed like he was trying to help, but she did not appreciate being handled this way.

Footfalls echoed nearby, and someone ran past the bushes on the sidewalk. She caught a glimpse of the black the other person had been wearing, and froze immediately.

"It's okay," the guy whispered. "He's gone."

When he released her hands, she slapped him across the face. He spluttered out a protest as she stood up and moved away a little. He stood up and looked at her.

"What was that for?" he complained, rubbing at his face.

"How dare you handle me like that!" she snapped.

"I'm sorry," he said sincerely, and she felt her anger melt away some, though she was still greatly annoyed. "He would have gotten you, and I couldn't have that."

"Why?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.

He sighed. "Because I'm trying to stop him. It's complicated."

"Stop him?"

"Yeah. Stop him. He's been taking girls from a lot of places. I've been following him, trying to stop him, but so far he's beaten me at every turn. I couldn't let him get you if I could help it." he sounded honest.

She frowned. "Why do you care so much?"

"I can't tell you," he said, shutting down.

She sighed heavily and nodded her head slowly. "Okay. Well, thanks for 'saving' me and all that. I'm Autumn."

He nodded. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Miss Autumn. I'm Jason."

She nodded. "Would you like to step into the light so we might better to see each other?" she gestured at the street light that glowed down on the sidewalk.

He paused for a moment, then nodded his head. "Sure. Why not?" he walked toward the light, and she followed slowly, feeling wry.

He stood about six foot, and he had sandy brown hair and stunning blue eyes that rendered helpless as she gaze in them, lost in their depths. He was something else, she noticed. 'Whoa,' she thought to herself. 'I am NOT falling for this guy. I'm NOT.'

But it seemed that she was, staring into his eyes.

"You look beautiful tonight, Miss Autumn," he commented, looking her over.

She felt herself blush, then shook her head. "Autumn is fine, Jason."

He nodded. "Very well, then. You look nice tonight, Autumn."

"Thanks. You don't look so bad yourself," she said, for he didn't. He was wearing a dark brown short sleeved shirt that showed off his muscles, though she knew that he didn't mean to. Not with that kind of shirt. It was just the way his body was built. He was wearing shapeless faded blue jeans that helped show off his figure. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts.

"May I have the pleasure of walking you home?" he asked politely.

"You may," she said dreamily.

Jason held his arm out, and they locked arms, walking home in silence, the moon beating down on them. They conversed in small talk for the block or so it took to get to her house, and then he bid her farewell as he stopped at her front lawn.

"Won't you come in?" she asked before she knew what she was doing.

He shook his head. "Sorry, Autumn, but I cannot. That would be rude on my part; I have, after all, only just met you."

She nodded. Why was it that the cute ones always had to be so much of a gentleman? "Will I see you again?"

"If you want to," he said.

"I do," she said with a nod of her head.

"Meet me at the cafe tomorrow night at eight?" he asked, raising a delicate brow.

She nodded. "Absolutely. See you then, Jason," she said, and nearly bounded down the walk that led to the steps of her front porch. She stopped at the top, near the door, and looked back. He was watching her, making sure she got in safely, and gave her a small wink when he caught her looking at him.

Autumn blushed and opened her front door, entering slowly. She leaned her back agaisnt the door as she shut it, and gave a contented sigh.

She shared this house with two other girls, both of whom were her friends. Sabina was lying on the large couch, asleep, snoring softly, the T.V. showing some comercial about tampons.

Autumn shook her head and entered the kitchen, content to get something to drink. Kyann was seated at the kitchen table, eating a bowl of vanilla icecream. She looked up as Autumn entered and waved her spoon in greating.

"Hey, Ky," said Autumn as she opened the refrigerator and grabbed a water bottle. She sat down at the table and twisted the lid off, taking a large guzzle. It trickled down her through and eased it of the taste of alcohol.

"Hey, Autumn. You were out late," she commented bewteen bites.

"Yeah," she said. "I was attacked, Ky. There was this guy, he put a bag over my head and tried to kidnap me!"

Kyann looked up from her icecream. "Are you sure you didn't just have one too many at the bar, 'tumn?"

"I'm serious!" she said. "And then this other guy saved me! He had such dreamy eyes..."

"Aw, Autumn, it looks like you're falling in love," Kyann laughed.

Autumn shook her head. "He has dreamy eyes and he looks rather cute, but I wouldn't go so far as 'in love', Ky."

Kyann shrugged. "Whatever helps ya sleep better at night."

Autumn sighed heavily. "Eat your icecream."

Kyann gladly complied.
_____
_____

Autumn spent hours the next day checking out her wardrobe. "I have NOTHING to wear," she complained loudly, throwing clothes about. Sabina was lying on her stomach on her bed, watching her in amusement. Kyann was leaning against the doorframe, watching in pity.

"That looks cute," Kyann commented, gesturing at a shirt on the ground.

"Cute, yeah, but not what I'm looking for," said Autumn.

"And what are you looking for, exactly?" Sabina asked.

"She's lost it," Kyann put in.

"Something like...I dunno," she said with a sigh. "Something that makes me look good but says 'I'm cute, I'm here, but I'm not easy'."

"Erm, yeah," said Sabina, giving an amused look Kyann's way. "She's lost it."

Kyann stepped a little further into the room, avoiding the countless shirts and pants that were scattered across the floor. "Autumn, honey, I thought you said you weren't in love with this guy."

"I'm NOT," she said, blushing slightly.

Sabina laughed. "You're totally in love, 'tumn, even I know it!"

Autumn scowled at Sabina. "Quiet, Sab."

Sabina sighed. "Why don't you just wear that cute tank top with that leather jacket? It looks SO good together. Oh, and wear those dark blue jeans, those match better. And don't wear those shoes, wear those shoes with the buckle. I like those. There, see? I've picked out your wardrobe for tonight, even though you don't leave for another three hours yet."

Autumn looked at her friend, a grin spreading across her face. "Sab, you're a genius!" she said, and moved forward, hugging her friend tightly.

"I...have to breathe..." Sab said, mocking lack of air.

Autumn laughed and moved away to get the clothes Sabina was talking about.

Kyann sighed from where she stood. "Thanks, Sab. You've saved everyone a world of trouble."

"You can pay me back later," said Sabina, winking.

Kyann laughed and left the room. "I need more icecream. Anyone want any?"

"Me!" said Sabina, literally jumping from the bed before she darted out of the room.

Autumn smirked after them and then went back to changing her clothes.
_____
_____

Autumn sat a small booth in the window of the cafe, nervously darting her gaze around. Sabina and Kyann were a few seats away if she need them. They were seated with their boyfriends. Harry was Sabina's boyfriend; he was tall and limber, and quite attractive with his brown hair and gray eyes. Malcolm was Kyann's boyfriend; he was tall, too, and muscular. He was a hottie if there ever was one, with his blonde hair and green eyes.

But she had eyes only for one tonight. For the mysterious Jason of last night, the one who had saved her.

'My hero,' she thought to herself, slipping off into dreamland.

She broke out of her thoughts when the door gave a 'ding', announcing the arrival of someone as they entered the cafe. She looked over and saw him at the same time he saw her. For a brief moment, their eyes met, and then he smiled. She nearly melted, looking at his brilliant and vibrant smile as he neared her.

Jason sat down across from her, looking her over. "You look lovely tonight, Autumn," he said, his voice sincere.

She blushed and looked him over. "You don't look so bad yourself." he was dressed in a gray shirt and faded blue jeans. A casual attire that he made look so distinguished and attractive.

He smiled again and looked up as a waitress hurried toward them. The waitress was a petite brunette, with long hair and green eyes. She focused all of her attention on Jason and hardly gave Autumn any mind at all.

Autumn felt something raging within her. Jealousy, perhaps? 'No, I'm not jealous,' she thought to herself. 'I'm NOT.'

"May I take your order?" the waitress asked, mindless fingering her hair as she gazed into Jason's eyes.

The rage grew. 'NOT jealous,' she thought.

"I'll just have some water for now, thanks," he said, and looked at Autumn.

Autumn smiled slowly, glowering inside. The waitress nodded and looked at Autumn with a bit of disdain.

"And you?" she asked distastefully.

"Water," she said, holding the waitress's gaze.

The waitress snorted and then looked back at Jason. "I'll bring that right out," she said with a giggle, and then walked off.

"Well," said Jason, watching her go, "She's a bit peppy, huh?"

"Yeah," Autumn said with a sigh. Then she paused and said, "Do you like peppy?"

He shrugged. "Depends on who's being peppy." he focused on her again.

She felt trapped, but in a good way. "So, Jason, do you have a surname?"

He smiled again. "Why, yes, I do."

"Are you going to tell me?"

"If you insist. The name's Jason Lee Blackstone."

She smiled. "I like that name, it's unique."

"Yeah," he said. "It is."

The waitress returned with their water, and giggled at Jason before she left the table again.

The rage grew. 'So NOT jealous,' she thought again.

"So, Autumn," he said, taking a sip of his water. "How old are you? Or is that impolite to ask on a first date?"

"Date?" she asked, feeling her face heat up.

"Yeah. You asked to see me again, I set the time and place....I'd say that counts as a date, don't you think?" he asked with a wink.

"...Yeah," she said. "I'm twenty."

"I'm twenty-one," he said. "Do you wish to shoo me away now?"

"Huh?" she asked, confused.

"Well, most girls either like to be the elder in the relationship, or they won't date anyone who's not the same age as them."

"I don't mind that you're older than me; it's only one year," she said.

"Good," he said, and smiled at her. "Because I like you."

She blushed again, and tried to force it down. "Well...I-I like you, too."

His smile grew. He had two cute dimples that made her smile too; it was contagious.

"So...who was that guy last night?" Autumn asked, sipping at her water.

"Someone I used to know," Jason said with a sigh as he looked away, taking a small drink of his water.

"Who? What's his name?"

"...I don't know anymore. He's changed names so many times--but I used to know him as Chuck McAlister."

"Chuck McAlister," she said, tasting the name on her tongue. "Doesn't ring a bell."

"No, it wouldn't. I knew him when we were both kids. He's a year older than me, if I recall correctly, and I believe I do."

She nodded. "So he's twenty-two."

"Yeah."

"What's he do with the women he takes?" she asked thoughtfully, staring at a small yellow stain on the table.

"He takes them....does things to them, whatever he wants, tortures them probably, and then...." he sighed. "Then he sells them."

"Sells them?"

"Mmm. Sells them for money. A lot of money. People buy them and he gives them to him and then who knows what happens to them....they're never seen again."

"And you feel it's your fault," she said, noticing the tone in his voice.

Jason sighed heavily. "I've tried to stop him. I couldn't. He's outwitted me at every turn...you're the only one I managed to save. I'm glad I could help you."

"I'm glad you helped me, too. Otherwise I would have never met you."

"Yeah."

Without thinking, she reached forward and grabbed his hand, feeling that he could use a little comfort. "It wasn't your fault that other girls were captured, Jason. It was Chuck's fault."

He frowned. "I guess so. I just wish I could have done more."

"You saved me, didn't you?" she asked, looking him in the eye. Her heart raced and she felt herself begin to lose herself in their depths. "You saved me, and I'm glad."

"Me, too," he said, and then gave a small smile.

She smiled back. It was still contagious.

She heard a cough, and turned to see Kyann looking at her, gesturing her over with her eyes. Autumn got to her feet. "Excuse me," she said, and then moved toward Kyann and Sabina's table. "What?"

"How's the date going?" Sabina asked, sipping her coke. Harry's arm was around her, and she was leaning into him.

Malcolm had his hand on Kyann's shoulder, rubbing it gently. It was easy to see that they were in love. They made a cute couple.

"It's going pretty good," Autumn responded, feeling her face heat up again.

"What's his name?" asked Kyann.

"Jason. Jason Blackstone."

Sabina nodded. "Nice name."

"Yeah," said Kyann.

"I know," Autumn agreed. "Now, if you don't mind, I would like very much to get back to my date." her face heated up again as she said 'date'. She shook it off and moved back toward her table, where she slid back into her seat.

Jason smiled at her.

She smiled back. "Can we do this again tomorrow?"

He sighed. "I can't tomorrow. How about Friday?"

Friday. She frowned. Today was Wednesday. She nodded slowly. "Friday, okay."

"Want to go see a movie?"

"With you? Of course," she said. She'd never really been one for movies, that was Sabina's department, but she'd definitely go if Jason was going to be there with her. "I'd love to."

He smiled again. "Cool. I'll pick you put at seven Friday evening, okay? Oh, and, you might want to go pick your car up at the bar. How'd you get in, anyway? I thought the drinking age was twenty-one."

"It is," she sighed. "But I know the owner. He let me drink."

"Ah. Well, they seemed to be looking after your car, but all the same, I think you should go pick it up. But go with someone; Chuck could still be lurking about."

She nodded. "Of course."

Jason checked his watch. "I'm sorry, Autumn, but I have to go. I'd love to stay and chat longer, but I'm afraid I can't. I'll see you Friday, okay?" he got to his feet.

She did the same. "Okay," she said, not really wanting him to leave.

He grabbed her hand and brought it to his mouth, where he kissed it slightly. "Till Friday, Autumn," he said with a wink, and then he moved toward the door.

She sat down, giving a dreamy sigh. "Friday."

She looked out of the window and saw someone in a black hood walking down the sidewalk across the street. She froze and blinked and looked again, but he was gone.

'What the?' she thought. 'What's going on?'

Surely Chuck wasn't still after her, right? Surely she had nothing to worry about.

Right?

Jason left the cafe and walked down the street. She watched him go, and then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw the guy with the hood watching him.

She went stiff and she was sure her face went pale. She blinked and the guy was gone. Jason continued walking away, unaware of what had happened.

'He'd better not be after Jason,' she thought to herself, taking in a deep breath. She let it out slowly.

"Autumn," called Kyann from her table. Autumn looked over at them.

Sabina waved her over. "C'mon, come join us!"

Autumn smiled and rose to her feet, paying a two dollor tip for the waitress who had been so rude to her.

She moved toward their table and sat down in the empty seat, immediately joining in on the conversation that was taking place. Her thoughts, however, kept returning to Jason, to his smile, to his voice, to his dreamy eyes....

'Crap,' she thought to herself. 'I AM in love...not good.'

She simply could not keep Jason out of her mind.

'I'm in trouble,' she thought as she slumped back in her chair.

Copyright
Jessie Smith