Remnants
Saylor ordered coffee and sat back, her notepad and pen beside her as she stared around at the small outdoor scene. It was a tiny café, one she quite appreciated for its natural essence and calmness in a world that was, for everybody else, fairly normal—yet, for her, anything but.
When the coffee arrived, she smiled at the pretty design on top. It was more than just the usual. There was something about being in an outdoor café, just watching the world pass by, that highlighted every second.
She was here for a reason, but she reminded herself that every moment was important because it could also be her last. She sipped her coffee, glancing around, wondering if he would show.
Sure enough, within a few minutes, her quarry approached the coffee shop, stepped inside, and then sat down at a table just off to the side from her.
She watched him, wondering what he was up to this time, but kept her distance and ignored him. The last thing she wanted was to attract his attention.
When his coffee was delivered, she watched as he reached out a hand and touched the waitress.
She smiled at him and left to deal with whatever needed attention inside the coffee shop.
Saylor noted the gesture, understanding its meaning, though unsure if others did.
She sipped her coffee, enjoying each sip of the brew.
When it was gone, she sighed and stood up. As she moved past him, she noticed him texting. She couldn’t see who he was texting, nor did she want him to notice her interest.
When he abruptly stood, she sidestepped him, looking surprised. He smiled and reached out, but she instinctively backed away, laughing. “I’m fine. No harm, no foul.”
He nodded. “That’s a good thing. I wouldn’t want to accidentally hurt you.”
Her mind added, Not accidentally. She gave him a wary smile and quickly walked back out to the street, aware he was watching her. The last thing she wanted was his attention.
She posed as a tourist, peering into shop windows.
This small town outside Seattle drew her back repeatedly, though she didn’t want to be here.
The fact that he felt the same pull was unsettling.
She had followed him through many states, always managing to stay out of his way.
Now she wasn’t sure how long that would last.
Realizing her anonymity was compromised, she entered a store and asked the clerk, “Is there a back entrance?” The surprised clerk frowned. Saylor explained, “I’m just a little hesitant about a man giving me too much attention.”
The clerk looked out the window and noted, “He’s attractive. If you must get noticed, might as well be by someone pretty.”
Saylor laughed, agreeing to keep the peace. “True, but I don’t want anything to do with anyone right now.”
The clerk led her through the back door.
Saylor thanked her and quickly disappeared down the alley, not stopping until she reached her room.
She packed everything, ready to leave at a moment’s notice.
She couldn’t completely shake him, always needing to ensure he wasn’t harming anyone.
The world didn’t believe her, seeing her as much a monster as him.
She felt a need to protect others, hoping to find peace over the loss of her sister, who had encountered this monster and had paid the ultimate price. She whispered, “It’s okay, sis. He didn’t see me. He doesn’t know I’m here.” But Saylor wasn’t so sure.
There was a chance he had seen her. If he could track like she could, he might know exactly where she was. A hard knock on the door froze her. She didn’t answer, pretending she wasn’t here. Eventually the knocking stopped, and the footsteps faded.
She glanced at her packed luggage, ready to move. When the moment felt right, she slipped out and raced for the stairwell. Would he be there? She didn’t know.
Her cover was blown. She needed a new hiding place before he understood who she was and why she was here.
Thirty-two days later, she returned to the coffee shop, her appearance changed, and sat down, her senses alert. She hadn’t seen him since their last encounter. She sat, sipping her coffee, wondering if he was here.
It had been a hectic few weeks, but she was back on track. She needed to stay close but not too close. Her instincts flared as he exited the restaurant with a take-out coffee, searching for a seat.
Most tables were full. She stretched her foot onto the other chair at her table to deter him. Another couple left, and he sat beside her. She ignored him, focusing on her doodles in her small notebook, actually a coded list for herself. His voice startled her.
“I haven’t seen you here in the last month,” he began smoothly.
She replied, “Last month?”
“Yeah, you were here about a month ago,” he continued.
“Was I?” she murmured, glancing around.
He nodded. “It’s a favorite spot, yet you haven’t been here all month.”
She narrowed her gaze. “Really? Sounds as if you’ve been looking for me.”
He laughed. “No, but I recognize a pretty face, and yours is definitely in that category.”
She shook her head. “I’m not sure what you’re selling, but I’m not interested.”
He laughed warmly, drawing glances. “If that were true, you wouldn’t have been following me.”
Her breath caught. “Pardon?”
He shrugged. “That’s all right. I’m used to it, but I don’t let many people get close.”
“Why is that?” she challenged.
“When you’ve been hurt, you get smarter about who you hang out with.”
“Don’t worry about me. You mentioned how I hadn’t been here all month, but now you’re accusing me of following you.”
He smiled. “It’s not a bad tactic. It won’t work, but it’s not bad.”
Bewildered, she replied, “Not sure who you think you are, but I would appreciate it if you leave me alone.”
He smiled. “Anytime you want to be honest, feel free to contact me. I’m always up for a rendezvous with a beautiful woman.” He dropped his card on the table. “I’m serious.” Then he walked away.
She was clueless about his intentions. Everything was abnormal. He should have walked away, not approached her. His actions made her insides churn. She knew he was lethal, and she didn’t want to pursue him, other than to get justice for her sister.
Why had he approached her? Her defenses were usually impenetrable, yet he had slipped in, suggesting she had been following him. It was audacious and unexpected.
If he could unsettle her, she had no hope of stopping him. She hoped he didn’t know who she was or what she was after. If he did, her life was in danger. Despite this, she couldn’t stop her pursuit. Few understood what he was up to.
He played a dangerous game with the world, and she needed help to stop him, but there was none to assist her. If she didn’t stop him, no one else could. She could see his actions for what they were, and none were good.
He walked down the street, and she couldn’t stop watching him. At the corner, he turned to her, amusement in his expression, knowing she was watching him. He saluted with his coffee cup and crossed the street, continuing on. “Until later,” he called out.