[Inside the SUV – Rainy Night – Harriet Sleeping]
The rhythmic patter of rain and the soft hum of the engine filled the space between them.
Fred kept driving, one hand on the wheel, the other resting lightly near Harriet — as if ready to shield her even in sleep.
He should have felt calm now.
Relieved.
But as he watched her curled up beside him, her face pale and fragile, an old memory surfaced — one he had buried deep.
---
[Six Months Ago – Rainy Alleyway – Late Night]
Gunshots cracked in the distance.
Fred stumbled down a narrow alley, clutching his side, blood seeping through his black shirt.
The rain was pouring then too — harsh, merciless.
He had been ambushed.
Betrayed.
Every step felt like dragging himself closer to death.
His vision blurred.
Just a little further... just a little more...
He collapsed against a wall, sliding down, breath ragged.
Across the street, a small figure was rushing by — an umbrella barely shielding her from the storm.
Harriet.
He remembered her even then — bright, oblivious to the darkness she walked past.
She should have kept walking.
She should have left him to die.
But she didn't.
Harriet paused.
She hesitated, biting her lip, fear flashing across her face.
And then — she crossed the street toward him.
> "Are you okay?!" she cried out, dropping beside him.
Fred could barely process her voice through the haze of pain.
She touched his shoulder gently, trying to steady him.
Her hand was trembling.
> "Hey! Stay with me! I'm calling for help!"
Fred gritted his teeth, grabbing her wrist to stop her.
> "No... no police," he rasped.
Harriet stared at him — wide, frightened eyes locking with his.
And somehow... somehow, she understood.
Without asking why, she didn't call.
Instead, she threw his arm over her shoulder and hauled him up with surprising strength.
> "Come on! You can't die here!" she whispered fiercely.
Fred could still remember how small she had been against him.
How she staggered under his weight but refused to let go.
Through the rain, through the danger — Harriet had dragged him into a hidden doorway, shielding him with her own body as enemies searched the streets.
He remembered the sound of her heartbeat against him — fast, desperate.
She had stayed with him for hours, whispering nonsense to keep him awake, her umbrella broken, her own body shivering from the cold.
And when it was finally safe, Fred had slipped away into the night, leaving her with nothing but a bloodstain and a memory.
He hadn't forgotten.
He never would.
Harriet had saved his life that night — without ever knowing it.
And now...
---
[Back to Present – Inside the SUV]
Fred tightened his grip on the steering wheel, jaw clenched.
He stole another glance at her — asleep, vulnerable, trusting him without knowing why.
You saved me first, Harriet.
Now it's my turn to protect you.
No matter what it costs.
Fred's eyes darkened with silent determination as the SUV sped deeper into the city, carrying them both toward a future neither of them yet understood.
But one thing was certain.
This time —
He wouldn't let her go.
---
To be continued...
****