Taken: Day 3

Word Count: 18,142

Summary of Events:

Mitchell was released on bail, only to be dishonourably discharged from the army for his alleged actions; in a fog of shock, he wandered Los Angeles for several hours before his feet and legs got tired, so he went into a bar to sit down — and get a drink, because he was thirsty. While there a young woman came in and, after awhile, sat down across from him. The two shortly struck up a conversation that wandered over a variety of topics . . .

Excerpt of the Day:

“So you want to be in the movies,” Mitchell said.

“I do,” she replied. “I’ve auditioned all over the place, but nothing, so I work at the casino to survive.”

Mitchell nodded. “At least you have an income.”

“At least,” she agreed, although she was looking at the back of her hand dismissively.

“I don’t even think I’ve got a penny to my name,” Mitchell said. “And if I do I don’t know where it’s at, because I was almost due to receive pay again, but the Lieutenant Colonel said I ain’t getting nothing.”

“And you spent all that you had?” she asked.

“Pretty much,” Mitchell replied. “I don’t even know where I’m going to spend the night.”

“I could fix that for you,” she said.

“No, I’ll be fine,” Mitchell said. “You’ve spent enough money on me.”

“The money I’d be spending to put you up for the night wouldn’t be any more than I spend putting myself up for the night,” she said.

“It’d be doubling it then,” Mitchell said.

“No,” she replied. “It wouldn’t be.”

“If you’re paying for where you’re staying, and for where I’m staying that’s double the money you would normally spend,” Mitchell said.

“Not if we’re staying in the same place,” she said.

“Hotels charge for each room individually,” Mitchell said.

“I know,” she said. “And if we’re only using one room.”

“Oh,” Mitchell said, finally realising just what she was getting at.

He looked her over. She was definitely attractive. He was a little surprised at the fact that she was being so forward with him.

“You ain’t afraid I’m going to try and kill you?” Mitchell asked. “Considering the accusations against me?”

“No,” she replied. “I’ve been through worse and been paid for it.”

“I’d be taking away from your income because I couldn’t pay for it,” Mitchell said.

“I don’t care,” she replied. “It’d be nice to tell the men at the casino that I’m already booked.”

Mitchell shifted his jaw. His body wanted it, but yet his mind couldn’t understand why she would be willing to forfeit money she could assuredly use to shelter him for the night.

“Isn’t the money important?” he asked.

“Somewhat,” she replied. “But don’t worry about it.”

“I don’t want to cause you to suffer,” Mitchell said.

“Oh you won’t,” she said. “I can tell you won’t, and that’s more than I can say for most of the paying men.”

Honestly, Mitchell still wasn’t convinced.

“Why would you help me when you know the accusations against me?” he asked.

“Because, having seen you for myself, I’m quite convinced they’re lies,” she replied.

Daintily she checked the small, feminine watch about her slim wrist.

“Room three o seven, Hotel Siempre, take the key if you want,” she said. “I’ll be back at midnight.”

She got up from her seat, then paused and reached into her dress up at the neck, pulling out a dollar bill.

“Your tab is covered, use this for supper,” she added, slapping it onto the table. “I expect to see you tonight.”

Pronunciations:

Siempre: seeehmpray