She checked the chamber as quietly as possible. It was empty. Next she took the clip out; there were five rounds left. She pushed the clip deep into her jeans pocket, and slid the gun into her jacket.
She counted her money; it added up to seventy dollars. That would get her to Chicago. She stepped to the sink and washed up, looking at her reflection.
“I’m a mess.”
She could see a bruise close to her eye, and a busted lip. She patted her face dry, hoping her lip wouldn’t start bleeding again. After brushing her tousled hair, she tucked in her shirt, managing to hide most of the blood. Charlie checked her appearance and then headed out to look at the bus schedule.
Twenty minutes later she boarded a bus to Chicago. Charlie sat in the second seat back and prayed for guidance. She glanced at the strangers around her. They seemed lost in their own thoughts.
How many of them were running from something, too? Charlie settled down and tried not to think about what awaited her in Chicago or what might be following behind her.
Chapter 2
Chicago
“A city on a hill can not be hidden . . . Matthew 5:14.” The smile Charlie got from the bus driver when he turned to look at her seemed phony. Maybe he didn’t like people talking to themselves. She didn’t care. She smiled on, mesmerized by the Chicago skyline.
The bus rolled into the Midway Terminal at nine-thirty. Charlie didn’t expect the station to be busy at this time of night. People hurried by, pushing and shoving. It made her feel lost and out of place.
It took an hour to get off the bus, find a bathroom and get a cup of coffee. She spent another thirty minutes looking for an English-speaking cabby. She needed a quote on how much it would cost to take her to 2029 Kolin Avenue.
The first guy shook his head. ‘K-Town not at this time of night.’ The next three either couldn’t speak English or didn’t want to take the time to see what she wanted. She sighed deeply out of frustration.
“I’ll take you to 'K-Town', but it’ll cost you forty.”
Charlie turned, startled. She nodded to the young man; he didn’t look old enough to drive. “You will?”
“Yep. I’ll take you to Kolin. My cab’s down the street. You got forty?” The young man seemed to be looking her over. Charlie knew with her black eye and busted lip she must look a sight.
“I have it.”
“I’ll take half up front; call me Willie. Stay here, I’ll get the cab.”
Once in the car, Charlie handed the young man a twenty. He stuffed it into his pocket and spoke. “A lot of cabbies don’t come to K-town this time of night.”
“Is it a rough neighborhood?”
“It’s not the best; but also I’m not going to get a return fare. That’s why I charged you for both ways.”
“I see. Should I have waited until tomorrow?”
“Nah, just watch your step. Don’t be hanging out on the streets and you’ll be fine.”
“Thanks. The only place I’m going is to see my aunt.”
“Are you staying long?”
“I’m not sure yet.”
Willie handed a card over the back seat and Charlie took it. “Call me if you need a cab. I’ll take you anywhere you need to go.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.”
Willie and Charlie chatted until he made the turn onto Kolin Avenue and brought the cab to a stop. Charlie handed him the other twenty, said her goodnights, and stepped out into a light rain.
Charlie watched the cab's taillights disappear down the street, then turned, looking at the line of houses. The building Aunt Verla lived in stood four stories high with a white fence surrounding the entire complex.
After trying the door, Charlie realized she needed a key to get inside. If she couldn’t stay with her Aunt Verla, she didn’t know what she would do. She spent most of her money on getting to Chicago.
She could call the police, and confess to stealing Benny’s gun. They’d be more than happy to put her up for the night.
As if she didn’t have enough troubles, the rain started to fall harder. She moved close to the building, standing under the small awning. Five minutes later a young woman with an umbrella came hurrying down the street and started up the steps. Even in the dim light Charlie could see she didn’t look happy.
“Look! I know it’s raining, but you can’t stay here.”
Charlie’s brow furrowed and she gestured at the door. “I’m here to see my aunt.”
“Sure you are. Now go on before I call the cops.” The young woman took out her cell phone. “I will call them.”
“My aunt really lives in this building. Verla King, she’s in apartment 5B.”
“Verla isn’t here! She’s gone to Florida.”
“Florida?” Charlie sighed.
“You should have known that, since you’re her niece. How did you get her name? Did you go through our trash?”
“No! She’s my aunt. I’m from Indiana. I didn’t know. We don’t talk to each other that much.” This bit of news hit Charlie hard. Eight dollars wouldn’t get her back to Indiana, and since she didn’t have a credit card, there would be no use in looking for a motel room.
“Look, I need to go. I don’t know if she’s your aunt or not. What I do know is that you can’t stay here. I’m not going to let you in.”
“I don’t have anywhere to go.”
“That’s not my problem.”
The rain greeted Charlie by pelting her in the face. It stung her lip, and she fought back tears. She hurried down the street to an all-night diner that Willie suggested.
She stood under the small canopy gathering her thoughts. Did she dare spend her last few dollars on something to eat? Willie warned her to stay off the streets.
Charlie stepped inside the diner, shaking off as much rain as she could before entering. At least she’d be warm and dry. She moved to a small booth, sat down and picked up the menu. The warm room felt good, but she was chilled from being in the rain.
She pulled out her money, counting the few dollars in her purse, eight dollars and change. Charlie knew she shouldn’t spend it all on one meal; she’d have to find something cheap, and take it from there.
“Hey, lady, what do you want?” A man yelled from the counter. “We don’t have a waitress tonight.”
Charlie moved to sit at the bar. She glanced at a menu, and when the man stepped closer she spoke. “I’ll have a cup of hot tea and some toast with butter, please.”
“Sure thing.” The man raised a brow and gave her a nod. She could tell he wanted to mention her busted lip and the bruises on her hand, but he didn’t.
Instead he took her money, laid her change on the table and with a nod, said her order would be ready in a minute.
When her order arrived, she picked up the tea and small saucer that held the toast, and went back to the booth to stay away from the cold air.
She added sugar and cream to her tea as she stole glances at her surroundings. Three people sat scattered over the diner. One man dined alone as he chatted on his cell phone.
Across the room were two women; one reading the paper while drinking a coffee, the other sat looking at a menu. She glanced up now and then as if waiting on someone.
None of them seemed to even notice Charlie, and for that she was thankful.
Around ten-thirty a handful of people came wandering in, and for about an hour, the place stayed busy. Charlie sat watching the natives come and go, thinking and praying, not sure what she should do. The hot tea helped her feel better, and as she ate the toast she longed for the pizza she’d left sitting on Benny’s table.
She tried not to make any direct eye contact with the patrons, and she tensed when a rough looking crowd came in; they looked to be what her dad would call thugs. They ate, laughed, and talked loud, but left causing no trouble.
Midnight came and went. Around two a.m., Charlie glanced at her watch. She wondered if the man at the counter would care if she stayed all night.
&nbs
p; He looked tired, and when she ordered her second cup of tea, much to her surprise, he spoke.
“Here, I need to get rid of these. Take two if you want.” The man pushed a covered tray of doughnuts in her direction and she smiled.
“Thank you.”
“Ah, you’re welcome.” He finally said in a tired tone, waving his hand, and going back to a book he was reading.
Charlie went back to her booth and thanked the Lord for the doughnuts. She picked up a jelly filled delight, but looked up as the door flew open. A young woman came rushing in, glancing over her shoulder.
Charlie raised a brow as she scrutinized the woman’s clothes. She wore a red mini skirt that contrasted well with her dark skin, a blue tube top and a white jacket. As she walked by, she unzipped her purse and locked eyes with Charlie before heading down a back hall.
Seconds later Charlie turned her attention back to the front door. A policeman rushed in, looked around, and then left hurrying on down the street.
Charlie pushed the last bite of the jelly doughnut into her mouth, and glanced up as the young woman slid into her booth. She smiled at Charlie as if she knew some great secret. The change in the girl was dramatic, but the beauty was still there.
The woman looked better without the blonde wig and the outlandish make-up. How could she change clothes so fast?
“Hey there. Can I buy you breakfast?” The woman smiled, then turned to the man behind the counter, “Stan, fix an early-bird special for my new cousin.”
“Sure thing Allie.”
Charlie raised a brow. “Why do you want to buy me breakfast?”
“Well, you do me the favor of being my cousin, and I’ll do you the favor of buying you something to eat.”
As the door flew open once more, and the officer came back in, things began to make sense to Charlie. The officer tapped his foot for a moment; let the door close, then moved toward their table.
“What about it?” Allie whispered.
Charlie didn’t have much time to make up her mind. She didn’t want to lie, but she didn’t want to sleep on the street either. She saw the policeman getting closer, and decided to jump at the opportunity.
“Ok, but I need a place to sleep worse than I need something to eat.”
“You got it. Now what’s your name?”
“Charlie Anderson. I’m from South Bend, Indiana.”
“Okay, Charlie, now don’t look so worried. Smile.”
Charlie forced a smile, and then looked toward the policeman as he spoke.
“Ok, young lady. You’re under arrest. I know it was you I chased for three blocks. I think it’s time we go downtown.”
Charlie looked at the woman, and then to the officer. She thought it might look better if she spoke first. “Can I help you, Officer?”
“Ma’am, do you know this woman?” Charlie knew the officer was looking her over. Her jacket was zipped so he couldn’t see the blood, but she’d bet by now there were bruises on her face.
“I sure hope so. I’m spending the night with her. I came all the way from South Bend for a visit.”
“From South Bend. I assume you can prove this.”
“I can prove I’m from Indiana.” Charlie reached into her purse, pulling out her ID, as she recalled the gun in her pocket. “I’m here for a few weeks. I might stay longer, if I find a good job.” Or, if I get put in jail for carrying a handgun. Charlie hoped the officer didn’t ask to look through her purse. If so, he might find the clip.
The officer took the ID and looked it over. The man’s brow rose and then a scowl appeared. He didn’t seem to like it much that Charlie’s ID matched her story. After a minute he turned and looked toward the owner of the restaurant, as the man spoke.
“They're telling the truth. I know these girls.”
The officer nodded, giving Charlie her identification. “Well, I guess I made a mistake.”
“Don’t you mean you think all black women look alike?”
Charlie moved her hand out to the woman across the table and touched her gently. “I don’t think that’s what he meant.” Charlie glanced at the officer and smiled. “She’s had a bad night. I’m sorry; she didn’t mean anything.”
“I’m sure she didn’t.” The officer glared at the two girls. He might have said something else, but the old man behind the counter called to him.
“Officer, would you like a hot cup of coffee before you go back on the street?”
Charlie sighed as the man turned and went to the counter. Once he sat down, she turned her attention back to her new cousin. Allie stared at the man with a definite look of irritation on her pretty face. Charlie didn’t want to offend her new friend because she really did need a place to stay. She spoke, trying to keep her tone soft.
“I know we just scammed him, and it’s really none of my business, but . . . did you break the law?”
Allie turned, looked at Charlie and smiled. “I know you may not be from a big city like Chicago, but I think you can figure out which law I broke.”
“I have an idea.”
Allie leaned back and smiled, “I’ll bet it’s the right one.”
“Like I said, it’s none of my business.”
“Well, so you’ll know. I’m not a mass murderer, or anything close. I don’t even steal,” the girl leaned forward and smiled at Charlie, "unless you call taking money from a man for kissing his feet for an hour stealing.”
Charlie made a face. The girl leaned back laughing, keeping her voice low. “I made him wash ‘em first, and I made eight hundred dollars. It was the easiest money I’ve made in a long time.”
“Not many people I know can say they make eight hundred dollars an hour.”
“You got that right, honey.”
Both girls grew quiet as the old man sat two plates down on the table. The man winked at Allie. The officer was gone now, so he spoke freely as he walked back to the bar.
“You got away with it again, Allie. You snow em’ every time.”
“I couldn’t do it without you, Stan.”
“Well, if you weren't one of Rico’s best girls, I wouldn’t put up with it.”
“Oh hush, you know you love the excitement.”
“Just eat up and get out of here. Your cousin looks like she needs some rest.”
Chapter 3
Allie
Around three-fifteen, the two girls walked into Allie’s apartment on Komensky Avenue. Charlie would be spending the night only a few blocks from where Aunt Verla lived. When Allie turned on the lights Charlie looked around. The apartment seemed spotless. Allie shook her head, and crossed her arms.
“Do you think all working girls live in a rat hole? I make good money and I don’t mind spending it on myself.”
“You’ve got a nice place. I just didn’t expect it to look like this. As far as working girls go, I only know what I see in movies.”
“Well, some of it’s right and some of it’s way off. I work for a clean guy; but then again as Stan said, I’m one of Rico’s favorite girls. He gives me more of a cut. I've been with him a while and he knows he can trust me with the big clients.”
“I guess that’s a good thing.”
“Yeah. It’s a real good thing! Don’t get me wrong. I didn’t always live like this. I’ve lived, and slept, in the gutter. I don’t want to go back. Rico got me a deal with the manager, and I buy almost everything second hand. I just make sure it looks good.”
“Well, you did a great job furnishing your apartment.”
“Thanks.” Allie walked over to look out the window. “I hate to rush off, but the rain’s quit, and I have a party to go to. Make yourself at home, and I mean that. If you get hungry rummage till you find what you want. There’s a second bedroom down the hall. I don’t think anyone’s ever slept in there, so things may be dusty, but they're clean.”
“I really appreciate this. I ran off from my sister's house; her boyfriend tried to rape me.”
“Wow! That’s a bummer, but it explain
s the busted-up look. Take a load off and kick back. You can stay a few days, as long as you’re quiet in the mornings.”
“Yes, ma’am. I can do that.”
“Call me Allie, or Alice.”
“Ok, Allie. Call me Charlie.”
Allie walked over and picked up a T-shirt from a basket of clothes on the couch and handed it to Charlie. She took Charlie by the chin, looking at her busted lip. “I don’t think you need stitches, but it’s gonna hurt a while. Rummage through the meds in the bathroom, find some antibiotic cream, and get some rest.”
“I’ll try. Is this a good neighborhood?”
“Oh, yeah. You don’t have to worry about the crime here.” Allie stepped to the door laughing; she paused before stepping out the door. “Well, there’s crime, but Rico’s the one in control, and he never lets anyone come near his girls.”
Charlie’s body ached as she walked into the bathroom. She found some cream for her lip and changed into the white T-shirt. She folded her clothes over her arm and went to the extra bedroom. After closing the door and laying her clothes over a chair, she walked around the room.
A full-sized bed rested against the left wall. A dresser with a mirror and two small nightstands gave the room a homey feel. Charlie pulled the covers back and laid the gun under the pillow. The room looked clean and unused. She left her socks on, placed her shoes by the bed and lay down.
Her body ached, but she couldn’t sleep. She sat up, sighed and decided it would be a good time to pray. She rose and stepped to the window and looked out. She could see the skyline in the distance. “What a beautiful sight.”
Charlie touched her finger to her bruised lip and her mind went to her family. Should she call her mom or wait until morning? After a few moments she decided she’d have to wait. She couldn’t pay Allie for a long distance call. She also didn’t want to call collect and upset her parents at this time of night.
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