Rae and Marcus, May 4, 2513 Avoiding Conflict

Rhiannon stood, glaring at Matthew with murderous intent. Marcus again placed himself between them. She wiped her eyes with a hand and turned, allowing Marcus to lead her out to the hallway and then the alleyway. Matthew watched them go with fury in his eyes.

Once outside she asked, “Here? This close?” Marcus answered her absentmindedly, “Yes, I told you, my alley.” She carefully began a slightly unsteady search of the alleyway, bracing herself against the wall to keep her balance. “I don’t see it!” Marcus stands in one spot, going over the previous nights activities in his head. He searches the ground with his eyes, tracing his memory’s path. He spots it caught on the edge of some metal, it almost blends in. He watches it for a moment, amazed that something so insignificant looking could cause such a reaction in someone. He turns to watch her speculatively, wondering what would happen if he told her it was gone. Even more, he wondered what would happen if he pocketed it and at a later date returned it as “him.” In the time it took him to debate this however, her agitation had grown and she was near tears again. He walks over to the area, pretending to search. Casting a glance in her direction he grabs the necklace and turns to her. “I found it.” He holds it up for her to see. “That’s it!” She reaches out to take it. Clasping it to her chest she closes her eyes and offers up a prayer of thanks. She reaches out a hand and grabs Marcus by the back of the neck. Pulling him down she puts her forehead against his and says. “Thank you.” She kisses his cheek and lets go of him. He looks at her wide-eyed and nervously pushed up his glasses. “It, it was nothing, glad I helped.” Wiping her eyes again she notices her bare feet. “I’ll come back some other time for my shoes. Hold onto them for me? I’m not going back in there. I’m sorry I was so much trouble.” She turns and begins to walk away.