The Pacer

Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Outten

Anna's small locker was in the corner. Maybe she had time to empty its contents before the police found her.

"Who placed the call?" one of the officers asked from the lobby.

A muffled voice answered in response. Anna's heart sped up. How would any of these people have known about her quaint stash?

Rushing over to her locker, Anna pulled out the small bag. There was a window on the opposing wall, a small trash can underneath
the desk, and the office bathroom. The bathroom! As tiny as it was, it would have to do. It had a sink and a toilet after all.

Dumping the contents of her bag down the toilet, she flushed twice for good measure. She then rinsed out the bag quickly. Breathing a sigh of relief, she walked back out into the office, stuffing the empty bag into the garbage can underneath some papers.

She swore if she somehow got out of this situation, she would never touch a drug again. Straightening her shirt, running her fingers through her hair, Anna stepped into the lobby.

No one turned and pointed. No one said, "There she is, officer! Arrest her!"

Instead, one of the policeman approached her and said, "Miss, who runs this clinic?"
Anna glanced over his shoulder and saw a young man in handcuffs. But it wasn't just any young man.

It was James Wellington, the most desired young man from her graduating class. He looked at Anna. She looked back to the police officer.

"My mother runs the clinic," Anna said absentmindedly. "What's going on?"

The officer turned and looked at James. "It would appear that this young man has been approaching your clients with evangelical tracts and brochures while they wait for legal advice." The officer handed one to Anna. "Were you aware of this?"
Anna shook her head.

"One of your clients reported him to us," the officer continued. "So here we are. Is your mother here?"

"No, she stepped out." Anna looked at James. He met her eyes imploringly. "Do you have to arrest him?" she asked the officer.

"I suppose I could let him off with a warning." He turned to James. "Just make sure to stay away from here."

"Let him go," Anna said. "We won't press any charges."

The policeman nodded. "Have a good day, miss."

The other officer unlocked the handcuffs, freeing James.

James turned and smiled at Anna. Without warning, she smiled back. He was handsome, after all. And tall. And athletic.
As the police walked James towards the door, James turned and gave Anna another look. She had never been very intuitive, but somehow she knew that he'd be back.

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