Chapter 6 Meeting The Stranger

• Smack!
• A group of boys found Alora at the city center, and launched at her.
• She struggled to be free. “Ryan, let go of me!” She recognized her second cousin, Ryan.
• Ryan sneered, pushing her to the ground. “You pathetic fool. You think you matter?”
• “But she’s going to be the ruthless tycoon’s lady soon. You should be careful,” one of Ryan’s friends teased.
• Ryan laughed along with the others. “What does it matter? She’ll just be a glorified maid. Fortunately our prestigious family would be rid of her.”
• He raised his foot to stomp on her, but someone intervened. "Hey, you rascals, get off the young lady!"
• The boys were startled by the sharp command, and hesitated for a while, sizing up the figure approaching them. Soon they fled to their car, the screech of tires fading as they sped away.
• She stood still, dusting off her dress, her hands trembling slightly from the encounter. She hadn’t expected anyone to intervene as people around here are usually too busy.
• "Are you alright?" he asked. His appearance was rugged but polished—a man who had seen things and wasn’t easily fazed. “Do you want me to go after them and set things right?"
• She shook her head, her voice caught in her throat.
• "Who are you?" he asked, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. Her blue eyes, striking and unusual, caught him off guard.
• Silence! His directness made her uncomfortable.
• Realizing his mistake, he quickly corrected himself. "I... I'm sorry. I didn’t mean to intrude. I’m John," he said, gesturing behind him at the sleek, red Jeep Wrangler parked a few meters away, its engine still rumbling softly. “The young man... he’s new here. He could use some help finding his way around."
• The harsh mid-summer sun beat down on her, searing her tanned skin. Yet, she cast a glance at the car. Its tinted windows gave no clue to who was inside, though she could feel a presence watching.
• John’s voice pulled her back, lowering his voice as if sharing a secret. “He needs something… quiet."
• She hesitated, wanting to be cautious, but something in John’s demeanor, or maybe her own desperation, kept her rooted.
• “You can come meet him, ma’am. He’s nobody special, and I only helped bring him here.”
• Resigned, his shoulders sagged and he began to backpedal. “Alright, miss. Never mind, I’ll go now."
• In the Jeep, Hanson watched the whole exchange. He was exhausted from the long ride, and had only stopped over for a quick bath and change of clothes, now he needed somewhere to rest his tired head.
• She shifted, her fingers tapping against the strap of her bag as something inside her stirred. She didn’t owe these strangers anything, but... maybe she could help. At least, she still had a couple of minutes before the bus finally arrives.
• "Wait!" the word left her lips.
• John turned back, hopeful. “He just needs a place to stay for a few days, ma’am, and then he’ll be on his way,” he explained. “Not a hotel...” He paused, deliberately withholding details about his young master. “I mean, he wants to avoid any exposure.”
• Her blue eyes scanned the area and settled on a large building nearby. He followed her gaze and read the signpost aloud, “City Hall,” but she quickly objected. “No, no, not there.”
• Perplexed, she observed the bustling crowd around the City Hall. City Hall is even worse for privacy than a hotel, and they don’t offer accommodations.
• “I’m sorry, ma’am,” John said quickly, recognizing his mistake and deciding to find a more suitable plan for his young master.
• “No, John, please stay,” the young lady called out unexpectedly.
• He stepped out of the car, and apologized once more. “I apologize, ma’am. I shouldn’t have assumed. City Hall isn’t the right place.”
• Despite finding the conversation about City Hall strange, Hanson remained composed. She was closer, and he observed that she didn't exhibit the boldness of the Western women he was accustomed to, but appeared hesitant and skittish.
• “It’s okay,” she mumbled softly.
• John’s eyes lit up with sudden excitement. “It is? What do you need for this, ma’am? I’m willing to pay anything,” he asked eagerly, already thinking of ways to persuade his young master.
• “Nothing,” she murmured. “You said he has nothing.”
• Despite the absurdity of the situation and her lack of familiarity with the man, she agreed. “I mean, we can go to Civil Affairs Bureau. He wants privacy, and I can only take him home if...”
• The car door slowly opened sending a wave of anxiety across her as the reality of the situation began to sink in.
• Driving recklessly, Ryan narrowly missed Jeremy with the car as he drove into the parking lot.
• “Hey man, what’s your problem?” Jeremy yelled.
• “Sorry, bro. I met that... that Alora in town, but someone came to her rescue,” Ryan explained, breathing fast.
• Jeremy frowned. “No, Ryan, you can’t stir up trouble in town. Word spreads fast, and you don’t want to anger the old lady...”
• “The old lady?” Ryan asked, puzzled as old lady Steele shouldn’t care a bit about Alora.
• Jeremy shrugged. “Uh, I mean...”
• “She was just standing there,” one of Ryan’s associates cut in. “It looked like she was waiting for a bus or something.”
• “A bus?” Jeremy muttered. “She should be on an errand. You know how imposing Carol can be.”
• “No, that’s not it,” Ryan insisted. “She was holding an old bag like she was trying to escape.”
• Jeremy’s eyes widened. “Escape?”
• “Yes, exactly,” another cohort confirmed.
• A sinister smile formed on Jeremy’s lip. “I’ll be back soon, Ryan.”
• I must go meet old lady Steele now. If Alora had ran away, I must be the first to inform her. With this she will see what ingrate she is.
• Back at the city center, Hanson stood outside the car, staring at John and waiting for answers.
• “It might not be such a bad idea,” John suggested hastily.
• “This... this is...” Hanson started to say, but fell silent as he looked at the local country girl.
• “I’m Hanson,” he introduced himself. “This is my first visit to Providence.”
• Enchanted by his deep voice and the strong, masculine scent that surrounded him, she whispered, “I am a milkmaid.”