The Million Dollar Man

I paused, turning my head back to look at her, << What is it? Get on with it then. >>

She shifted nervously before saying, << Why did you stab him? I thought you loved him? >>

I felt bile rise and I swallowed thickly to keep it down. << Listen Carter, if you can't take any violence then I suggest you don't let Sampson's gang take over London as soon as you eliminate the Kings. >> Confusion and surprise swept through her features, making me laugh.

<< I'm not incompetent, I can put two and two together. >> As I reached the door, I felt myself gritting my teeth as her voice called out one last time.

<< But you didn't answer my question ! >>

I felt my body numb as I turned back to face her, << What can I say, Carter ? Love makes you do crazy things. >>

I pointedly looked between her and Sampson, making the two pale dramatically. With one last signature smirk, I had known I had made my mark. And with that on my mind, I quickly left the station.

I took a few deep breaths when I got outside, before entering the car. I immediately noticed the black duffel bag in the car, as when as the elderly driver I had.

<< The airport, mam? >> His eyes crinkled at the edges, and I found myself smiling and nodding.

And for the first time in a long time, I could feel myself relax. That is, until I remembered what I had done, and how I desperately needed to get out of this place once and for all.

I felt myself lose my breath as we pulled away from the station, and against my better judgment, I let myself look back through the glass and at the police station. Maybe in some sick way, I was hoping to see them one last time. I just wanted to see him one last time.

<< When you find your million dollar man. >>

My mother's voice rang through my head, and I closed my eyes immediately. I couldn't bear to handle any of this any longer. That's why I was leaving, right?

No, you're running away.

I heard his voice so perfectly, and I felt myself jump as stiffen as I looked around the small car. Shaking my head, I attempted to calm myself down as the driver continued to maneuver around the traffic, and take me further away from the city- The city that had once been my home.

<< We should be at the airport in about twenty minutes, >> the driver announced, << So you can just sit back and relax. >>

I nodded my head, before glancing down at the black duffel. I knew it was for me, but something about it made me nervous. With shaking hands, I lifted the bag up, and slowly unzipped it. After opening it, I revealed a pair of clothes, my passport, a bottle of water, and a shit ton of cash.

The driver must have known I was looking at it, because he said, << Don't you worry about that, Chief Carter told the airport security to just let you right on through. >>

I faked a smile, « Oh the luxuries of making a deal with the police. >>

The old man laughed, not catching onto the bitter resentment in my tone. << Well, mam, if I were you, I'd get a first class ticket to wherever I want. »

I had to smile at that, << How long have you been a driver? >>

He sighed in response, «<< Far too long. I tried to retire once, but staying cooped up in my home in London just didn't do it for me. I've been trying to earn enough money to get out of the country for a while now, but it was only recently that I finished paying all my bills. I just don't think I'll ever get out. >>

My heart skipped a beat as his eyes met mine through the rearview mirror.

<< You're a lucky one. >>

But was I really?

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I thanked the man as much as I could after he dropped me off, and as I turned away, I heard him call out for me.

<< Yes ? >> I asked, trying to hold in my smile as he held up the three thousand pound tip I had left him.

He looked at the money, then back at me, his mouth wide open as he struggled to find any words.

<< Have fun on your trip, >> I said softly, but loudly enough for him to hear. << You deserve it. >>

As I entered the airport, I heard him cry out, << Bless your soul, mam ! » And for the first time in a long time, I felt good about myself.

I guess today is a time full of firsts.

Like the first time I leave the country.

I stared at the billboard in front of me, my eyes trailing over all the different countries that I could go to. Ignoring the stares I was receiving, I made my way up to the main desk.

<< Evelyn Summers ? >> The woman asked, looking nervous.

<< Yes. >> I said, watching her carefully.

<< Chief Carter called to make sure you had a first class ticket to wherever you want. >>

I smirked, before nodding. << That sounds peachy. Now if you could please get me one ticket to New York City, that would be great. >>

She quickly had my ticket printed out and in my hand.

I stared at the name again, before being escorted past security and into the terminal where I would be for the next hour.

America.

I guess the saying, «< Go big, or go home, >> really applies to my life right now. I had never left England, and to be honest, I didn't know much about America. Every bit of my life was in London, but that was just something I was going to have to forget.

<< Excuse me, mind if I sit here ? » I looked up to see a sweet looking girl around my age staring down at me.

I looked at the chair next to myself, realizing that my duffel was on the only last empty seat in the terminal.

<< Go ahead, >> I said, moving my bag before shooting her a quick smile. She grinned back before sitting down and letting out a long sigh.

« If you don't mind me asking, what the hell happened to you? » Her eyes widened a bit, as though she surprised herself with her own words.

I couldn't help but laugh. The girl was straightforward, and I liked that. << I got in a bit off a disagreement. >>

<< Is that why you're leaving? » She asked, accepting my answer without pushing the idea like I was worried she would.

<< I guess you could say that. >>

She nodded at my vague answer, << Have you ever been? To America, I mean. >>

I shook my head in response, while her eyes widened. << And you're going straight to New York City? Good choice. I was born in London, but when I was seven I moved to America, and I've loved it ever since. >>

<< Why'd you come back here ? » I questioned, now curious to hear about her life story.

She shrugged, << Spur of the moment trip, I do that quite often. Well actually, my old roommate moved out a few months ago, and I've been struggling with the bills for a while. >>