Knight of Wands [Reversed]

Back At School—NIGHT

It is a wet dreary night. And I stand dripping outside of the girl’s dorm.

I’ve asked Anna Feng to accompany me to the festival where I have work presented, even though I know she now has a boyfriend somewhere. I try to explain it to her.

“Last time we dated it was a fake date with real emotions,” I say as she nods, confused, “That is to say. I really cared for you. This time it is a real date. I need someone. But with fake emotions. That is to say. I know better than to care for you.”

“I’m cancelling our date. Or whatever it is.” She frowns at my speech, “I don’t want to go out for the evening anymore.”

But seeing me shivering outside in the quad, she relents and allows me unheard of access into her dorm, though she shoos her roommates away from me when we go upstairs to her quarters.

We talk quietly. Not discussing our conversation outside. I will have to go to the show alone. Not at all is more likely. She looks out the window a lot, particularly at the parking lot across the street across the street. She is frantic and near tears as a black pickup slides into a spot.

“What’s the matter?” I hug her and she tries to wriggle away but I tell her, “It is Okay. I will help you whatever is amiss.”

“Okay, listen.” She sobs, “Occasionally I am a courier for some shady east European organization. I have tried to stop but I cannot.’

“Okay.”

“There’s more. I was called in earlier today. I think I was spotted. Trailed, I believe, by a government agent.”

“Okay.” I digest the information, “I guess I don’t know what to do. But I promise I will protect you.”

I mean to, but when I turn to look at the truck out the window and she darts out the room. I follow falling farther and farther behind as she sprints down the back stairs and out into the night. I aim to continue to chase her but am stopped by an amiable, clean-cut guy in a smart suit, stepping around a corner to confront me.

“Probably the boy-friend,” I frown to myself. But then wonder to myself if he is a government agent. Or a European mobster.

“I guess Anna Feng doesn’t want to hang out tonight,” smiles the amiable, clean-cut guy in a smart suit.

“Why does he make light of this” I frown to myself. But then wonder if he knows I want to replace him.

“Let me guess,” smiles the amiable, clean-cut guy in a smart suit. “She told you she’s been playing secret agent again, didn’t she?”