Chapter 10 - INTO THE RAIN
The two remaining Sterling bodyguards maintained a tight security perimeter around the alcove, keeping the rest of the restaurant patrons and staff at a distance while Miller was quietly escorted out through the back service exit into the rain.
Adrienne unbuttoned his heavy black wool coat and draped it carefully over the Waitress’s shoulders, covering the pale yellow uniform and the wet stains on her apron.
He leaned down and unbuckled the safety straps of the three high chairs one by one. The three children didn't hesitate; the moment they were free, they reached for her. She lifted two of them into her arms, while Adrienne held the third, their small heads resting comfortably against her collarbone as if no time had passed at all.
They walked out of the Gilded Cage together, passing Thompson and the silent staff without a word.
Outside, the heavy rain continued to fall over Seattle, reflecting the bright neon signs of the city against the wet pavement. A black armored SUV pulled up directly to the curb, its rear door sliding open automatically.
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The Waitress paused at the threshold of the building, looking back one last time at the warm amber lights of the restaurant where she had worked as a nameless server for two years. Then she looked down at the two children sleeping softly against her chest, and at the tall man standing beside her holding the third, his hand resting securely against the small of her back.
She stepped into the dark interior of the vehicle. The heavy door slid shut with a solid, airtight seal, cutting off the sound of the rain, as the black car pulled away into the night, carrying the family into an uncertain, guarded future.
