Esther

Esther had been lost in a world of paint and canvas all day, her creativity carrying her away from reality. As the clock ticked on, she focused on adding delicate strokes to her artwork, completely absorbed in her craft. Suddenly, her phone chimed with a reminder.

It was an alarm she'd set earlier: "A Date with Doc Mcstuffins - Don't Be Late!" Esther's eyes widened in alarm. She had lost track of time while working, and her date with Riley was just around the corner. She groaned, this is why she hated appointments.

With grudging urgency, she barely had time to wash off the paint that stained her hands and face before slipping into a simple dress and rushing out. Her heart raced during the train ride, and she was grateful when she spotted the diner where they'd planned to meet. But something caught her eye.

A man in brown overalls was bent, talking to a little girl. Initially, Esther thought they were related because the girl looked unharmed, even smiling. However, her relief turned to alarm as the man roughly grabbed the child. A painful memory from her past propelled her into action.

In a heartbeat, she dealt the attacker a powerful kick that sent him crashing into a fire hydrant on the sidewalk.

After ensuring the girl was unharmed Esther took her in, and ordered hot chocolate with tiny floating marshmallows which made the little girl smile. As they sat, Esther noticed some men in black picking up the kidnapper and walking away.

When Riley arrived, he gave Esther a small hug and ordered their food after asking for their preferences. Though he showed discretion, he couldn't help but glance at the girl.

"I met her outside," Esther ventured, and Riley looked puzzled. She gestured to the girl. "It was cold out, and she was about to get kidnapped."

Riley frowned, concerned. "Is she okay? And what about the kidnapper?"

"I think someone called the police because some men took him away," Esther replied.

Riley sighed, visibly relaxing in his seat. "Are you okay?"

Esther shrugged. Just as the waiter arrived with their food, she added, "Yeah, I mean, I was kind of scared, but... I'm fine."

"That's a relief. What's her name?"

Esther paused, glancing at the girl who was happily eating. "I actually haven't asked her yet."

Riley nodded and turned to the girl. "What's your name, little one?"

The girl looked up at him and moved her mouth in a soundless answer.

Esther gasped, "The poor thing can't talk!" She hit the table in anger. "I should have kicked that fucker all the way to Timbuktu!"

She froze, embarrassed to see Riley staring at her in surprise. Even the little girl was wide-eyed.

Esther slid down her seat, and Riley chuckled. "We'll have to find her parents somehow," he said.

"I'll take her to a police station after she's done eating."

"I'll take you both," Riley offered.

The girl glared at him.

After their meal, Riley led them to the car. But before they could board, a tall figure stopped them. The man was handsome, with chestnut-colored hair cropped short, a sparkling earring in one ear, and a pale blue shirt that matched his eyes. Long black pants accentuated his height and made him look imposing. He gave off the aura of a total rogue.

Esther pulled the girl behind her, and Riley positioned them behind him, both warily watching the man. The man frowned, a deep, chilling frown. He should have been taller than Riley, and he easily overlooked them both to address the girl.

"Let's go."

His voice was deep and threatening, causing Esther to pull the girl even closer.

"Who are you?" Riley asked.

"I dare say I should be asking the same thing," the man snapped. "Where are you taking my daughter?"

"D-daughter?" Esther looked down at the girl who shook her head. She looked back at the man, whose face darkened.

"Bloom, get over here," he ordered.

The little girl shook her head, tears dropping from her eyes. She opened her mouth, shouting, "ah, ah, ah."

The man heaved a frustrated sigh, stalked forward, and reached for the girl.

"Not on my watch," Esther hissed. She moved and aimed a kick at him. However, to her surprise, the man effortlessly caught her leg, his amusement replacing his earlier anger. Esther's heart raced as he held her suspended, suddenly he let go making her fall forward. Esther caught herself before she crashed into him and glared at him hatefully.

Riley picked up his phone and quickly called the police.

The little girl ran at the man, hitting him with her tiny purse. He easily picked up her flailing body.

"You can't leave," Riley stopped him.

A police car pulled up beside them, and Riley waved at the officer.

"He's attempting to kidnap a child," Riley said.

The officer looked between them.

"It's true," she said. "I already saved her from the first man. I'm sure this is his partner."

The officer assessed the situation, noting the striking contrast between the well-dressed Esther and Riley and the enigmatic man.

He walked towards him with a frown to take the girl. "Give me the child, sir."

The man stepped back. "She's my daughter. You can call Timon to confirm."

The officer paused, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. "You mean Albert Timon, the police chief?"

He reached for his handcuffs. "You're under arrest, sir. Anything you say..."

"Call Albert," the man said, handing his phone to the officer.

A mechanical voice replied, "Calling Knucklehead Albert."

A second later, the call went through, and a gruff voice echoed through the line, "What is it this time, Sullivan?"

The officer recognized his boss's voice and started panicking.

"Nothing much, just one of your men..." Sullivan bent to look at the officer's badge, "Thompson wants to arrest me."

The Chief's voice held a note of exasperation. "What did you do this time, Sullivan?"

Sullivan scoffed, his gaze flickering with amusement. "Have I ever broken the law?"

Silence followed, then, "Give him the phone."

Sullivan handed the terrified officer the phone.

"Return to the station, officer."

Beep, the call was disconnected.

Officer Thompson respectfully returned the phone to Sullivan with shaking hands.

Sullivan offered a sly smile to Esther and Riley before leaving with Bloom in his arms.

Sometime after the officer and Sullivan left Riley drove Esther home. He had wanted to continue the date but after the day's drama Esther had used up all her social juices, right now all she wanted was to have a good soak, eat a big meal and wipe Sullivan's infuriating smirk from her memory.