Dream Chaser by Patrick Councilor

Daphne hurried through the Westlake Center like she was in trouble. She zig-zagged through the clusters of shoppers as she kept looking back. Some man was fallowing her and she knew he was still behind her somewhere.

Just moments ago, she had taken a cab to the mall and before she could get inside the mall, she had bumped into a stranger. When she excused herself, the burly man dressed in weathered clothing and smelt of cheap bourbon, snapped at her, "Hey there." Then his cold, dark eyes looked her up and down. "Hey there lady, you out here by your lonesome?"

The mere sight of him, frightened her. She back stepped. "No… I-I'm here to meet me husband."

His bulging eyes shot down. "I don't see a ring on that there finger."

"I have to go," she snapped and with that, she turned on her heels and headed for the entrance of the mall.

"Hold on there baby."

When Daphne reached the door, she glanced back and saw the stranger close behind. Hurrying through the mall and up one floor on the escalators, she looked back to see the stranger hot on her trail. The way he was dressed, he looked so out of place.

She had to find a safe place. Where is mall security when you need them?

Out of the corner of her eye, Daphne spotted a familiar face; Dr. Crane. He was holding a few shopping bags, yet she ran right into his arms and kissed him hard on the mouth. If she ever needed an instant husband, now was the time.

Niles was taken in… into what he didn't know, but he liked it. He was in heaven. He had to take a deep breath just to realize what actually just happened. "Da-Daphne."

"That man." Daphne looked back at the stranger who stopped in his tracks when she had embraced Niles. "That man's been following me."

A rage lit up inside Niles like an inferno. Niles' eyes shot to the big man and the stranger turned and headed back the way he came.

Niles turned back to her. "Daphne, are you alright? He didn't hurt you, did he?"

"No. Thanks to the likes of you, he didn't get the chance."

"Thank God, because if he had, I would have pummeled him to the very inches of his life."

She was still in his arms and she held him tighter. "Thank you Dr. Crane."

He became a little dizzy with the smell of her hair. "My pleasure Daphne."

"Sorry about the kiss, Dr. Crane. I told him I was married. I think he believes that now."

Niles tried to say something, but he was on cloud nine with a sugar rush to the head after that kiss.

Daphne looked around. "Well, I think he's gone now. I'll be about me shopping."

"I won't hear of it." Niles put his foot down.

Daphne shot him a look. "What?"

"Daphne you're still trembling and there's no way on earth I would let you out of my sight now. I will go with you shopping and see you home safely."

"Dr. Crane, I'm fine now."

"Don't argue with me about this Daphne. That heathen could be waiting for you outside. I couldn't live with myself for a moment letting you walk away from me now. I will see you home safely."

"What about your shopping? Are you here alone?"

"I am no longer alone. You're here with me…. I mean… I was out shopping for my wife, but my shopping is complete."

"You sure you don't mind being my escort?"

The title "escort" rang in Niles hears like a symphony. Where was his mind going with such a word?

"At your service, Miss Moon." He bowed to her. That kiss she bestowed upon him had made his entire week.

The smile she showed him, made him melt. "Alright then. Let's do a little shopping."