Nothing seems easy anymore. Even money can't be of a help in this task. Of course, there's the possibility of bribing a cop and borrowing his car, but then there's the risk of getting involved with a righteous one who would wish me sweet dreams in jail. And, not trying to sound pathetic or even aesthetic, all I've left is this temporary freedom. So I need to spare it on finding my Hazel.

An idea came to me earlier but I need to turn my phone on if I'll work with it. I don't have to steal the car if I can take it agreeably. When both sides are on good terms, there won't be more charges to raise or chases to make. And, obviously, it's almost impossible to succeed in obtaining a real cop's car along with his consent. Unless it's not really a cop's car, or, in other words, it doesn't really belong to a real cop. And where do we see cars with such description? Bingo! Movies.

Three days before I met Hazel for the first time, I took a woman out on a date. It was a blind date set for us by a former colleague. She had blond, jaw-line short hair and a quite tall stature. Throughout my entire life, she was the first woman to gravely beat me in height. I was fazed but came to accept the defeat. She was nice and fairly pretty but too distracted. The topics she opened and then skipped to rush to other ones. And the way she grasped for breath every time she finished a story because she talks too damn fast, like she's worried I might interrupt her. And the way she pretends to listen and understand whatever I am saying, when, honestly, all that's on her head is where to find the shade of nail polish that the woman sitting on the next table is wearing. It wasn't a real disappointment that night, but I never thought of texting or calling after that night. Maybe I foresaw meeting Hazel soon. I must've had an omen or something. Or maybe she just sucked. To a limit. I never knew then that when I seek after her again it will be for such an occasion.

She, whose name is Flynn, used to work for a blockbuster director, whose name isn't recalled in the moment. Maybe I should've focused when she mentioned his name, my bad. Anyways, she mentioned a big project coming up. That would take them about a year to film. She also mentioned that it's about some gangster's story and there will be too many shooting and how will that cause her serious headaches. So maybe I can pass by and borrow one of the cars they have on set. Maybe I can save one of these cars from getting ran off the road or flipping twice in the air before landing face first to its fate. Now I need her number to do so, but turning my phone on is a risk that might be too hefty to bear.

Minutes later I decided that I should've never went to school or spent that much on college. Because I am so stupid to come up with a plan as primitive as disengaging the SIM card. What a waste of time and money that was. The authorities track the SIM card but, apparently, I don't need that to extract the number because I made sure to save my numbers on the phone not the card, in case I decided to snap out of myself. Again.

I did so and spotted the nearest payphone. The thing is, I have no idea where on earth I can find her now. Indeed, I never even drove her home that night. It wouldn't be a surprise if she hanged up right away. I waited, patiently, as the phone ringed.

"Hello?"

"Flynn?"

"Yes, who's with me?"

"This is umm... Richard... Richard Wills. I hope that rings a bell."

"Oh, hey! It does ring a bell," she laughed, "I thought you would never call, though."

"Yeah, sorry. Well it's not what you think... I mean, I would like to catch up and everything," I lied, "but I am calling to ask for your help at the moment. So will you help me?"

An uncomforting pause lasted for a while on the other side.

"Well, sure. I'll do what I can. What is it, though?"

"Let's meet first. I would prefer if we talked about it in person."

"Okay."

"Where are you at the moment?"

"I am on set, actually. Remember the movie I told you about? Well, if you can wait till the evening we can meet up on dinner and talk ab..."

"No. I can't really wait. Why don't you give me the address and I'll come to you?"

"Is it really that urgent?"

"Yes. Very."

"Okay. Write this down."

"I'm listening."

I wrote down the address she gave me then hopped back into my car and rushed towards her. I better figure out an excuse to tell her.

****************

"Hey!" she said as we hugged.

"Hey! You look gorgeous! You even dyed your hair. It's fantastic! It's not that blond didn't suit you, but black suits you way better. God, you're mesmerizing!"

Step one: compliment the lady till she's saturated. You will never tame her other ways.

"Aw, thank you! You're really a gentleman. Let's go take a seat."

We sat in a quiet corner and she called after some coffee.

"So what is it?" she asked.

"I am sorry I never contacted you after our first date, but my sister and her husband passed away in a car crash five months ago."

"Oh my god. I am so sorry, Richard. I didn't hear of it. Oh god, are you okay?" she said, reaching out for my hand.

"I am alright," I nodded with a fake hint of grief, "however, this isn't about me. I have a nephew. He's only eight years old, for god's sake! What have he ever done to deserve something like that!" Have I ever mentioned that Hollywood needs me?

"That poor creature. I don't know what to say, Richard. I'm really sorry."

"Don't apologize, Flynn, it's not your fault. It's mine. I am all he's got left in this world, and yet I fail to make him happy. I am useless!"

"Hey, don't go hard on yourself. I'm sure you're not useless. At least you're trying."

"Well, it's not enough. He's miserable! He can't stand living with me. He hates me just because I am not them! So I decided to change this. I want him to move on. To love me. So will you help me?"

"Of course, I would love to. But how can I help you?"

"Jared has always been so fascinated with being a cop. It has always been his dream. He dressed like one in every single Halloween since he was four. And his biggest fantasy is to ride a cop's car and go patrolling, you know, protect his city!" I offered a sympathetic smile, "I was thinking about you the other night, and then I recalled the genre of the movie you're working on, so I decided to ask you if I can borrow a police car just for tonight. It will mean the world to him. And to me."

Step two: warm her heart with your good deeds. Girls will always fall for the charity guy.

She exhaled heavily and stared at me for a few seconds.

"Okay, Richard, Let's see what I can do," she said as she stood up, "Just wait here for a second."

Step three: win.

I sat there for a couple of minutes. She came back with a confusing look on her face. I couldn't read her facial expression. And I can say that this is the first time someone, other than Hazel, denies me from detecting what's going on. She was on the phone and looked at me as if surprised if not confused. Something told me this is when I get arrested.

She approached me, and, as I was considering my fleeing options, handed me the phone.

"This is for you. He says he's a friend that you've given my number."

I take the phone. Do I have to mention the scale of suspicion and confusion inside my head at the moment?

"Hello?"

"Hey, Rich! How you doing, man?! Missed you, dude."

"Do I..."

"Know me? Well we used to text. But like manually."

I tensed.

"Do you recognize me now? I would be offended if you don't."

"I do."

I now know the voice of the man I am killing one day.

"YES!! I gambled on your wits, man! You never let me down. Or at least you used not to. But now I am really disappointed."

"What do you mean?" I said out of instinct. Nothing feels private anymore. I can see his eyes everywhere. In every face. And in every paper I see his letters. The walls hum with his threats reminding me of what might go wrong. He's all knowing and all seeing. How else will he know everything I go through before I even do? I am sorry, I want to shout and beg for another chance. But why am I playing dumb, I don't know.

"Stop pretending, Rich. I know you're not stupid. You came here knowing this isn't what I want. You knew I will, definitely, mind. Yet still you didn't hesitate. I have to admit, you've got serious guts. I thought you really feared for your girl's life. But today I am getting shaggy vibes that I dislike. Is there something that I need to make clearer? You know I hate repeating myself. And I am positive she won't like it either."

"I am sorry. Please, don't hurt her! I will never repeat such a mistake. Just give me a chance. I'll prove I have the intention to follow anything you tell me. But, please, don't hurt her."

"I love the spirit! You're breaking bad, huh? I like that. But rules are rules, mate. You compromised the deal, and it's not fair for me to not take a step in this myself."

"Please! I am sorry! It won't happen again. It's not her fault I am a damn coward! Just..."

"Stop. You need not go further. Just because it's your first mistake and because I don't feel like seeing blood today, I won't hurt her. But, as I said, rules are rules. The deadline has moved three hours backwards. If you're not there with my ride at nine, I can't guarantee you won't be single tomorrow. So make use of your time, okay? Daddy loves you. So don't disappoint him. Ciao," and he hung up. I swear with every single bone in my enraged body, I will kill him.

So I have only about four hours left to steal a real, cop's car. Is it a bad timing to mention that I really need a double caramel Frappuccino at the moment?