Jordan ran over and spotted the figure about to turn a corner. He sidestepped around some people in his way. When he finally came across the red-haired lady, he placed his hand on her shoulder to get her attention.

“Um, excuse me?” He called out.

“Yes, can I help you?” The figure turned around and asked.

I knew I recognized you, Hilary. Jordan thought with a smile. “Hello there.”

“Huh, I didn’t think anyone would be out here this early, and be this uplifted, that’s cool.”

“You think so?” Jordan scratched his flushing red cheek. “Oh, I mean— I know, I wish more people could do this more often, without...”

“I think it’s a shame. Some people don’t want to go to work but have to, anyway.” Hilary commented with a shrug. “And some would rather stay up late and sleep in than go out and get fresh air...”

“Yeah,” Jordan replied.

“So, why are you out here? I’m out getting some for work later.” She said, adjusting her magenta cap.

“And I’m out for a jog.” Jordan lied. “It’s great to see you again Hilary, what a coincidence meeting up like this, wouldn’t you say?”

Hilary seemed to be taken aback by that statement. “How do you know my name?”

Jordan frowned. “Do you not remember me?” He pointed at himself. “It’s me, Jordan.”

Hilary shook her head. “No, sorry, you must be confusing me with someone else.”

“But I saw you at that store recently.”

“I don’t remember seeing you there either. Then again, I also don’t have the greatest memory.”

“It’s ok.” He muttered. Jordan didn’t understand. How come she doesn’t remember him? He knew why he remembered nothing prior, but why didn’t she recognize him? What was going on? Then he realized. Perhaps they could start over? Perhaps they could start over? “Hey, is it alright if—?”

“Hey, sir, are you coming back to the restaurant?” The same waiter from before ran out the door to catch up to Jordan. “Your food will get cold unless you plan on leaving without paying.” He glared.

Jordan tugged at his shirt collar as Hilary squint-glared at him with disbelief.

“Of course not, no,”

“You better get going,” Hilary muttered. Jordan turned, wondering if he caught that right. “I’m going to miss stuff on my list and be late for work at this rate.” She checked her watch and headed off.

Jordan raised his hand to try and stop her, but was too late. He slumped in defeat as he followed the waiter back into the restaurant, pressing his elbows onto the table and staring at his Strawberry Shortcake.

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

While taking some bites of cake and a gulp of milk, his phone went off in his pockets. Jordan reached inside to take out his mahogany phone and noticed Melody had given him a text.

M: “I found something, here’s a link and some pictures”

Jordan looked over and checked the link containing some pictures she mentioned. His eyes widened upon seeing them as his hands trembled.

No way, it can’t be. It wasn’t like that before. He brooded. “Sir, I’d like to tip out,” Jordan told the server.

“Now?” The waiter started. “But—”

“I got somewhere to be.” Jordan interrupted as he got up from his seat and took out some dollar bills from his pocket to place on the table.

As he was about to leave, the server called to him, while raising the bill to his face. “Where did you get this from?”

“The ground?”

“Money like this doesn’t come around often, especially on the ground.”

“Oh well, it’s not my problem. Anyway, think of it as a special tip for a special person that’s superb looking.” Jordan turned to face him and gave out a wink before leaving.

The waiter watched him leave as he tilted his head. “What?”

.-.-.-.

As Jordan headed out, he took out his phone to text Melody.

J: “So, where are we meeting?”

M: “Near the station. How’s your progress going so far?”

J: “Oh, it’s going great.”

M: “You’re not lying, are you?”

J: “Not exactly. In fact, I’ll let you in on the amazing details later today when I make it to where you are.”

M: “Sure, sounds good.”

Jordan closed his phone and checked his surroundings, knowing he had to be careful and hide somewhere. At first, Jordan thought about not getting worried for now, but then spotted some police cars idling near an area, as some wanted posters stuck onto some walls. Jordan quickly hid behind one; not knowing why there were this many cars and officers around that area.

In the corner of his eyes, Hilary walked by on the sidewalk, looking at some display windows. She also noticed the vehicles nearby as an officer wearing an orange hat walked up to her.

“Hey, excuse me, miss?” He spoke up.

“Yeah, what’s going on?” Hilary asked, glancing at the scene at large. “What’s with all those cars over there?”

“It’s a little hard to explain.” He scratched the back of his head and murmured. “But I’d like to ask you a question if that’s alright with you.” The man reached into his pocket and took out a piece of paper to show to her. “Do you recognize this person?”

Jordan couldn’t make out who was in the picture, but Hilary shook her head. “Can’t say I have. Why do you ask?”

“Well, we heard you were associated with those people...” the officer answered.

“’Those’? You mean to tell me that there’s more than one?”

“I guess I might be confusing you with someone else.”

“Really?” Hilary’s eyes widened, then looked away. “Well, you’re not the first.” She muttered under her breath.

“A-ha, I got it.” The man took out another piece of paper and showed it to her. “How about this person?”

“Hey, yeah, I recognize that person!” Hilary exclaimed while pointing.

“Really?”

“Hey, look.” Another officer came over and pointed at a figure on the other side of the street.

Uh oh, I think they found me! Jordan thought as sweat beaded from his body. He got out of his hiding spot and ran the other way before they could see or capture him.