One of his many investments over the years had been a distribution trucking company and a string of automotive shops around the state of Michigan. It was rare that the boss came in to get his hands dirty, but today, he needed to do something, anything, to keep his thoughts from haunting him. Rebuilding the beautiful, American-made machine was like putting a puzzle together. It took all his concentration and he often blocked out everything around him until the entire picture was complete. He had salvaged the car from the junk yard, years ago, and he was putting it together piece by piece.

“We got one coming in?” he heard one of his workers shout out, and he lifted his head, as he noticed a tow truck pull in front of his berth. His gut wrenched when he saw her step out of the passenger seat of the tow truck. He, instantly, recognized her. Her hair was a curly mess on top of her head, as she ducked under the handbag she held above her head. Her eyes were swollen and red. Still, he noticed the beauty in her, as she rushed inside the lobby to shelter from the rain. Her skin was smooth, resembling coffee that had been diluted with milk, and her slim build was complimented with wide hips and bowed legs. Even in her obvious distress, she carried an effortless beauty.

What is she doing here? He thought, as alarm filled him, and he held his breath, her presence ordering him to cease all movement. Her story had headlined the news.

Mother loses daughter, sister loses brother to gun violence, marks the city’s 50th murder.