We tabbed out after last call, and Lisa and Carrie decided to take a cab to someone’s apartment for an after party. Beth decided to ride with Chad once again and my heart leapt for her when I saw him lead her by the hand to his Jeep.

We quickly crossed against the light to the parking lot and Kim and Ryan giggled while I fumbled for my keys.

I cursed as my keys tumbled to the ground into a pot hole. I reached down to get them, but a dirty hand beat me there. Kim and Ryan were silent as I slowly stood to face the raggedy man in front of me.

“Thank you,” I said, holding my hand out for my keys. I noticed there were three other men with him, emerging from the shadows of the alley.

“You’re welcome,” he rasped. He had an unkempt brown beard and his black eyes were abnormally deep-set. Upon first glance he appeared homeless, but his fingernails were too clean and his face wasn’t nearly worn enough. Even growing up on the East Side, I had seen my share of the destitute on the docks with my father.

“I don’t suppose you could spare some change for my trouble?”

“Er….sure,” I said, looking at Kim and Ryan before I dug into my wallet. I handed him a ten dollar bill and he glanced over to my BMW.

“I’m sure the key to this car is worth more than that,” he insisted.

I reached into my wallet and handed him a twenty. “There. Please give me my keys,” I said, holding out my hand.

He stared at me for a long moment, prompting Ryan to walk over to us. “She gave you some money. Give her back her keys.”

The man looked Ryan over and then peered back at me. “I don’t think that’s quite enough.”

My eyes narrowed. “How much do you want?”

“How much do you have in your wallet?”

“What?”

“And I’d like that pretty green ring on your finger, too, baby doll,” he nodded.

“You’re not getting her ring,” Ryan said, stepping in between us.

“Benson?” the bearded man called behind him. One of the men behind him nodded and signaled the others to move forward.

“Ryan….” I whispered as he side-stepped to hide me behind him.

“Aw, look, Grahm. She’s got a little bodyguard.”

“Shut up, Stu,” the bearded man growled.

“Give me the ring…and the money. And you can go,” he said, spitting on the ground.

“I don’t think so, Grahm,” Ryan shifted as he assessed the other men.

“Ryan….” I warned, and then looked at the ring leader. “Listen, this is everything I have on me….” I said, shoving at him several large bills and more fives and ones. “This is everything in my wallet. Take it.”

“And the ring,” Grahm said in an obstinate tone.