Part Three

A few nights later Erik closed the bar down and I headed home. The night was chilly and I wished I had brought a jacket as I stepped outside.

"Are you sure you don't want me to drive you home?" Erik asked. I shook my head and smiled.

"I know you have a date tonight Erik. Go, have fun. I'll be fine," I told him. He hesitated and I made fluttering motions with my hands.

"Shoo," I ordered. He smiled and gave me a quick hug before darting to his car. I shook my head amusedly and set off for home. The streets were dark but the sidewalks were well lit by lamps. I felt safe enough, if a bit cold.

"Cori," a deep voice called. I jumped a bit and turned. Marcus was leaning against the brick wall of the bar.

"Oh, Marcus, it's just you," I said patting my heart, "You startled me." Marcus gave me a small smile.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to." I waved my hand nonchalantly.

"No worries. Well, I've got to get home. I'll see you later ok?"

"Why don't I walk you to your house?" he asked suddenly. I blinked at him feeling my face warm up a bit.

"Why would you want to do that?" I asked. He shrugged.

"I'm a cop. You're a helpless woman walking alone through the streets of Baltimore," he said lightly. I cocked an eyebrow and put my hands on my hips.

"Excuse me, I am not helpless," I protested. Now it was his turn to arch a brow. His eyes swept my frame and I knew he was seeing my slight, petite figure.

"Just because I'm tiny doesn't mean I can't kick your ass," I told him proudly. He smirked.

"Alright, alright, I'll believe that you aren't helpless. But you are cold," His suit coat suddenly enveloped me in heat, "And since I like that coat, I guess I'll just had to walk you home." I shot a glare at him from under the folds of the jacket but he just smirked back. It hung off me like a little girl wearing her dad's coat but it was warm and he was right. I was cold.

"I live this way," I said amusement in my tone. Marcus fell into step beside me and we walked in comfortable silence for a little bit.

"So, how long have you been a cop?" I asked finally.

"Four years now," he replied, "I graduated from the Academy at twenty-two." I nodded impressed.

"What about you? How long have you been a bartender?" I shrugged under his coat.

"I've only been working here for about a year," I said. I didn't elaborate. Marcus just let it go.

"It seems like a good place to work," Marcus remarked.

"It is. Erik is really good with people and he doesn't let any fighting happen in his bar. If someone were to threaten Raven, Alicia or I, Erik would probably kick his ass."

"Then why hasn't he beaten up James?" Marcus asked shooting me a look. I bit my lip.

"James has never threatened me. He's never gotten physical, at least, not before the other day. He's just annoying and Erik trusts that I can handle myself." Marcus lapsed into silence and we walked another block.

We reached my apartment and I slid the coat off my shoulders.

"Well thanks for walking me home," I said awkwardly. He accepted the jacket back from me and I went up the steps to my apartment door.

"Cori," he said. I turned and realized I could look into his eyes from the second step. They were dark green tonight, cool and mysterious. I shivered and he let out a small laugh. He swung the jacket back of my shoulders.

"There, keep it," he told me. I started to protest but he shook his head.

It looks good on you." I gaped at the wicked smirk on his lips before he turned and sauntered off down the street.

I wanted to call after him but my voice wouldn't work and, too soon, he disappeared.

I unlocked my apartment door and stepped inside.

The jacket really was warm.