The girl sat alone, hunched in a peeling metal chair, her head jerking robotically as she fought off exhaustion. Her blonde hair hung in haphazard loops, her hairpins slipping from position. A pair of scuffed high heels, long since abandoned, was neatly tucked away under the rungs.

Nadir frowned at the girl's bare feet, which were resting gently against the freezing concrete floor. Didn't anyone have the sense to give the poor child some slippers?

There was a gray blanket, at least, draped around her shoulders for warmth.

A closer glance, however, proved it to be matted and covered with pills, and his nose began to twitch with the smell of mothballs.

The most important witness in over twenty years, and nobody even thought to give her a good blanket!

Nadir cleared his throat.

"Miss Daae?"

The girl's head jerked back, and she blinked rapidly before turning to face him.

For a moment, Nadir's breath caught in his throat. Her eyes were the most exquisite shade of blue, and so wide...

But she was shaking, and her skin was white as death.

"Forgive me, Miss Daae. I see that I've startled you - "

"Oh, it's...oh. Really. It's fine..." her voice trailed off, and her eyes began to wander around the room.

Nadir was no fool, and he could see the symptoms of shock written plainly on her face.

Had Rookheya been there she would have insisted on scalding tea with milk and sugar, and probably a hot foot bath.

This being America, Nadir knew without asking that there would be no tea in the building. Police headquarters were like that. Still, they had next best thing - hot coffee, and plenty of it.

He gently laid his slim brown hand on her shoulder, and the shaking seemed to lessen.

"Miss Daae, I don't think I have ever seen a person more in need of a warm drink in all of my life. Please follow me and we should have coffee in under two minutes. Do you take milk or sugar?"

Her mouth opened and closed soundlessly before she found her voice. "I usually take it black, actually. Mr...er..."

"Kahn. Nadir Kahn." He smiled and raised a skeptical eyebrow. "I've never known a young lady to drink coffee black! If you'd permit a little friendly advice, I think the additional ingredients might be good for you at the moment. My wife always said it was a sovereign remedy for nerves."

She managed a small smile. "Your wife says that?"

"It's an ancient cure all. It couldn't hurt, could it?" Nadir pulled his phone out of his coat pocket and dialed. "Sergeant? Yes. We'll be starting in a moment, but could we get some coffee in here? Oh, and we need some shoes - slippers, rather. Yes. The indoor kind. Great."

Nadir tucked the phone away before turning again to his companion. She was on her feet now, still shrouded in the horrible blanket, her little shoes clasped in her hand.

Though still pale, her beautiful blue eyes were growing steady and clear.

"I'm ready to go, Mr. Kahn. The interview room, right?"

He nodded silently, and she smiled.

"Ok. I know the way by now. Let's get on with it, shall we?"

She shuffled forward, and Nadir followed.

The first witness in over twenty years. They were really quite lucky. It was truly a miracle that she was alive...

Ah, said a small voice, but can we keep her that way?