Killer Kiss

Please go away, the girl's timid request was almost lost beneath the grumbling of the train hurtling along the subway. It's a free country, sweetheart, I ain't doing nothing but sitting next to you. But it was clear from the man's leer and the disgusting way he looked the teenager up and down that he had other things on his mind. The car had plenty of other free seats he could have sat in. His decision to take up that particular one spoke volumes about his intentions. The girl stood, gathering her purse close to her chest, and moved to a different row. A second later, the older man followed, stalking her like she was prey. This time, he took up the spot across from her, fingers grazing across her bare knees. She flinched away, tugging her legs to one side, and steadfastly stared out the window. Like a kid who hoped that if she couldn't see the problem, it wouldn't exist. Come on now, sweetheart, I just want to talk to you. Pretty little thing like you, you must have been like me talking to you all the time. You know, I'm a talent scout for movies and TV. I think you have a look casting directors would really like. My company can make you real famous. I fought the urge to roll my eyes. The man's dirty sweatpants and falling apart sneakers hardly screamed successful businessman. To her credit, his attempt didn't sway the girl. She didn't so much as glance at him. She was holding it together as best she could. But her bottom lip trembled. Her entire posture was so rigid with stress and fear. It was visible to me, even from across the car. She was barely old enough to be on the subway alone. She definitely wasn't equipped to deal with predators like this creep. I waited for the middle-aged businessman a few seats ahead of me to stand up and say something. He probably had kids her age. When he didn't move, I focused on the young guy who could have just stepped out from beneath the squat rack at a gym. Surely he'd noticed what was happening. He was right next to them. There were half a dozen men between me and the scene going down who could have stepped in at any minute and told this asshole to back off and leave the girl alone. Yet, none of them did. There was a whole lot of shifting and sinking down on their seats, diverting their gazes to things less uncomfortable. Some took out phones and acted like being busy playing Candy Crush was an excuse to not call out the problem right in front of them. The train pulled into a station and the businessman got up, walking straight past the creep without so much as saying a word in his direction. Unbelievable, I muttered to myself, putting my knitting needles down on my lap. I called out to the girl. Excuse me, miss, there's a spare seat over here next to me. The girl's head jerked in my direction, relief flooding her expression. She was on her feet, practically running down the center aisle before I even had time to stand up so she could get past me. She climbed over me to sit by the window, giving me a wobbly smile. Thank you, she whispered. I nodded, anytime. The man twisted and scowled in my direction, clearly pissed off that I'd ruined his fun. I lowered my gaze, diverting my eyes back to my knitting. Knit one, purl one, knit one, purl one. I chanted the pattern over and over in my head to keep myself focused, my needles clacking together with each stitch. Despite my best efforts, I was still well aware when he stood and moved to the seat behind us. His hot, disgusting breath kissed the back of my neck. I could get you a modeling contract too, pretty lady, with those tits and those legs, mm-hm. A whimper escaped the girl next to me, and I reached over and took her hand. Ignore him. I need to get off at the next stop. I'm scared he'll follow me, she murmured, low enough I barely heard her. I chewed that over for a second, then took out my phone to search for a number. Hitting the call button, I twisted to stare at the man behind me. Yes, officer, I asked when the woman on the other end answered. I'd like to report a man for harassment of a minor and request officers be at city station when the 305 train comes in. I believe he'll get off there to try to follow the girl. You're full of shit, the man accused, his bushy eyebrows drawn together in annoyance. There's no one on the line.