Laura packed up her things and left work. She slung her bag over her shoulder, and headed out door. Just like every other Thursday evening, off to the train for her ride home. The first thing to catch her attention was the limo parked right outside the door. The second thing was the man in the tuxedo holding a sign reading "Laura".
"Can I help you?" she said, glancing around looking for an explanation.
"You must be Laura, I'm here to pick you up."
"Why...who sent you?"
"I can't tell you a name, my instructions are simply to drive you to your destination. Other than that, I am to give you no information, but at any time you wish leave, you just have to say so. I will drop you off anywhere you like." The woman wasn't about to trust a stranger in the middle of the city.
But, life was getting a little boring, "Why not, a little adventure might be fun, but anything funny and I'm outta' here."
The chauffer opened the door; inside Laura found a very nice spread. Champagne, a rack of top shelf liquors, a tray of fresh fruit, and her favorite snack, were all at her fingers. She dove right in, poured herself a glass, and eased the hunger pains that haunted her all afternoon. "I've got to remember to eat lunch," she thought to herself.
"How long 'til we get there?" she asked, finishing her first glass.
"Relax, it will be a little while," and Laura settled in for the ride.
She opened her eyes, pushed off a blanket, not knowing when she fell asleep or for how long, "Where are we?" It was almost dawn, the time when the line between land and sky is a deep purple. The color that royalty always wanted their capes to be, but could never quite get it right. They were driving across a large bridge, into a city she recognized, "it can't be, no way..." A single spire dominated the center of the skyline, two identical towers loomed at the end of the city, and further away a huge statue of lady holding a torch kept watch. "We can't be? Where the hell are we."
"I can't tell you ma'am, but you're fine, and can be home in minutes. All you have to do is ask."
The streets of Manhattan where quiet and the drive through central park was pleasant, while the limo wound its way through the maze of midtown. Finally the car came to stop in front of a brown stone, on a quaint, well kept, street. The driver opened the rear door, holding out a hand, and helped the gorgeous, if confused, lady to her feet. "I'll wait right here, until you're ready to leave."
"How long will it take to get back?"
"No time at all, ma'am, no time at all."
She knew it was a lie, but for some reason, she believed him. Laura climbed the stairs, and noticed it was not a single residence. There were several buttons next to the obviously locked door. She read the names, but did not recognize any. A look back at the street showed her, the limo was gone, "What the Hell". She read the names again, planning to push them all, or go home, but noticed her name next to one, "that wasn't there...whatever". She pushed the button. No reply came back across the speaker, only the buzz of the door that meant it was unlocked. Laura pushed her way in wondering what apartment she should go to. When she reached the front hall her question was answered. A line of rose petals, starting just inside the door, ran up through the hall and up the staircase. She followed the trail to the third floor, down a hall and to a plain looking door. Laura knocked hard and waited. Nothing. She knocked again.
"How was the trip?" the voice was right behind the door.
"Hello? Who are you?"
"Did you have a nap? You sounded tired earlier. I hope you got some rest."
"Yeah, I'm fine. So, can I come in?" The door opened, slowly, stopping about half way. Laura cautiously stepped inside. The room was lit by several candles, two in holders on the wall, others scattered around the room. U2's "With or Without You" filled the air. It was a modest apartment. The couch and T.V. were the obvious main features of the room. The "L" shaped room opened up to a dining area, with a large glass topped table under a very ornate chandelier. It was then that she noticed no one was there to greet her, "Hello?"