Identity Unknown by Terri Reed

world.”
    Staying to the shadows, they walked at a steady pace down the quiet residential street to the main street. Audrey led him to a steep staircase behind the mercantile. “My apartment’s up here.”
    He followed her up the staircase, curious to see how this woman lived. “You don’t live with your mom?”
    â€œNo. She lives in a cottage near the medical center.” She unlocked the door and stepped inside.
    He entered the studio, taking in the very feminine decor. Bright color spots popped against earth-toned furnishings. She’d carved out very distinct sections in the open studio space.
    Just inside the entrance was the kitchen and eating area. Whitewashed cabinets and stainless steel appliances took up one wall, while a small antique-looking table with folding sides and two wooden lattice-back chairs sat across from the stove and sink.
    For the living space, a well-loved sofa with plush throw pillows butted up against the exterior wall, and a glass coffee table sporting a stack of books sat on a round area rug covering hardwood floors.
    On the opposite wall above a six-drawer dresser, a television had been mounted on a swinging arm so that she could watch from the sofa or from the full-size bed decked out in shades of purple and pink bedding.
    A small vanity table laden with jewelry and makeup paired with a curved-back chair sat next to a door that he assumed led to the bath. The whole effect was impressive. She’d made the most of the tight space.
    â€œThis is nice,” he commented out loud. “Homey.” He couldn’t help but wonder what his accommodations were like. Did he live in a studio apartment or a house? Did he share his living space with someone? A wife? A roommate? Or did he live alone? He rubbed at the biting sting at his temple.
    â€œThank you,” Audrey replied. “I like it.”
    She pulled a duffel bag from beneath the bed then proceeded to throw some clothes from the dresser into it. She grabbed a few items from the bathroom. After zipping up the bag, she lifted the strap and dropped it over her shoulder. “All set.”
    â€œLet me take that,” he said, reaching for the strap.
    She stepped back. “I’m capable of carrying my bag.”
    He held up his hands. “Whoa. I didn’t think you weren’t. Just trying to be a gentleman.”
    Embarrassment charged across her face. “Sorry. I don’t mean to be testy. I’m always having to prove myself, and sometimes I forget that I can allow someone else to do things for me.”
    â€œYou don’t have to prove anything to me,” he assured her. “I’ve been impressed with you from the moment I awoke in the hospital.”
    Her gaze narrowed slightly as if she weren’t quite sure she should believe him. He remembered her disdain of charming men. He wanted to smash in the face of the man who’d hurt her.
    â€œWe should get moving,” she said briskly. “My car’s parked on the street.”
    He nodded and followed her out of the apartment. Her car was a beautiful early-model Mustang GTO in a metallic blue. The charcoal-gray interior looked brand-new. The passenger seat was comfortable. She started the engine, and the beast of a car growled. “Sweet ride.”
    She pulled away from the curb and headed away from the main drag. “I love this baby. I saved up for years before finally finding the right one. It has a V8 engine and had very low mileage when I bought it.”
    â€œNot very stealthy,” he commented at the rumbling beneath the floorboards.
    â€œYeah, well, I hadn’t expected I’d need stealth. But it will pretty much outrun any other car on the road.”
    â€œYou sound sure. What about in the snow?”
    â€œSnow tires.” She turned down a residential street.
    â€œDoesn’t seem like a practical car.”
    â€œI manage in the winter. I keep the trunk weighted.” She