"I told you no means no, but you didn't listen, did you." Yelling at him isn’t enough so I run in and kick him.
Then I dash down the hall in the direction that Henrik and the two men took, for fear Jackson might get back up. I make it to the bar when I see Aria. She is waving me over and pushing my coat and purse at me.
"Oh god, Morgana, are you okay?"
"Yeah, Aria, just a little shook up. Thanks for trying to set me up with a rapist by the way!"
She flinches at my sarcastic line.
"I had no idea. When he dragged you off like that I got nervous and talked to Kelly one of the waitresses here and she told me he has a habit of taking what he wants no matter what. God, I have worked here for a year, how did I not know that?" She nervously looks at her hands as if they hold the answer before continuing, "Anyway, I grabbed your phone and found Mr. Payne's number. I would have called your father or brother but they live too far away."
"Fuck. I can't believe he came. He hates me. I better go and see if he's all right. Thanks for calling someone, Aria."
She gives me a sad smile and nods as I walk out the door. I notice Henrik on the curb lying on his side. I scurry over to help him up. Noticing he has no coat I quickly take off my scarf and sit beside him on the sidewalk to wrap him in the little scrap of warmth I can offer. I wonder where his coat is as he just has a cashmere sweater keeping him warm against the bitter winter cold of Chicago.
I hold him for a while until I feel him relax a bit.
"Let me help you to your car and I will drive you to the hospital."
"No I don't need a hospital. Just some bruises and cuts, they'll heal. I didn't bring a car, just ran here."
I look around and realize we are at least fifteen blocks away from his neighborhood. While that is a short drive it would be at least a ten minute run. Perhaps he is used to running but I can't imagine without a coat in this weather?
"Let me grab a taxi."
I hail one down in no time as they swarm the bars at night waiting for a drunken fare. When we get inside I place his head in my lap and ask him his address again as I don't remember it off hand. He just moans in response so I finally give the driver my address.
After paying the cab I get him out and do my best to open the door and that's when I smell it. He's been drinking. For a man who has rules and does not drink (except the holiday party – which still makes no sense to me) I seem to catch him quite often drunk. The driver must have noticed my struggle because he helps me into my building all the way to my apartment. We make it to my bedroom and place him on my bed. I give the driver an extra ten for the help.
"Did he hurt you?"
Henrik mumbles to me as I walk back into the bedroom from seeing the driver out.
"No. Thank you for coming to help. I am quite surprised you did."
He is curled up on his side as I make my way to face him. Henrik smiles and looks up at me while squinting.
"I'm surprised too but as much as I never wanted to see you again I couldn't let anyone hurt you. In fact, if those two guys had not shown up I would probably be facing murder charges right now."
"But if you did that, it would just make it easier for me to take your job," I joke but he's not laughing. His smile disappears and he turns his gaze onto my clock.
"It was a joke, Henrik. Not a very good one, but still a joke. I don't want your job ... well not if I have to hurt you to get it."
His eyes snap back to my face and he winces as he adjusts his position.
"But you admitted that you knew Bechmann was showing up so you could get me in trouble."
I just stare at him and roll my eyes. I'm no martyr so I can't take him hating me. If he is mad that is one thing, but hate is too strong even for me. I shake my head and walk into my bathroom to retrieve the first aid kit. Once I return I get down on my knees in front of him and try to lift his sweater to see where he is hurt, but his arm grabs my wrist.
"Why did you lie to us-- or did you, Morgana?"
I sigh and turn my head to face him. He's confused and I'm a liar. I lied to Evaleen and I lied to Henrik. As much as I don't want Henrik to lose his job I don't like to lie. It is unsettling.
"So you wouldn't lose your job, Henrik. As much as I want to get into the Executive Development Program -- and believe me I want it almost as much as I want cake-- if you lost your job with the company it would not just hurt you but also the people at Mimir. Even if they hired a great executive to take your place I honestly don't think that person could ever do as good of a job as you. Mimir is like family to you and it would be their loss if you went away. If I got fired, well ... it may be a nuisance for you to have to find another assistant but the company would be fine without me. If anyone has to leave, it's best for the company if I leave."
Henrik remains quiet for a minute staring at me. I try to raise his shirt again but his hand continues to push it away. Finally, he begins to sit up so I help him until he is standing.