Chapter 27

**** Alyssa ****

“Are you alright, love? Do you need some help? Do you need me to call someone?”

I can’t imagine what the clerk here must think. I am covered in scratches, bruises, grazes, and mud, there are even twigs and other debris in my hair.

“Oh, umm. I’m fine, thank you,” I smile what I hope is an innocent smile. She bags my hair dye, scissors, ugly ball cap, and sunglasses. I even found colored contact lenses.

Add duct tape and a shovel, I’d look like I was planning a revenge killing.

“You’re running away?”

“Fancy dress party,” I reply lamely with another half-ass smile. Even I don’t believe me.

“There’s a shelter on 29th street. They’ll help you get on your feet,” the clerk replies. I’m dumbfounded for a moment as I haven’t considered a shelter. After gaping like a goldfish out of water for a moment, she adds, “They won’t make you go home. You’ll be safe.”

“Thank you! You don’t know how much that means to me.”

She gives me a warm smile. I thought people would jud