You can't stay

You shake your head as you look down on her sad little elfin face.

"I'm sorry, Meghan. I can't stay. I have to go home." She bites her lip to stop it trembling her eyes tearful.

"Please sir...please...Master. I'm afraid to be alone," she looks up at you, her eyes pleading. "If you won't stay, will you take me with you. Just for tonight. I won't cause trouble. I'm just...afraid."

You look at her, holding her petite blanket wrapped body, feeling it tremble. You feel some responsibility for her, and some guilt at what happened tonight, and make a decision. You nod at her and see the trembling beginnings of a smile.

"Alright, I'll take you. Go get whatever you need," you say and help her to her feet.

"Thank you sir. Thank you so much Master," she says with tearful gratefulness.

"Come on, chica, I'll help you," Elena says, rising and putting an arm around the tiny redhead, the two of them disappearing down the hallway.

You phone your wife to let her know what's happened and that you're bringing Meghan. She reacts with her usual calm assurance and says she'll start getting things ready for your guest. That done, you phone Jim Gavin at home.

When he answers you fill him in on the events of the evening, not omitting your dalliance with Elena. He listens, making occasional thoughtful noises, until you're finished.

"Best thing to do, taking her home. Poor girl's had a tough day. Best to make sure she keeps away from Eileen too. She won't be able to get to her at your place. I don't know what that woman's capable of, and I don't want to find out at Meghan's expense. How are you feeling?"

"Responsible. Partly guilty."

"Hmm, can't be helped. What's important now is to see she gets better. How long can she stay with you? Is Laurel comfortable with the situation?"

"You know Laurel. She rises to the occasion. I don't know how long Meghan will want to stay. She's pretty confused."

"Tell her to take a few days off. I'll have HR put her on sick leave. No one knows she said she was quitting except that Amanda girl, and I know how to keep her silent. I'll arrange for a temp to fill in for Meghan. Unless you want Amanda of course."

"No, I've had her, and I'll have her again probably, but I don't feel like dealing with her conniving right now. A temp will be fine. I'll see you tomorrow."

"What about you? Do you want to take a day off?"

"I'll see how I feel after a night's rest, but I missed most of today and I've got a lot to get done," you say, ending the call as Meghan and Elena come back, both of them holding overnight bags, Meghan with a stuffed rabbit under one arm. You look at them, a question in your face. Elena steps towards you, smiling but with a hint of uncertainty.

"Hey vato. I don't like to say this but I'm a little scared of being alone tonight. Any chance you got room for one more? You said last week that your wife wouldn't mind too much. How about it, vato? Can Elena tag along?"