The Spy and the Pussycat — Kimberly Zant

Can't you go any faster?" Andrea asked anxiously as she peered back at the men that scurried back and forth across the lot, some with flash lights, some moving unobtrusively amongst the parked cars. The latter soon moved off-to get their vehicles, no doubt. They couldn't be any more anxious than she was to talk to the police. She wasn't certain, but she thought she'd seen 'Ichabod' and his cronies, as well, turning into the mall as they had pulled out of the parking lot."Sure," replied her companion dryly. "If you want them all to know we're running. You might as well put a sign in the rear window while you're at it."Oh," Andrea said meekly, settling in her seat more comfortably when she realized that no one had seen their departure. She turned to her companion finally and extended her hand. "Thanks. I'm Andrea Wendt."He glanced down at her hand, gave her a rather piercing look then shook it briefly. "Ian Chandler."She noticed he didn't say she was welcome. She wondered if he was always so rude or if he'd dropped the accepted response to indicate that he was sorry he had helped. She cleared her throat uncomfortably, fighting the urge to apologize for involving him in her troubles. He'd involved himself, after all. After she's helped herself. When she hadn't really needed his help anymore. And, anyway, he was rude. And she hated apologizing to rude people because they never accepted graciously. They only used the apology as an opportunity to get in a few more digs, usually accompanied by 'I told you so's'. Not that he was in any position to do that."You can set me down just anywhere."He glanced over at her again. "Your place?" he asked in a carefully neutral voice. Andrea shuddered. "No!"I didn't think so. We'll go to my place. I have to get some things from there anyway."Andrea stared at him. Like she would go within a mile of some strange man's apartment! Another lunatic! Lord! The place must be overrun with them! "You can drop me off anytime … any place will do.