Gimme Shelter

Gillian is doing recon on behalf of homeless veterans. 300-word flash.

Gimme Shelter

“Don’t go there!” Steve Holmes told his new friend, Gillian Keep.
“Why not? It’s shelter for people like us,” she said.
“It’s not safe, don’t do it!”
Gillian shivered and wrapped her threadbare coat closer around her.
“Why isn’t it safe?”
“Not enough staff, so some of the more vicious types go there to rob you and worse.”
“I’m more cold than afraid,” Gillian said.
“Suit yourself, want me to come with you, I could keep an eye out. I don’t sleep much anyway.”
The woman smiled at Steve and patted his shoulder.
“Don’t worry about me, I’m tough!” Steve nodded doubtfully but let her go in and get a room.

Gillian had no trouble getting a room, in the women’s area. She laid down on the hard bed and was almost asleep, when she felt hands on her. She grabbed them in a tight grip and sat up.
“You looking for trouble?” she asked the would-be thief.
“Gimme what you got and there won’t be any!”
She stared at the tiny woman in her grasp, who growled and fought to be free. In one move, she was up and still had a hold on the woman.
“I’ll fight you for it,” she told her.
“Okay by me.”
Expertly, Gillian applied the most effective hand-to-hand combat moves that she’d learned in the Corps. In no time the other woman, was gasping for breath and completely subdued.

“Have it your way, sister. Didn’t really want your crap anyway.”
Gillian helped her up and left the shelter. She quickly found Steve in the homeless camp. She thanked him and gave him some meal cards.
Finding a cab, she headed home. She had real evidence of what was happening to veterans on the streets. It was time to make her report!