Unknown in Paris

He arrived at the scene and was immediately greeted by the blair of sirens. Then again this wans't exactly a novel occurence, ever since the prime minister had been assassinated crime rates had shot through the roof. Fortunately, he was a detective with the police and had secure connections. He had never realized how important a simple gold metallic badge could be until recently. It was midnight and anyone caught on the streets without proper identification was at risk. Paranoia had become a very tangible thing that everyone had to deal with. What exactly the risk was remained questionable but he had heard gruesome stories. Perhaps there really was nothing out there but no one seemed willing to take that risk. The whole city of Paris normally bustling with tourists photographing the Eiffel tower and other marvels was virtually lifeless. What was once lively and prosperous had turned into a wasteland where one could hear the echoing of one's footsteps on the cobblestone streets at night. The alleyways were filled with old flyers advertising performances that took place months ago. He picked up a flyer advertising Madame Toussaird's Dance Show scheduled for May, 14 2020...that was 6 months ago. A lot had happened in that amount of time and everyone was still reeling in the aftermath.

His thoughts were interrupted by the chief of police calling him"Hey, Jason, willya come over here an take a look at this, this is a crime scene, we aint messing around." He hurriedly walked over wondering what he would find, for some unknown reason he felt a distinct sinking feeling as if a stone had just been dropped in his stomach. An empty capsule of lipstick lay on the ground along with a black sequined purse. Then he saw what appeared to be a hand reaching out from behind a large green dumpster. A woman was laying on the black asphalt her hair spread around her face like some sort of tragic halo. She was strangely beautiful as she lay there; she was wearing a simple black dress with gold metallic heels. Apparently, she had been going out somewhere but where would she have gone, no one got dressed up anymore and there was no where to go at this time of night. He immediately wondered if she was dead, but if she was then she would have been taken away immediately to the morgue. He quaveringly asked the chief of police; "Is she still alive?" "I honestly dunno" was his reply, "that's why we called you here" "Well I'm only a detective, I wouldnt really know..." and his voice trailed off. He checked her pulse and detected a faint heart beat. He then searched her purse and found some identification. Her Id said Carmen Jeners; there were about 20 $100 bills in her purse along with a fake passport. He sensed that she had a hidden past. Turning to the chief of police he said "I'm sorry but she's dead" as he pocketed the contents of her purse. He knew that if the police discovered who this woman was she would be better off dead. Meanwhile he was constructing a plan that would lead her to safety.