Chapter 5: +Chapter 5+
"Hey, sorry to startle ya but you can't sleep at the park." The old man that had walked up said quietly, keeping a distance from him.
"W-Who are you?" He asked in a tremulous voice, all of his trust gone.
"The hired security at the park," He reached into his coat and brought out a heavy-duty flashlight, momentarily blinding him with it. "You've gotta leave the park." He repeated.
Caspian winced and shielded his face with a hand, "I don't have a place to go, all my money was stolen."
"Well, shit, another one of you huh." He tutted, turning around. "Come with me then."
Caspian didn't move, frightened but wary enough not to believe anyone else. "W-What do you mean by that?" He asked, clutching his satchel tight and looking around like he was making plans to bolt.
"New folks to Haines are easy prey for the pickpockets at the station," The security guard paused to say, his shoulders hunched with age. "Now you either come with me so I can get you a place to spend the night or I kick you outta the park."
That made Caspian grudgingly get up, his satchel held tight for comfort. "How do I know that you're not also taking me as easy prey?" The security guard had already started walking, making him walk forward as well.
"Because I get nothing out of this," The security guard grumbled, walking rather quickly for someone his age.
When they got out of the park, Caspian could better see the gray streaking through the security guard's hair and bushy beard, the grime on his face, and his startlingly bright eyes.
"There's a hostel run by a friend of mine nearby, I could ask him to let you spend the night for free." The security guard let him know, his flashlight hidden in his bulky but worn-out overcoat.