I take another look in the mirror, and I see that he's got a hand up her skirt while he's trying to lick her tonsils. And she's hardly moving, and not SAYING anything. I'm starting to think that maybe he doctored her drink; nothing like Rohypnol or anything like that: she isn't completely out of it like that crap does to a person. We stop at a light, and I can finally see her eyes: it's like she's begging me to help her; I mean, I can SEE that she knows what's going on, but just can't do or say anything for herself.

That's it. That's all I need before I pull over and tell the guy "Look, mister – I told you, she's a regular fare, and I don't think she looks right. I think maybe you need to get out so I can get her home safe."

He starts bitching and fussing, and I finally tell him "Look, either you get out now, or I hit the panic switch I've got up here, and you can explain to the cops what's wrong with her, and why you're going home with her. If you ain't outta my cab in five seconds, I'm hitting the switch."

He gets real pale, which tells me that I'm probably right: he's drugged her, and still has the stuff on him – and it's probably something the cops would recognize if they found it on him. He opens the door and gets out before the five seconds are up. I've got no panic switch, but he doesn't know that. He's real pissed off when he wants to know how he's supposed to get another cab. I tell him "Turn right at the next light, and down a couple blocks as you'll be at the Kings Arms Hotel; they've always got a couple cabs waiting there."

He slams the door, and starts walking; I don't mind the noise or the names he's calling me – I just pull out and take Edith the rest of the way home.

When I pull up in front of her apartment building, I call in the end of the fare, and tell them I'm going off shift. When I get the OK, I shut the engine off and get out.