Justice Incarnate

"Watch it witch," a raspy voice threatened from the gutter.
Close enough, she thought, in both his advice and labels as she walked on.
"You need an escort."
She ignored the bogus offer, focused on her destination and purpose.
"Wasn't a question," the street rat persisted, falling into step beside her and earning Jaden's full attention.
She knew she could take him, or any other challengers. But something in his stance, his eyes, made her wary on another level. A flash of familiar came and went. A closer look only showed he wasn't stoned and the normal haze of scorn for a stranger was absent.
"I'm good. Just passing through."
"There's a price for that."
She knew all too well there was a price for everything. Just stepping outside could cost anything from a cell card to a life these days.
She turned to face him. "And you're the collector?"
He shrugged and sneered. "Seems like."
"So state your fee or get outta my way." She wanted that diary before her cursed nemesis destroyed it.
"In a hurry, pretty girl? Hmmm." He eyed her lazily. "Guess I should tag along and take my cut from whatever you want so bad you'll risk the street to get it."
She thought of killing him.
One sweep of hand to throat and he'd be gurgling in the gutter where no one would give half a damn when they found him in the morning.
She thought of using him.
A bold, sober, and not entirely stupid man might be helpful tonight. Quickly she rearranged her original break-in plan.
"If you can keep up, you can claim one item."
"Oh, baby, how can I refuse?"
He ran a grimy finger over her shoulder and she squashed the urge to break his arm, instead resuming her course. He'd soon learn she wasn't on the list of his possible 'rewards'.
As they approached the museum, her companion earned an ounce of Jaden's respect. He was smart enough to keep quiet. But when his steps slowed, putting him directly behind her, she spun around and instinctively dropped into a defensive crouch.
"Ease up, baby." He raised his hands slowly. "I'm just looking for the easy way in."
Jaden stood up, impatient with every moment of delay. "This is my game. You're only along for the ride."
"Don't I know it." He leered at her breasts. "But–"
"Nothing," she finished for him. "I'll get you in, and out if you're quick about your decisions."
"I've decided." He stepped closer and reached for her.
She whipped her foot out, connecting with the inside of his knee. Following him to the ground, she muffled his pained cry with her hand on his mouth and her knee on his chest.
"I pulled that kick. You're not permanently damaged." His eyes grew wide and wild. She tried not to enjoy his panic. "I have business here. I'll open the door. You walk in, choose your piece and get out. We'll have three minutes. If you're not out before me, you'll be on trial by eight and in jail by noon."