As far as Leah was concerned, the guy could keep everything that was in that purse. All of those things were replaceable; her daughter's life and her own were far more important. While she waited for the FBI agent to report the crime to her comrades, Leah crooned soft, reassuring words into the four-year-old's ear, forcing herself to smile when Marigold looked at her. She brushed the tears from the girl's frightened eyes.
Agent West turned her attention back to them, then, and Leah pressed her daughter's face back against her shoulder. Brandon worked for the police force, so it wasn't like she was a stranger to criminal activity, but it was nerve-wracking being in the presence of an FBI agent. Times Square was a very dangerous place on New Year's Eve, that was for sure. It made Leah wish she'd thought twice about venturing out on her own tonight. Didn't matter that she hadn't planned on going far. The walk from Bryant Park to Times Square wasn't that long, and look what happened in such short a time.
The other woman's words managed to comfort her somewhat, although Leah knew she wouldn't feel completely safe until she'd found her brother. "I'd say it's a pleasure to meet you, but," she gave a nervous laugh, glancing over her shoulder at the direction the thief had gone. "We're okay, I think. Just shaken up. I'm so grateful you showed up when you did." A shudder went through her, contemplating what might have happened had West not shown up.
"W-would... I hate to ask, but... would you mind walking with us the rest of the way to Times Square? I'm supposed to be meeting my brother. He's a cop," she explained, hating that she had to burden this woman to escort her. The moment the question was out, she regretted it. "Unless you're busy. I don't want to be a bother..."
It occurred to her then that she hadn't bothered to introduce herself. "My name's Leah, by the way. Leah Stone."