He stares at me for another few seconds, then gets back in the Tahoe.He doesn't peel out.Doesn't slam the door.He just leaves.Calm.Controlled.
Which is worse.
Because it means he's not done.He's just regrouping.
I turn to Carla.Her face is pale, her hand is still inside her purse.
"You okay?"I ask.
She nods, but she's lying.She's barely holding it together.
"That was him," I say."Randall.The guy you've been running from."
"Yes."
"He's not going to stop.He's going to come back.Tonight.Tomorrow.Whenever he thinks he has an opening."I step closer."And he's not going to try talking next time."
"I'm not stupid."
"I didn't say you were."
"Then what are you saying?"
"I'm saying you can't stay in your apartment alone tonight."
"Yes, I can."
"Carla."
"I have a gun.I have training.I can handle myself."
She's a Marine.Two tours in combat.She's tough as hell.But tough doesn't mean invincible."But he's not going to come alone.He's going to bring Adam and Gordon.Maybe others.And you're going to be outnumbered."
"So what?You think I should just run again?Pack up and disappear?Start over somewhere else?"
"No.I think you should let me help."
"How?By playing bodyguard?By hovering over me like I'm some damsel in distress?"
"By being there.So you're not alone when he makes his next move."
She shakes her head."I'm not your responsibility."
"Maybe not.But you're my neighbor.And I'm not letting that asshole hurt you."
"You don't even know me."
"I know enough."
"You don't know anything."Her voice cracks."You don't know what he's capable of.What he did to me.What he'll do if he finds out you're involved."
"Tell me."
"No."
"Carla."
"I said no."She finally takes her hand out of her purse."I appreciate what you're trying to do.I do.But I'm not dragging you into this.It's my problem.My mess.And I'm going to deal with it."
