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He sneered. “You don’t understand the trouble you’re in. The danger that took Elise is still out there.”
“I’ve swam in rougher waters and survived. And for the record, I don’t need advice from a thug!”
Conversations dwindled to hushed whispers, forks paused mid-air, faces tensed. The air felt charged with violence. People stared at me. The waitress froze, her tray of empty glasses quivering.
Achille took a step forward. The guitar strap slipped off and the case hit the ground. He slid a strand of hair across my burning cheek. Then he swept down my jaw. When he reached my collarbone, I flinched.
“It’d be a shame if the world lost your sweet voice forever.”
My breathing shallowed. “Is that a threat?”
“Just stating facts. It’s a dangerous world out there. Consider it a friendly warning.”
“I don’t need your warnings. I’ve fought battles you know nothin’ about.”
He leaned in, his breath hot against my ear. “I suggest you leave town.”
I laughed bitterly. “You think I want to live here? I hate this horrible city. Y’all are the worst people I ever encountered.”
“I don’t care what you think.”
He released me. As he pulled away, a wintry smile flashed on his beautiful face.
Tears stung my eyes, blurring his strong profile like a nightmare fading at daybreak, leaving nothing but cold dread. I turned toward the rest of the bar, zeroing in on a group of smirking men. The bouncer grabbed my elbow, dragging me to the exit. Achille’s mocking drawl called out after me.
“Oh, and Bumpkin? There won’t be another warning.”
SEVEN
VIOLET
’Round here, the law was as handy as udders on a bullfrog. I called the police as soon as I got home. At first, the officer on the phone was sympathetic. Mentioned Achille’s name, and it was like I’d started speaking in tongues. Click, and he was gone. I spent the whole night stewing.
The next morning, I woke up with a throbbing headache. After a quick breakfast, I took Jack to the park, hoping the fresh air would help. The playground buzzed with carefree sounds. Jack’s sneakers crunched gravel as he zoomed down the metal slide, laughing.
“Auntie, did you see that?”
I smiled. “Sure did. You’re like a shootin’ star.”
“Watch me go even faster.”
I chuckled. “Alright, Mr. Speedy.”
He rushed to the slide, a bundle of energy and giggles. I watched him, my heart heavy. Elise should’ve been here, her laughter mingling with his.
Perched at the top of the slide, Jack called down, “Ready?”
I gave him a thumbs-up. “Show me what you’ve got!”
Whooping, Jack slid down. He landed at the bottom with a triumphant flourish. “Did you see? Did you see?”
“You bet. You’re like lightning. If you have a race, you’ll win first place.”
Jack’s eyes widened. “Really? Like a race car driver?”
“Exactly. You’d have the shiniest car on the track.”
Jack raced across the playground. “And it would be red and go vroom vroom super fast.” He dashed to the slide. “Look, Auntie. No hands.”
