“Maybe you didn’t understand the offer.”
“I did. You’re threatening to cause harm unless I pay you to prevent the harm you’re threatening.”
One of his men mutters, “Mouthy bitch.”
Ron lifts one hand without looking. The man falls silent.
“You’re brave,” Ron says.
“I’m busy.”
“Bravery’s cute until it’s expensive.”
“So is your haircut, I assume, but here we are.”
Darlene inhales through her teeth.
For a second, Ron looks genuinely delighted. “Damn. I see why the alien hangs around.”
“Leave Kauss out of this.”
“There it is.” Ron points at me like he has discovered treasure. “Kauss. That his name? Sounds like somebody choking on a bone.”
My temper flares brighter than fear. “You came here to ask for money. Ask. Then hear the answer.”
“I heard it.”
“Good.”
“I didn’t like it.”
“That’s a personal growth opportunity.”
He straightens slowly. The theatrical ease drains from his posture, leaving something colder underneath. “Educate her.”
The first crash comes from my left.
One of the gang members sweeps an arm across the nearest table, sending cups, plates, and silverware shattering to the floor. The young couple jumps up, the woman crying out as soup splashes across her coat. Another gang member kicks a chair so hard it cracks against the wall. Mrs. Pell rises too fast, knocking over her tea. Mr. Eddison grabs his cane with shaking hands.
“Stop!” I shout.
Ron does not even look at the destruction. He watches me.
Darlene yanks the shock baton from under the register. A gang member sees it and vaults the counter before she can activate it. He catches her wrist and twists until she drops it with a sharp gasp.
I move toward her.
Ron catches my arm.
Not hard enough to bruise. Hard enough to remind me he can.
“Don’t,” he says softly.
My skin crawls under his grip. “Take your hand off me.”
His thumb strokes once over my sleeve, almost gentle. “You’ve got a lot of fire. Fire’s pretty. Fire also burns down the wrong house if nobody teaches it respect.”
I jerk my arm free. “Get out.”
