Page 85 of When The Noise Stops

The barrel was steady on his chest.

"You don't ever put your hands on me."

"Lila," I called her name.

She didn't look at me.

The guy was shaking. Hands up. Dirt on his mouth.

"She's crazy, man. Don't—"

"I didn't let him finish," my voice came out low. Dangerous.

"Don't you say a word."

Lila's hands weren't shaking. She was really going to shoot him.

I stepped sideways until she had to see me in the corner of her eye.

"Look at me."

She didn't.

"Lila. It's Grizz. Put it down. He's on the ground. He's scared. That's enough."

"He grabbed me," her voice cracked.

"And threw me against the wall. My fucking head is throbbing."

"I know."

She started crying.

"He came in my house."

"I know."

"I told him to leave."

"I believe you."

I didn't reach for the gun. I put my hands where she could see them.

"Gabby's in the doorway. She heard that shot. You don't want her coming out here and seeing this. Give it to me."

That got through.

Her eyes flicked to my door. Back to the guy. Back to me.

"I promised. I'd kill the next motherfucker who hit me."

"You kept it. He's not touching you. Give it here."

She shook her head.

"I'm here. Remember what you told Ronny? You trusted me to handle Archie if he ever came near you."

Her eyes finally found mine.