Because I’m not done.
“You come near her again,” I continue, leaning in just enough that he can feel every word, see the rifle that hangs across my back, “and I won’t stop at this.”
He swallows.
The fight drains out of him in real time.
Good.
I release him abruptly, letting him drop back, stumble, catch himself just enough to stay upright.
“Get out,” I say.
He hesitates.
Looks at Maddie.
That’s his last mistake.
I step into his line of sight again.
Blocking it completely.
“Now.”
He backs up slowly, then turns, disappearing into the trees with far less confidence than he walked in with.
I don’t move.
Not until he’s gone.
Not until I can’t hear him anymore.
Only then do I turn.
Maddie’s standing exactly where I left her.
Eyes wide.
Breathing uneven.
Looking at me like she’s seeing me for the first time.
And maybe she is.
“You okay?” I ask.
The question comes out rougher than I expect.
She nods.
Then shakes her head.
Then just…looks at me.
“That was?—”
“Necessary.”
