Page 36 of When The Noise Stops

She stepped back. Held the door open wider.

"You can come in."

Knox looked at me. I shrugged.

He came in.

Ronny watched him the whole time. Watched him set the plate on my counter. Watched him stand there like he wasn't sure what to do with his hands.

"Lila," she said.

"Does he know about the letter?"

I nodded.

Ronny turned to Knox.

"So you know about Archie."

"Enough."

"You consider Lila a friend?"

He nodded.

"I do."

"So if Archie showed up here today and tried to hurt my friend, I can trust you to beat his ass?"

He met her eyes.

"Into the ground."

Ronny was quiet for a long moment. Then she smiled.

"Good," she said.

"Me and you will get along."

She held up her hand.

"But I'm her best friend. And if you hurt her, I have people. And those people will find you."

I rolled my eyes.

"Ronny, you ask the man to protect me, then threaten him."

"I'm just saying," she held up her hands.

"I'm just saying."

Knox looked at her. Then at me.

"You have an interesting friend," he said, before he turned and walked out.

Ronny called behind him, "Bye, Mr. Motorcycle Man." Then she waited until his door closed.

Then she went straight for the plate.