— “Eleanor. How are you holding up?” Eleanor was surprised: — “Mike? How did you find me?”
Mike looked sheepish: — “I recognized your car. Small town. I asked around.” He handed her the bag: — “Brought some ice packs and some of my wife’s homemade ointment. It works wonders on bruises.” Eleanor took it: — “Thanks, Mike. But you shouldn’t have come here.”
Mike sat on the porch chair, looking serious: — “I’m worried. Bill Vance… he’s a shark. He doesn’t stop.” Eleanor nodded: — “I know.” Mike looked at her: — “Eleanor, can I ask you something? Those moves yesterday… that wasn’t just ‘the service.’ I was 82nd Airborne. I know what a soldier looks like. You look like something else.”
Eleanor hesitated, then sighed: — “I was Special Ops. Counter-terrorism.” Mike’s eyes went wide: — “Special Ops? No wonder you handled them like children.” Eleanor smiled faintly: — “It was a long time ago.” Mike stood up: — “Eleanor, Bill is dangerous. You shouldn’t do this alone.”
Eleanor shook her head: — “I’m used to it.” Mike looked pained: — “Nobody should have to be. Let me help.” Eleanor appreciated the gesture: — “You’ve done enough, Mike. You don’t need to get caught in the crossfire.” Mike insisted: — “It happened in my place. I feel responsible.”
Just then, Eleanor’s phone buzzed. An unknown number. She answered, and Bill’s voice came through: — “Sleep well, sweetheart?” Eleanor’s face went cold: — “How did you get this number?” Bill laughed: — “I have friends in low places. We know where you live. Does that bother you?” Eleanor asked calmly: — “Is that a threat?”
Bill chuckled: — “It’s a courtesy call. Meet me in an hour.” Eleanor asked: — “Where?” Bill said: — “The old quarry behind the lumber yard. Come alone. If I see a cop car, things get ugly for your friend Mike.” Eleanor looked at Mike and said: — “I’ll be there.” Bill added: — “Don’t be late.”
The line went dead. Mike asked: — “Was that him?” Eleanor nodded: — “He wants to meet at the quarry. In an hour.” Mike stood up: — “We have to call the Sheriff.” Eleanor shook her head: — “No proof. He’d just walk again.” Mike was frantic: — “You can’t go alone!”
Eleanor thought for a moment: — “Mike, I need a favor.” Mike nodded: — “Anything.” Eleanor said: — “If I’m not back in ninety minutes, call the State Police. Not the local guys. The State Troopers.” Mike looked terrified: — “Eleanor, are you sure about this?”
Eleanor smiled, and for the first time, it was a hard, professional smile: — “I’ve done this a hundred times, Mike. I’ll be fine.” She went inside to change, and Mike stayed on the porch, praying she knew what she was doing. Eleanor came out a few minutes later, looking ready. — “Don’t worry, Mike. I’ll be back for lunch.” She drove off, leaving Mike watching the clock.
At the quarry, Bill and his crew were waiting. Eleanor pulled up and stepped out. Bill was standing in the center of the clearing, with Danny and Rick flanking him like bodyguards. Bill smiled: — “You’re on time. I like that.” Eleanor stopped ten feet away: — “What do you want, Bill?”
Bill walked forward: — “It’s simple. Get on your knees, apologize, and maybe I’ll let you leave town in one piece.” Eleanor shook her head: — “I’m not doing that.” The smile left Bill’s face: — “Then we do this the hard way.” He waved his hand, and Danny and Rick started to circle her.
Rick grinned: — “No cops here, lady. No witnesses.” Eleanor looked around: — “You’re right. No witnesses.” Bill said: — “Last chance. Apologize, and we’ll keep the hospital bill low.” Eleanor set her bag on the hood of her car: — “I already gave you my answer.”
Bill clicked his tongue: —
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