“You think I’m scared of a woman who files paperwork for the government?”
Behind him, one of the men from his gym suddenly spoke.
“Travis…”
It was the first time any of them had interrupted him.
Travis didn’t turn around.
“What?”
“I think we should go.”
Grant spun toward the man.
“What did you say?”
The fighter rubbed the back of his neck.
“I said…”
“I don’t think this is a good idea anymore.”
Grant scoffed.
“You serious?”
“It’s one woman.”
The man didn’t answer.
He wasn’t watching me anymore.
He was watching my feet.
My hands.
My shoulders.
Trying to understand why nothing about me looked frightened.
Travis laughed again.
“My own teammates are getting nervous.”
He spread his arms toward the crowd.
“Look at this.”
“I haven’t even touched her.”
Several neighbors looked uncomfortable.
Mr.Palmer finally stepped closer.
“Travis.”
“That’s enough.”
“This is a family cookout.”
Grant pointed at him.
“Mind your own business.”
“It became our business the second you threatened her,”Mr.Palmer replied.
A quiet murmur spread through the crowd.
More neighbors began nodding.
The Caldwells were losing the room.
Grant saw it.
His face darkened.
“Travis.”
“End this.”
Travis smiled.
“You got it.”
Without warning,he shoved my shoulder.
Not hard.
Just enough to force a reaction.
Sophie cried out.
“Mom!”
