PART 2

I didn’t punch him.

I caught his wrist in the air.

I held it. That’s all. I held it the way you’d hold a door that’s about to slam on a child’s fingers.

With my other arm, I pulled Riley behind me into the hallway.

“Let go of me!” he roared.

“Let go of her first,” I said quietly. “You already did. Good.”

He swung at me with his free hand. It caught me on the cheekbone. I tasted blood.

I didn’t hit back.

I let go of his wrist and stepped backward into the hallway, keeping Riley behind me. I raised both of my hands where everyone could see them.

“I’m not fighting you,” I said, loud enough for the whole hallway. “I’m keeping her safe until the police come.”

The two teenagers on the stairs had their phones out. They’d recorded everything.

The old woman across the hall, Mrs. Dombrowski, opened her door wide. “Bring her in here, honey. Both of you.”

On the phone in my hand, Officer Faust’s voice was very calm.