Chapter 8 - THE SIX SECONDS THAT SAVED THEM
The police separated everyone.
Teddy was questioned.
The stranger was detained after officers investigated the reported threats and attempted coercion.
Marin sat in Dina's office with a blanket around her shoulders.
Her hands had begun shaking.
Aurelio stood near the door.
He didn't approach until she looked up.
“Miss Halloway.”
She nodded.
He sat opposite her.
“Thank you.”
Marin looked away.
“Pearl's okay?”
“Yes.”
“Teddy?”
“Being questioned.”
She nodded.
Aurelio studied her.
“You handled yourself well.”
Marin laughed weakly.
“I was terrified.”
“That doesn't change what you did.”
She looked at him.
“Did you know they were coming?”
Aurelio nodded.
“Pearl's call was reported to Nell. We contacted the police and came here.”
Marin closed her eyes.
He continued.
“We didn't know exactly what would happen.”
She looked toward the hallway.
“I thought they were going to hurt her.”
Aurelio nodded.
“So did I.”
For a moment, neither spoke.
Then Marin said:
“Gus always told me the first few seconds mattered.”
Aurelio looked at her.
“Gus?”
“My teacher.”
She smiled faintly.
“He's been making me practice strange things every Saturday for nine years.”
Aurelio nodded.
“Sounds like a wise man.”
Marin looked down.
“He says the point isn't to win a fight. It's to get out of one.”
Aurelio studied her.
Then said:
“I think I could learn something from him.”
She looked up.
He smiled faintly.
“Probably several things.”
Outside, the rain continued.
But the worst part of the night was over.
At least, Marin thought it was.
Then Nell entered.
Her expression was serious.
“Aurelio.”
He stood.
“What?”
Nell looked toward Marin.
Then back at him.
“We found something in the delivery van.”
Aurelio's face hardened.
“What?”
Nell swallowed.
“Documents connected to the November port agreement.”
May you like
Aurelio went still.
“And Garrett's signature is on them.”
