26.5

“That’s why I wanted you to have a security guard,” Kyle insists, recalling the conversation we had many times when the guys opened Hades’ Men Corp. I didn’t need a security guard back then, and I don’t need one now.

“We’ve talked about this,” I dismiss. I’m not going to have a shadow following me around, especially at school. “And you’re forgetting something very important,” I add, as my last thought reminds me of something crucial.

“What?” Raffi asks.

“We’re in a school district, full of teenagers. I might just be the unlucky one who was picked today to be targeted. Let’s not overreact and jump to conclusions.”

“It’s a possibility,” Seth says with a shrug.

“Great,” I clap my hands. “Now, can one of you give me a ride home?”

“I have to go back to the office,” Kyle says.

“I’ll stay here and wait for the tow truck,” Seth says.

“Looks like it’s just you and me, babygirl,” Raffi smiles and approaches, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and guiding me to the door, stopping to grab my purse on the way. “See you later, idiots!” He says his goodbyes and the other two leave the room so I can lock it.

I look at Raffi, confused.

“Work, wait for the shop, or hang out with you?” he lists with his fingers. “There’s only one right answer, which makes them”—he points to our friends—“idiots.” Raffi winks at me, and I hear Seth and Kyle complaining that some need to be responsible as we walk through the hallways to the exit before saying our goodbyes.

***

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As soon as Raffi starts the car, the radio kicks on to a rock station, with Coldplay’s “Viva la Vida” coming through the speakers. My friend joins in with the vocalist, pretending the steering wheel is a drum, and as his voice fills the car, I lose myself in thoughts, replaying what happened.

I try to recall exactly what happened when I arrived at the parking lot. I was talking to another teacher, and only when I approached my car did I see what had happened. Even then, I don’t remember seeing anyone around. I’m almost certain it was some teenager; we’ve never had cases like this before. They usually write messages on dirty windows or draw obscene things, sometimes they lift or even break the windshield wipers. But what if it wasn’t? What if someone was actually behind this? Is my life really in danger? What would have happened if someone had been waiting for me inside the car or lurking nearby?

I don’t realize I’m bouncing my knee up and down until Raffi’s hand closes over it. His warm touch begins to soothe the anxiety that was starting to take over my body.

“Don’t worry, babygirl. You’re probably right, and it was just some kids with nothing better to do, but today has been intense and our nerves are on edge,” he says, glancing away from the road every few seconds to look at me.

“And what if it wasn’t?” I ask, my voice coming out more tremulous than I expected.

“If it wasn’t, then now both you and we are on alert. Nothing will happen to you, Brooke. You’re safe; it would be foolish to challenge us.”

I nod in agreement. The three of them left the Marines with the highest honors, and that was one of the main reasons for their company’s astronomical success.

“Pay attention,” his tone is serious, something I almost never hear, and I understand the importance of what he’s about to say. “Nothing will happen to you, babygirl, so don’t let that pretty head of yours think up nonsense!”

***

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We had dinner together for the first time in days—spaghetti Bolognese, courtesy of Raffi.

“I want to learn how to defend myself,” I declare, and three pairs of eyes turn to me. I’ve spent the last few hours thinking about this, about how they all rushed to help me because they considered me defenseless, and they were right. Kyle has often insisted that I should have a security guard, but what if I didn’t need to be saved by anyone?

Even though the possibility is slim, that I was in danger because of the guys who were fired, I’m in danger every day. I try not to think about it and the statistics that say my life is always at risk simply for being a woman, but I no longer want to feel powerless. I want to walk confidently, knowing I can keep myself safe.

“It’s a good idea, not because of today, but it’s always good to know how to handle yourself,” Kyle says.

“I can teach you, Little Bee.”

“It’s important. I’d feel more at ease knowing you can defend yourself against any potential threat,” Raffi adds, and is met with murmurs of agreement.

“I thought I’d encounter more resistance,” I comment.

“I don’t see why. We should have offered this years ago, actually,” my childhood friend replies.

“We can give you complete training—shooting and self-defense,” Seth says with a smile, looking from Raffi to Kyle.

“It would be interesting—shooting and self-defense,” Raffi adds.

The three of them start outlining a training plan enthusiastically, as if I’d given them an early Christmas present. They mention a few things I have no idea about but apparently will learn soon.