The stranger frowned.
“Do you need an ambulance?”
“I don’t think so. Just somewhere to sit.”
“What’s your name?”
“Carol.”
Mary hurried toward us with a glass of water.
Before I could take it, Christopher called from behind the counter.
“She’s leaving. She and that dog have already caused enough trouble.”
The stranger slowly turned his head.
His expression didn’t become angry.
That almost made it more intimidating.
He looked at Christopher for several seconds.
Then he asked, “You’re Christopher?”
Christopher straightened.
“Yes.”
The stranger glanced at Benny, still trembling against me.
Then back at Christopher.
“Does the name Victoria mean anything to you?”
Something remarkable happened.
Christopher changed.
Not gradually.
Instantly.
His face lost its color.
His posture stiffened.
“What did you say?”
“Victoria.”
Christopher stared.
The stranger made sure I was steady, then released my arm.
“My name is Steven.”
Christopher’s eyes widened.
