THE STRANGER AT THE GAS STATION

She looked down.

“Not yet.”

The SUV stopped at the opposite pump.

A large man stepped out.

The woman immediately moved behind Cole.

Cole looked over his shoulder.

“Your husband?”

She nodded.

The man crossed the wet concrete toward them.

“Maya.”

She didn't answer.

He stopped several meters away.

Then he looked at Cole.

“That's my wife.”

Cole remained between them.

“Then she can decide whether she wants to go with you.”

The man's jaw tightened.

“This is a family matter.”

Cole looked at Maya.

“Do you want to go with him?”

Maya shook her head.

Cole turned back toward the man.

“You heard her.”

The man took another step.

Cole didn't move.

For several seconds, the two men simply stared at each other.

Then a police cruiser turned into the gas station.

The husband immediately backed away.

He returned to the SUV, got inside, and drove away.

Maya exhaled for what seemed like the first time in a minute.

Cole looked at her.

“You need somewhere safe.”

She shook her head.

“I don't have anywhere.”

Cole looked toward the road.

“Friends?”

“No.”

“Family?”

She lowered her eyes.

“My sister lives three hours away. I haven't spoken to her in two years.”

“Why?”

Maya gave a bitter little smile.

“Because my husband made sure I stopped speaking to everyone.”

Cole didn't respond.

He walked back to his motorcycle and picked up his helmet.

Maya looked at him.

“Where are you going?”

“I'm taking you somewhere safe.”

She stared at him.

“You don't even know me.”

Cole put his gloves back on.

“I know you're scared.”