James motioned for Bobby to get behind him but to stay in sight. After all, he'd left her alone in there, in the dark and armed. He reached for the door and knocked.
"Mate, she can't hear you."
The silent man knocked again before opening the door. When he did, the two men saw a wide-eyed Sue trying to hold a very damp gun.
"Bobby!" she cried and tried to get out. It was apparent that she was in a bit of a jam. James held the tall Aussie back and began to help Sue. She moaned as she was twisted and turned out of the small space. It turned into a cry of pain as her legs were unfolded and began to wake up. She held on to James like a lifeline as he picked her up. Bobby hurriedly righted the couch and its cushions and the silent man placed her on it. Sue reached for her friend and he buried her in a deep hug.
James picked the gun up off the floor and put it with his others. The two men heard Hector knocking on the door. 'Right back.'
As the door opened, Bobby listened to the one sided conversation.
"Why'd ya lock me out? I got the dog."
A brief scuffle was heard. Levi came bounding down the hall and into Sue's lap. The Aussie opened his hug enough to allow her to hold the dog and yet stay within the circle of his arms.
"Whaddaya mean I can't come in?"
"Protocol?"
"I just want to see her one time. One time!"
"I know but…"
"Sheesh. I can never catch a break. First, I meet a great girl and now, I don't even know what she looks like. She's seen me without my shirt and everything…" Hector's voice faded away.
When James returned, Bobby tapped Sue on the shoulder and she looked up. He nodded toward the silent man who handed them a note pad signing 'Read.'
Please stay in the house for the rest of today. Rest as best as you can. I'll have some food delivered this afternoon so get some sleep.
My team will be doing clean up outside. They know you are here. It will be better if they don't see you. Safer for you and for them.
I am sorry about your cars. I couldn't let them know anything about you and it was the only quick solution. I will take care of getting them fixed…
Thank you. Not everyone would help in a situation like this. I know it was hard but without your help, it would have been much worse. You made it the best possible outcome.
I would like for our paths to cross again under better circumstances but you never know.
Thank you again.
James
They looked up to ask questions but he was gone.