She backed away, straight into the ironwork fence. Wayward branches got in her face as Stahl's presence became overwhelming. He leaned in close and grabbed the rails. His eyes lanced into her with menace. His lips, however, did not cooperate. He tried to open them but nothing came out. He was debating whether to stop or go on. The heavy air between them hung humid and sickly sweet, typical New York summer. His mercy won out. As fingers smoothed over her ribs a small heart drew itself on white silk. Her pupils, already enormous, blew up and her breath stilled. "Harlee...I have nothing here" he whispered as he touched a fingertip to her chest. He did not know why he chose this particular revelation tonight. Albeit angry, he did not want to hurt her. Perhaps he hoped for forgiveness or a way out. And she gave it to him. Exploding with hatred she tore at his arms and spit on the asphalt instead of his face. "What the hell, Stahl? Don't you ever touch me", she hissed and pushed him away. He felt a hole open up in his stomach and swallow him in. He did not watch her go but leaned back on the fence where she was just standing and stared up at the sky. Don't look for help there, Robert. The Gods shun you, they have been for a while.