Snippet #1650583

Saul watched as Tabby approached him, her chin high like she had a nasty smell under her nose, her long fast stride screaming "don't mess with me." Even when she drew alongside him, he waited, still leaning against the car. He met her eyes, as she passed, but this was going to be no standing confrontation. He'd make no effort to block her way, just say what he had to say. After that - she could do what she liked, and he'd sleep soundly.

"Tabitha," he said, clearly, as she walked past, "I shouldn't have said that today. About you can't get a fuck and should put a bag on your face. I guess I over-reacted. It was just stupid."

He did not move, did not unfold his arms. She could turn, or keep walking, even (as he expected) flick him the finger. His code was satisfied. Whatever came next, if anything, was her call.