Chapter 4 - The Man Behind Him
Daniel twisted violently, trying to free his wrist.
The hand holding him did not move.
Behind him stood a broad-shouldered man in a dark gray coat. He appeared to be in his late forties, with short silver hair and a scar running from the edge of his left eyebrow toward his temple.
He had been sitting quietly near the back of the bus.
Until now.
Daniel stared at him with disbelief.
"Let go of me."
The stranger's expression remained calm.
"Lower your arm first."
"This has nothing to do with you."
"It became my concern when you raised your fist at a pregnant woman."
Daniel pulled again, but the stranger tightened his grip just enough to make him wince.
Several passengers finally found the courage to stand.
The construction worker stepped closer.
The nurse moved beside Emily.
The bus driver activated the hazard lights and began guiding the vehicle toward the curb.
Daniel looked around and realized the entire bus had turned against him.
"You people don't understand," he shouted. "She's manipulating all of you."
Emily remained frozen near the door, both hands over her stomach.
The nurse spoke gently.
"Are you hurt?"
Emily looked down at the red marks around her wrist.
"I'm okay."
But her voice said otherwise.
The stranger released Daniel only after forcing his arm downward.
Daniel immediately spun around.
"Who are you?"
The man studied him for several seconds.
"Someone who knows exactly what men like you do when no one is watching."
A strange silence followed.
Daniel's anger changed into suspicion.
"Have we met?"
The stranger reached inside his coat.
Several passengers tensed.
Instead of a weapon, he removed a worn leather identification case.
He opened it just long enough for Daniel to see what was inside.
The color drained from Daniel's face.
Emily noticed the change immediately.
"What is it?" she asked.
The stranger closed the case before anyone else could read it.
Daniel took a step backward.
"You shouldn't be here."
The man's eyes narrowed.
"Neither should you."
The bus stopped at the curb.
Its doors remained locked.
Police sirens could already be heard several blocks away.
Daniel looked toward the front exit, then toward the rear.
For the first time, he seemed less interested in controlling Emily and more interested in escaping.
The stranger moved between him and the door.
"No."
Daniel's jaw tightened.
"You have no idea what you've interrupted."
The man answered quietly.
"I know more than you think."
Then he turned toward Emily.
"Did he know where you were going today?"
Emily hesitated.
"No."
"Did anyone else?"
"My lawyer."
The stranger's expression changed.
"What is your lawyer's name?"
May you like
Emily answered.
And the moment she did, the stranger looked back at Daniel with sudden alarm.
