One step.
Another.
Then the threshold.
Lisa lifted both hands where Maya could see them.
“Hi.”
“My name is Lisa.”
“This is Renee.”
“We’re going to stay right here.”
Maya looked at them.
“Police?”
“Coming.”
“Don't touch me.”
“We won't.”
Maya stepped outside.
The door closed behind her.
She leaned against the brick wall.
Then slid slowly to the ground.
Renee crouched several feet away.
Not closer.
“You want a blanket?”
Maya nodded.
Lisa retrieved one from a saddlebag.
Placed it beside her instead of around her.
Maya pulled it over herself.
Inside, Frank realized Maya had been gone too long.
He started to stand.
Dale said:
“Sit down.”
Frank looked at him.
That was the first direct command Dale had given.
Roy shifted toward the aisle.
Three riders entered the diner.
Not surrounding the booth.
Taking seats near the door.
Witnesses.
Frank said:
“You're interfering with family business.”
Dale’s face remained expressionless.
“Then law enforcement will clear it up.”
“You have no right to hold us.”
“You're correct.”
Dale nodded.
“I’m not holding you.”
Frank stared.
Dale gestured toward the door.
“You can stand up.”
“You can walk outside.”
“I'm not touching you.”
“Neither is anyone else.”
Frank looked through the glass.
Ten motorcycles.
Riders scattered across the lot.
A pickup had parked near one entrance.
Nobody blocked the road physically.
But leaving meant walking through a crowd of people who already knew something was wrong.
More importantly, Frank did not know where Maya had gone.
The illusion of control had disappeared.
Dale continued:
“Of course, if you run…”
He lifted his coffee.
“…that may look interesting when deputies arrive.”
Roy whispered:
“Frank.”
Dale heard fear.
Good.
Fear often makes people reckless.
He wanted Frank thinking.
Thinking people move slower.
Frank said:
“Where is she?”
Dale shrugged.
“Restroom.”
“She should be back.”
“Maybe she's sick.”
“Carol!”
Frank called.
Carol appeared near the kitchen door.
“Yes?”
“Where is Maya?”
Carol looked confused.
“Who?”
Frank’s face tightened.
Dale almost smiled.
Carol was good.
Frank said:
“The girl.”
“Oh.”
“Bathroom.”
“Still?”
“I’m not timing customers.”
Frank stood.
Dale remained seated.
“You told me I could leave.”
“You can.”
Frank took one step.
The front door opened.
Deputy Kelsey Briggs entered.
Uniform.
Body camera.
One hand free.
Another deputy behind her.
“Evening.”
The entire diner seemed to inhale.
Dale stayed seated.
Frank stopped.