Right Villain

"Come on honey. We're going. We're catching the next plane out of here."

"And go where?" Ryan asked calmly.

"Anywhere. Doesn't matter. Away from here. I got money. Credit cards. Somewhere she'll be safe." He tugged her hand again but she wasn't budging. "Come on honey. We're getting out of here."

"I am not leaving. I am not running."

"What? Of course, you're leaving." Chris looked at Daffy for support. He shrugged his shoulders and his lips twitched before he spoke, "Might as well sit. We've been all through this with Annie. A number of times. She refuses to leave."

Chris leaned down, looked into her face. "This is your life we're talking about, sweetie. You're not safe here." He held her hand tightly.

She shook her head. "I'm not leaving my home. Prowitt is not running me out of my home. No one knows how long I'd have to be gone. Ryan and Daffy will keep me safe. They'll figure something out." She waved her free hand. "I'm staying. My life is here. I am not leaving."

He wanted to shake her, convince her to go, but he could see her mind was made up. He rubbed his hand over his mouth and chin. Ryan and Daffy exchanged a look.

"You don't go anywhere without backup." He looked over to Annie and Chris.

Annie sighed. "But we have plans."

"Don't care," he said. "Those plans now include an extra person. Wherever you go."

"Well, darn," Annie said. She looked up at Chris. "I'm sorry. This isn't exactly how I planned your furlough."

"Not your fault, sweetheart. And this isn't furlough. This is forever. I'm not leaving, I'm settling. How long?" he asked. "How long do we have to hide out?"

"How about until we know you're safe?"