“I’ve listened enough. I’ve heard all I need to know.”
“You know what’ll happen if you go out that door?”
Instead of answering, he gave her a vicious jab with his elbow. It caught her in the side and she groaned. But she wouldn’t release her hold on him. He jabbed her again as she went on dragging him backward. She grunted and held him more tightly. It was as though she wanted him to keep jabbing her, to take it out on her.
“If you don’t let go,” he hissed, “you’re gonna get hurt.”
“Go ahead and hurt me. You got both arms free.”
“You’re askin’ for grief.”
Her breath came in grinding sobs. “I’m askin’ you to listen, that’s all. Just listen to me. I want you to go in your room and pack your things. And then I’ll walk you to the streetcar. You’ll take that ride uptown. And you’ll stay there. With her.”
His arms fell limply at his sides.
Bella relaxed her hold just a little. “Will you do it?”
He was looking at the door. He didn’t say anything.