I was now against the bars. She released my leg and grabbed my coat again. Our faces were
close. I could smell her sour breath. She turned me sick with horror.
“What’s the matter with you?” I panted. “I’m going to get you out of here. You and the kid next door.”
“You’re not touching her,” she snarled. “They’ve done enough to her. I’ll stop you and I’ll stop them touching her again. Come closer, copper. I want to get my hands on your dirty neck.”
I tried to pull away, but she dragged me closer, her hooked fingers moving in little jerks up to my neck. She was so intent watching my face that she didn’t see that I’d drawn back my leg.
I placed my foot gently on her chest, then kicked out with all my strength.
She shot over backwards, the breath rushing out of her body. Released, I staggered to my feet, reeled against the wire screen. I was trembling, and could scarcely stand.
“That gave you a fright,” Edna Robbins sneered.
I went cold, turned.
Edna was standing just inside the grill. She was watching me. Her small, sharp nose looked pinched, her eyes dangerous.