Julia swallowed stiffly. She pivoted to face him. "Listen mister. I need help. Would you drive me into L. A.? Fast, mister?"
He was hurt. He drew back. "I thought we could go.... I know a little place.... They know me there; we could eat, and—" He moved one hand pathetically.
Julia felt a flutter of thought. (There was still a tiny bit of residual power remaining; it was fading fast.) Walt was starting after her!
"Mister, for God's sake, can you drive me into L. A.? I've got to get some money out of the all-night bank!"
"... yes, of course, yes." He moved his lips without words. "I thought you'd understand. Your face.... Nobody does, really. How it is, I mean."
"Please hurry," she said. If I can just get a car before Walt catches me, she thought. That's the only way I can keep away from him. I've got to keep moving until I get my powers back; or until ... until ... what? Her lower lip trembled. She was cold and numb. Hurry! she wanted to shriek.
For a full minute Walt did not realize she was gone. When he did, he was relieved. He found himself trembling. Where did that demon go? Thank God she's gone; I—!
The thought of her, diminutive and infinitely superior, made him cringe. He was afraid of her. He wanted to cry.
Forential understands, Walt thought. If he were here now, he'd understand. He'd ... he'd tell me what to do.