He took a swig of his drink. "It's been more recently. I think I didn't want to believe the rumors of what he's capable of, what he's done. "He rubbed the back of his neck with one hand. "But I'm older now. And I'd be a fool to ignore the proof right in front of my face. Including how he's treating you."

I stared at him dumbfounded.

A waitress interrupted my confusion. She sidled up to the booth, looking us both over like something she'd like to eat. Older, probably in her thirties, maybe a ...