"I’m… me?" Jesse said, the words sounding silly even to him.

Lorraine let out a soft sigh and shook her head, turning on her heel to leave.

But before she could take a step, Jesse’s hand darted out, his fingers wrapping gently but firmly around her wrist, halting her.

"Don’t be stubborn," he said quietly. "It’s late, and it’s usually very quiet around here. Anything could happen. I wouldn’t forgive myself if something happened to you while you were waiting for a cab, ...