—Mabel—

The ride was a quiet one.

Angelina's words kept replaying in my head as we drove past the streets of Washington.

“Are you OK?” Ruth asked.

I nodded, but I was far from alright.

Ruth placed a hand over mine on the chair. “Mabel.”

I met her gaze. “Angelina sure knows how to spoil the mood,” I murmured.

“She’s after your peace. Don’t give it to her.”

We exchanged a smile.

“Thank you for standing up for me back there.”

Ruth gave my hand a squeeze. “You're ...