It started the night Nora and Lisa had gone to see the movie True Grit. Nora had been very upset with her mother as she wanted to stay home and not spend the night with Lisa. She was jealous of the major and didn’t think her mother should be going out on dates with him. In her young mind, it was too soon. She didn’t want to lose her mother to another stepfather.

But Eloise was adamant. She was afraid of what Sam could do in a fit of rage, like his attack on Nora last September. Besides, it was unfair to have Lisa cross the expanse of the city twice in one night. Grudgingly, Nora finally accepted her mother’s demands.

Eloise and the major did return to her apartment around ten that evening. “Can I get you some coffee?” Eloise offered.

“Love some. Black is good.” A loud street noise caught the major’s attention. He spread the curtains open as a dark truck flashed by. It stopped at the end of the street, turned around and drove back, passing slowly in front of Eloise’s apartment before it came to a stop. The driver had a baseball cap pulled down over his face.

“Could he be Sam? What is he doing?” The major muttered as he watched the man roll down his window.

Eloise walked into the room with their coffee. “What are you mumbling about? What’s happening? Is it Sam?” Eloise shivered. She yanked the curtain further back.

Sam appeared to recognize her. His voice rang out loud and clear, “No one can protect you . . . remember that!”

The major pushed her behind him while the truck sped off. “You shouldn’t have to live like this. I’m calling the police.”

“No! Don’t . . . I can’t handle the police tonight. I don’t want any more trouble from Sam. I’m fine.” Eloise hung onto the major’s arm, her eyes pleading with his. She was thankful Nora was at Lisa’s for the night.

“I’m staying with you tonight! Not a word against it.”

“You can’t. Nora would have a fit if she knew you were here. Right now she doesn’t trust you or any man.”

“Nothing you say can persuade me to leave, but I’ll make sure I’m gone before Nora returns tomorrow. Tell me this. Do you still have your .38 caliber Special?”

“I do. Once a week, Lisa and I go to the firing range. Believe me, I’m good now, better than in September and I’m improving each week!”

“Where do you keep it?”

“It’s in the nightstand next to my bed. Nora knows about it. She’s promised not to touch it and I believe her. I always make sure the safety is on.” Eloise led him into her bedroom. She opened the drawer and pointed down at the handgun.