Chapter 291
I watched, positioning myself to block the subdued man from view of the busy street not far away, warring with internal impatience as Buzzcut very intentionally used the breathing technique I'd taught him. Three short breaths in, one long breath out. As he relaxed, he lifted his foot pressing down on the researcher's neck ever so slightly, suddenly more cognizant of the pressure he applied. "Well, I was out, picking up groceries. Small goods merchant acquaintance was in the area, and since we're not supposed to use the online vendor unless it's an emergency, figured it was a good opportunity to stock back up before things go apeshit."
Somehow I resisted the urge to tell him to get to the foot on neck part. "Good so far, go on."
"Did my business, played it safe, and was in the middle of checking for tails before heading back when I uh..." He smiled apologetically. "Felt the pull. Realized you were nearby. And I know you've told the others, uh, that it's alright if they check up on you so long as they aren't seen and keep their distance—generally I'm better than that, not some needy child like some of the twits—"
"What have we said about judgment?" I asked him, keeping my tone soft and tranquil.
Displeasure reared its head for just a moment as Buzzcut grimaced, rubbing the back of his head. "To show kindness and understanding to my brothers and sisters, bearing in mind many of them come from more difficult circumstances than I do. It's a hard one for me, boss. But I'm uh... working on it."
"Thank you for acknowledging your shortcoming so frankly. Self-awareness is a necessary step to enlightenment. Continue."
"Sure, sure." He nodded emphatically, happy to move on. "Anyway, I felt the pull. Figured you were busy and didn't need me poking my nose in, but it was on my way, and I thought, 'what the hell, might as well swing by, make sure everything's on the up and up.'" He pressed down on the researcher's neck with his heel for emphasis, scowling. "Which was when I saw this dipstick skulking around like baby's first army ranger. Literally hiding in the bushes with a pair of binoculars."
"And you intervened," I finished, curbing a torrent of frustration.
"No sir. If looking was all he was doing, he never would have made my acquaintance. Got enough of a read on him to confirm he wasn't much of a threat, woulda just messaged you if you were on your own. But he started creeping up, real slow like, so I followed. And once I got close enough to make out the little one, bumped his threat level." Buzzcut scowled, lifting his foot to give the researcher a kick, pulling the blow at the last second. He replaced his heel on the man's back, suddenly anxious. "Did I overreach?"