“Some people?” Mitch repeated, crossing his arms. “Really?”
“Ma,” Josiah said, tugging her sleeve to get her attention, still not done with his curiosity. “Are they like your friends? Like Mr. Tyler?”
“Sort of,” she managed, forcing a smile. “Now, let’s go inside.” Roxie quickly ushered the boy into the building toward her apartment door, which she opened and tried to gently urge Josiah inside. “Why don’t you head inside and wash up, okay? I’ll be in soon.”
“But-”
Roxie didn’t have to turn around to know the men had followed them and were watching her every move. “Go on, sweetheart,” she said, handing him her phone. “You can play that game you like.”
His protests immediately forgotten, Josiah beamed, already halfway lost in the excitement of screen time. “Okay! Bye, Mr. Tyler! Bye, o
