Tired of explaining to people why he didn't want trouble.

I looked toward Derek's house.

"Don't move."

Henry smiled sadly.

"Easy for you to say."

"No."

I looked at him.

"It isn't."

He studied me.

"You've been through something."

It wasn't a question.

I nodded.

"A long time ago."

"What?"

"Things I don't talk about."

Henry didn't push.

That was one reason I liked him.

Later that week, Derek organized a public demonstration at Apex.

Someone invited half the neighborhood.

Derek announced that he would be demonstrating his skills.

I ignored it.

Until Charlie disappeared.

For ten minutes.

I found him behind Derek's garage.

His collar had been removed.

My heart stopped.

I called his name.

Charlie ran toward me.

Derek stood nearby.

He smiled.

"Relax."

I picked up Charlie.

"What happened?"

"He wandered over."

"My dog doesn't wander."

Derek shrugged.

"Maybe he likes me."

I looked at him.

"You touched his collar."

"I was curious."

"Don't do it again."

Derek stepped closer.

"Or what?"

I stared at him.

For the first time, I allowed him to see a little of what I kept buried.

Not anger.

Not fear.

Just certainty.

"Don't."

One word.

Derek stopped smiling.

For a second, something passed between us.

Then he laughed.

"You're weird."

I walked away.

That night, I called an old friend.

His name was Marcus.

He answered on the third ring.

"Jack?"

"Yeah."

"Everything okay?"

"No."

He was silent.

Then:

"How bad?"

"I have a neighbor."

Marcus laughed.

"That's all?"

"He thinks he's dangerous."

"Is he?"

"Not especially."

Marcus laughed again.

"Then why are you calling me?"

"Because I'm worried about what happens if I have to respond."

Silence.

Marcus understood.

"You've been out too long."

"I know."

"You don't owe anyone your old self."

"I know."

"Then don't become him."

I looked at the photograph on my desk.

"I won't."

The next morning, Derek challenged me publicly.

He stood outside Apex with several people around him.

"Jack!"

I stopped.

He walked toward me.

"Come inside."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because I don't train anymore."

"One round."

"No."

"Five minutes."

"No."

People started gathering.

Derek smiled.

"You're afraid."

I looked at him.

Then at the people watching.

"You're right."

The crowd laughed.

Derek looked surprised.

I continued.

"I'm afraid of what happens when people mistake violence for entertainment."

The laughter stopped.

Derek's face hardened.

"You think you're philosophical?"

"No."

"Then what are you?"

I looked at him.

"Retired."

I walked away.

Behind me, someone laughed.

Not at me.

At Derek.

His pride couldn't handle it.

That evening, I received a call from the police.

Derek had filed a complaint.

He claimed I had threatened him.

I told the officer exactly what happened.

He listened.

Then sighed.