"You ran into robbers last night?"
Evelyn Ford was silent for a few seconds before nodding.
"I don't mean anything by it. Fighting back against robbers is self-defense, especially since times have changed. I just wanted to remind you to be careful. Building C next door had a home invasion, and a lot of people are dead. Those robbers are vicious. You shouldn't go out for the time being."
Evelyn Ford looked at Officer Graham. She was surprised that he would go out of his way to warn her at a time like this.
Evelyn Ford never liked being indebted to anyone. She went back inside, grabbed a bag, and handed it to Officer Graham. The plastic bag was still stained with blood; it was part of the spoils she'd taken from the robbers' assault boat last night. Officer Graham took it and opened it. Inside were two heads of Chinese cabbage.
"You don't have to give me this. I didn't warn you just to get something in return."
"I know. Just think of it as a give-and-take."
