I knew Derek didn't lack empathy--he couldn't forget what he'd done to that kid who attacked Simon. But it was like what he held some weird list of checks and balances, and if you got on the wrong side, like Tori had, he had no problem 'kicking you on the curb,' to face whatever fate waited. I said. I stood and brushed off my jeans. When Simon rose, I thought he was going to stop me. Instead, he followed me to the door. Tori caught up, and we made it into the next room before Derek jogged out, catching my arm with a wrench that yanked me off my feet. I winced and peeled off his fingers. He dropped my arm quickly, realizing he'd grabbed my injured one. A long minute of silence, then, He turned to Tori. Tori said. She flushed and snapped,