“Another hour of strained silence passed. Hawk left to speak with an aquaintance in another car.
"Would you like to tell me about it?" James offered as soon as his friend was out of earshot.
Mandy looked out the window, shamefaced. "I'd really rather not discuss it, if you don't mind."
"You know, even if he is a friend, I'd be happy to black his eye if-"
"No!"
"Whatever you say." He sighed resignedly, leaning back against the tapestry seats.”