Arrow Lake Down by the lake

In exchange for her deflected attention she was given two things before she snapped back to reality: the sound of footfall and the stranger it belonged to.

Slowly did this unknown man depart from the foliage. If his stiff legged stalk didn't betray his mood, the glower he gave her as he approached was a signed statement. Vale's gut flipped on itself and turned to lead into her belly. Whether it be the crackling air that followed him or something in his eye as it locked with hers, she knew the fine print on the document.

He was trouble. Spelled with a capital "T."

Trouble.

So much for her good luck. 

Mirroring him, Vale lifted her head and straightened her posture. Eyes narrowing at Mr. Trouble, an otherwise neutral expression crossed her face. Standing firm, she stunted the growing silence. See? I'm not that scary. Certainly not enough to be hiding in the bushes.