When he kept approaching her, Mandy kept stepping back, nearing the corner. She didn't know what to do. She certainly didn't want to run from Octavius, who was her friend, but she was getting so uncomfortable. He wouldn't leave her alone. Why wasn't he taking a hint?
When he spoke up, she brought her hand up and tried to ward him off without touching him. "Please step back," she requested politely with a frown. Then she shook her head. "It's not all useless and you know it. What's wrong with you, Mr. Pepper? Are you... sick? Did something happen?"