"Says the guy in a vigilante costume," Dexter retorted before the kid tried to grab him.
He was good, Dexter would give him that. But he was rash and unprepared and Dexter slammed an elbow back, aiming squarely for the kid's ribs. He pulled himself free and turned, dragging the kid with him and slamming him face down against a rock.
"Now let me make this very clear," he leaned down, hissing into his ear. "I don't want to hurt you. You're of no interest to me. But I will hurt you if my freedom is at stake. I won't take any pleasure in it, I assure you, but I will do what needs to be done to guarantee my own survival. Promise to keep quiet now and I'll let you go. Keep up with the attitude and we'll have a problem."
He really hoped the kid cooperated. He seemed alright and Dexter had no interest in killing him. But surviving, that came first.