His foot is raised to take the next step toward the house.

It won't move forward.

Several thoughts collide at once, the end result of which is Gabriel going very, very white and backpedalling with remarkable speed.

"I'mnotthatonepleasedon'thurtme," he exclaims all in a rush. He should've asked the other him for better descriptions of these people. What if she doesn't believe him? What if she orders him to-- he doesn't know, can't even think of what might happen. Too afraid and too busy backing away with his hands raised in surrender.