Page 67 of The Fighter who Needed Me
He walked to the front door and made certain everything was locked.
He heard a noise behind him, and he whipped around, his knife in his fist and ready to strike.
Billy stood in the shadows and Brooks took a deep breath, “Come over here boy.”
Billy walked to where he stood and gave him a sheepish grin. “Sorry Brooks. I was just checking the salon. I heard what happened and Burk is a little worried.”
Brooks nodded, “I know. I am too. I doubt I will sleep much this night. I don’t want anything to happen to anyone.”
Billy nodded as well, “I understand. I would want to protect my girl too. Is Persephone all right? I know how much you struggled after she left. And I have not spoken to her since,”
Brooks gave a small smile, “She is fine. Hurt that her so-called parents and that man would go so far as to threaten all of us, so that she would have to go along with their schemes, but she knows I am here and that nothing will happen to her.”
Billy smiled, “I am glad for that. That you are back as well. I know we have all missed you. Mary and the children have as well.”
Brooks hung his head, “I need to see them. All of them. I just have been in such a state that I did not want to see anyone. It was my failing, not anyone else’s though. I wish I could fix the pain I caused to all of you, and someday I will.”
Billy shook his head, “I didn’t mean it like that. I do not wish to hurt you Brooks. That was not my intention. I just wanted to let you know the children long to see you. And meet your girl.”
Brooks gave a tight nod, “I shall bring her sometime. Soon, I hope. How has teaching been for you? Are you enjoying it?”
Billy brightened, “Very much. I have men older than me asking for my instructions. It has been thrilling.”
Brooks barked out a laugh, “Yes, I can imagine.”
Billy sobered a little, “Do you think I would do well if I fought for Carter? At least for a while? I want to make my name in the world. Make a fortune. I do not want to be known as a sewer rat, as an orphan my whole life. You know? I know you and Burk changed your story and didn’t just let your destiny die in the streets.”
Brooks put his hand on the younger man’s shoulders, “I think you would do well at Carter’s. You have the discipline and the speed to become a magnificent fighter.”
Billy grinned, “Truly?”
Brooks nodded, “Truly. In the morning ask Carter himself. I am certain he will want you. He has found some good fighters in the last few years. None as good as Burk and I, but I think you will change that.”
Billy grinned wider, “Thank you Brooks.”
Brooks laughed, “You are welcome kid. Go get some sleep. I will keep watch this night.”
Billy stood and walked upstairs. He had his own small room and Brooks was grateful he was not going to walk through the streets in the dead of night to get to the orphanage.
It was only recently that this had changed and, in his fury, and hate filled months he had not been around to help anyone or care.
It hurt. And he missed the dear children of the orphanage. He had abandoned them in their time of need and while he was certain Lily had gone a lot and that Burk had as well, he had let them down.
They looked up to him and he spent many hours there reading to them and taking time to talk to each and every child.
Letting them know they were loved and cared for. Not just by Mary. He needed to see them.
Before they left for the country. He needed his wife to meet them and to love them like he did.
He knew she wanted children and that she knew about the orphanage but seeing them in person was another thing.
He was resolved to be careful, but to take her in the morning. He knew they had to leave London, and it was hard, but they needed him too.
Brooks spent the night down in the salon, walking around the building all night and checking to make certain Reginald and Bruce would not come for them.
When the rays of dawn crept inside some of the windows, he walked up the stairs and crept in bed with his wife.
He stayed fully clothed, but knew he needed just a bit of sleep.
And so with her cradled in his arms, right where she belonged, he fell into a deep and dreamless sleep.
