Page 15 of The Midnight Bakery
‘Yeah, and what’s it to you? We have every right to…’ The man trailed off at a nudge from his mate.
William nodded, acknowledging the wisdom. ‘Just call it a night, that’s all I’m asking. That way no one’s in any trouble.’
For a moment, William thought the mouthy one was going to make something of it, but then, with a broad grin, he slapped William’s arm as if he had just told the funniest joke ever. ‘Come on then, let’s get going. These two have no sense of humour.’
He pushed past William and went swaying off down the street, pitching against the woman as he did so. ‘Oopsie.’ He giggled.
William watched until all three men were well on their way before turning his attention to the woman still standing stock-still. ‘I’m sorry,’ he said. ‘I don’t suppose they meant any real harm.’
‘And that makes it all right, does it?’ The woman was tiny, particularly in comparison to his bulk, and much older than he’d first thought. In fact, her hair was as grey as his, tied back into a loose plait. William had an overwhelming urge to pick her up and carry her back to safety.
‘No, it doesn’t make it okay at all,’ he replied. ‘But it seemed like something I should say.’ He held out his hand, palm uppermost in submission. ‘I’m William. Tactless, but basically harmless.’
The woman jerked her head in the direction the men had taken. ‘Friends of yours, are they?’
‘Hardly.’
‘But you know them?’
‘I’ve had the dubious pleasure of their company this evening, but that’s not the same thing.’
The woman gave him a long look, ignoring his hand with an audible sigh. ‘Thanks,’ she said. ‘It was good of you to intervene.’ She moved to stand inside the doorway, steadying herself against the door frame. ‘Bloody hooligans,’ she added, her face pale as she stared down the alley.
‘Aye…idiots,’ William agreed. ‘Too much booze to remember their manners, let alone anything else.’
‘So, I’m supposed to ignore them simply because they don’t know what they’re doing?’ She bent to pick up what William saw was the remains of a sandwich, now lying on the floor, its filling spilled onto the cobbles. ‘Thatwas my lunch,’ she said pointedly. Then she tutted. ‘I suppose I should be grateful it’s just my lunch that’s ruined.’
William bent to assist her, scooping up some fallen lettuce. ‘You didn’t deserve anything to be ruined. Don’t be grateful to them for—’ He stopped suddenly. ‘Sorry, I’m not trying to tell you what to do.’
‘Good, because I’m not grateful, I’m bloody furious that people think it’s okay to throw their weight around…and insinuating that because I don’t find their so-called humour funny, there’s something wrong with me.’ The woman stared at him, holding his look for a second before dropping her gaze.
‘Are you okay?’
She swallowed. ‘Yes, I’m just…I’m not very good with confrontation.’
With the light behind her, her face was in shadow, but William could see enough of her expression to know that she was far from all right. She looked badly shaken.
‘So how come you were at the club tonight?’ she asked, holding out her hand for the remains of her sandwich. ‘If you don’t mind me saying, you look a little older than the average raver.’
William grimaced. ‘I work there as a doorman.’
Her mouth flattened into a thin line. ‘I see.’
William shrugged. She obviously didn’t approve of his career choice, but he couldn’t blame her. He didn’t think much of it either.
‘That must be fun.’
‘What can I say? It’s not how I’d choose to spend my evening but I don’t question how others choose to spend theirs.’
The woman studied him for a moment, her expression inscrutable. ‘Sorry,’ she said. ‘I didn’t mean to give you the third degree when you were only trying to help. I don’t get any visitors, it’s usually just me and the night – quiet, calm and peaceful. I am grateful to you, though.’ She looked down at her hands still holding the remains of her sandwich. ‘I should get back inside – I’ve got work to do. And a cup of tea which is probably stone cold by now.’
‘Then take a few minutes and make yourself another,’ he replied. ‘That wouldn’t hurt, surely?’ She stared at him again and he suddenly realised it might sound as if he wanted one too. ‘I’m going to do the same,’ he added, moving slightly away. ‘It’s been a long night.’
She nodded, her expression closed and still tight with anxiety.
William wracked his brain for something else to say. He ought to go, but he also felt the need to stay. ‘Listen, I’m sure there’ll be no repeat of earlier, but make sure you keep this door locked.’
‘I’m never bloody opening it again. I don’t usually, and it’s always locked. I just wanted some fresh air; it gets hot in here. I guess I won’t be doing that again. Thanks, guys.’ Her gaze dropped to the floor.
