Page 6 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
Duggan’s exaggerated leer at Noel was meant to upset. “So, where’s the bullet hole, huh? If my brother means to shoot a man, he wouldn’t miss.”
Noel felt sorry for Mary at his point and took back control of the conversation. “The gun jammed, and I’d be damned if I was going to stand there and let him take another shot.”
Duggan looked at Ralph, “That happen? Your gun jammed?”
“Naw. My Glock’s an expensive piece of equipment. Those .45 APC’s don’t jam. It just fell out of my pants when I got punched.”
Duggan strutted aggressively toward Deputy Taylor. “Let him go, Deputy. You heard my brother. Looks like we got no problem after all.”
Noel heard Josie’s intake of breath, her faint whimper of distress. He interrupted, “That’s not going to happen, Duggan. I’m pressing charges. And according to the law, the officers have to book him.” Deciding a little name-dropping wouldn’t hurt, Noel added, “My cousin, District Attorney of Chenango County, Bill Harrison, a man well known in this state, can surely explain that’s just normal procedure.”
Noel saw the grin Deputy Taylor didn’t try to hide before he forced his prisoner to the outer door. He also recognized a man straddling the border of what and what not to do and was glad when the Sheriff chose to follow the law. “Guess that’s it then, Duggan. It won’t hurt the youngster to spend a night behind bars and sober up. There’ll be a bail hearing in the morning, and you can make arrangements for Ralph then.”
He reopened the door and waited for Duggan to take the hint, and then the two left together. But not before Duggan got in the last word. He moved into Noel’s space, his face almost touching. Noel’s nostrils pinched from the stench of alcohol on the other’s breath. “According to your story, you’re a dead man walking, prick. I’d take care of myself if I were you.”
Chapter Six
Shocked and still vibrating with anger and fear, Mary couldn’t believe the recent events. She went behind the counter and retrieved a key which she passed to Josie. “It’s your usual room, sweetheart. Go and get a decent night’s rest. We’ll get you a bus ticket in the morning. After this you have to leave, you know that, right?”
“I won’t leave, Mary. You know I won’t abandon Dad now. He can’t manage on his own.”
“He can move in here with me for a while. Until he’s back on his feet, I’ll help him with the everyday things. You mustn’t stay here. Ralph will get bail, you know it. And he’ll be after you again. This has to stop. He’ll kill you eventually, probably when he’s high on that crap he uses and has no conscience. You have to get away.”
“Easy for you to say. I have no money, no job. Where will I go?”
“I’ll give you some. This isn’t the time to let money stop you from escaping.”
“Oh, Mary. I love you for offering, but you have so little, and every cent goes to keeping these doors open. In this winter weather, so many of my friends rely on your hospitality. You can’t afford to help me.”
Forgetting about the stranger who’d returned from washing up, Mary jumped when his voice broke into their conversation. “I have money and whatever you need is yours. Trust me; I’ll be happy to help you.”
Mary’s loving heart opened wider as it embraced their defender… their angel. She stepped forward, her hand waiting. “I’m Mary Star. I own this place, and I’m so very happy to meet you, Mr. Bradford.”
“It’s Noel. And I’m glad I was here. No telling what that lunatic would have done if he hadn’t been stopped.”
Mary pointed at Josie’s face. “Here’s a preview. Last time Ralph got high, Josie ended up in the hospital with crushed and broken ribs.”
Mary watched as Noel approached the girl, his gentleness in direct contrast to Ralph’s earlier meanness. “I couldn’t help but overhear the conversation about you leaving, Josie. If you have any compassion, you’ll take pity on this poor fellow and do me the honor of accepting my help. I’ve a huge need to feel useful and more money than I know what to do with.”
Josie looked from Mary to Noel. Her face crumbled, tears welling from Noel’s kindness. “I don’t know what to say?” Shaking hands covered her trembling lips as she considered his offer.
Noel reached to lightly hold her shoulder. “Please, say yes, Josie. Look, if it’ll help, I’ll go and get my car, and we can go together; pick up your father too and head to the city. I have a huge apartment there on Fifth Avenue where I’m happy to have you stay as guests for as long as you want. Or, if you’d ratherhave your own place, we can eventually find you something close by.”
Josie spoke up. “Your wife might have something to say about that.”
“No wife, no girlfriend – no time for anything but work. It’s just me. And I’m all for it.”
“Mary?” In tears now, Josie couldn’t articulate properly. “What should I do?”
“Go, Josie. Collect Steve and go. He’ll be relieved to get you away from those lowlife Jones boys. You know he will. He still blames them for his accident. You have to grab this opportunity. Look, if it will make you feel any better, I’ll come with you. I’ll get Sara to take over here, and we’ll leave right now.”
Nodding, swiping at her face, gulping, Josie mumbled, “Yes, please come, Mary. Dad will listen to you.” She turned to throw herself into Noel’s suddenly open arms. “Thank you, Noel. You’re the answer to my prayers.”
***
Noel patted her back, feeling happiness seeping in to overcome the debilitating rawness of the last little while.
Thanks, Clarence.
