Josie stiffened, black eyes flashing. “I don’t…”
“Take it,” he ordered, pushing the bills at her. “We got us a deal here. You ain’t gonna cut off your nose to spite your face, are ya?”
She looked like she wished she’d never agreed to this unholy pact, but he wasn’t surprised when she caved, taking the dough. One could always count on human greed. Real loyalty was rare. He kept his face pleasant even as he seethed, gently shifting papers when he’d much prefer punching something or someone, that punk Jimmy for even thinking Hannah would go anywhere with him. “Good work. Stick close. Let me know if you hear anything new.”
“Dames have their place and it’s about time you learned yours,” Johnny yelled at Hannah. “I asked you a simple question and instead of answering, ya tell me I have no right to ask. How about I fire Jimmy, send Charlie back?”
She eyed him warily. “Why do you have to challenge me? I hate Charlie and you know it so please don’t threaten me. Jimmy works for me and if you fire him, I’ll hire him right back.” Her thoughts continued to circle around Johnny’s question. It was obvious even after all these months he didn’t believe she’d accidently found out about her son. And, it was even more obvious, he didn’t trust Jimmy.
“You will, will ya. I will get to the truth.” His sensual lips were rigid as he stood over her, staring as if he meant to penetrate the inner recesses of her mind.
Refusing to be cowed, she stood her ground, not about to get Jimmy in more trouble. “It’d be better for us if you’d drop this. Stop ordering me around, acting like you own me.”
“I do own you, you stupid bitch,” he said. Lashing out, he smacked her.
She glared at him, refusing to react by touching her stinging cheek. Instead, she passed him with a swish of her skirts, chin high. “You said you’d never hit me again.”
“It was just a smack. Don’t lie to me, Hannah—ever. You won’t like the consequences. I’m outta here.”
“Good!” She was glad when the door slammed and he stomped out. Angry, she threw the compact she was holding to the floor. She cringed when the glass shattered. What was wrong with her that she kept provoking him? That she couldn’t be more amenable? Nothing was right anymore and she didn’t know if it would ever be again. Attempting to pick up the broken shards of glass, she cut her finger. The blood oozed red and fast as the hot tears that pricked her eyes. She placed her finger in her mouth to stop it, sucking on the salt of it when she heard a knock at the door.
She opened the door and peered out cautiously. It was Jimmy. She wiped her eyes and breathed a sigh of relief that he hadn’t just crossed paths with Johnny.
“Jesus, I saw the bosses’ car pulling out. He was drivin’ like a maniac,” Jimmy strolled right past her, turned to look at her when she closed the door. “Hey, is that a welt on your face?”
“I’m fine.”
“Yeah, is that why you have a hand print on your cheek?” He cursed, moving closer.
She moved away. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Damn that fucker. I hate that he hurts you.”
“He doesn’t do it unless I provoke him alot.”
“Shouldn’t ever.” He reached out, touched her cheek. “He has no right to hurt you.”
“I’m okay.” She playfully flicked at the buttons on his shirt, teasing his chin with her red fingernails. She stroked his cheek, his chin, confessing what set Johnny off. “He’s like a tick on a hound. He won’t believe I found out about my son by accident. Thinks someone betrayed him and that thought makes him crazy. I’m stickin’ to my story but you’ve got to be careful too.”
Jimmy paled. “I had no idea you didn’t know when I said something.”
“Don’t worry. It doesn’t matter how it came out. I’m just glad it did. I would never have suspected Johnny of lying to me like that and I appreciate your honesty.”
She gave him a hug, trying to comfort him as a friend. And, like an idiot he couldn’t help but respond to her touch, her scent, her closeness. Closing his eyes, he sighed wistfully. He ached so, trying not to think of how much he wanted her and then she kissed him.
Jimmy tried to act like nothing had changed, but everything had. Dreams could come true. Waiting for Hannah’s show to be over, he told Josie how he felt. “I’m tellin’ you, she’s not going to put up with him much longer.”
Josie told him he was a simpleton. “Women’s been puttin’ up wit mens actin’ dat way since time began. Besides, she got a good thing with him, where she gonna go dat be better?”
“With me.”
“Oh boy, youse gots it bad. If you weren’t such an idiot I’d be scart for you.” She shook her head, choking on her laughter.
“What if I told you she kissed me? A real kiss. She said she loved me too.”
Josie gaped, and snorted. “You crazy, boy. Hannah just be that way, affectionate. I am sure she meant it different than you be thinkin’.”
“That’s what you want to believe. But one of these days if we’re gone, you’ll know I was right.” Jimmy was annoyed Josie didn’t believe him. “Hannah confides in me. She said I make her feel good. If that ain’t the same thing as sayin’ she likes me, I don’t know what is. She’s seein’ me as much more than a friend. She trusts me.”
Josie snorted. “You say.”
“I know! She said she appreciates my honesty. Next thing, she’ll dump him and I will be right there to pick up all the pieces.”
Josie gasped. “Boy, dat kinda thinkin’ will bring nothin’ but trouble, big trouble and you’ll be cut to pieces.”
Jimmy laughed. “I’d take any trouble for Hannah. Workin’ for Gallo taught me good. I’ve never wanted nothin’ as bad as I want her. Eventually she will come runnin’ right to me and my arms will be wide open and waitin’.”
“I hope not, for both your sakes,” warned Josie as she nervously tidied the already neat room.
When Jimmy wasn’t needed to drive, he did what he’d always done, hung around the warehouse, helped when needed, loading trucks, sweeping, playing cards with the fellas. Ever since ‘the kiss’, he’d been riding on air, humming more, dreaming more and thinking of ways he could make Hannah see what he already knew for sure. That they were meant to be together.
He knew there were obstacles. She was scared of Gallo and loathe to leave Brooklyn, but Jimmy knew if he showed her he meant what he said, he just might win the day the next time Gallo manhandled her. So, he listened and observed, determining the best start to a plan. If he could get something on Gallo it would be just the insurance he needed to spring Hannah loose from the creep.
The evening of Tuesday, October thirtieth, opportunity called. Gallo was away on business, Hannah was home asleep. When Jimmy walked into the warehouse, Charlie was playing cards with Turk and two other fellas. “Hey, look who it is. Boy must be creamin’ his pants havin’ his girlfriend all ta himself.”
Jimmy winced, his devotion to Hannah more transparent than he’d thought. “She ain’t my girlfriend.”
“Just wish she was,” said Charlie. “Huh, boy?”
“Who wouldn’t?” Roach, a skinny, pockmarked Puerto Rican wiggled his tongue obscenely.
Jimmy pulled up a chair and sat down, but not before his neck heated red with anger.
“I like ya kid, wouldn’t want to see ya get inta somethin’ that could only hurt ya.” Charlie eyed him closely. When Jimmy refused to look back at him, Charlie cackled. “Get it fellas, wouldn’t want the kid ta get inta somethin’.”
Ignoring Turk’s warning look Jimmy’s face got redder as he grew angrier. “Shut up. I’m sure the boss wouldn’t like you talkin’ about Hannah that way neither. She’s a nice girl, a class act, so knock it off.”
Charlie surprised him, apologizing. “You’re right kid. She is one classy piece of twat, bought and paid for a hundred times over. Has the boss by the cajones if ya ask me, squeezes ’em tighter all the time too.”
“You don’t know what the
hell you’re talkin’ about so shut up. Gallo don’t deserve her.” Jimmy looking fierce told Roach to deal him in.
“And you do, is that what you’re sayin’ kid?” Charlie’s weasel eyes narrowed. Suspicious, his voice rose. “You’re madder than a wet hen and it shows. Dangerous stuff, dangerous talk comin’ from a punk.”
“Enough, Charlie,” said Turk. “He works for the girl. He’s loyal to her.”
Turk had warned him that the boss didn’t appreciate his devotion to Hannah. To keep his priorities straight.
“Boss expects his people be loyal to him.” Charlie studied Jimmy intently.
“I work for her and she’s a lot prettier, more deservin’ too.” He knew he sounded testy.
“Ain’t a good way ta feel. The boss signs your paychecks.” Charlie wasn’t smiling. “You should know which side your bread is buttered on, boy. If the boss can’t trust ya to look out for his interests…”
“I look out for Hannah. She’s his interest...unfortunately.” Jimmy’s temper was brewing.
“Shut up, kid,” Turk barked. “Keep your yap shut.” To Charlie he barked, “Stop provokin’ the kid. He’s young, hotheaded and a little stupid.”
Charlie kept his squinty rat eyes on Jimmy. “Let’s hope he wises up quick. That this little attachment don’t come back and bite him on his ass.”
“I’m outta here,” Jimmy said, his concentration splintered, scowling. He’d lost two games and paid up. Turk was upset with him and it was obvious he wouldn’t have a snowballs chance in Hell of sneaking upstairs to look around. He had no idea when Gallo was expected back. “You don’t need me here so I’ll head home, call it a night.”
“Nah, don’t go.” Charlie gloated as he swept up his winnings and popped open a beer. He stood, stretched and belched. He threw Jimmy some keys.
Jimmy caught them. “What’s this for?”
“Make yourself useful, work off some of that mad, boy. That dumb ass maid called in sick and the bosses’ upstairs office needs sweepin’.”
“Ya think that’s such a good idea, Charlie? Ya know the boss don’t like just anyone up there.” Turk looked nervous, sweat beading on his upper lip as if he suspected what Jimmy might do and didn’t approve.
Charlie was sure. “I’ll be responsible if the boss has a problem with it.”
Jimmy blinked, not believing his good luck. Hiding a smirk, he hurried upstairs, whistling. As his mother once told him, love always found a way. Damn, if this wasn’t proof that someone was watching over him, rooting for him, then absolutely nothing was right.
21 CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
She woke alone. Johnny was still away and someone was banging on her front door. Her head beat a syncopated rhythm along with the persistent tapping. Groaning, she spotted the clock and cursed. Gee whiz, banana oil! What idiot would dare knock so early? She debated ignoring it, but hopped like a grasshopper over the messy obstacle course of clothes and shoes to put on her robe. By the time she reached the door, she’d already visualized five ways to kill whatever obtuse idiot was on the other side.
“What the…Jimmy?”
Jimmy grabbed her, swinging her in a full loop-de-loop before putting her down. He grinned like a baboon as he closed the door. “I said I’d watch your back. I meant it. Here.” He bowed with a flourish, excitedly handing her a small brown book.
She took it, opened it. “My bank book. How’d you get this?”
“It was like takin’ candy from a babe.” Chuckling gleefully, he claimed an angel was watching over them. “Charlie invited me to clean Gallo’s office. I had to pick the lock on his desk, but I got the goods, sweetie.”
Sweetie? “What goods?”
“Let’s just say, I bought us…you a ticket to freedom. And grabbed some stuff the coppers might be interested in if Gallo tries anything funny later—insurance.”
She stared at him, horrified. “Why?”
“For you.”
“Jimmy, that’s crazy,” she said, unnerved. “You better put everything right back before Johnny finds out.”
He looked stunned. “Don’t you see? You don’t have to feel trapped, or put up with that sonofabitch anymore. I expect you’re surprised, but gee Han, I did it for us.”
“Us?” What was he talking about? Even sleepy and without at least two strong cups of joe she felt wide awake now. “Jimmy, I never wanted you to steal.”
His face fell. “It ain’t stealin’ when you take somethin’ back that’s yours to begin with. He’s the thief, Han. It ain’t right he treats you like he does. Didn’t I tell you I’d help you? Now, I’ll tell you my plan.”
“Your plan?” She felt numb.
“Yeah, I know you don’t wanna leave New York, but just hear me out.” He pulled out several rolls of fifties out of his pocket and flashed them. “I got the means now.”
“Jimmy.” She couldn’t believe this.
His boyish face was intense. “Next time he leaves on a trip you pack up what you wanna take. I’ll have it picked up and shipped out. I got a fella workin’ on getting us passports with new names and as soon as you give the word, we can leave the country until the heats off.”
“You’re kidding, right? Jimmy?”
“No. This is our chance.”
She wanted to shake him, but shook her head instead. She heard noise, footsteps. She realized they’d left the door open. Nervously she rushed to close it. She hoped whoever had been outside hadn’t heard anything. She and Johnny gave their neighbors enough to talk about. “Jimmy, I can’t just up and leave.”
“What about the next time Gallo hits you? He will, you know.”
She leaned against the door jam. “You are a good friend, but I think—”.
“Don’t say it, I know.” Jimmy’s jaw tightened. “You don’t feel about me, like I feel for you, but it doesn’t matter. I want you to be safe…happy.”
She crossed her arms, rattled. “Oh Jimmy, I’m happy enough. Granted Johnny’s got a temper and we’ve got our problems, but nobody’s got a perfect life.” She glanced inside her bank book and noted the amount inside. It was enough to start over, but not enough for the kind of life she was accustomed to.
“Think about it, Han. Promise me you’ll think about it, about us.”
She stared at him as if he’d sprouted antennas out of his skull, hands out of his ears. “Don’t be silly.” She drew a deep breath, held it, let it go, struggling. “There is no us Jimmy. There can’t be.”
“Because you don’t love me, right?”
She sighed, wondering how things had gotten so out of hand. “I do love you Jimmy, but there are all kinds of love. Things aren’t that simple. Johnny is…he’s…not that bad.”
“Not that bad!” The hurt welled up, fresh and fierce. “Johnny’s not just bad, Hannah, he’s evil. You have no idea who he really is, where he goes, who he knows, what he does. And, let me tell you, Han, he’s not nice, not even close.”
“Jimmy, you said you respected him, wished you could be like him.”
“That was before I saw how he treats you. Even if that bastard never lifts another hand to you, he won’t be happy until he whittles away at your spirit and chips away at you until nothing’s left. How can I sit by and watch that?”
“Stop it Jimmy. Johnny loves me and I—”
“Johnny doesn’t love – he owns. I thought you saw that?”
She didn’t want to examine the things Jimmy was saying, didn’t even want to think them. She didn’t want her world crashing down around her. The truth was she had no where big enough in the world she could go if Johnny didn’t want to let her go. Her confidences had obviously given Jimmy the wrong impression. Her kiss false hope. Jimmy’s actions, well, they put him at risk. She’d put him at risk. Instead of being flattered she was scared, angry at him but mostly at herself.
“Enough, Jimmy. Maybe I want Johnny to be the man I thought he was. And maybe our lives aren’t perfect but I want you to put back what you took right away. And pleas
e don’t interfere when it comes to Johnny and me ever again.”
Jimmy looked stunned by her vehemence. “You’re makin a mistake. No one will ever love you like I will.” Hurt swimming in his eyes, he grabbed the bank book out of her hands and pushed past her, slamming the door behind him.
Hannah waved away Shotzi’s hovering cigar cloud as he pushed through the curtain to begin the evening monologue. The stage hand made a last minute check. They had ten minutes until show time. She only hoped her throat didn’t dry up between the smoke, incense and jiggy-rigged fog machines set up for the Halloween show.
Josie came running out holding her feathered cuffs.
“Oops, good thing you remembered those, Jo. Where were you earlier?”
“I’m here now, ain’t I? And, what’s dis? I might as well hold up a beggar sign and stand outside with a tin cup.” She pulled out a white envelope filled with ten dollar bills and waved it in Hannah’s face.
“Don’t be silly. You’ve been workin’ six days a week, not counting the nights you help me. Consider it a treat, a bonus, but you’re taking it.” Hannah smiled, insistent.
“But, Mr. Gallo already paid me. You always are giving me things; gifts, money.” Josie looked uncomfortable.
“I have it, you don’t. You do so much for me and we’re friends, friends help friends. Plus, Johnny has plenty.”
Josie stuck the envelope in her pocket, but didn’t look like she felt good about it. Needle and thread in hand, she began making last minute adjustments to Hannah’s sleeves, hands fast as a piston, lips pursed she said, “Stop wigglin’like a flea on a hot skillet, will ya girl? Oh, your man said ta tell you he won’t be back tonight after all. Sounded real sorry.”
Hannah sniffed, peeved. Johnny had been due home earlier today and had never showed or called. “I’ll bet. When was this? Again, he didn’t call me himself.”
“Now don’t you be startin’ gal. It ain’t like he’s out runnin’ around on you.”
The Songbird with Sapphire Eyes Page 26