by SUE FINEMAN
Luke shared a long look with Laura, and she shook her head slightly. As a cop, Bobby was right down there next to worthless. If this was the best Kingston had to offer, they could be in big trouble.
Luke checked Laura’s apartment to make sure that guy didn’t slip inside when no one was looking, then helped Bobby search around the motel. Laura insisted on going with Luke and he agreed. He wanted her where he could keep an eye on her.
Finally, they all stood in front of room five. Luke pounded on the door. “Ivy, it’s Luke. Open the door.”
“Why?”
“Laura and I have to talk with you. Come on, Ivy, open up.”
When Ivy saw the police officer, she tried to push the door closed, but Luke was faster and stronger. He pushed the door open and walked in, followed by Laura and Bobby. Luke immediately checked the bathroom and glanced under the bed, something the cop should have done. Bobby stood there like a lump.
Laura asked, “Who’s the tall, skinny guy with the nose ring?”
“I dunno.”
Luke put his face in hers. “Look, kid, that guy has a gun or knife. Do you really want to give him a chance to hurt you and your baby or Laura? Do you want to be responsible if Laura gets hurt or killed? What is he to you? Boyfriend? Brother? What?”
“I don’t have a brother.”
“Oh, Ivy,” Laura said on a sigh. “You lied to me.”
Luke looked at Laura. “How old is this guy?”
“I don’t know, late-twenties I guess. A lot older than Ivy.”
Bobby said, “Call if that guy comes back,” and left. Luke wondered why he’d bothered to come. They still didn’t know who the man was or what he wanted with Ivy.
“Ivy, bolt your door,” said Luke. “Tomorrow we’ll find you a safer place to stay.”
After he walked Laura back to her apartment, Luke walked around the building again, but the guy was gone. He grabbed the overnight bag from his car and went back to tap on Laura’s door. “Laura, it’s me.”
She opened the door a crack. “What are you doing back here?”
“I don’t want you here alone with that guy prowling around.”
“I’ll be all right. You don’t have to stay with me.”
“I won’t touch you, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
A look of pain touched her eyes. Luke carried his overnight bag into the bedroom he’d stayed in before, then came out to the living room to find Laura sitting in her father’s old recliner in the dark. “It’s late,” he said. “Why aren’t you in bed?”
“Why are you here, Luke?” she asked softly.
“You mean tonight?”
“Not just tonight. Why do you bother with me?”
“I guess I’m just a glutton for punishment.”
She tried to laugh, but it was forced. “You must be, because I don’t treat you very well.”
“Well, now that you mention it—”
“It’s not funny, Luke.”
He stood in the middle of the living room in the dark, wanting to move toward her, to touch her and kiss her, but he didn’t want her to throw him out again. “Laura, don’t you want me around?”
She hesitated before answering in a shaky voice, “I don’t know what I want.” It was the most honest thing she’d ever told him. “It’s not easy for me, depending on other people.”
“On anyone, or just me?”
“Especially you. I’m too independent.”
“That’s one of the things I like about you.”
She looked up. “It is?”
He dropped to his knees on the floor in front of the chair and took her hands. “I like a lot of things about you, Laura.”
“Why does that scare me so much?”
“I won’t hurt you, honey.”
“But you want—”
“I want to make love to you, but I’ll wait until you want it, too. If you decide you don’t want me, I’ll go away.”
“Please don’t go,” she whispered, and he heard the tears in her voice.
He put his hands on her face and kissed her gently. There would be a time for more, but not tonight.
“I don’t want to need you.”
He knew she spoke the truth. She didn’t want to need anyone, but she did. She didn’t need the henpecked wimp. She needed a real man.
He put his hands on her waist and his head in her lap. She ran her fingers through his hair and sighed, a shaky, heart-wrenching sound that made him want to hold her and comfort her all night. But she was afraid, and not just of him. She smiled and laughed with her customers, but she didn’t get close to anyone. Aside from Corbin, he’d never seen her with a friend, never heard her on the phone except for business, and never heard her speak of friends. Laura wasn’t just independent. She was alone.
He stood and pulled her to her feet. “Go to bed, Laura. I’ll see you in the morning.” He held her in a gentle caress, rubbing his hands up and down her back. She’d shared a part of herself with him tonight, and he knew it hadn’t been easy.
Nothing came easy for Laura.
Laura and Luke didn’t make love that night, but he’d shown his true feelings. He did care about her or he wouldn’t stay in this dumpy apartment, sleeping on a lumpy bed in the other room when he wanted to sleep with her and make love. Laura trusted him more than she’d ever trusted another person, except her father. Luke wouldn’t hurt her. If he could keep their business separate from their personal relationship, she could, too.
He wanted sex, and she wasn’t ready for that kind of intimacy with any man. She was still trying to get used to the idea that her mother was a prostitute. When she did have sex, birth control would be a necessity. Having a baby while she worked so many hours in the café was out of the question, and she’d never let a kid grow up the way she had.
As she drifted off to sleep, her body ached for Luke’s touch. If she’d say the word, he’d be in her room in a heartbeat, and she wouldn’t be able to resist.
Before she left Kingston, she’d rarely dated. Queenie kept the café open late on dance nights, so the kids could come in after, and Laura was expected to work those nights. Boys asked her out every now and then, but she nearly always said no. She worked in the café after school and into the evening every night but Monday, when the café was closed. It was just as well, since she didn’t have the right clothes to wear on a date. The few times she had gone out, Queenie cut her down the next morning, voicing her disapproval, and making Laura feel like a slut. Yet she’d never done anything inappropriate, never skipped school, never gotten drunk or taken drugs.
And she’d never had sex.
<>
When Laura woke the next morning, Luke was still sound asleep in the other bedroom. He looked so peaceful, she didn’t want to disturb him, so she dressed quietly and slipped out the door.
Marv Walker was the first one to say, “You look happy today, Laura.”
“I am,” she replied, and she was. She felt more content than she had in a long time. She’d given herself permission to have a relationship with a wonderful man.
Luke came dragging in around eight. “Why didn’t you wake me?”
“You needed the sleep.”
“Yes, I did. Thanks.” His smile warmed her all over.
“You look different today,” he said.
“I feel different. What would you like for breakfast this morning?”
“Why don’t you surprise me?”
“All right. One breakfast special coming right up.” Laura started her special omelet, her father’s favorite, with sour cream and salsa on top.
She felt like singing.
<>
That afternoon, Ivy appeared at the café, backpack in hand. “I’m going home today.”
“Do you need bus fare?”
“I can hitch a ride.”
“No, you can’t.” Laura reached in the till and pulled out three fifty-dollar bills. “Take the bus. It stops at the Texaco station down the street.”<
br />
“You don’t have to give me money.”
“Take it. Will you call when you get home and let me know you got there all right?”
When Ivy didn’t answer, Laura said, “I’ll worry about you, Ivy.”
“I cleaned my room and washed the sheets and towels. Thanks for letting me stay. I really appreciate it.”
“And I appreciate the work you did for me. Good luck, Ivy. Take care of yourself.”
“Bye. Thanks again.” Ivy gave Laura a quick hug and turned away.
Laura watched her walk toward the highway, wondering if she was really going home or if she was just running from that jerk.
It smelled like rain, and the clouds were thickening, but Ivy was already gone. Laura had to remind herself that the pregnant kid wasn’t her responsibility. She had a family to take care of her.
So why didn’t they take care of her?
Chapter Eight
As much as Laura relied on Ivy’s help at the motel and café, Luke was relieved the kid was gone. Laura had her hands full with the café. She didn’t need to take care of a homeless kid, too, especially a pregnant one. If his mother hadn’t still been on her cruise, he would have taken Ivy to the ranch. Mom would know what to do with her. She could handle nearly anything.
He didn’t want to leave Laura here by herself in case that skinny guy returned, but he had other businesses to see to, especially the one in Jacksonville. The corporation was still young, still developing. They’d been using funds from Mom’s lottery winnings to invest in new businesses, but Luke’s goal was to make the corporation self-sufficient, with profits used to develop other businesses. That wouldn’t happen if he didn’t keep on top of things. He’d neglected the Jacksonville project too long already.
Luke went out to check on things at the ranch and found a message from Earl on the answering machine. He returned Earl’s call. “I got your message. What’s up?”
“I could use your help for a few days.”
“I’ve got too many irons in the fire to break away right now. I’m on my way to Jacksonville.”
“You goin’ by yourself or takin’ that girl with you?”
“Laura? She won’t leave the café. Hardest worker I’ve ever seen, next to Mom. Can you find someone else to help out this time?”
“Sure. Don’t worry ’bout it. Have a good trip.”
He’d tried to keep an open mind where Earl was concerned, but he wasn’t fond of his father. Earl’s smile never reached his eyes, and there was a cold, hard edge to the man. Most of Earl’s employees avoided him, especially the women, and Luke’s mother wouldn’t have anything to do with him. He assumed there was a reason for that, but she’d never talked about Earl.
<>
Laura’s business increased steadily, but the long hours on her feet exhausted her. Rusty had already left one night when she heard a tap on the front door. She had the CLOSED sign out, so it couldn’t be a customer. She was too tired to answer it, but the tapping became more insistent.
“Okay, okay, I’m coming.” She looked through the door and saw Earl Windsor standing there. She didn’t want to be rude to Luke’s father, especially after what he’d done for her, so she unlocked the door. “Sorry, Earl. We’re closed.”
“I know. Can I come in?”
Her feet hurt all the way into her back. She wanted to go take a hot shower and go to bed, but she couldn’t let him stand outside all night, so she opened the door and invited him in. “Sure, okay. What are you doing here so late?”
“Since my son is gone for a few days, I thought I’d check and see how you’re doin’, honey. You’re a sight for sore eyes. No wonder my boy’s been sniffin’ ’round you.”
“This isn’t a good time for a visit, Earl.” She hoped he’d take the hint and leave, but he didn’t.
“Why don’t we go to your place and get comfortable so we can have a little talk.”
“Now?” It was late and she was too tired to do anything but shower and crawl into bed.
Earl was already turning off the lights. “C’mon, honey. Let’s get outta here.”
“Okay, all right.” He wasn’t giving her any choice.
She walked back to her apartment and unlocked the door. She’d barely closed the door when Earl grabbed her. Stunned, she tried to push him away, but he wrapped his hand in her hair and held on tight.
Fear skittered up her spine. “What do you want?”
“I came to collect my payment. Since my boy ain’t here, I’m collectin’ for him.”
“I-I haven’t started making payments yet. The café’s just been open a few weeks.”
“Then I’ll take it out in trade. You been payin’ him, and this week you’re payin’ me instead.”
Laura turned cold. Did he really think she paid her bills with sex? That was what he meant, wasn’t it? Maybe she could buy him off, anything to get him out of her apartment. “I have a little money from today. Take it.”
Earl’s voice tightened, along with the hold on her hair. “Now, darlin’, you know I’m not here for money. I’m a horny man with a powerful need.”
Her body was rigid with fear. She was alone and she had no way to defend herself. “No, please, I never said I’d pay you that way.”
Still holding her hair, he pushed her into the bedroom. “You little bitch. You want me to put a lien on your business?”
Her mind raced to find a way to get free, but she couldn’t run with him holding her hair so tightly. Would he kill her if she didn’t give him what he wanted?
“You’re gonna be sorry you messed with me, little girl.” He let go of her hair and slapped her across the face so hard she fell to the bed, stunned by his brutality.
He reached back to hit her again, and she rolled off onto the floor, energized by fear. “Don’t touch me! Get out of here.”
Earl’s face screwed up in a sneer. “Don’t you get uppity with me.”
“Get out or I’ll call for help.”
“Call for help?” Earl moved closer, and she backed into the wall. “I know your kind. Your mama was a whore and so are you. This is all you’re good for, you little slut. Now be a good little girl and take your clothes off for Earl. Or I’ll rip ’em off myself.”
He grabbed her breasts, squeezing and digging in with his fingers. She fought him off and screamed, “Get out.”
“Go right ahead, scream all you want. The air-conditioner’s runnin’. Ain’t nobody gonna hear.”
Panic squeezed all the breath out of her. He intended to rape her. She ran toward the door, but he grabbed her and kissed her, sticking his tongue in her mouth. She bit it. Hard.
Earl spit at her and swore, then his fist caught her head and knocked her into the night stand. The corner hit her shoulder and she cried out, overwhelmed by the sudden, intense pain.
“You want it rough, you’ll get it rough.” He slapped her face again and punched her in the stomach, knocking her breath away and draining her strength.
“No,” she cried. “Please, Earl. Don’t do this.”
“Just collectin’ what’s mine.” He ripped her uniform open, scratching her breasts with his fingernails. Buttons flew across the room. She tried to fight him off, but her left shoulder hurt so much she could only use her right hand. He slapped her face again, hitting her so hard she fell back on the bed. “You got condoms?”
“No.” When had she ever needed condoms?
“You like it bare? So do I, honey. So... do... I.”
Earl ripped at her clothes and hit her again, a stunning blow to her left cheek that made the room spin. He stepped back to unfasten his belt. “You be good to me now, honey. C’mon. I want my payment. You didn’t really think you was gonna get away without payin’ now, did you, honey? Girl like you hasta ’spect these things.”
This girl didn’t expect to be beaten and raped. Earl’s attack had come as a complete surprise, and she wouldn’t let him get away with it. “I’ll tell the police.”
“Go right a
head. I told Bobby Wharton you was sellin’ it to my boy. Hell, everybody knows this place caters to hookers and retards.”
Earl reached for her breast again, but she drew up her knee and got him where it would hurt the most. While he was doubled over, swearing, she rolled off the bed.
“You little bitch. You’re gonna pay for that.”
Laura smashed the lamp on his head and kicked her way past him. She locked herself in the bathroom, shaking and crying, blood pouring from her nose, what was left of her clothes torn and ruined. Earl pounded on the door, swearing at her. She opened the bathroom window and screamed for help.
Rusty called, “Laura? Is that you?”
“Yes. Call the police, Rusty. Hurry.”
“I don’t have any change for the telephone.”
“You don’t need change to call 911. If it won’t work, find Cindy. Please hurry.”
Earl yelled through the door, “You report this, nobody’s gonna believe you. It’s your word agin mine, and the cops know what kinda place this is, what kinda business goes on here.”
She sat on the edge of the tub, sobbing and shaking. She hurt all over, especially her left shoulder. She could barely move it. Her cheek throbbed and blood poured from her nose.
“I’ll be back, you little slut,” he yelled, “and if you don’t put out next time, I’ll slap a lien on your property. Damn little bitch. You’ll be sorry you ever messed with Earl Windsor.”
Trying to calm herself and stop shaking, Laura waited for the police to come. When they didn’t come several minutes later, she stood in the shower, shaking and crying. She wanted to wash the smell of him off her body.
What did she do to deserve this?
She stood in the shower until she ran out of hot water and she still didn’t feel clean. Where were the police? Didn’t Rusty call them? Or did they decide not to come? Maybe Earl was right. Maybe no one cared.
She somehow got herself dried off and carefully pulled on her terry robe. The scratches on her breasts stung and her left shoulder hurt so much, she wondered if it was broken.
It had been quiet in the apartment for several minutes. Earl must be gone by now. She cautiously opened the bathroom door and found the front door standing wide open. Earl’s big SUV and Bobby’s patrol car were stopped out by the street. Both men leaned out their windows while they talked. Seconds later, they both drove away.