Dangerous Delusion

by Rhonda Brewer

  “Looks like you got lottsa spark, ducky.” The man laughed as he slapped the woman's ass.

  “Don’t touch me.” She snapped, but anyone with ears could tell she was frightened.

  “Why don’t ya sit here on my lap and we’ll talk about the first thing that pops up.” He grabbed the girl’s arm and pulled her towards him but she managed to pull away.

  “I told you not to touch me.” The girl was practically in tears, and Lora wanted to punch the man.

  “I’ll touch you if….” The man reached for her again.

  “I believe the lady said she didn’t want to be touched.” Hulk growled as he turned in his seat.

  “That’s my lad,” Nanny Betty whispered and continued to sip her tea as if nothing was happening.

  “Mind your own business, Asshole.” The man didn’t turn to look at Hulk.

  “Oh, this is gonna be good.” Jess chuckled as she spun around in her seat to watch the scene.

  “I am an asshole, but you’re about to be in traction,” Hulk said in a calm voice as the guy jumped to his feet.

  “I’d like to see you try, prick.” The man stood next to Hulk’s seat.

  Hulk sat with his coffee cupped between his hands, and Lora could see the slight grin on his lips. If she was being honest, she couldn’t wait to see the guy’s reaction if Hulk stood up.

  “Sit down before you hurt yourself.” Bull laughed at the man.

  “Stay out of this, Kojak.” He didn’t take his eyes off Hulk as he snapped at Bull.

  “Someone get a body bag.” Dallas laughed.

  “Come on, Asshole. Let's see if you’re man enough to put me in traction.” The guy pushed Hulk’s shoulder.

  Was this guy blind or just stupid? Sure, the guy was big, but as soon as Hulk stood up, he was going to realize he wasn’t as big as he thought.

  “Stop this now.” The girl stepped between the man and where Hulk still sat.

  “Back off, bitch.” He pushed the girl to the side almost sending her sprawling on the floor.

  The man that was with the idiot caught her before she hit the floor. He also seemed ready to bolt at any second.

  “Give it up, Howard.” The guy seemed a little more reasonable than Howard.

  “Fuck off, Gilbert. This guy don’t got the guts to stand up.” Howard chuckled and pushed Hulk’s arm again.

  The coffee shop had become absolutely silent as Hulk calmly pushed his cup back, and turned in his seat. Howard laughed and took a step back from the chair.

  “Ooooo…. Look, Gilbert. He’s gonna stand up.” The guy shook his hands in front of Hulk’s face. “I’m real scared.”

  Hulk slowly stood and the expression on Howard’s face went from, I’m a tough guy, to, dear God what have I done. Even the waitress had taken three steps back when Hulk stood to his full height of about six feet, four.

  “Oh, my. That man is just a mountain of sexy, tattooed muscle, isn’t he?” Dallas fanned herself with a napkin.

  “I know.” Jess sighed.

  “He’s a good lad, and he won’t hurt dat fool.” Nanny Betty didn’t show the slightest interest in what was happening right next to their table.

  “I’m standing. Was there something you wanted to say to me?” Hulk spoke with the same calm tone Lora had come to know, and crossed his arms over his chest.

  The look on Howard’s face was priceless as he tipped his head back to look up at the enormous man he’d challenged. Gilbert’s eyes looked like they were about to pop out on his cheeks and his jaw dropped.

  “I… I was… just a joke… I.” Howard stumbled over his words.

  “Apologize to the lady,” Hulk ordered.

  “She… I was just shagging around.” Howard glanced back at the pretty waitress.

  Her eyes hadn’t moved from Hulk. She stood with her hand on her swollen stomach, and her other hand gripped the back of a chair.

  “Apologize,” Hulk growled through his teeth.

  “Okay, okay.” Howard stepped back further from Hulk and turned to the woman.

  “Caroline, I’m sorry. I was just fucking around.” Howard didn’t meet her eyes as he kept looking over his shoulder at Hulk.

  “It's fine,” The woman whispered.

  “Now, I think it’s time you gentlemen leave.” Hulk’s gaze moved to Caroline. “After you tip the lady of course. I think a twenty-dollar tip would make up for your disrespect.”

  Howard pulled a couple of bills out of his pocket and tossed them on the table. He and Gilbert practically tripped over each other as they hurried out of the coffee shop. Lora could see the two men jump into a truck across the street and speed away.

  “Yar a good boy, lad.” Nanny Betty stood up and walked over to the waitress. “Are ya alright, Lassie?”

  “I’m… yes, ma’am… thank you.” She stammered as Nanny Betty took her hands.

  “Good,” Nanny Betty cupped the woman’s cheek and walked back to the table. “I’m ready ta go now.”

  Nanny Betty grabbed her purse and hung it over her arm. The coffee shop slowly went back to normal as the young waiter Dallas had hit on ran over to clean up the broken coffee pot, and another waitress guided Caroline to the back of the shop.

  “Never a dull moment when you go out with the O’Connor family.” Bull chuckled.

  “I’m starting to figure that out.” Hulk puffed but he was still glancing in the direction of the waitress.

  As Lora stood up, she felt the hair on the back of her neck prickle. She whirled around, but people in the shop were deep into conversations or their smartphones.

  “That’s the second time I’ve seen you spin around like that. What’s wrong?” Jess stood next to her and spoke softly.

  “I just got a weird feeling.” Lora glanced around once more but shrugged as Jess did the same.

  “I have to thank you for the entertainment and of course the eye candy.” Dallas hugged her. “Keep in touch.”

  “I will.” Lora hugged her friend back. “Don’t forget to come out for the Canada Day party.”

  “I’ll be there, if I can get away.” Dallas hugged her once more and headed out of the coffee shop.

  With Hulk behind her, Bull in front of her, and the other two women next to her, they headed out of the coffee shop. Hulk made sure she, Nanny Betty and Jess were in the SUV before he got in himself. He waited for Bull to give him the go-ahead, then pulled out and headed back to Hopedale.

  She looked right at him because she sensed him there. He could see the smile she tried to hide from the women she was with.

  He had to give them credit; they made sure she was never alone, and that would make it hard to save her. He’d heard her mention Canada Day. The posters around that stupid town about the huge party were everywhere. That cop and his untalented band were supposed to be the entertainment.

  It was probably going to be his only chance to save her and bring her home. Once she realized he was her hero, then he’d bring the little girl. He knew her mother and brother would try to convince her to stay away from him, but his love knew the difference. She loved him, and that was all he needed.

  He glanced at his watch and tossed a twenty-dollar bill on the table. It was time to get back to that dinky town and put his plan in motion. He had three days, and he’d finally have her. He couldn’t wait.

  Chapter 24

  Canada Day was an enormous celebration in Hopedale. Not only was it the country’s birthday, but it was also the same day the town got its name. Nick hated to leave Lora that morning, but he needed to help Aaron, John, Mike and another member of the band Jason Brenton to set up the equipment on the beach.

  The firefighters were installing the tents for the barbeque to have them ready for when the festivities started. The police and firefighters would be preparing the burgers and hot dogs as soon as everything started at noon. All money raised from the sales went back into the community.

  “Cory's still at the station,” John grabbed a guitar from Aaron in the back
of the cube van and handed it up to Nick on the stage.

  “What’s he doing?” Aaron continued to bring the equipment to the opening of the truck.

  “The tattoo guy finally called him back.” John grabbed some of the cords and tossed them onto the platform they’d set up as a stage.

  “Hopefully he can give us something to get this bastard.” Aaron jumped down from the van and slammed it shut.

  Nick wanted nothing more than to catch this guy. Lora seemed to get edgier over the last couple of days and started waking up during the night gasping or crying. He failed her because he couldn’t keep the damn nightmares away.

  An hour later the band equipment was set up as well as the computer for the recorded music when the band took breaks. Newfoundland Security Service was hired to do most of the security for the event because they were highly recommended to the committee by the Chief of Police. Having people in high places was convenient sometimes. Nick wasn’t sure if he'd enjoy the celebration because he wouldn't be with Lora if she needed him.

  Something in his gut told him he needed to stay close. He’d managed to make sure Lora wouldn’t be in any vulnerable situations. Not only did Hulk promise to stick to Lora like glue, but the rest of his family agreed to keep her close to them.

  “Steph just got to the pub.” John interrupted Nick’s thoughts.

  “Yeah?” Nick wasn’t sure why John was telling him this.

  “Lora’s there with Molly, and her mother. Her brother is headed down here to help with set up.” John shoved his phone into his back pocket.

  “Is Hulk with her?” A wave of panic hit him in the gut.

  “Yes, but did you really need to ask that question?" John put his hand on Nick’s shoulder.

  “I guess not.” Nick still wasn’t comfortable with her being in a large crowd.

  Lora gave an outward appearance that she wasn't scared anymore, but Nick knew that wasn't the case. After Dulce’s funeral, she'd made a vow that she needed to take back her life. She told Dallas she'd be returning to her old job as soon as Alice was back on her feet and found a replacement for Lora in the diner. Of course, there was no way Lora would be going anywhere without Hulk, Crash or Nick.

  John wasn’t able to give him as much time off as he’d wanted, and Nick understood. In a small town, there were only so many officers employed by the department. John tried to have shifts covered in Hopedale with officers from other communities, but it wasn't an easy task.

  Technically everyone was on duty for the day, but because John, Nick, Cory, and Aaron were performing during the celebrations, they would only be required in the event something got out of control. So in between the sets, Nick could spend time enjoying the festivities with Lora and Molly, and he couldn't be more excited.

  “We’re starting the first set at two, and if Cory's not here by noon, A.J.'s going to Deejay until he gets here. Hopefully, he’ll come here with the name of the asshole and we can end Canada Day on a high note.” John walked with Nick up Beach Road toward the pub.

  “Yeah,” Nick muttered, but he hadn't really heard all of what his brother had said.

  “You love her?” John asked as they turned onto Harbour Street.

  “With every beat of my heart.” Nick turned his head to meet John's smile.

  “Isn’t that the lyrics to a song?” John chuckled.

  “Yeah, Taylor Dayne comes to mind.” Nick laughed.

  “That line is in a lot of songs, Gladys Knight back in the fifties, and Rod Stewart had one in the eighties. I know there are more.” John continued.

  “How fucking old are you?” Nick pushed John's shoulder as they ran up the steps to Jack’s Place.

  “Not too old to kick your fucking ass.” John shoulder checked him and headed into the diner.

  Lora, Kristy, and Pam were sat at the counter talking to Alice. They turned when Nick and John walked in, and Lora gave him a bright smile that made his heart skip a beat, and he was pretty sure he fell more in love with her.

  “Daddy,” Olivia shouted as she ran right into John’s arms.

  “Hey, how’s my best girl?” John kissed her cheek as the little girl wrapped her arms around her father’s neck.

  Before Olivia said another word, Molly ran toward them shouting as she practically flew into Nick's arms.

  “Nick, Nick.” Molly squealed.

  "That’s the kind of welcome a man likes to get. Hey there, Lollipop.” Nick tossed her into the air.

  “Olivia, Gracie and me are going to the beach, and we’re gonna play on the bouncy castle.” Molly’s animated expression made him smile.

  “That sounds like lots of fun.” Nick glanced at Lora.

  “That’s only if you eat all your lunch.” Lora reminded Molly.

  “She’s almost eated it all.” Grace skipped toward Ian. “Daddy, Lily said she’s too big for the bouncy house.”

  “Yeah, Lily's a big girl now.” Ian crouched to wipe the food from Grace’s face.

  “Lily and Evie said bouncy castles are for babies.” Grace turned to where her two older sisters sat in a booth with James’ two oldest boys.

  It seemed since Danny, Mason, Evie, and Lily entered the dreaded pre-teens, they’d made a point of letting the younger siblings know just how big they were getting.

  “Daddy likes bouncy castles. Does that make him a baby?” Sandy knelt on the floor next to Ian and Grace.

  “Nooooo,” Grace giggled.

  “Mommy likes them. Am I a baby?” Sandy tickled Grace.

  “Noooooo,” Grace giggled again.

  “Maybe your sisters don’t enjoy it anymore, but that’s ok because you have Molly, Olivia, and Colin to play in the castles with you, and all your friends from playgroup will be there too.” Sandy might get overwhelmed with the number of children that both she and Ian had, but she was a great mother and the best person in the world for his brother.

  The walk back to the beach was a combination of telling kids to stay close and the pleasure of spending time with Lora. Nick could see himself in the future with Lora and Molly enjoying family outings. Possibly even with one or two more to add to the growing brood of O'Connor children.

  Nick held Lora’s hand as they watched Molly in one of the three bouncy castles set up on the beach. Lora glanced at him and smiled when Nick pulled her against him and kissed the top of her head.

  “Isabelle told me that you play four different instruments.” Lora wrapped her arms around his waist.

  “Yeah, I play guitar, drums, piano, and fiddle.” He shrugged his shoulders.

  “I only saw you play the guitar and fiddle the other night but that’s incredible.” Lora’s eyes widened in awe.

  “Not really. A.J. plays the piano, guitar, accordion, saxophone, drums and fiddle.” Nick smiled.

  “Are all your brothers musical like you two?” Lora asked.

  “Pretty much. Dad and Uncle Kurt can play most instruments as well. My grandmother has never been able to read music, but once she hears a song and you give her a day or so, she can play it on the piano.” Nick laughed as Molly flopped down on her butt in the bouncy castle.

  “You need to relax.” She must have sensed the tension in his body even with the casual conversation.

  “I’m trying, sweetheart.” Nick wrapped his arms around her and squeezed her tightly.

  “Well you better relax because in thirty minutes you have to go up on stage. You’ll disappoint all the women if you look all surly.” She cupped his face in her hands.

  “You’re the only woman I’m worried about, so make sure you're at the front of the stage. I’ve got a song I’m singing just for you.” Nick brushed his lips against hers and she sighed against them.

  “I’ll be front and center,” Lora whispered. “Or so Hulk told me.”

  Forty minutes later Nick jumped up on the stage and received a glare from the rest of the bandmates. Lora sat on the ground in front with the rest of the family and smiled at him as he pulled the fiddle from the stand.
>
  “It’s about damn time.” Aaron grumbled through gritted teeth.

  “Sorry, it’s hard getting through the crowd.” Nick wasn’t lying, because once he’d realized the time, he practically dragged Lora through the crowds of people surrounding the stage.

  “Yeah, couldn’t tell time while his tongue was down Lora’s throat.” Mike chuckled.

  Nick turned his back to the crowd and gave his brother the one finger salute as he ran the bow across the fiddle. It was time to get the crowd on their feet.

  He despised large crowds but needed to keep near her. He couldn’t miss his chance again. His love was close enough he could practically smell her scent from where he hid under the stage. The heavy black curtain that ran around the stage, gave him the perfect spot to observe everyone and move when the time was right.

  The only issue was the stomping and loud music above his head. He’d probably end up with a tremendous headache by the time he got out of there, but it would be worth every bit of discomfort to finally save her from her abductors.

  “You’re so lovely,” He whispered.

  He froze when it appeared as if she looked right at him. He’d poked the hose camera through a small tear in the curtain so that he could watch her. When she laughed at something the blonde sat next to her whispered in her ear, he knew it was just a coincidence. All he had to do is be patient.

  His father called him a pathetic loser that no one loved, but it was his dad that was the loser. The man did nothing but watch sex videos and share them with his perverted friends. No, what he had with his love was pure, and one day everyone would know.

  Chapter 25

  “I swear, John sings that song because he knows it makes me hot and want to rip his clothes off,” Stephanie shouted into Lora’s ear.

  “Guess he’s getting lucky tonight.” Lora wiggled her eyebrows at the pretty blonde.

  “You have no idea. I don’t know what it is but when he sings that song… Let’s just say, I’m glad the kids are going to Sean and Kathleen’s house tonight.” Stephanie snickered.