by J. H. York
Now Evan thought back to a couple of weeks ago when he and Lindsey had first gone to the bar. She knew something. Maybe it was just a gut feeling, but she had said that he and her might be in danger. “No…she didn't think it she was positive. And she was naming Beth as the one to watch.”
Evan put the beer bottle up to his lips and realized it was empty. Walking to the kitchen he grabbed another one out of the fridge. He glanced down at his watch. She'll be here in a minute or two... Evan walked back into his living room.
“Okay...so now what? Now that you know the truth. Do you confront her? Or do you keep it to yourself and wait for the right time?” He had always been pretty good with timing, so maybe waiting for the right time was the best way to go.
“Alright dad...since you put me in this position...I'll play the game. But you better help me out!” Evan spoke to the empty room.
The doorbell rang and he jumped. Walking to the door he opened to reveal Lindsey standing on his porch.
She smiled brightly and walked in, looking around. “It sounded like you were talking to someone Evan.” She said and turned to him. The smile was gone from her face. “Who were you talking to?”
******
The phone rang, Bethany glanced at the caller ID and answered. “Yes...” She said.
“They're theya. Jus' went in.” Came the response. Smiling Bethany took a sip from her glass. “Well. I guess the time is right. Delete all our call logs. No need to call me after it's done. Understood? And if everything goes as planned I have a bonus for you, Shea.”
Laughing from the other line Shea responded, “Well then get tha' ready then.”
The phone went dead and Bethany smiled. Good...very good. Standing up Bethany walked over to her liquor cabinet.
She poured another drink and strolled over to her desk. She picked up a piece of paper and dialed the number that was on it. The phone rang twice and was picked up.
A gruff voice on the other end spoke. “Go...” he said.
“This is your time. Silver Camry, “Sully's Tavern”. Registered owner Jeff Shea. He's there now.”
There was silence for a second and then the voice said, “Got it. Consider it done.” and hung up.
Bethany smiled and took out an ashtray from the desk drawer. She placed the piece of paper with the phone number on it and lit it on fire. She watched as the fire burned the paper to ash, and felt at peace. Soon this will be done... The ash went cold and Bethany picked up the ashtray. Walking to her bathroom she emptied the contents into the toilet and wiped the tray out with some toilet paper. Depositing the toilet paper into the toilet she then flushed the ash and paper away. She smiled and strolled back into the living room. Thinking about the events that were soon to happen gave her a little jolt and she thought Oh I wish I could be there. I wish I could see Shea smash your pretty little mouth with a lead pipe. Oh and you too Evan.
Unable to help it she spoke out loud as she continue to play the events out in her mind. “Oh yeah… That's right. I wish I could watch as he knocks that condescending grin off your stupid face! HOW DARE YOU!!! How dare you look down your fucking nose at ME!!!” She paused and took a sip of her drink. Closing her eyes she smiled and nodded. Eyes still closed she continued, softly, “And then...when he throws you into the Charles River...” She opened her eyes and laughed. Shaking her head she walked around the desk and put the ashtray back into the drawer.
“You thought that you were better than me...You have always thought that. But NOW...now you will find out that you're not! And right before he throws you into the Charles he's going to tell you. He's going to tell you that it was me. So you will have that knowledge. You and that little money grabbing whore! You'll both know.”
6 CHAPTER SIX
Evan sat at the end of the bar with Lindsey. He thought back to the first time that they had come and he remembered hoping there wouldn't be any trouble. Now he felt a little embarrassed at that thought. The guys here were good guys, as he and Lindsey had found out over the last two weeks. They were hard working guys who just wanted a beer and to watch the game. They weren't looking for trouble. Smiling he looked over at Lindsey. After her initial question at his house about who he had been talking to, she had gone back to the smiling Lindsey. He had told her the truth, that he had only been talking to himself about.
The walk up to “Sully's” had been a good one. The Sox were playing the Giants for this series. Lindsey was sporting her Giants gear with pride, and had caught a little good-natured joking from the guys when she had walked in. They all called her “Hollywood” and she seemed to enjoy the attention. It was a good game, and the Sox won in the 9th off a game winning double by Ortiz. When it happened the bar erupted, and Lindsey's shoulders sagged. Evan couldn't help himself and wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her a playful hug. She leaned in as he hugged her and he gave her a kiss on the top of her head.
All though she was wearing a Giants ball cap he could still smell the fragrant shampoo she used.
She pushed herself away and gave him a disgusted look. “Don't get you gross Red Sox cooties on my Giants cap!” She exclaimed with a little slur.
She had drank a little more than usual and Evan found it to be quite adorable that she was this into her Giants. “Awww... don't be like that Princess. It was only game one of three. Maybe you get a win in this series.” He grinned at her and she wobbled a bit.
“We're gonna kick your guy's ASSES tomorrow...” She said and a little hiccup escaped from her red lips. Evan noticed that they were darker and fuller now than he had seen them before and had to resist the urge to lean in and kiss her.
She stared into his eyes and smiled a mischievous grin. “Whatch starin' at?” She jumped up off her stool and her perky breasts bounced underneath her Giants T-shirt. Looking at him she said, “I'm gonna go tinkle, and then we'll leave...okay?”
He nodded and took out his wallet. “You got it.”
She headed for the restroom and Evan watched her round butt move beneath her tight jeans. An object in her back pocket caught his attention. He couldn't make out what it was, but it was the length of the pocket but only about an inch in width. As often as he had looked at her ass he couldn't remember seeing it before. He dismissed it and fished out some money from his wallet.
Laying it down on the bar he stood up and downed the rest of his beer. “Well...probably gonna have to sleep on the couch tonight Evan.” Billy the bartender said from behind him.
Evan turned around, “Huh?” He asked. Billy shrugged as he picked up the cash. “You're gonna have to sleep on the couch,” he said with a grin, “Giants lost, Hollywood ain't gonna be none to happy 'bout that is she?”
He quickly counted the money and smiled as he held it up. “Thanks Evan.” He said and rang the tip bell loudly.
“That's how you tip ya bunch a fuckin' losers!” He shouted and was greeted by laughter.
Lindsey walked out of the bathroom as the laughter was echoing throughout the bar and she instantly smiled. As she walked toward him Evan stared at her. One of the guys was passing by and said something to her.
She laughed loudly and gave him a playful smack on the arm. “Gonna getcha tomorrow. Bet on that!” Smiling she strolled casually toward him.
Lindsey reached Evan and he smiled down at her. Looking up into his eyes she grinned. “Ready to go home?” She asked and there was something in her eyes that made Evan's heart, and groin jump a little as he nodded slowly.
******
They walked out of the bar and into the warm August night air. Some cicada's were sounding off, and the occasional firefly lit up as it flew. They turned left out of Sully's and started walking the half mile or so back to Evan's house. Right next to Sully's was a small open space that had a fence around it. Billy's car was parked there and the dumpster was up against the side of the building. As Evan and Lindsey started to walk past the area a stocky man stepped out from the fence at the other end of the space, and he was blocking their way ho
me. His hands were by his side, and he moved his right hand up to reveal he had a two foot long lead pipe. A toothy grin spread across his face.
“Real quiet now...” He said softly. “Step ova theya inta the yaad.” He motioned with his head to the space where Billy's car and the dumpster were.
Lindsey and Evan stiffened and stood still. She reached over and grabbed Evan's arm and he moved her behind him gently.
“Now listen guy, we don't want any trouble.” Evan said evenly.
The man stepped forward a step and nodded, smiling. “Oh I know that, guy. I know ya don' want any trouble.”
Evan was reaching behind him trying to push Lindsey back toward “Sully's.” She wasn't budging. In fact she swiped his hand off of her and took a step out from behind him. Evan looked to his left where she appeared and she had that look on her face that he had seen when she was standing up against Trevor and Bethany. Ah crap...she's gonna get us hurt.
“Lindsey...” Evan whispered keeping an eye on the man who was steadily advancing, “run inside and get help.” He urged.
She stood glaring at the man as he steadily advanced. When he smacked his left hand with the pipe to make a sound a slow grin spread across her pretty lips.
Evan looked over at the man and saw he was about four feet away now. “Listen guy, I'll give you my cash and then we can forget it. Okay?”
“My name ain't guy...it's Shea.” He said with a grin.
Evan knew that there was no talking to this one, and his mind raced. “Now...get ya asses inta that lot like I done asked ya.” He said and there was a real menace to his voice.
“We're not going anywhere fuckwad.” Lindsey said.
Evan was surprised to hear how clear and sober she sounded. There also wasn't any shaking in her voice. Evan looked down and saw that her right hand was back on her pocket, and seemed to be grasping the item that was in there.
“Lindsey....” Evan began but in that instant things happened.
Shea made a grunting noise of distaste. Evan glanced in his direction as Shea made his move. Shea took a quick step to his left and swung the pipe backhanded toward Evan's head. Without thinking Evan turned and ducked his head, at the same time pushing Lindsey away and into the open area. She went flying and as she did so Evan saw her right hand emerge from her pocket holding something. The next thing he felt was searing pain as the pipe banged off his shoulder and made a glancing blow to the backside of his head.
The blow knocked Evan off balance and he went to one knee. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Lindsey roll with the momentum of the push he had sent her on. She was on her feet in a crouch in a instant, and she made a movement with her right hand. There was a “clack” noise and a 5'inch blade appeared. On one knee and covering his head as the pipe whistled downward Evan had enough time to think “ Holy shit! A fucking switchblade!”
7 CHAPTER SEVEN
Evan had his hands up on the back of his head, covering as he was on one knee. The pipe smashed into his left hand and connected slightly with his temple as well.
“FUUCCCCKKK!” Evan bellowed as the pain crashed throughout his arm and head.
Shea put his foot into the middle of Evan's back and pushed him to the ground.
Evan glanced in Lindsey's direction as he fell to the ground. He was struggling to stay conscience, as his face bounced of the pavement. “That's gonna leave a mark” a silly voice inside his head commented.
She was crouching and had the knife in full view. There was a grin on her face as she looked at Shea.
From behind him Evan heard Shea chuckle. “Ohh...Kitty got a claw do she? Well come on den kitty...get some!!”
Shea kicked Evan's legs out of the way and Evan rolled over, groaning in pain. “Lindsey...” He whispered as he struggled to stay awake. The beer and the hits from the lead pipe were making it hard for him to do so. His dad's voice in his head telling him to protect her gave him a jolt and he struggled to get to all fours. Blood ran into his eye, and blurred his vision.
Lindsey's eyes remained on Shea and she stood up slowly, still grinning. Shea moved to his right, a step or two away from Evan. “Just me an' you now kitten...” He mocked. “Maybe when I get done wit' kitten I'll take a turn on dat pussy. How ya feel 'bout dat?”
Lindsey was standing with the knife in her right hand, and the grin hadn't left her mouth. Now it got bigger. “Guy...you can't handle either the kitten or the pussy.” She said.
In a flash she charged. Shea braced and swung the pipe. The timing was spot on, and would have smashed into Lindsey's head if she hadn't slid like a baseball player sliding into a plate. She slid low and on Shea's left as Shea swung the pipe. In a downward motion she slammed the blade into his left shoe. The knife went through the arch of Shea's foot and he howled in pain and confusion. His swing and the stationary state of his foot caused him to go off balance. Lindsey twisted the blade and there was a sickening wet sound as she yanked it up out of his foot.
As Shea stumbled slightly he put his “pipe” arm down to keep from falling. He was bent over as Lindsey jumped, catlike to her feet, and in rapid succession sent the knife into Shea. First into his left buttock, then into his right calf, then into his right shoulder-blade. The last knife shot caused Shea to let go of the pipe and Lindsey jumped to the side of Shea. He had collapsed down to his left knee due to the stabs and she brought her own knee up quickly under his chin. There was a crunching noise as her knee made contact with his chin and a tooth went flying as his head snapped backward. His eyes were glassed over as he slumped to the ground unconscious.
Lindsey kicked the pipe away and crouched, ready for any attack from Shea. He laid prostrate on the ground, Sculley cap askew and blood running from his mangled jaw. Looking around quickly Lindsey reached down and plucked his wallet from his back pocket. She wiped her knife off using his shirt and then jumped over to Evan. He was on all fours and staring in disbelief at what he just saw.
She knelt down beside him and whispered urgently, “C'mon Ev. Gotta go babe.”
Grinning Evan tried to stand, but stopped on a knee. Looking up he smiled bigger. “You called me Babe…” He said as he struggled to remain conscience.
******
The walk to Evan's house was at a hurried pace, and Evan found himself leaning on Lindsey more than he would have thought manly. They stumbled up the steps on the porch and stood at the doorway.
“Where are your keys Evan?” She asked as she looked around making sure the neighbors didn't see them in their current state.
Grinning Evan thrust his pelvis forward. “Left pocket babe…”
Shaking her head and uttering a whispered “For fuck's sake” Lindsey reached into his pocket and grabbed the key. Opening the door they fell inside and Lindsey quickly locked the door. Evan strolled shakily over to the couch and sat down heavily. He leaned his head back and closed his eyes.
“No...no...no...” Lindsey said as she quickly moved to him. “No sleeping Evan. You might be concussed. Gotta stay awake fella.”
Evan felt his head roll to the side as he struggled to look at her. He grinned and said, “ I know...Lindsey. I know. About you. I know about you.”
She sat motionless for a minute and then laughed softly. “What do you know Evan?”
Evan struggled to his elbows and looked at Lindsey. “I know the...truth. About you...and dad.” Lindsey sat back and looked at Evan.
She blinked a couple of times, smiled and shook her head slightly. “What do you mean...the truth?” She asked quietly.
Evan let out a little laugh, barely a breath through his nose. “Your marriage...” He looked at her in the eyes, “It wasn't a marriage at all...” Grinning Evan leaned back on his couch and groaned. “That guy did a number on me...”
Lindsey sat stiffly as she looked at Evan. Thinking, she smiled slightly and reached out. “C'mon...Lets get that head cleaned up. I need to see if you need stitches. Judging from the lack of blood I would say no...”
She helpe
d him up and they walked to the bathroom. They made their way into the bathroom and he peeled his shirt off. There was some blood stains on it and he looked at them with curiosity as he deposited the shirt to the floor.
“Lean over.” She whispered as they stood by the sink.
“Nurse Lindsey...” He whispered as he bent over the sink.
Smiling and shaking her head she began examining his head. He had been lucky that the blows were glancing and had only caused superficial wounds.