by Amy Cook
“Is he coming over?” she whispered loudly. Tandy looked at her in surprise.
“Who?”
“The scary biker dude that’s about to come give me a piece of his mind for staring at him.” Tandy gaped at her a moment longer, before letting out a gut deep guffaw.
“No worries, honey. He ain’t comin’ over to bother ya none.” Amiel wasn’t entirely sure what caused the mischievous sparks in the old man’s eyes, but she had the feeling he was laughing at some internal joke. Scrunching her nose, she finished her tea and fought the urge to look toward the bar again. Though the man hadn’t come over, he hadn’t left either. She could still feel that shielded gaze on her. The food finally came out, though after Tandy’s grand bragging over the fair she found it fairly disappointing. The way Tandy’s mustache curled up on one side with a grimace, she guessed he felt the same way. Noticing her gaze, he cleared his throat and tossed the napkin on the table.
“Musta changed cooks or somethin’,” was the only explanation he gave, before paying the bill. Standing, Amiel casually glanced at the bar while pushing her chair in. She wasn’t surprised when her gaze was snagged once again by the biker, his arms barred over his chest, feet crossed nonchalantly at the ankle as he leaned against the green wall. She was slightly surprised by the reaction it caused in her though. The fact that this man had stared at her this entire time should have made her nervous and confused. Instead, she found herself wanting to do something impressive, or dare she say even sexy, to warrant his staring. Conscious of his gaze on her every move, Amiel strode to her bike and slid her leg over the seat, settling into the now familiar leather. The moment she was seated, she felt safer, more daring, a hint of rebellion stirring in her chest.
Sexy, she reminded herself, be sexy. Who am I kidding, I don’t know how to do sexy! Releasing a steadying sigh, Amiel set her jaw and shut down the nagging voice in her head. Tossing her hair back with a shake that she hoped was appealing rather than just plain stupid, Amiel slid her helmet into place and brought her bike roaring to life. Feeling giddy with herself, she even gave the engine a little rev as she waited for Tandy. Tandy smirked at her, shaking his head. She shrugged, pretending she didn’t know what he was smirking about. Had he been able to see her reddened cheeks, there would have been no chance of denying her motives. She almost felt proud of herself as they sped away from the horrid café and the man with the unwavering stare. At least she hadn’t sent the bike flying out from under her in her efforts to put on a show.
The man was pushed to the back of her mind as they continued down their check list, the last stop bringing them to the furniture and grocery stores. They picked out a bed just big enough to fit in her apartment, and had it delivered to her place. Then they made a quick stop for groceries and supplies. With all their stuff still packed in the side bags, there was only enough room for the few essentials to hold her over until the next day when she could go out on her own; milk, cereal, soap, toilet paper, sheets, pillow, and a blanket. She smirked at the way living on the barest minimum was still giving her a feeling of accomplishment.
Tandy had also insisted on them buying a small safe box that was currently installed bolted down in the cabinets under her sink. The money in her duffle was burning more of a hole in his pocket than it was in hers. He had all but melted with relief when she’d stowed her cash and assets in the little safe and locked it away.
Amiel and Tandy were in the midst of watching the men carry in the small twin bed at her apartment, when a guy made his way towards them from down the hall. He was not much taller than Amiel, and his eyes were a dull gray. His messy black hair held a few streaks of silver, belying his ageing, yet making it difficult to give him an exact number.
“Hi neighbor.” He grinned cheekily at her, extending a hand to shake. She smiled at him somewhat hesitant. She was all about meeting people in her apartment complex, making new friends, and he would be considered handsome by most women’s standards she supposed. But something about his overly excited eyes made her hesitant. “I’m Darvey,” he added when she didn’t immediately reach for his hand. Feeling she could no longer politely ignore his gesture, she shook it. It was clammy, and she swore it shook with a shiver when their skin touched. His wild grin grew brighter. She decided to keep her own name to herself.
“And you’d be Amiel,” he supplied helpfully. Amiel’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, and immediately he looked repentant. Repentant or not, he’d yet to release her hand, and was now petting it consolingly. “Sorry, I overheard your friend saying your name while I was next door. The walls here are pretty thin.” So much for keeping her name to herself. Amiel dusted off the small ‘polite society’ smile she’d perfected over the years under her mother’s tutelage, whilst making another polite attempt at retrieving her hand.
“Um…yeah. Thanks, I’ll keep that in mind. I wouldn’t want to keep people up too late with my TV or anything.” That wasn’t exactly what Amiel was concerned about, but it was a more polite response than the one she’d like to have given. Now late at night she’d be wondering exactly how thin the walls were. Just then Tandy approached, responding to her distress if his deep frown were any indication. Yanking her hand out of Darvey’s grip, she wrapped her hand around Tandy’s arm, leaning against him. His solid presence gave her strength.
“This is Tandy. Tandy, this is my new neighbor.” She made a point of not mentioning what role Tandy played in her life, hoping that fact would give some deterrence to the man’s seeming gravity towards her. Darvey, for his part, seemed disappointed to be trading her hand for Tandy’s, but otherwise unbothered.
“My name is Darvey,” he repeated for Tandy, yet glancing her way as though trying to imprint it on her mind.
“Huh,” was all Tandy said, still frowning darkly. Darvey swallowed hard, glancing back to Amiel.
“So…uh, I notice you are just moving in,” he stuttered, and Amiel felt a twinge of pity for the guy. He obviously wasn’t very socially adept.
“Yes,” she agreed, the heavy awkwardness in the air weighing down on all of them.
“Do you need any help? I’d be more than happy to come over and help you unpack. Any time, really. I’m always here at night, but I’d gladly take a day off work to help out as well.”
“No!” She cleared her throat, putting on a smile in an effort to soften her outburst. “No, that’s really not necessary. I don’t have that much to unpack, and we have plenty of help. The work is almost done already! But thank you for your offer to help. It’s very…kind of you.” Tandy hummed again, as though he disagreed. Amiel pressed closer to him, grateful he was here for this first odd meeting with her over eager neighbor. Maybe the guy would get the hint and leave her alone from now on. She felt almost guilty for thinking it. Maybe he was just a socially awkward but good guy at the core? Either way, her instincts were usually pretty reliable when it came to a person’s character, and right now they were screaming ‘pedo van’.
“Oh…well. Alright then.” His dimmed smile renewed and he reached for her hand again, grabbing hold before she could find a way to hide it. “Remember, Darvey, right next door if you need me. Anytime, just come a knockin’. Or shout, since, you know, I’ll hear ya…” He rapped on the hallway wall with a knuckle laughing awkwardly at his own joke, earning another polite smile. Reluctantly he released her hand, and backed away to his apartment, closing the door after another enthusiastic wave. Tandy turned to her.
“Don’t like him.” She gently shushed him, glancing toward the door again.
“He said the walls here are paper thin.”
“In that case, we’re getting you a TV. Keep it on all day and night. He strikes me as the kind that’ll have his ear pressed to the wall for the slightest sounds.” She smiled as he wrapped an arm around her shoulders, locked the door behind the delivery men, and led the way out of the apartment. He glared at Darvey’s door on the way by, and for whatever reason, she was instantly reminded of the guy at the bar. Shoving the thought
aside, she concentrated on the matters at hand.
When they brought her new TV to the place that she would be calling home, Amiel sighed with approval. It was nothing amazing, but it was hers and it marked the beginning of a new life. Tandy smiled softly at her, and the happy moment dulled. The day had quickly faded away and now with only an hour left before night fall, it meant Tandy would be leaving her. Over the last week, she’d grown quickly attached to this giant man. He was like the uncle she always wished for. Seeing her eyes mist, Tandy cleared his throat.
“Ah now, honey, don’t cry.” His own voice sounded strained, and before she could stop herself she threw her arms around his waist.
“Thank you so much, Tandy, for everything.” No more words would come, only silent tears. He gave her a quick squeeze before setting her back.
“Ain’t no good at goodbyes.” He smiled softly down at her, awkwardly wiping the tears from her cheeks. “Y’all are an angel.” He placed a gentle kiss on her head, before heading for the door. Stopping just inside it, he turned back to her. “Remember your survival 101’s. Especially ‘round that one.” He shoved a thumb toward the wall separating her and Darvey’s apartments.
“Never leave without a weapon, my jacket, or common sense. Oh, and leave the TV on at all hours.” He smiled proudly, nodding.
“Call me if y’all need anythin’, or just to let me know how you’re doin’.”
“I don’t have your number.”
“Don’t worry, my boy’ll be lookin’ out for ya from now on. Y’all can get it from him.” He winked. “Lock up tight after me, honey.”
“Sure thing, Biker Man.” With one last fond gaze, he turned and left. The once warm and inviting apartment now seem cold and lonely. She immediately walked to the TV, switching it on to a comfortable hum. Her hand froze on the knob, Tandy’s farewell finally making it into her self-conscious. His son would be looking out for her? When had that happened? And, even more daunting of a thought, which son? Why hadn’t he mentioned it earlier? How was she supposed to know where to find him, or what he even looked like? She hoped the son had been let in on this plan of action, or this was likely the last time she’d ever speak to Tandy. And maybe that was how Tandy wanted it. He’d done his job bringing her here. He didn’t need the crazy girl clogging up his life any more than she already had. The idea left a hollow feeling in her gut. She sat on her new bed, knees pulled up to her chest, eyes blankly staring at the TV as hot tears slipped down her cheeks.
Chapter 13
Tandy
At the knock on the door, Tandy blew out a heavy breath. Now he’d find out just how much the boy loved his old man. Harley stood on the other side, leaning against the door, aviators still firmly in place. His jaw ticked up and down as he bit down on a piece of gum, taking his frustration out on it. Tandy had taught him that trick as a kid when he was having a hard time dealing with his turbulent emotions. Watching the muscles in his son’s jaw clenching now, he wondered if it had been an altogether good idea. Boy would probably bust a few teeth with that age old habit.
“Harley,” he greeted with a nonchalant smile. Harley grunted, not moving.
“What happened with the bar? Needed a chaperone for your date?”
“Date?” Tandy coughed uncomfortably. “Hells Bells, boy, she’s not even half my age!” Harley smirked lightly, but said nothing more. Tandy sighed. Confound the boy and his straight faced humor. “I just decided it’d be best if we met in a more private settin’, that’s all.”
“Uh huh.” He suddenly stood ramrod straight, yanking the glasses from his eyes.
“What’s that smell?”
“Smell?” Tandy sniffed the air in confusion, smelling nothing.
“Who’s in there with ya?” He slipped the glasses back on, leaning through the door.
“Ain’t nobody here but me.” Tandy stepped aside as Harley slipped inside, muscles taut, movement sleek as any predator’s. His son stopped a few feet in, head cocking to one side, then the other as he listened. With a heavy sigh Tandy shut the door and followed his son on the fruitless manhunt. Harley stepped cautiously into what had been Amiel’s room the night before. Harley scrabbled back out, nearly thudding into Tandy in his rush to escape her empty room. Shoving the door closed, he kept his back turned, shoulders stiff, head bowed and breathing ragged. Tandy knew his son well enough to recognize that he was fighting for self-control over something that had gotten his inner beast’s dander up.
“Problem?”
“Who was the girl?” His voice was rough, strained, and Tandy sighed again. This wasn’t going at all how he’d planned.
“The client I brought over from WV.”
“Who was she, Pops.”
“How ‘bout we sit down…” There was a jaunty little knock at the door, and Tandy could have smacked himself. Of all the timing in the world. He went to the door, already knowing who he’d see on the other side. He was greeted with the sight of the broad back of a tall brown haired, well-muscled guy. Said guy turned around, brilliant smile putting a sparkle in his hazel eyes. He immediately grasped hands with Tandy, pulling him close for the typical man hug.
“Tandy, you great bear you!” His strong Aussie accent brought a smile to Tandy’s face. Hearing it always brought back memories of his wife.
“Damn it all, Cajun, y’all are early.” Cajun pulled away, the bright charismatic smile that also came from his mother beaming off his face, and Tandy’s heart ached a little for the memory of his Alana.
“You know me, Dad, never was one for showing up when expected.” With a roguish wink, he patted Tandy on the shoulder and waited to be allowed inside. Moving to the side, Tandy motioned him inside with a resigned smile. He would just have to have the conversation with Harley in front of an audience. Cajun reached behind him, grabbing the hand of a pretty little blonde girl, pulling her along behind him. He paused just inside the door, suddenly sniffing the air in a pronounced fashion. Pulling back a step, he stared at the room in confusion, an unseen field of intensity surrounding him.
“What’s that scent?” he asked, eyes wary. Now it was Cajun’s inner beast’s turn to meet with something it was cautious of, apparently. Yet Cajun’s eyes, while wary, didn’t hold the entirely feral depth that currently resided in Harley’s eyes as he strode toward them, nostrils flaring on another intake of breath. He let out a low growl as a barrage of emotions immediately swept across his features. He almost looked pained.
“It’s the girl. Her smell is everywhere.”
“Girl?” Cajun looked to Tandy, confused by both Harley’s behavior and answer.
“My latest client,” Tandy supplied vaguely, motioning again for Cajun to enter. After a moment’s pause the girl pressed Cajun forward enough to shut the door, gracing him with an encouraging smile, though she was obviously just as tense as him.
“She’s gone now, yeah?” Cajun asked, pulling his fiancé tighter to his side. Tandy smiled at the instinctual sense of protection his boy held for the girl. Tandy nodded, but Harley answered for him.
“She’s been gone most of the day by the scent. But it’s still lingerin’.” He took a step away from Tandy, eyes narrowed. “Especially on you, Pops.” Tandy blushed, remembering the big bear hug the girl had given him not half an hour past. He waited for Harley to make another poke at his ‘relationship’ with the girl. Harley, however, paced away, stance edgy. Tandy and Cajun shared a concerned look as Harley sat in a chair, then flew out of it to continue pacing the floor like a caged tiger. Harley had always been one to keep his emotions in check, since he was just a runt. So the fact that he was throwing emotion off in nearly palpable waves was new, and neither of them knew how to handle it. While Cajun still stood warily, there was nothing about his stance that screamed anything beyond caution for his mate in an unfamiliar situation. Whatever it was about Amiel’s scent, it seemed to be affecting Harley on a different level. Of course it was entirely possible that a big portion of this came from the fact that Harley w
as practically terrified of women.
“Alright, Pops. Spill,” Harley grunted, running an agitated hand through his messy blond hair. Perhaps that outdoor bar would have been a better idea after all. Tandy was about to ask Harley a whopper of a favor, and this wasn’t exactly the kind of mood he’d wanted him to be in while asking. Tandy’s eyes drew back to the girl in the room, and smiled brightly.
“First things first, boy. Introductions!” Cajun’s trademark grin was like the sun breaking through clouds as he grabbed the girl in a bear hug.
“Dad, I’d like you to meet the love of my life, Charleen.” Tandy smiled, eying Charleen with interest as he shook her small hand. He wasn’t sure what he had expected, but this little thing was not it. He expected her hand to be calloused, given her occupation, yet was surprised to find it soft as a babe’s.
“Well, she’s gorgeous, boy! From what I hear, y’all’s Mama would be proud of ya.” He winked at Charleen, and she blushed, shifting nervously but offering a soft smile. “‘Bout time someone snagged the trouble maker. I was beginnin’ to wonder.”
“Wonder about me? Harley’s the one that had a penchant for talking to rocks as a kid.” Harley cast a dark glower his brother’s way, rolling his eyes as he continued to pace.
“Besides, you can’t just settle for the first bird you find, Dad. It’s got to be about love. Mum taught us all that.” Tandy smiled sadly, nodding. “I needed a special one who stole my breath, heart, and soul.” Cajun gazed deep into Charleen’s eyes. “She’s my everything, Dad.” Tandy smiled at Cajun’s obvious devotion, and based on Charleen’s expression, it was a common sentiment to hear from him. Good, a man should tell his woman how much he loved her and often. If it was one thing he’d tried hard to instill in his boys, it was a healthy respect for women. Based on this, they’d raised the boy well enough. Alana would be proud. Harley was another story. He held a healthy dose of respect for women alright. A healthy dose of fear, too.