by Mimi Barbour
“I never thought of it. My mother’s name is Elizabeth, and she’s beautiful.”
“What does everyone call her?”
“Lizzie.”
Dani also found out that a chuckle from inside a person is a very warm sound.
“What’s your name, and where do you live?”
“Troy Brennan, ma’am. Chicago born and bred.”
“I live here in Bury, finished my sixth form just last week, and will probably go on to university next term.”
“Why do you say probably? Don’t you know for sure?”
“I know what I want, but my parents have other ideas.” He sensed her vexation for just a moment, and then she tamped it down like a pro. “I won’t fret about it now, as there are always special circumstances that can bring about changes to the best-laid plans, aren’t there?”
“You mean like having unexpected visitors?”
His sense of humour tickled Dani. “You’re being very reasonable about all this bother.”
“I’m hoping lack of sleep is making me hear voices.”
“I’m afraid that isn’t what’s happening. Why do you keep looking at that woman in the cemetery? She’s very beautiful. Is she your girlfriend? Or your wife?”
“No. I’m not married. She’s the person I’m here in Bury to interview, but I doubt the moment is right, so I’ll wait around.”
With him, Dani watched the elegant blonde, who, in the distance, wove in and out of the lush vicarage gardens. When the woman stopped and looked towards where he sat, they could see her expression, lonely and a bit sad until a voice shouted to her from behind the wall. A pretty girl of about nine or ten years old, a petite, golden-haired doll whose ringlets flew in every direction, bounded into sight. She never slowed her racing steps until she’d flung herself up into the waiting arms with a glad cry of “Mummy!”
Following close behind were an older couple, arms linked and strides matching. They didn’t rush ahead but drew near in a leisurely manner, as if to give the excited twosome a moment to get caught up with their kisses and hugs. Upon approaching, they sedately greeted the woman before they all turned, clinging together, in the direction from which they’d come.
The blonde stopping to pick up a small case hidden behind some bushes, gave one last glance in Troy’s direction, and hurried to catch up.
Troy rose to follow. Sauntering, he stayed many steps behind the laughing, happy group ahead until they slowed for the corner.
As they closed in, Dani recognized the group in front. “Why are we following these people?” For the first time her voice seemed oddly constricted, as if tears clogged her throat.
“You okay? You sound funny. I just want to know where she’ll be staying, so I can return another day to request an interview.”
“I see. Don’t you know her name?”
“Yes, it’s Ellie Ward, and she’s a very well-known author.”
“An author. How lucky she is. One day I want to write books myself. The little girl is wonderful, isn’t she? Will we meet her?”
“If things go my way, then it’s a sure thing.”
“You are very presumptuous.”
“Do you even know what that big word means, little girl?”
“Yes, big man. It means this tenancy could prove to be rather difficult.”
“Go ahead and break the lease anytime you want.”
“You’d like that, wouldn’t you? I’m afraid, since it’s only Monday, you’re stuck with me for a few more days.”
Dani had carefully read all the notes her uncle had left in the garden, and she knew her only escape would be on a Saturday at twelve noon.
Earlier, she’d recognized her very own parents, and seeing them interact with the person Troy followed had thrown her into a tailspin. She felt as though she’d looked into a mirror at her own future self, where her stylish silhouette was years older and a whole lot prettier.
The little girl calling her “Mommy”—she didn’t even want to go there. It was clear she must have travelled into the future. How confusing. Could she possibly be in the same place at the same time without there being repercussions? Would the universe allow this? Just in case, she’d have to stop him from catching up to the group ahead. At that moment, like a direct answer to her prayer, Dani heard a bawling noise.
“Troy, listen! Can you hear it? Someone in the lane here is crying. Something must be wrong.”
“None of our business. I need to follow Mrs. Ward. I’ve been on her trail since Chicago, and I’m not going to lose her now.”
Mrs. Ward? She was married?
“It’s a child’s voice, Troy. A child is in trouble, and we need to check it out.”
Troy stopped in his tracks. She used every bit of yearning, persuasive power she had to influence his decision.
“For pity’s sake.” He slapped his hands against the sides of his legs, swivelled, and took off down into the shadowy, dark lane.
Three bigger males, teenagers by their appearance, surrounded a small boy who clung to a cowering puppy. The terrified canine, intent on hiding his muzzle under the lad’s arm, appeared to be the object of the skirmish.
“‘Ere! Give over, ya sissy. He’s ours, we found ‘im.” Two of the brutes reached over and each grabbed one of the tyke’s shoulders.
Brave or just stupid, he didn’t back down. “No! You’re hurting ‘im. I saw you with the cans. You can’t tie ‘em to his tail, the noise frightens ‘im.” The small lad whispered the last words from a throat too closed up to enunciate clearly. Tears poured down his face, and a puddle slowly started to form in the dirt under his leg. He trembled, but his intentions were clear. His arms held even more tightly to the whining bundle, while his eyes shut tight.
Without waiting for Troy to speak, Dani jumped in. “Let go of him, you two! You’re a right pair of idiots, ain’tcha, pickin’ on a nipper, and you three all twice his size.”
The leader of the pack sized up Troy, sensing weakness from the tone and the words used. “Don’t mess about, mister. Ain’t none of your business, this. The punk here has me dog, and I wants ‘im back. Me mum brought ‘im home for me yesterday—for me birthday.”
“You’re lyin’. Your mum never did.” Incensed, the boy tried to break away from the restraining hands.
“Shut your gob.” Neither the pointing finger nor the threats prevented the small boy from speaking up.
“The pup’s a stray.” Tears didn’t halt his words, either. He sensed Troy’s protection. Wriggling hard, he escaped from the two who’d been holding him and ran over to stand next to the big man. A hand rubbed the fair hair and settled on the boy’s neck in support.
Predictably, the two followers turned to their mouthpiece, waiting to take his lead. Three against one were pretty good odds. Tall as he stood, Troy’s presence hadn’t been threatening. His tone hadn’t scared them, and his relaxed demeanour confused rather than intimidated.
“Aye, there, hang on. The dog’s mine, and I want him.” Grubby, sandy-coloured hair curtained one half of the insolent face. Mismatched teeth protruded, detracting from any slight attractiveness the braggart might have had if he’d smiled rather than sneered. He had a slight build, still a youth but wiry, muscled, and unafraid.
His two sidekicks were similar in size, both dark-haired, both wary, and both heading to circle around the lone man and boy.
“Troy, they’re going to jump you. Maybe we should take the boy and get out of here.” Dani’s anxiety brought a smile to Troy’s face—not a nice smile, not a smile that would make others respond similarly when they saw it. It was a mean grin full of menace and glee.
“I’ve got it covered, Miss Nosy Parker.”
Troy gently put the lad behind him and took off his leather jacket. Laying it across the youngster’s shoulders, he winked and took a second to ruffle the furry face peering up at him.
He stood, legs solid, braced, and slowly, purposefully, he rolled up the sleeves of his shirt. His obvious lack of concern threw his woul
d-be attackers off guard. They looked at each other, nervous, hesitant, waiting.
“Hey, boys! Smart-assed little shits. Come pick on someone your own size.” Troy frowned, the lines in his forehead scrunching together while he flexed his hands and wiggled his fingers. The lower part of his face formed a malicious scowl with absolutely no humour involved. “My golden opportunity for a workout.” He pointed at the bigmouth. “You got a problem? You want the dog? Come get him.”
No one moved.
Finally, Troy approached the pushy goon. He stared him in the eye, and his intent gaze kept the lowlife from looking away. Without turning or dropping eye contact, he called to the hovering child and asked, “Hey, kid, do you know this jerk’s name?”
“Aye, that I do, sir, and his address.”
Troy poked his finger into the chest in front of him. “Not so brave now, are ya?”
The touch seemed to galvanize the others into action. Seeing their friend needed help, the two ran forward and were met with a nonchalant readiness. A karate kick to the groin put the first one out of order, and a flat-handed chop to the stomach and a push to have him trip over his partner fixed the second, while the third hung from Troy’s arm in a headlock. Gripping his ear, Troy hurled the leader onto the pile of bodies and then stood over the sprawling bunch.
“I’ll get your name, creep, and I’ll be checking in with the kid from time to time. If I hear of any trouble with my new friend, there’ll be hell to pay. Now, get out of my sight.”
Within a few seconds the alley was cleared except for the wide-eyed half-pint and his canine trophy.
“Mister, I never saw anyone move that fast. It was jolly well rivetin’, it was. Thank you for helping me.” He carefully handed Troy first his brown jacket, making sure it didn’t touch the ground, and then the puppy.
“Look, kid—”
“Me name’s Archie Butcher.”
“Right. Archie. Those three won’t be returning to hurt you after I leave, will they? ‘Cause if you need for me to walk you home, talk with your mom or dad and explain what happened, I can.”
“No, it’s fine. Me older brother will sort ‘em out when I tell ‘im what’s happened. Once he has a talk with those blighters, they’ll leave off. It’s the doggy I’m afeared for, sir. Me mum won’t have a dog ‘cause she’s algeric.”
“You mean ‘allergic.’ ” Troy’s smile invited the boy to smile back, and he did.
“Uh-huh. Allergic. Can you take ‘im? Otherwise those bullies will get hold of’ ‘im again. They were going to hurt ‘im, maybe kill ‘im, ya know.”
“So I gathered. Look, I’m just here on a visit, I don’t live here, and I can’t look after a dog. Isn’t there anyone else you can give him to?”
Without thinking, Troy had accepted the furry bundle, hugged him close, and soothed the trembling body. As they were talking, the boy had slowly backed away.
“Thanks, mister. I’ll tell me da about you. He’ll be wanting to thank you, I’m sure.”
One last wave and the boy ran towards the entrance of the lane and disappeared.
“Hey, kid! Come back here!” Troy took three steps as if to follow and then stopped. “Daw-gonit! First a female invasion and now a damn dog. Why me, Lord?”
“Troy! You were fantastic. It felt great to experience that episode inside you. Myself, I’m a coward when it comes to anything physical, but you were so calm and controlled. I know you held back when you hit those boys, and I never felt you lose your temper at all or—”
“Don’t—talk—to—me.” She imagined if he had spoken out loud, it would’ve been through clenched teeth. “Because of you, I’ve lost Ellie Ward and gained a scrawny, homeless mutt. What the blasted, damn heck am I going to do with this sorry-looking thing?”
Troy held the pooch up in front of him with one hand and stared into the wet, black, almond-shaped eyes. The scruffy, matted coat looked to be a dirty brown with spots of white in some places. A glance downward confirmed his male status. Ears, too big for the size of his face, flopped over in an adorable way after a few seconds. He whined and arched his body, trying to land his small pink tongue on the cheek of the man glaring at him.
“He’s a cutie, Troy. I can’t believe you’re sorry. In fact, I know inside you’re not. You did the only thing possible in the circumstances, helping that boy. You know he wouldn’t have given them the dog. And, he would have gotten hurt if—”
He growled. “Do me a favour. Just—be—quiet.”
Chapter Five
“Robert Andrews, I have had it with you and your excuses. I want to talk to my daughter. This is the second time I’ve called in two hours, only to be put off by your impertinent housekeeper.”
“You mean Mrs. Dorn?”
“Of course I mean Mrs. Dorn. What other housekeeper do you have? Are you being purposely annoying?”
The thought came to him out of nowhere. If voices could cut, he’d be bleeding.
“No, dear. I’m, ah, I’m just very busy right now. I can’t discuss this—”
“Don’t—you—dare put me off again, or I’ll come over there personally and find out what the devil is going on. Where is Daniell?”
“I don’t want you getting upset, truly, Marion, but it’s best that I keep Dani here with me for a while.”
“Excuse me!!?”
“I said that I will be keeping Dani here with me for a short while.” His voice escalated annoyingly—on purpose.
She snarled and then replied, “Robert, you are being very difficult. She left the house four hours ago saying she wanted to visit you, and she hasn’t returned. What I want to know is—why?”
“Dear, have you heard of the vicious Asian flu going around Manchester? It’s a deadly strain, and we’ve only seen a few cases here in town. The victims have all had to be quarantined to protect—”
“Daniell has this flu? That’s what you’re telling me, isn’t it? I’ve warned her over and over again not to go to that blasted orphanage to teach soccer to those unhealthy homeless children. But does she listen to me? No!”
Dr. Andrews made comforting noises and then cleared his throat to cut off the tirade. “As soon as I realized her symptoms, I made her go to bed while I had some tests done. The results should be in soon. I was waiting to ring you until after I had them to confirm my diagnosis.”
“She has been acting a mite strange lately, now that I think on it. Is she very sick?”
“She’s sleeping, Marion, and will be fine in time. But unfortunately we cannot move her. I have to keep her here, where Mrs. Dorn and I will be taking care of her. I’ve given her a sedative, so she can rest.”
“I’ll be right over. My poor Daniell will be needing me.”
“No, Marion. You cannot come here!” Alarm was evident in the quick response. “The house is now under quarantine. Look, please don’t worry. I told you she’s in seclusion and sleeping, which is the best thing for her. The flu has some pretty nasty side effects; one is intense itching from the rashes that occur. This could cause horrific scarring. So I’ll be keeping her sedated until we see that her temperature has dropped.”
Marion’s voice rose another few octaves. “She has a temperature?”
“It’s not alarmingly high, but a bit more than normal.”
“You’re saying I can’t come and look after her, my own baby?” The woman’s voice came through like a child’s, scared and weepy.
“It’s for the best, my dear. And she isn’t a baby but a strong young woman. Look, you mustn’t come. I couldn’t bear it if you became ill also. It’s a much harder battle for the older generation than for the youngsters, and the rashes can be devastating.”
“Robert, how horrible! What about you and Mrs. Dorn? You could get the flu, too, couldn’t you?”
“I’ve already been inoculated, working at the hospital, you know, and Mrs. Dorn—she’s nursed her, ah, sister, who had it earlier this year, and so she’s built up an immunity. I’ll bring a special nurse in, Gr
ace Joye, if I can convince her to come. She’s the best we have on staff, and she can take over most of Dani’s care while I’m away at work. You mustn’t worry. We’ll give her the best of attention, even better than if she was to go to the hospital.”
“What will I tell her father? Henry will be so worried.”
“Explain exactly what I’ve told you, and he’ll understand that it’s best this way. If he has any concerns, have him call me, and in the meantime know our girl is resting and in good hands. Trust me, Marion. Your child’s safe here.”
“You know I wouldn’t trust anyone else with her. Please call me if you need anything, anything at all. I’ll drop off her night things—I’ll ring the doorbell and leave the suitcase on the front steps. And I’ll get my ladies’ group at church to have a prayer sit-in for her.”
“That’s a wonderful idea. She’s young and healthy, and if I thought there could be any danger at all, I promise, I’d let you know. She just needs to rest.”
“Thank you, Robert. I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’ll ring you tomorrow, love. Ta-ra!”
Dr. Andrews lowered the phone, wiped his brow with the handkerchief from his pocket, and sighed long and deep. “I have no doubt,” he muttered soulfully.
Chapter Six
Still closed off, occupied with unanswerable questions and weary beyond words, Troy stared at the wiggling pup in his arms, and then his chin dropped comically to his chest.
The time had come to search for a room. He guessed it would be best to shelve all his problems for the moment. After all, the possibility of a girl lurking in his brain, or wherever the hell she lurked, couldn’t be real. But then he couldn’t dispute the fact that she knew his thoughts without a word being spoken. As crazy as the idea seemed, he felt her. A kind of glow lit his spirit, and as much as he didn’t understand, he kinda liked it. The feeling was warm and gentle and—well, nice.
Tucking the pup inside his jacket, he made his way to a local pharmacy to gather the essentials he’d need for the next few days. Then, at a small market nearby, he purchased a few pairs of cheap briefs, some socks, a bit of beef jerky, a newspaper, and, most important, a writing tablet. He walked the two blocks back to the Cozy Inn to book a room, and all the while he steamed in silence.