Page 88 of The Rescue

I think I see a small smirk on her face, but she stumbles in my arms. She relents and lets me help her inside to her living room where I sit her in her arm chair. She leans back and closes her eyes. I grab her a glass of water from the kitchen, and when I return she opens one eye, and frowns at me and then at the glass of water.

“Come on, you need to drink it,” I wave the glass in front of her.

“I’d rather have a cup of tea than drink that,” she eyes me.

I let out a sigh, and roll my eyes at her. God this woman is infuriating sometimes. I wander back to her small kitchen and make her a cup of tea. When I return a little bit of the colour has returned to her face. I sit down on the small sofa across from her armchair and look at her. I wait for a thank you or for an explanation but it doesn’t come.

“So are you going to tell me what happened?”

She sips her tea, and peers at me over her glasses. I fold my arms and frown at her. It’s like we’re in a standoff, and I’m notleaving without knowing what’s going on. Because this concerns Rabbie.

She cups her tea in the lap and sighs. “That was his dad looking for Susie.”

My stomach drops and my hands grow clammy. Susie has told Rabbie and most people who’ve asked that she left Rabbie’s dad. My mind races at all the possibilities of why he would be in town looking for her.

“What did he want?”

“He thought that she’d be here. He said that she owes him money, and that he’s gonna get it no matter what.” Mrs. MacNee looks worried.

Could Susie just be here to use Rabbie for money? I hope not. My protective instincts are in overdrive and I can’t think straight.

“I told him that I hadn’t seen her because I haven’t. I didn’t mention that Rabbie had given her a job at the cafe either. But it’s only a matter of time until he finds out that Rabbie is the new owner.”

I stand and pace the living room. I don’t know how Rabbie is going to react to the news of this dad being in town. I crouch down in front of Mrs. MacNee.

“I have to tell him what happened.”

“No, you can’t. It will only stress him out.”

Her hand is shaking, and suddenly the strong elderly woman looks frail and scared. I place my hand over hers, and she looks me in the eyes.

“It’s only a matter of time before his dad shows up at the cafe, and I don’t want that to be sprung on him. At least if he knows he can be prepared for it. He needs to know, I’m sorry Mrs. MacNee.”

She squeezes my hand and softly smiles at me.

“You really care about him, don’t you?” Her question is laced with shock.

“Very much. I’m not here to break his heart, believe it or not.” I laugh a little.

“You’re a good lass. I’m sorry I’ve given you a hard time but I’m very protective of that boy. He’s all I have.”

“I know. Are you sure you’re okay?”

She nods, and frees her hand of mine and sips her tea again.

“Aye, Hen. I’m okay. You go and tell him but can you not worry him too much about me. I’m fine, really. I was just a little shocked to see that wee rat after so many years.” She scrunches her nose.

“Okay, but I will be calling to check on you later, and if you don’t pick up I will be coming round and I’ll bring Rabbie with me,” I warn her.

I go to stand but she grabs my wrist.

“I misjudged you. I’m sorry,” she smiles softly at me.

“I’m sorry I called you an old crow a couple of times,” I bite my lip.

She laughs, a loud laugh and it’s nice to see her like this.

“Aye, you remind me of myself when I was your age. You’ve got sass, thank you for reminding me of what it’s like to be put in my place.”

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