Page 5 of Pooh

I can tell she’s exhausted from John and their drama. He’s worn her down to a shell. This can’t be allowed to stand.

“The police are here. Let’s go talk with them, Maisy. We’ll work this out, honey. Don’t give up. We’ll find a way to keep you safe from him,” Pippa quietly tells her.

I look out the front window and see the male in cuffs and Horse Nuts talking with the police officers. Things are under control.

“You ladies go give your statements to the cops. I’m going to check on Craig.”

I walk back to his bedroom and knock on the door.

“Who’s there?”

“It’s Pooh. Let me in, buddy. It’s safe now.”

The door is flung open and a small body collides with my legs. I reach down and scoop him up and he continues to cling like a small monkey. I walk to the bed and sit us down.

“That was kind of scary but it’s alright now,” I tell him quietly.

He pulls back far enough to look at my face and states, “You weren’t scared.”

“No, I wasn’t, but I’m a lot bigger than you. Besides, I know I’m meaner than the guy who showed up here hollering,” I tell him, trying to lighten the mood a bit.

“You’re not mean. You were big and scary looking when you heard his voice though. I’m going to be big and scary looking too when I grow up. Then nobody will dare to hit me anymore.”

Okay, so this big, scary looking biker just had his heart broke. Someone hits this adorable child? Yeah. Not anymore.

“Has someone hit you before, Craig?” I ask him, struggling to keep the rage out of my voice.

In a tiny, sad voice, he replies, “Yeah. My dad. He’s in jail now because he was mean to me and Mom.”

I need to hang tight to my emotions, so I don’t scare Craig, and I need a name. His dad’s name so I know who it is I have to kill.

The courts don’t do enough to those pieces of shit. They get a slap on the wrist, maybe a few months in jail and then they are back out and preying on kids and women again. This is the kind of shit the club works hard to stop. Daddy will get the beatdown of his life when the Devil’s find him.

“I’m real sorry about that, kid. No real man would ever do that to a woman or a child.”

“I overheard Pippa say that Dad has a dick but that doesn’t make him a man,” Craig states.

I bark out a laugh at how matter of fact he said that. He’s bright and articulate and I like this little guy. Even if he does have a potty mouth. He kind of reminds me of Mac, Ava’s bird.

“Pippa is right, Bud. Having a dick doesn’t make you a man. How you treat people makes you a man. Taking care of your family makes you a man. It’s what you do in life that makes you a man.”

“Dad hit me because I was trying to get him to stop hurting Mom.”

“And that right there is why you are going to grow up and be a real man. A good man, Craig. One that I would call my friend. Proud of you for trying to help your mom, kid.”

“Thanks, Pooh.”

“If you two are done with your male bonding moment, I’d like to interrupt for a second.” I look to the door and see Pippa leaning against the door jam, arms crossed and smiling. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes, Craig. Get washed up, please.”

“I already took a shower today, Pippa! I’m not getting near soap and water again!” answers Craig.

I stand up, set him on his feet, and ruin his day when I say, “Wash your hands, Craig. Pippa asked nicely, so please do that for her.”

“Aw, shit! Fine!” Craig declares.

“Language!” Pippa says, as he storms past her in the doorway and stomps down the hallway.

“Who’s the kid’s dad? Name?” I ask Pippa.

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