Page 7 of The Soul of Archer
"No mama don't apologize. Most times it doesn't bother me. Guess the fact that our new client was slapped around by her ex has those memories creepin' in a little is all." Lance sighed.
"Just don't let that dark stuff back in again baby. Okay. You know you're better than that and me and your dad are here for you. Anytime. Day or night."
"I know that mama. I promise, I won't go back there again." Lance vowed.
"Good. Well, I better get going. I have an early day tomorrow and you should probably relax a bit before turning in yourself."Carmen instructed.
Lance laughed, "Yes ma'am."
Still chuckling, he hung up the phone and picked up his beer. His mom was a wise woman and she knew her son well. There had been a time in his past when he was in a bit of a dark place. Fighting at school, okay more like finishing the fights. He wasn't the bully, but he was the kid who defended the kids being bullied.
He had always hated bullies, especially those that beat up women and kids. The kind his biological father had been. Then his step-dad Alex had come into his life and things got better. They got even better when his sister Jessica and his brother Jake were born. He had been and still was the proudest big brother.
Shaking his head to clear it, he polished off his beer and rose to his feet. Walking into the kitchen, he grabbed another beer and stepped outside onto his back deck. Moving to the railing, he leaned against it watching as lightning bugs flashed around the yard.
'Maybe one day I'll have what mom and dad have.'He thought wistfully.
***
Alora stretched as she sat up in the soft bed. Surprisingly, she had slept like a baby in the guest room at the Jameson's home. She had half expected the nightmares like she had that first night at Ryan and Jacquie's. Thankfully they had stayed away.
She pulled out a change of clothes that Krista had brought her and entered the bathroom. Fifteen minutes later, she exited and headed downstairs. Ever the early riser, Alora decided as a show of thanks for the hospitality she would make Debbie and Nick breakfast. After beginning the coffee, she set about with the rest. Eggs, bacon, and toast.
She had just placed the bacon in the pan when Debbie walked in. "My, something sure smells good."
"Good morning Debbie. I just thought I'd make breakfast. As a small way of saying thanks for letting me stay here." Alora smiled, pouring a cup of hot coffee for Debbie.
"Oh, that's sweet of you honey, but you are our guest." Debbie protested.
"It's not trouble. I love to cook, hence the reason I went into the culinary arts." Alora waved her off, turning back to the bacon.
The two women began chatting as Alora worked on the food. She had just sat the platter of eggs on the table when Nick walked in on a hum of appreciation. Giggling, Alora carried the plates over and sat down.
"This smells divine Alora, thank you." Nick stated.
"No problem." Alora nodded, scooping some eggs onto her own plate.
After several minutes of silence, Nick spoke up again, "Well dear, I am curious what your plans are today?"
Alora wiped her mouth, "I planned on going to my bakery. It's getting on the wedding season and I have several orders I need to get started on. I also need to inform my employees what's going on. Well, not everything, but that if they see Sam anywhere near the shop or if he calls to tell me. If he physically comes by, who do they need to notify...um, who should they or me call if he does that?"
"Call PD, then Blackout. I spoke to a friend of mine, Detective Wilson, yesterday after I spoke to Agents Harker and Fortner with the F.B.I. Ask for him should Malconi show up." Nick answered.
"Alright. Well, I guess I better get moving. The bakery opens at nine and I have things I need to do beforehand. Do you know when the team from Blackout will be by to check out my security?" She inquired, carrying her dishes to the sink.
"Ethan said he would send Tony and Lance by about nine or so." Nick replied.
"Sounds like a plan then. You two have a good day and I'll see you later. Again, thank you both for letting me stay here. At least for a few days." She smiled.
"It's our pleasure dear. You have a good day at work." Debbie beamed. With a wave Alora exited the kitchen. Debbie faced Nick, "She's such a delightful woman. You will protect her won't you Nicky?"
Nick sat down his mug, "I'm going to try my damnedest Deb. When it comes to the Malconi's, it's hard to guess what they'll do. But with Blackout on the case I think Alora will be just fine. Not to mention from her display of anger last night at finding out about those cameras in her home, I think she's a force to be reckon with on her own."
"Yes, I believe you're right Nicky." Debbie agreed with a smile.
She kissed his cheek, gathered their plates and moved to the sink. Already she was feeling protective of her young houseguest. And anyone who threatened someone Debbie Jameson was protective of had hell to pay.
Chapter 4
