Page 3 of The Satyr's Guilt
“You came to the right place,cher.You can stay here. We have people who’ll help you. I see you haveour brochure.” Denim took the crumpled pamphlet out of Leslie’shand. “You are not alone.”
Leslie swiped at her eyes. “Thank you.”
“No thanks needed. We’re here for you nowand for as long as you need us.”
Leslie started to cry again when Marta setan oatmeal cookie and milk on the table by her and the child. “Id-d-don’t have any money or clothes. For Jeffie or me. None of histoys. I just ran.”
When Jeffrey spilled his glass of milk, themother’s gaze pinpointed Denim. She cringed as if she expected aslap down when the trail of white liquid puddled on the floor. “Noharm. No foul.” Denim chuckled, got a rag, and wiped up the mess.Marta poured the boy another Brown’s Dairy.
Leslie’s shoulders relaxed.
“You’ll love the other women and kids here.Let us handle the other stuff.” Denim tossed the cloth on top ofthe washer.
Marta gave the big pot on the stove one morestir before she joined the table conversation. “There’s a boyJeffie’s age takin’ his nap now. When he wakes, your son will havea playmate.”
“He’ll love that. You’re both so kind,” saidLeslie.
Denim patted her hand. “I am sorry thishappened to you. You do not deserve it.”
“When the house wasn’t clean, Carl…” Shepointed to her eye. “…did this. Jeffie had been fussy. I justdidn’t have time.”
Denim nodded, staring straight at Leslie.“You do not deserve this treatment. If you remember one thing Isay,cher, remember this. You do not deserve what happenedto you.”
“You can never understand what this means tome.” The back of Leslie’s hand wiped away new tears streaming alongher cheeks.
Denim exchanged a look with Marta. “We can.Finish your snack first. Afterward, I’ll show you around, take youto your room, and get you clothes and stuff to last a few days.Essentials. One of the women will go shopping with you tomorrow. Doyou have a job?”
“No. Carl never let me work.”
“We can help you with that later. It’s not aworry-about-it-now thing. Also, Marta will review the house rules.Not today. Plenty of time later. Settle in first.”
“I’m afraid he’ll come for me.”
“Let me deal,” said Denim. “I was in thearmy and served as a New Orleans cop. I’m licensed to carry aconcealed weapon because of my current job. If I’m not here,there’s Marta. She’s a great shot. We’re not worried,cher.This is what we do.”
After showing Leslie upstairs, Denim helpedMarta set the table for dinner. “I’ve got a check for you.” Sherummaged in her purse after putting out the plates.
Marta turned off the burner under the pot.“Child, don’t spend your money on us. We get by fine. Do somethin’nice for yourself. You deserve it. Take a vacation. Be funagain.”
“I’m fun.”
Of course, I’m fun.
Did her friend and sometimes partner Galenasee her as a fuddy-duddy? She’d ask later.
Marta raised her brows.
“Okay. Fun-ish.”
“Put a bathing suit on your fine athleticbody, slap sunscreen on your pasty white skin, soak in the sun onthe beach, and flirt with all the guys who hit on you. Ooh, girl.Especially the ones in tight Speedos with their junk showing.”
“I’m giving you this money for me. And foryour information, I don’t like guys in Speedos.” She grinned,though.
“Hmm. You should get out more. A beautifulthing like you. I don’t mean to the gym.”
Denim patted the hair covering her scar. “Ihave a week coming to me, Marta. I plan to spend it here.”
“Nope. Don’t need ya. Don’t want ya. Beachit, party it, or dance it but do not show your face here. Too muchserious stuff rattles around in your head. Take in the season.”
