Page 12 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
He’d happily give up his partnership at the prestigious law firm in the city and maybe hang a shingle in Bedford Falls. Help her with the home and raise a brood of kids. The images made his heart sing with joy. Such blessings were within reach as long as he could solve the mystery surrounding his family and bring them peace.
In the morning, the four gathered for breakfast, and while the girls cleaned the kitchen, he shared his plan with Steve. “I just talked to James Lauer, a board member and close family friend, and he’s agreed to make arrangements for me to hire on at the plant. He’s willing to set me up with a bogus identity.”
Steve said nothing for a few seconds, his expression thoughtful. “It could work. You haven’t been out to the distribution building before, so they won’t know who you are.Plus, last I remember, they were still playing along with the head office though the old efficiency was gone and the regular shipments had dropped considerably.”
“Exactly what James said. It’s true this is a smaller distribution center that’s been in play for a lot of years. But they aren’t dispatching nearly the amount of goods they used to route through there. And the guy on the board who took over for my father has come up with more excuses than a kid with his homework not done.”
Steve gave Noel a look of trepidation. “It’s making me really nervous to think of you snooping around. It could be dangerous.”
“I’m not that tickled myself, but it’ll be much better spying from inside the premises. Especially since I have a good idea of what I’m looking for.”
“What’s that?”
“I’m thinking they’re running drugs, shipping out huge quantities as if they were the regular goods we always distributed. Think of it. All those containers that have been in play for a long time. They could move one hell of a lot of product inside those shipments with very little exposure, and who would think anything about a system that’s been ongoing for twenty years?”
Steve grinned without any humor. “S’truth. The whole thing smells. You better watch your back, son, so you don’t end up having an accident like I did.”
Chapter Fifteen
Later, after a day of counselling two frantic runaway brothers who arrived from the city with nowhere to go, settling them in and calming their panic, Mary went for a quick dinner to Maddy’s. She’d promised to meet Noel and couldn’t wait to see him again - her nerves heightened with sweet anxiety.
They’d had another snowfall and the multi-colored lights in the windows shone through the white blankets of softness, glowing, adding a fantasy-like appearance around the small, homey café.
Once inside, she brushed off her jacket and enjoyed the overpowering smells of coffee, fish and chips and meat cooked on the grill. When she saw Rory limping towards her table, his face battered and bruised, his leg obviously injured, her heart took a dive. “My goodness, what happened, Rory?”
“The Jones brothers are what happened. Thieving bastards.”
“Good Lord! Did you call the sheriff? They just can’t keep getting away with this nonsense.”
Maddy approached and interrupted, “That old Sheriff Lock is so scared of Duggan, he tried to blame this on my son. Told him he should play along and stay healthy. Rory told him to get out and never come back; our doors weren’t open for his kind of sniveling scoundrel.” Her face wreathed in righteous indignation, Maddy settled her weary body in the booth next to Mary and laid her head on the younger woman’s shoulder.
Mary hugged her close. “I’m so sorry, you two. I can’t imagine how terrifying this must be to live under such stress. Maybe you should close the doors for a while, just until things settle down.”
Leaning on the table, his hands gripping the edges, Rory spoke up, his voice furious, “And have them crooks run us out of our home, let them take away Mom’s business? No way. I told them the next time they come in looking for money, I’ll have my shotgun loaded.” He stomped awkwardly toward the kitchen but turned back after a few steps. Blushing, his cheeks slightly red but his expression sincere and kind, he added, “Our Josie called and explained how you got her and her father away from this mess. Thank God she’s safe from that monster Ralph. You’re good people, Mary.”
While he’d been talking, Noel arrived and joined them. Upon seeing Rory’s condition, his shocked expression appeared immediately. Sliding into the booth across from her and Maddy, he smiled his greeting.
Rory looked at him and suddenly held out his hand. “What you did for Josie last night at Mary’s, saving her from the creep who thinks the world owes him; well that kindness can never be repaid, man. You’re welcome here anytime, my friend.”
Noel smiled and shook his hand. “It was my pleasure, trust me.”
Being called from across the restaurant, Rory left to answer the summons. Maddy’s smile followed him lovingly; obvious pride glowing on her lined face. Her gray eyes filled with worry,while the bloodless fingers of her clinched hands betrayed a mother’s stress for the safety of her young son.
Slow to get to her feet, she wrote their orders on her pad. “I’ll leave you two alone and be back in a jiffy with your food. And no arguments, it’s on the house.”
Mary reached out and grasped Maddy’s arm, holding her in place. “You know you and Rory are welcome to come to my place anytime and stay as long as you want. Think about it, dear. Rory’s young and headstrong, but it’s unthinkable for him to take more punishment.”
Tears welled in Maddy’s eyes, her red hair frizzed around her suddenly aged face. “I’m so proud of him and angry at the same time. He’s too much like his fiery Italian father… but Rory has his whole life ahead of him. I can’t stand to see him fighting so hard when he’s only one, and they come here in pairs. This beating was just a warning. They mean business. And they told him there’d be repercussions. Who knows what they’ll do next? I’ll admit, living here on the premises, I’m scared to close my eyes at night.”
“This is just unbelievable, Noel. How can ordinary people be forced to live like this?” Mary’s hand reached for his, her fingers clutching, seeking support in her anxiety.
“You’re right. Look, don’t worry, Maddy. I know a few people who can help with this situation. My cousin, the district attorney, will be interested to know this type of behavior is being carried out in his jurisdiction. I have no doubt he can send some people undercover to check into this illegal harassment by this gang. I’ll call him a little later and get him on board.”
Maddy’s smile wavered. Her chin wobbled, and her hand shook as she touched his shoulder. “Bless you, Noel.” They heard her sniff as she left them alone.
Mary leaned across the table, her eyes flaming with adoration, her red lips quivering with strong emotion. “I could just kiss you to death, Noel Bradford. Thank you.”
“Everything will be fine, Mary. I believe in my heart that I was meant to come to Bedford Falls and help this town overcome the hardships it’s suffered. Truly, that knowledge has given me a new lease on life and meeting you has brought me such happiness. Now, as long as I can stay in a room at the Home tonight, close by you in case there’s any trouble, I’ll be able to sleep.”
