Page 13 of Fourth Heartwarmers Trilogy
Shyly, Mary offered, “Of course, Noel, my place is your place.”
He leaned over and kissed her, softly, gently, his hand spearing her hair back from her face, his eyes adoring. “Oh, baby. I’m so glad I met you.”
Chapter Sixteen
Noel didn’t want to worry Mary and spoil their first evening spent alone. Totally absorbed in precious moments of closeness and discovery, he held off explaining what he’d set in motion that day. She didn’t need to know that the next morning he’d be starting work at the warehouse where he would be snooping to find evidence against the people in charge. If he were caught, as uncomfortable as he suspected things could become, he had no reason to believe he was in any real danger.
Instead he’d kept things light and was thrilled when she’d offered him a last cup of coffee in her private apartment. Shyly, she’d shown him where she lived at the top of the house, a lovely three-bedroom apartment displaying fabulous views of the river and city lights. The homey surroundings, full of lightness and wonderful artwork, surprised and delighted him.
“Make yourself comfortable and I’ll put on some coffee.” She left him to wander the delightful, soft-lit room.
Her blazing Christmas tree, decorated in the way he’d seen in photographs of older times, with tinsel hanging from the ornament laden branches and small multi-colored lights brilliant in their numbers, the smell of the pine needles wafting in the air – he observed and breathed in Christmas in a way he never had before.
Everywhere he looked, she’d set up holiday arrangements. His favorite display was the fuzzy white owls arranged on branches in an alcove in her wall with twinkle lights and artificial snow that looked so real, like a fascinated child, he reached out to touch.
At the top of the branch sat one tiny, golden bell. His finger reached out carefully but he hesitated, and shock ran rampant when it rang softly all on its own.
No! He shook his head; he must have been closer than he thought. Strangely, the tiny sound seemed familiar and a vision of an old man soaking wet came to mind. Shaking off the sensation of wonder, he continued to discover more delightful holiday arrangements.
His mom had always embellished their house with expensive and modern lushness rather than the old-fashioned approach. He preferred Mary’s decorations; they were beautiful memories saved and not bought new every year.
Drinking coffee together, they watched as the city shut down, various businesses closing their doors and the traffic waning. Snuggled close on the sofa placed strategically to watch the view of the old-fashioned city, they talked, holding hands and sharing, learning secrets and kissing spontaneously when amused or just overcome.
It was a night Noel would never forget, a night of discovery and soft happiness. Watching Mary’s expressive face as she explained about her vision of a future she’d always dreamed of sharing with a man who was like-minded, gave him hope. Heknew deep inside she was describing a life he yearned to be a part of.
Every word she uttered in her sweet husky voice gave him a jolt of happiness he couldn’t ever remember feeling before. Her intention of making a difference to as many young people as possible lit a passion inside he’d never experienced. How wonderful to really make life bearable, to help shape the future for kids who others had given up on.
It was Mary, her head on his shoulder, her hand held warmly in his, who first saw the flames. And it was Mary who dove for the phone. But it was Noel who fetched their coats and helped her through snowbanks to reach their friends.
Chapter Seventeen
By the time, Noel and Mary arrived at the horrific scene in front of Maddy’s restaurant, Sheriff Phil Lock had Rory pinned against the hood of the squad car, a shotgun clutched in his hand.
“Rory, calm down. You can’t go after Ralph. There’s no evidence it was him who set the fire. We have to wait for the Fire Department to do their job and search for evidence of arson.”
“You can wait old man. I know exactly what happened. Mom and I heard breaking glass, and we saw the car pull away. There’s no doubt the fire was set and why. He came in the café today, laid a beating on me and warned they was going to fix me. This is their way of carrying out their promise, the lowlife bastards. I want them arrested.”
“Look, if it’ll stop you from arcing like a hotheaded fool, I’ll go to their place and ask some questions. In the meantime, you back off from making accusations and give me that weapon, or I’ll throw you in jail.”
“And what would you charge him with, Sheriff? This man is arguably angry, but he’s done nothing wrong and certainly nothing to warrant being charged and harassed by the law who’s supposed to be the people’s protection against this kind of violence.”
Stunned, the sheriff looked at Noel standing by. “Who’re you to talk that way to me?”
Noel turned to Rory. “You need a lawyer?”
Shocked into grinning, Rory nodded, “Yes, sir.”
“Well Sheriff, this man has just hired me as his lawyer. I’d be very careful before making uncalled-for threats.”
“Hells bells. Friend or attorney, you best control this youngster and stop him from doing something he’ll regret.”
Just then, Deputy Taylor approached, his furious face not hiding the contempt he felt at the disgusting unlawful act. “I’m damn sure we want to question the Jones boys, Sheriff. Andy, down the way, said he saw their car in the vicinity not long ago, and he’s madder ’n hell for them to get away with this kind of persecution.”
“Okay, calm down now. We’ll look into things, and I’ll report back to you, Rory.” Again, he reached for the rifle but didn’t force anything when the younger man clung tightly. “But… and I’m saying this with sorrow… I’ve no doubt them boys will have a lot of witnesses willing to perjure themselves that Duggan and Ralph spent the evening with them and never left the premises. Get yourself prepared, that’s all I’m asayin’. Unless we have proof, like a video, it could be one witness against a bunch.”
Noel watched Rory as his shoulders slumped, and he wearily shoved the gun at the sheriff. “You and Maddy should come back to Mary’s place tonight, bro. From the looks of things, your mom is at the end of her tether. And your reaction is terrifying her. Maybe it’s time to relieve her mind and take a step back.”
The sheriff turned away with a last warning. “Listen to Mr. Bradford, boy. The man’s giving good advice.”
