Read The Last Bachelor Online

Authors: Judy Christenberry

The Last Bachelor (7 page)

BOOK: The Last Bachelor
12.43Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

“Ginger's mother came to America when Ginger was sixteen and married a mob guy in New York City.”

“What family?” Justin asked.

“Ginger doesn't know. But her stepfather's boss got a look at Ginger and wanted her. Said he'd marry her.” His voice hardened. “He's fifty-eight.”

“Johnny wouldn't know anything about a New York mobster,” Archy protested.

“Okay.” Joe turned to Justin. “I hear you're the
sheriff here now. Did you get a report when a man took a knife to Ginger's throat out at the club?”

Justin sat up straight, his body tense. “No. I didn't.”

“I didn't think so. By the way, Archy, the club is going to need to erect more lights in the employees parking lot to make it safer.”

Archy frowned, but it was Justin who spoke. “Why didn't I get a report if it happened?”

“It happened. Ginger didn't report it. She was worried about being deported. She'd run away from home to avoid being forced to marry this old guy in New York.”

“You want to report it now?”

“No, but I'm a little worried. I think Ginger's mother now knows my name and where we live. I wondered if Johnny might hear something, if that family might call in some debts to snatch Ginger.”

Justin wanted details and Joe told him as much as he knew, which really wasn't a lot.

“Are you keeping your eye on her?” Justin asked.

Archy laughed. “He's a newlywed, son. Even you should be able to remember those days.”

Joe saw the pain in his friend's eyes and glared at Archy. “That wasn't necessary, Archy. Yeah, I'm keeping my eye on her. I'm driving her everywhere and then picking her up. I don't know anything else to do.”

“She shouldn't be home alone, either, Joe. She'd answer the door and they'd grab her,” Justin said.

“Damn, I hadn't thought of that. I was only think
ing of danger when she's out of the condo. Good thing I haven't opened my office yet.”

Archy leaned forward. “You're opening an office?”

“Yeah, I'm staying here. Ginger wants to.”

“Well, at least she accomplished what I wanted Jenny to do. You're back home to stay.”

“Dad, you've got to stop trying to manipulate everyone you know,” Justin complained. “Especially your children.”

“Has he been acting up again?” Joe asked, a half smile on his face. Archy had always expected his children to follow where he led. Though they didn't always, as evidenced by Rose's marriage last year to Matt, the son of his sworn enemy.

“Yeah, as usual.”

The housekeeper entered the living room. “Mr. Turner, there's a call for you.”

Joe jumped up. “That will be Ginger calling me to come get her.”

“Bring her back here. I want to get to know her.”

“It's late, Archy. We'll make it another time,” Joe said as he took the portable phone from the housekeeper. “Ginger?” he questioned into the phone.

“Yes, Joe. I'm finished.” There was a quavery tone to her voice.

“What's wrong, Ginger?”

“There are a couple of men hanging around, watching me,” she whispered.

“I'll be right there. Stay inside where there are other people.”

“What is it?” Justin asked as Joe handed the housekeeper the phone.

“She thinks two men are following her.” Joe ran from the room.

Archy waved Justin in his direction and the sheriff followed Joe.

“Come with me. We'll turn on the sirens,” Justin called, and waved Joe in the direction of his official car. In no time they were speeding down the drive.

“Surely it couldn't be her stepfather. He couldn't get here by now.” Joe was leaning forward, as if that would help the car go faster.

“Who knows? He may have connected with the Mafia here and hired a couple of goons. Or it might have something to do with that knife-wielding guy at the club. She should've reported it.”

“I know,” Joe said grimly, not taking his eyes from the road.

It took less than ten minutes to get to the college, but Joe lived and died every one of them. He'd promised Ginger he'd protect her. Then he'd gone blithely off to visit his godfather, leaving her unprotected.

“Quit blaming yourself, Joe. You couldn't expect anything to go wrong so quickly. She's probably all right.”

“Do you have your gun with you?”

“Yeah, but I'm sure it won't come to that.”

“How long does it take to get a permit?”

“Seven days. But you're not going to need one.”

Joe didn't answer. All he could think about was
Ginger's slender body, her fragile appearance. If anyone laid a hand on her, he'd break their neck.

When he saw the college, he drew a deep breath and waved Justin toward the building where he'd let her off. Justin stopped the car in a no-parking zone. Joe jumped out of the car and ran up the steps that led to the door.

He couldn't see Ginger anywhere. The lights were on in the building, but otherwise everything was eerily quiet.

“Do you see her? Was she to meet you here?” Justin called from behind him.

“We didn't specify a place. I told her to stay inside until I got here.”

He hoped that was what she'd done. But where was she?

Seven

J
oe shoved the door open, yelling Ginger's name as he entered.

Two men were standing in the hall by Ginger's classroom as Joe rounded the corner. One look at him and they ran in the opposite direction.

He would have followed them, except that the ladies' room door opened, slowly at first, then shoved back all the way as Ginger recognized her husband. She flew into his arms, tightly hugging his neck.

Joe had no objection. Feeling her in his arms was a great relief.

“Is she all right?” Justin asked over Joe's shoulder. “Were those two the men she was talking about?”

Ginger lifted her head in surprise. “I didn't know—”

“Honey, this is Justin Wainwright, Archy's son and the local sheriff. He came along to make sure you were all right.”

“What did they do?” Justin asked.

Ginger bit down on her bottom lip and looked away. “N-nothing. I guess I was being silly, but they were waiting outside the door when I came out and started down the hall after me. It made me nervous
and I went in there,” she explained, pointing to the ladies' room. “But when I peeked out, they were always there, waiting. So I stayed inside until I heard you.”

“You did the right thing, Ginger,” Justin said. “Better to err on the side of caution. Have you seen them before?”

“No, I don't think they come to the club.”

Joe choked back a laugh. “No, they didn't look like the country-club type.”

“But you got a look at them, didn't you, Joe?”

“Yeah, a glance.”

“Could either of you describe them to an artist?”

Joe pulled Ginger close to him again as he thought about what he'd seen. Regretfully, he shook his head, as did Ginger.

“Okay. But if either of you sees them anywhere, I want you to call at once. Come on, let's go back to Dad's. He'll be waiting for us.”

Ginger's eyes widened in surprise but Joe didn't explain as he pulled her along with him. Outside, Justin said, “Sit in the back with Ginger. I imagine she's still a little nervous.”

Joe quickly agreed. The need to feel her against him, to know she was safe, was important to him, too.

“I left my car at Archy's. Justin said he'd use the siren. You made the right decision about staying in the rest room.”

“They probably didn't even know I was alarmed.
I think I overreacted. I hope I didn't cause any trouble,” she said louder so Justin could hear her.

“No, ma'am, no trouble at all. I'd like to ask you a few questions about the man with a knife Joe told me about.”

She turned and glared at Joe. “It was nothing.”

“I had to tell Justin, honey. These men might've been connected to him,” Joe explained.

“No, they weren't. I told that guy what I knew. That was all. I don't know anything else.”

“What did you know then?” Justin asked, looking into the rearview mirror.

“My friend has done nothing wrong, so I don't think I have to tell you.” She pressed her lips together.

“Honey—”

Justin interrupted. “I won't force you, Ginger, but if these men are connected, it could—”

“I told you they are not.”

“Yes, ma'am,” Justin said in a dry tone.

They rode in silence until he stopped in front of Archy's house.

“This is Mr. Wainwright's home?” Ginger asked in awe.

“Yeah. When we were kids, it was a lot of fun living here. Now I think it would be difficult. Dad won't admit it, but the house isn't the same without my mother. They're divorced, and my mother, Kate, lives in a separate cottage on the property,” Justin explained to Ginger.

“She seems very nice.”

“You've met her?” Joe asked in surprise.

“Why, no, but I've waited on Mrs. Wainwright before. Sometimes I work the Empire Room on the weekends.”

“Come on in, and I'll introduce you to Archy.”

Joe helped Ginger out. She clung to his hand. “Joe, I don't think I should. He may not want a waitress in his house.”

“Don't worry,” he assured her, grateful she hadn't been there earlier when he'd revealed his marriage to Archy. “By the way, how did you do on the test?”

“I think I did well,” she said with a smile. “I forgot all about that when the men scared me.”

“Put them out of your mind,” Joe said, his arm wrapped around her.

Archy met them at the door, waving the housekeeper away. “Come in. Everything all right?” he asked as he stuck out his hand to Ginger.

She shook his hand and said, “I think I overreacted. I'm sorry I disturbed your evening.”

“Think nothing of it, little lady. Come in.”

Archy was hospitable to Ginger and they spent half an hour visiting before Joe suggested they leave. He pointed out that Ginger had to work in the morning.

“You're still making your wife work?” Archy asked in surprise.

Joe sent him a rueful grin. “No, my wife insists she continue working, but she's cut back her hours.”

Archy turned to Ginger. “You need to be thinking about babies, not working at the club.”

Ginger appeared startled, and Justin protested Archy's interference at once.

“On that note,” Joe said, standing, “I'm taking my wife home. Thanks for the evening and the advice,” he said, shaking Justin's and Archy's hands.

Ginger quietly bid everyone good-night and left with Joe. In the car, she said, “They were very nice. I was afraid they would embarrass you because I'm a waitress.”

Crossing his fingers, Joe said, “They would never do that, Ginger. Sorry we stayed so late.”

“It's all right. It's only now ten o'clock, when I usually get home from class.”

“Well, no school tomorrow night. How about we go clothes shopping tomorrow? After you get off work, we can shop and eat dinner out. That would be fun, wouldn't it?”

“I don't need any clothes.” She stared straight ahead at the dark road.

He shot her a quick look. “Yes, you do. People are going to ask you to go places and do things and there won't be time to go shopping. So you not only need a dress for Saturday night, but you also need more clothes for all kinds of things.”

She didn't say anything.

He let it go until they got home. Once they were safely locked in their condo, he suggested a piece of the cake she'd made for dinner earlier. “I like chocolate cake.”

Ginger frowned. “I'll cut you a piece, but I don't think I need one.”

“Yes, you do. All that adrenaline takes a lot out of you. Besides, as your husband, I can tell you I don't think you have anything to worry about,” he assured her, waggling his eyebrows to try to raise a smile.

Ginger was still worrying, but she agreed to join him at the table.

After she took her first bite of chocolate cake, she said, “My life has changed a lot since last Friday.”

“Yeah, mine, too. So much has happened in such a short time. But you'll have to admit it's been interesting,” he added.

They finished their cake and rinsed the dishes.

“Ready for bed?” Joe asked, sensing some tension still in Ginger.

She ducked her head. “It's silly, I know, but—but I'm a little nervous about being alone.”

“Honey, you can sleep with me if you want. I'll be happy to hold you all night.”

She smiled but shook her head. “I've caused you enough problems. I'm sure I'll go to sleep quickly. I'll be fine.”

“Tell you what, after you get ready for bed, you can open your door before you go to sleep. I'll stay up until you're all tucked in. I'll leave my door open, too, so I can hear you if you need something.”

She leaned closer and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Joe. You are so sweet to me.”

She slipped into her bedroom and closed the door. Joe wandered over to the sofa and turned on a baseball game from the West Coast. He needed some
thing to keep him from thinking about holding Ginger in his arms in his big bed.

He wanted to hold her for many reasons, not least of which was the hunger that was growing every day. A hunger he needed to control, because he'd promised her he wouldn't take advantage of her situation.

But he also wanted to hold her safe. Ginger may think she overreacted tonight, but he didn't. If those men hadn't been waiting for her, why did they run? No, they were waiting for Ginger. But why?

 

They had another leisurely breakfast, which, Ginger decided, was a lovely way to start off the day. She couldn't remember any leisure time before she married Joe.

She also discovered that returning to the routine of her job was a relief, too. She was with Daisy, able to exchange thoughts and laugh together. Though the opening for the Men's Grill wasn't until Saturday evening, they were already serving meals there. Daisy was sent there, but Ginger, too young to serve the drinks in the Men's Grill, remained in the Yellow Rose Café.

Still, even without Daisy in the room, Ginger was relaxed. Because they weren't crowded today, she had time to chat with her customers and even take a break or two.

Toward the end of lunch hour, Johnny Mercado came in. Ginger had never served him before because Erica had always insisted that he sit in her section. Erica, however, wasn't working today. One of the
other waitresses told Ginger that Erica had cut down on her hours also, a couple of days before Ginger did so.

Poor Harvey Small. He must be looking to hire new waitresses.

With a smile, Ginger approached Mr. Mercado's table. Though rumored to be part of the local crime syndicate, he looked to Ginger like a nice grand-fatherly type, gray-haired and quiet.

“Good afternoon, Mr. Mercado,” she said. “What may I bring you to drink?”

“Iced tea, please. And I'll have a club sandwich. It won't take long, will it?”

“No, sir. I'll put the order in right away.”

“Thank you.”

Ginger did as she'd promised, wondering all the while if the rumor was true.

Ginger brought his iced tea and then, when it was ready, the sandwich. “Is there anything else I can bring you?”

“No, thanks.”

Since he was her last customer, she went behind the partition that kept customers from seeing the kitchen and perched on a stool. If she was going to shop this afternoon, she should save her feet as much as possible.

Startled by the ring of a telephone, she peeked around the partition to see Mr. Mercado answering his cell phone. She sat back on the stool, leaning her head against the wall.

“Ricky? That you? I've been worried.”

She realized she was hearing Mr. Mercado's phone conversation, but she was sure it didn't matter. Besides, she had nowhere else to sit.

“A success? You mean Luke and Westin are all right?” After a pause, he said, “Oh, no! That's terrible!”

Ginger decided half a conversation wasn't very satisfying. Besides, she didn't know who Luke and Westin were.

“No, there's not much going on around here—oh, except there was a kidnapping. That baby they found out on the golf course—she was taken from the Carson ranch.”

Ginger straightened from the wall. The man was talking about Daisy's baby.

“I don't know, Ricky. Frank seems to think so. I want to believe it, but it's been a long time since they told us Haley died. If Haley is alive, why wouldn't she let us know?”

Ginger wondered who Haley was and what she was to Mr. Mercado.

“Yeah, I know Frank was crazy about her, but—You could be right. Okay, I'll keep my eye on him. When will you be back?”

He picked up a quarter of his sandwich and took a bite. “That soon? Good, we can go to the opening of the Men's Grill together Saturday night. Hurry home, son.”

Well, at least now she knew who Ricky was. Did Joe know him? Should she say anything to him about
it? No, she didn't think so. It was none of her business. What could it matter, anyway?

She got off the stool and took a pitcher of iced tea to the man's table to refill his drink.

She only had half an hour before she could go home. She was discovering a lot of pleasure in her new schedule, thanks to Joe.

 

“Hi, honey. Got time to serve me a hamburger?” Joe asked as he slid into a booth in Ginger's section.

“Of course. But there's plenty of food at home,” she reminded him.

“Yeah, but we're going shopping. I don't want to take the time to go home and fix lunch. Have you eaten yet?”

“No, I don't want to eat free when I'm leaving at two.”

Joe sighed but he had a grin on his face. “Lady, you are too tenderhearted. Order two hamburgers to go.”

“What do you want on them?” she asked with a frown.

“Everything but onions since we're going shopping. Put what you want on the other one.”

Shaking her head, she went back to the kitchen.

When they left a few minutes later, Ginger carried the sack with their lunch. Once they were in the car, they started eating.

“I hope you don't mind, but I asked my mother and Amy to come with us.”

“Okay. Do they need to shop, too?”

Joe chuckled. “No. But I figured you might have questions about what would be appropriate for Saturday night, and I wouldn't have the answers. That's why Amy is coming along. Mom is there to make sure you buy enough.”

She stared at him, horror on her face. “That—that's rotten! I don't want to buy a lot of clothes. That would be wasting your money!”

He was still grinning. “I want to be proud of my wife! You're beautiful, Ginger. I want everyone to know it.”

“Is this part of being your wife so people will believe us?”

“Exactly.” Joe knew that tactic would work. He changed the subject. “How was work today? Were you crowded?”

“No, not at all. Uh, do you know who Johnny Mercado is?”

BOOK: The Last Bachelor
12.43Mb size Format: txt, pdf, ePub
ads

Other books

KIDNAPPED COWBOY by Brookes, Lindsey
If You're Not the One by Jemma Forte
The Dreaming Void by Peter F. Hamilton
Last Fight of the Valkyries by E.E. Isherwood
The Cyclops Conspiracy by David Perry