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“It’s just quiet at work tonight. Just wanted some company.” She said, a slight quiver in her voice.
I flipped the TV off, threw my T-shirt over my head, and grabbed my keys. I had a feeling deep in my gut that something wasn’t right. “On my way.”
Twenty minutes later, I walked through the door of The Crooked Judge. I expected the place to be empty but was shocked to find that the place was almost full. Judging from the fact that Bailey had commented on how quiet it was, now I knew something was wrong. She was behind the bar preparing an order, so I just straddled a stool at the end of the bar where she was working away and waited for her to turn around.
She’d placed the last pint of beer on a tray and passed it to one server, and then her eyes met mine. A soft smile came to her lips as she approached me.
“Thought you said the place was dead?” I said, looking over my shoulder at the crowd, then back at her. “Or did you just miss me?” I winked, then chuckled.
She was about to say something, but stopped, an uncomfortable look coming over her face. I turned and looked over my shoulder in the direction she was looking and spotted Marcus walking out from the back room carrying a case of beer. She didn’t need to say any more. I could tell from the look on his face the second he made eye contact with me exactly what had been going on and why Bailey had called.
“What can I get for you?” she asked as Marcus glared at me, slamming the case of bottles down on the back counter.
“I’ll have a soda and a burger if the kitchen is still open.” I said, winking at her. She needed to know I would not leave her here alone with him.
He walked over and dropped a dish of peanuts in front of me, glaring my way.
By the time Bailey had placed my order and filled a glass, Marcus had returned to the back room. She brought it over and set it down in front of me, giving me a very uncomfortable look.
“He giving you trouble again?”
She looked at me and nodded. “He has barely kept his hands to himself, despite being told a hundred times. I’ve put in a complaint, and I’m sure Glenn spoke to him. He was angry yesterday. Then today, well, I fear my complaint only made it worse,” she whispered, for fear he may hear, which would be impossible over the loud music.
“You have a ride home?” I asked, glancing down at my watch.
“No, I loaned Mom my car tonight. Hers is in the shop. She had things to do. So she dropped me off. I was just going to take a cab.”
I shook my head. “No need. I’ll wait until you are done with your shift.”
“Jackson, no, that is two in the morning,” she said, shaking her head.
“Bailey, do I need to remind you I stay up all night more than half my works shifts? It’s not a big deal. I’m not leaving you alone here with him.”
She looked at me and shook her head. “No, you don’t need to remind me. I just don’t want him to get angry.”
“Bailey, I dare him to get angry. I’d rather him take it out on me than on you, and that is why I’m not leaving. I don’t trust him.”
“Jackson, please, don’t make me regret calling you here.” She said, biting her bottom lip. She didn’t need to tell me she was afraid. I could see it in her eyes.
She was afraid of him, and for that reason alone, she could refuse all she wanted. I refused to hear it, so waiting was exactly what I did. I sat at the end of that bar until two in the morning, waiting and watching for him to make a move. When closing time hit, the music went off, and I watched as Marcus escorted patrons out the front door. Once the bar was empty, he turned to me.
“Hey, buddy, it’s time to get going.” He said, shooting his thumb toward the door.
“Yep, and as soon as Bailey is ready, we will be on our way.” I grinned.
Marcus furrowed his brow and looked me over. “You can wait outside for her. Can’t have people inside when we are closing. Gotta count the money. Owner’s rules,” he said, approaching me and placing his hand on my shoulder.
I looked down at his hand and back up at him. “Trust me, I won’t be a bother,” I said, throwing another handful of nuts into my mouth and looking at Bailey as she stood by watching, the look of fear settling on her face.
Marcus grabbed my arm and tried to remove me from my seat. I shoved him in the chest and growled. “Get your hands off of me.”
“Buddy, I’m not going to ask you again. I said it’s time to go,” he said, this time smartening up and not touching me.
Standing up and extending to my full height, I towered over him at six feet. I looked down into his face. “And I said I wouldn’t be a bother,” I responded, reaching behind me and pulling out my badge, flipping it open for him to see. I didn’t enjoy flipping that on anyone, especially when I was off duty, but this guy was making me angry.
He released his hold on me immediately and straightened the wrinkles he had caused in my shirt. “I’m sorry. We will get this place closed shortly.” He began walking toward the bar and then stopped. “Bailey, on second thought, why don’t you head home early? I’ll take care of everything,” He said, running around behind the bar, taking over for her at the dishwashing station.
“We aren’t supposed to close alone.”
