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She shook her head. “You all taught me how to look after myself. Bobby can’t.”
Christ, he loved this kid. “Bobby, your friend Bobby, who came to your birthday in the red bow tie and suspenders?”
She nodded. Sawyer wondered if he should go down to the school and threaten this Jack.
“I can’t be with Bobby all the time cus he’s in the next class up from me and walks home the other way.”
“Okay, and it’s real good that you want to help your friend, baby girl, but you can’t protect everyone and not protect yourself too.”
“I know.”
“What direction does Bobby walk home?”
“Along the main street. He lives just outside of town.”
“So, here’s what’s going to happen. You’re going to stop doing these cash jobs, because if your teacher finds out you’ll be in a world of trouble, and it will be worse if your daddy, nana, or uncles hear about it,” Sawyer said. She nodded solemnly. “And I’ll think about what to do for your friend Bobby, okay?”
“Okay. He’s small and gets picked on, especially after school today cus he always goes into Calloway’s for Sour Patch Kids, and I won’t be with him.”
“And this makes him a target?”
She nodded.
“What’s his favorite flavor?” Sawyer asked.
“Blue.” Ally’s nose wrinkled.
“We both know the only way to go is watermelon, right?”
She made a gagging sound. “Strawberry is the best.”
“Do you always look out for Bobby?”
She nodded again.
“You’re a good friend, Ally,” Sawyer said as he pulled into a park in front of the library. His chest felt hot, and his eyes a bit scratchy. “I’m proud of you.” The words came out gruffer than usual.
He leaned across and gave her a one-armed hug.
“Love you, Uncle Sawyer.”
“You too, kid.”
He watched her walk inside the library and thought that if he ever had a child of his own, he wanted them to be just like Ally.
Throwing the truck into gear, he then headed to his next appointment. It was time to remove something else that had been hanging over his head for too long before he handled the bullying of Bobby.
Chapter6
Sawyer parked outside The Gnat. J.D. had put tables in the grassed area to his left, for people who wanted to sit out here and wait. Opening the main door, he entered the reception area and stopped when he saw who sat behind the desk.
“I didn’t know you worked here.”
“For about four months,” Birdie said, not looking at him.
He really needed to pay more attention to what was going on around him. Last time he’d checked she was working in the school administration department. Now she had two different jobs. Three,he amended.
“Excuse me, I’ll tell J.D. you’re here.”
