A Beast Among Gods (The Mac Tire Chronicles) by Garnet Davenport (big screen ebook reader txt) 📗

I nodded.

“Thank you,” I said.

“Good. I’ve got a stew in the slow cooker, and it should be ready. Mac Lir, do you want to stay for dinner?” Jefferies asked.

“I can’t this trip through. Maybe next time. I’m going to get some sleep, and I’ve got to get going early to go pick up the wife.”

“Tell her I said hello.”

“Will do,” Manny said and started to move toward the door. “Striker, here’s my number. If you ever need me, I’m only a phone call away. I travel between these states more than most people and can be by here the same day.”

“All right,” I respond.

“Come give me a hug,” he said. He wrapped me in his arms and patted my back then said, “It’s going to get better. I promise you.”

“Thanks, Manny… for everything.”

“You’re very welcome. Now, go be the man you were meant to be. We will see each other again one day.”

I watched as Manny left. Jefferies came out to me with two bowls of stew. He set one down in front of me and then the other in front of him. He went behind the bar and grabbed a couple of large spoons and a couple of glasses. He opened a loose ice chest and scooped the cups in to fill them with ice.

“Do you want a soda? I’ve also got water, cranberry juice, and half and half.”

“Half and half, what’s that?” I asked.

“You’ve never heard of half and half? It’s equal parts milk and cream. Most people use it in their coffee. But it’s nice to drink every once in a while.”

I hadn’t wanted that. I shook my head, and I heard a chuckle.

“Just water, please,” I answered.

“Got it,” he said and poured water into both of our cups and then came back over. “Well, Striker, you don’t have to tell me about yourself. I’d like to know but take your time. I’ll be here if you want to talk. I also see that you are wearing everything you own. I’ll take you to the store tomorrow for a couple extra shirts and things. I’d send the missus, but she’d probably embarrass the heck out of you while trying on clothes.” He looked me up and down. “You’re a good size. How old are you, eighteen or nineteen?”

“Fifteen, sir,” I answered.

He dropped his spoon. It clanked on the bowl.

“Isn’t someone looking for you out there?” he asked.

“No. My mother was killed when I was five. My adoptive parents died almost a year ago, and everyone else I’ve ever cared about is gone.”

“I’m sorry to hear that.”

“There’s nothing I can do about it now. Manny told me I should move forward and be kind. And to always pay it forward. That’s what I want,” I said.

“What is it you want?” he asked.

“To be kind,” I said.

➣ Chapter 16

A Place To Put My Head

Jefferies had given me a fluffy pillow with a fresh pillowcase, a clean sheet for the twin-size bed, and a heavy blanket and told me it gets a little colder at night in here. He said he’d bring his wife with him tomorrow, and she’d make me some breakfast, and we’d make decisions about my future. He told me I’d be safe. That there was a security system and not to go outside until he came back in the morning or the alarm would go off.

I told him I wouldn’t go anywhere and that I’d see him in the morning.

I got under the covers and pulled them up to my chin. The mattress wasn’t too comfortable, but it was all right. I was too exhausted to care. I fell asleep after some tossing and turning. I had only thoughts of Jamie that night. It was the last time I had gotten to see him in my dreams.

In the morning, I woke to light coming from under the door and some light moving around. I was up on my feet and looking through the diamond-shaped cloudy window. I saw Jefferies moving around in the kitchen that was right off the bar. He swung the door open and started talking to someone in the bar.

I stretched my hearing out.

“He’s not up yet,” he said.

“Oh, that’s too bad. I wanted to meet him.”

“You will. But just remember Mac Lir said he’s been through a lot. We’ve got to give him time and space.”

“He’s just a boy. He needs love and support,” the woman said.

Her tone made the corner of my mouth tilt upward. That was the same tone Diane had with John. Loving and strict. I missed them. Wished I hadn’t been the one to cause their deaths. I hadn’t wanted Jefferies and his wife to get hurt because of me. I’d make sure of it this time. They wouldn’t pay for my mistakes.

I gathered my courage and walked through the door. I could hear them even better now without having to stretch out my hearing. I pushed through the swinging door and into the open bar. They both turned around and looked right at me. The woman covered her mouth with a gasp, and Jefferies pulled her into his side.

“Striker, this is my wife, Jean. She’s feeling a little overwhelmed this morning. So don’t mind her.”

I nodded.

“I was thinking we’d make some eggs and bacon. Jean slices her own bacon, so it’s nice and thick. Tastes delicious. You hungry?” Jefferies said.

I nodded and said, “Yes, sir.”

“How about you and Jean get started on that bacon, and I’ll get everything turned on and up and running out here,” Jefferies offered.

I nodded.

Jean made an excited squeaking sound that was barely noticeable, but I heard it. I followed her back to the kitchen, where she started to pull out two pans and then went to a business-sized cooler and pulled out a hunk of meat. I could smell it the moment she unwrapped it. I wanted it right then and there.

She got out a knife,