Manny chuckled and, as usual, the sound turned into a deep-chested cough.
“We can get you to a clinic if you’ll go,” Kyle offered.
“Don’t like doctors much, but it’s real neighborly of you to offer,” Manny managed to say as he overcame his cough. Lifting his hand, he scrubbed his fingers over his rough stubble and said, “Lots of medicine around here. That’s one thing about the Cottages, you can always find some medicine.”
Kyle shared a glance with Alex, then looked back toward Manny. “Any recent medicine show up around here?”
“Well, now that you mention it, Dee-tective, had us a new doctor come visit us. Now me, I don’t have the money or the inclination for his medicine. But got a man at the far end of the Cottages that don’t mind paying.” He leaned forward, whispering as though telling a secret. “I don’t think he’s a full-time resident, you understand. He just likes being the… doctor’s assistant.” Chuckling at his humor, he fell into another fit of coughing.
Kyle and Alex gave him a moment to gain control of himself before Kyle asked, “Got a name for this assistant?”
“Now, you know, Dee-tective, we’re not much on names around here. Leastwise, not full names.”
“Would a hamburger and some french fries help your memory?”
Alex didn’t even wait to see the wide-eyed interest hit Manny’s face. He jogged back to the truck and grabbed one of the paper sacks, pulling out a wrapped hamburger and small bag of fries.
Manny scrubbed his hand over his scruffy chin and scratched, his eyes never leaving the food in Alex’s hand. Nodding slowly, he said, “Just heard him called Jerry.” Reaching out his hand, he took the burger and fries, lifting his gaze to Kyle’s. “‘Preciate it.” With the dip of his chin, he turned and walked back to his cardboard home.
Climbing back into his truck, Kyle drove around to the other side of the Cottages, parking where he could observe the tents with children playing outside. “I know I bought lunch for us and some of the others. Do you mind if I—”
“You don’t need to ask.”
Nodding, he reached behind the seat and grabbed the rest of the burgers and fries and headed toward the tents. As soon as he neared, he recognized two of the women that had talked to Kimberly. The blonde’s eyes were suspicious as she darted her gaze between him and the children. The dark-haired woman lifted her chin, her hands on her hips as she stared at his approach.
“Ma'am,” he greeted. “I was here the other day with my girlfriend, Kimberly. Just happen to be in the area and thought you and the kids might like some lunch. I know it’s not as healthy as what she brought, but it’s yours if you’d like.”
“You’re a cop,” the dark-haired woman said, her voice more accusing than commenting.
Nodding, he agreed. “My name is Kyle.”
“And what are you looking for?”
“Nothing, Ma’am. I had to talk to some of the people in the Cottages.” He inclined his head to the side, indicating under the bridge. “I had the food and thought about you and the children.”
“Mama, it smells good!”
Kyle looked down at the little boy staring up at the dark-haired woman and smiled. He waited, watching as she reached out her hand, caressed her son’s cheek, and her hard expression softened.
“Okay, but you know what to say,” she said.
The little boy ran over to Kyle, soon joined by three other children. Reaching into the bag, Kyle handed out hamburgers and french fries. Looking up at the two women, he said, “There’s some more in the bag, plenty for you.”
“Thank you,” the blonde said. “Tell Kimberly we said hello.”
“I will. Be safe, and if you ever need anything, call the police and you can ask for Detective McBride.”
He started to turn away, but the dark-haired woman called him back. She held his gaze a long time, and neither wavered. Finally, she stepped a little closer and said, “You said the food is a gift. We appreciate it. Charity isn’t always easy to accept, but I’ll do anything for my kids.” She licked her lips, hesitating, then added, “My brother has a job at Sal’s Market. He’s clean, works hard, and is saving money trying to get me, the kids, and him into a place. Most of the time he keeps his head down and his nose outta other people’s business. Safer that way.”
Kyle nodded slightly, not wanting to break the sliver of trust this woman seemed to