honey-bunny out to sign the last couple of papers before being released.
Boyfriend Nelson wasnt what Id expected. He was an inch or two taller than Molly. He had a long, narrow face, and I would have hesitated to touch his cheekbones for fear of slicing my fingers on them. He was thin, but it was that kind of lean, whipcord thinness rather than anything that would denote frailty. He moved well, and I pegged him as a fencer or a martial artist of some other kind. Dark hair fell around his head in an even mop. He wore square-shaped, silver-rimmed spectacles, chinos, and a black T-shirt with another SPLATTERCON!!! logo on it. He looked tired and needed a shave.
The second he was free, he hurried over to Molly and they hugged, speaking quietly to one another. I didnt listen in. It didnt seem right to invade their privacy. Besides, body language told me enough. The hug went on a second or two longer than Molly wanted it to. Then, when Nelson bent his head down to kiss her, she gave him a sweet smile, turning her cheek to meet his lips. After that, he got the point. He bit his lower lip a little and stepped back from her, rubbing his hands on his pants as if unsure what else to do with them.
Save me from awkward relationship melodrama, I muttered to Mouse under my breath, and got onto a pay phone to call a cab. Being a learned wizardly type I had, of course, discovered the cure for tangling up an otherwise orderly life with relationship issues: Dont have a relationship. It was better that way.
If I repeated it to myself often enough, I almost believed it.
Molly and boyfriend Nelson walked over to me a minute later. Nelson didnt look up at me when he offered me his hand. Uh. I guess, thank you.
I shook his hand and squeezed hard enough to hurt a little. Me annoyed alpha male, ungh. How could I refuse such a polite and straightforward request for help? I took Mouses leash from Molly, who looked away, turning pink again.
I dont want to seem ungrateful, Nelson said, but I have to get moving now.
No, you dont, I said.
His weight had already shifted to move into his first step, and he blinked at me. Excuse me?
I just got you out of a cage. Now comes the part where you tell me what happened to you. Then you can go.
His eyes narrowed and his weight shifted again, centering his balance. Definitely a student of martial arts. Are you threatening me?
Im telling you how its going to be, kid. So talk.
And if I dont? he demanded.
I shrugged. If you dont, maybe Ill knock your block off.
Id like to see you try, he said, more anger in his voice.
Suit yourself, I said. But were in sight of the cop at the entry desk. He probably wont see who threw the first punch. You just got out on bail. Youll go back, probably for assault, committed within two minutes of being freed. There isnt a judge in town who would grant you bail again.
I saw him think about it furiously, which impressed me. A lot of men his age, when angry, wouldnt bother with actual thought. Then he shook his head. Youre bluffing. Youd be arrested too.
Hells bells, kid, I said. When did you fall off the turnip truck? Theyll interview me. Ill tell them you threw the first punch. Who do you think theyre going to believe? Ill be out in an hour.
Nelsons knuckles popped as he clenched his fists. He stared at me, and then at the building behind him.
Nelson, Molly urged quietly. Hes trying to help you.
Hes got a hell of a way of showing it, Nelson spat.
Just balancing the scales a bit, I said, glancing at Molly. Then I sighed. Nelson was holding on to his pride. He didnt want to back down in front of Molly.
Insecurity, thy name is teenager.
It wouldnt kill me to help Nelson save face. Come on, kid. Give me five minutes to talk to you and Ill pay your fare back to wherever youre heading. Ill throw in some fast food.
Nelsons stomach made a gurgling sound and he licked his lips, glancing aside at Molly. The wary focus slid out of his posture and he nodded, brushing his hand back through his hair. He let out a long exhale and said, Sorry. Justhellip; been a bad day.
I had one of those