David noticed the odor right away and had seen the bruises. “Ma’am, if you don’t mind, please tell me who’s in that house, and why?”
“It’s my husband, and five days ago he beat me for the last time. Six years I’ve been too scared to leave, and my dogs didn’t like it either. This time he beat me, and I mean bad, for overcooking his supper.”
She pulled her hair back to reveal more purple and yellow bruises on the back of her neck and lifted her shirt’s back, revealing the same all down her spine.
“I would have put up with it, like I always do, but that day was different. The first few times, he apologized and cried right in front of me, swearing he would never lay a hand on me in anger again. Then he would only apologize, and the last couple of years he didn’t even do that. The last time, five days ago, he was at it again but the back gate was open somehow. Anyway, the dogs, my dogs, chased him into a corner in the back of the house. I tried to call them off, but he shot two of my babies.”
“Didn’t anyone hear the shots?” asked David.
“No, it was a crossbow. I was in shock and just watched as he reloaded after killing the first one. After two, I snapped, I guess, and threw a vase—this one right here,” she said, pointing to a heavy vase with the top third missing in a shattered pattern. “Hit him square in the eyes, and he fell where he stood. Anyway, I didn’t know what to do with the body. I guess you all have the murder weapon and a motive now. What’s going to happen to my dogs?” she asked, with tears rolling down her cheeks.
“I’m sorry you had to endure that, ma’am, and I’m not the law but it looks like self-defense to me,” said David. “A man who hurts a woman has a special place waiting for him way underground, as far as I’m concerned.”
He agreed on a purchase price with the woman for Daisy, including the removal of one five-days-old piece of trash, with both parties happy with the deal.
“I’ll pick her up in a few days after I go home and get some money,” he said, not wanting to ask James for another loan.
“Oh, nonsense,” she replied. “Any friend of the Mayor is good for a short-term loan with me. Take her today, and I’ll see you back in a few days.”
* * * *
The girls and Billy couldn’t wait to reunite her with her brother, Chance, petting her all the way home.
Chance did remember her, after growling at the front door when they arrived. A potty break for both cut the tension. He curled up next to her only minutes later, sharing his bed and blanket, and they never moved until morning.
“If Tina says no, you just bring her back here,” said James. “She’ll have a good home either way.”
“My girls, Veronica and Suzie, will love Daisy. I just know it—and Mark too,” replied David.
“Thank you, James, for bringing me by there today. I still owe her a favor, as you heard, but I believe her.”
“So do I,” said Janice.
“There’s no room for abusers in this town,” said James. “I’ll get it taken care of.”
* * * *
David picked up a reluctant Mark with Jason’s help, introducing him to his first-ever dog. He was released early but told to stay low for a while.
“Did you get her digits?” asked David.
“Come on, Dad—nobody says that anymore, if they ever did.”
“It was a thing we all did,” added Jason.
“And what was with the extra dinner for her from ‘Anonymous’?” asked Mark.
“That was all James,” said David. “Did she like it?”
“Yes, she did, so don’t ask me any more questions. She will be working on my follow-up appointment in three days, so let’s not miss it. Okay?”
“The appointment or her?” he asked, laughing.
“I’m not even answering that, Dad. Can we just be on time, though?”
“Sure thing, son, as long as there are no bears.”
Mark rolled his eyes, but out of embarrassment, not disrespect, and spent the rest of the trip home thinking of her.
* * * *
David insisted that Jason and James follow him home, so they could square up for the trucks. The two stayed only thirty minutes, saying hi and taking a quick look at the greenhouses that James declared looked promising. Mel was grateful for James’ loan to David and sent him home with five pounds of freshly roasted coffee beans as a thank-you.
* * * *
Tina, Veronica and Suzie, with Beatrice and Mel, welcomed them home. Daisy was a surprise to all and warmed her way into their hearts straightaway. She slept on Suzie’s bed the first night, creating a rivalry of sorts between the daughters.
“Now we’re going to need one of those,” said Mel, with the children excitedly asking, “Does she have any more?”
“Yes, a few, actually. It seems not too many people volunteer to have another mouth to feed right now, let alone pay to buy one,” said David. “Besides, you and I have to make a trip over there in three days for Mark’s appointment and to pick up the second truck. We can stop by and take a look.”
“Perfect! Our Katie misses Ringo and Mini. She needs a friend,” replied Mel.
“That brings me to my next discussion. We’re going to need every adult in attendance because it’s big news that will affect all of us,” said David.
* * * *
They gathered for dinner outside tonight with something simple—chili and cornbread. Every man and woman was eager to hear about David and Mark’s adventures and the big news only rumored about.
The children were mesmerized by David’s account of his bear encounter, with Tina telling him to tone it down so the
