Part Ten: Questioning (Part Two)
Maggie rushed into the kitchen, scaring Mickey in the middle of firing a grilled cheese for her most consistent customer.
“Sorry Mickey, I just needed a moment.”
He paused. “What’s wrong? You need me to go out there?”
“No! No. No, it’s just a police officer is here looking for one of our regulars. At least, that’s what Dolores called him.”
“Aww hell, who is it? Madeline? I knew her husband was no good-”
“No-”
“Derrick? They finally going to charge him with drunk driving? I knew it. He stays at the bar way too late-”
“Mickey! No! They’re looking for Bryant.”
“I knew it. Ever since he and the wife split up he’s been a complete jerk. What does that have to do with you? Do you know where he is?”
“No, of course not.”
“Aww hell, were you involved with him? I tried to warn you. I knew you’d come to this small town and think everyone was kind, but it’s not true Maggie-”
“Mickey, believe me, I know everyone isn’t ‘kind’. And I have a boyfriend, remember?”
“Right, the muscle guy. Between you and me he isn’t that nice either, but I don’t meddle in other people’s business. But you be careful with that one Maggie.”
“Sure Mickey. I’ll just… be out back for a moment, okay?”
“Sure, take your time. Just not too long. Doesn’t look good.”
Maggie went outside hoping for a moment alone, but the crunch of gravel let her know that wasn’t going to happen. Looking up, she saw Dave, hands in his pockets, staring at her like he’d swallow her whole if given the chance.
“You should head back inside. Your grilled cheese will be out any minute.”
He paused, staring at her too long and too much. Her instincts told her to run, but as she turned to go back inside she felt his hand on her arm. Maggie instantly stilled, slowly spinning around. For a moment, they stared at each other.
“What the hell is this?”
Oh no. How’d she missed the gravel beneath his feet? The loud engine of his sports car? The smell of his overbearing cologne? This wouldn’t be good. It never was when he came to visit her at work. And on today of all days.
Dave should’ve stayed inside. He knew it, she knew it, and this new guy on the scene knew it, but there was no way he could let Maggie stew in her fear alone. He knew what it was like, feeling your heart thump behind your breastbone so hard and fast you could swear you’re having a heart attack but, but, you’re not, the doctor reassures you over and over again. To the relief of your mother. To the shame of your father.
“What the hell is this?” He asked again, approaching Dave and Maggie as if he would kill them both on the spot. Instinctively, Dave stepped in front of her. He didn’t say a word, which seemed to send the guy into an all out rage; he became a ball of vein popping, muscle flexing, curse spewing insanity, standing so close to Dave he started choking on his cologne.
“Nothing Jamie. Nothing, I just needed to step outside for a moment.” Maggie’s voice was doing that high pitched little girl thing again. Having observed Maggie for weeks at this point he knew her voice was octaves lower, but what better defense against a misogynist than playing into the stereotype of a weak woman?
“Oh yeah, so what’s this guy doing here? You two taking breaks together, having quickies in your car?”
“Of course not Jamie, he was just…”
“Just what? Being a friend? Okay. Let’s see how good of a “friend” he actually is.