“Pleasant change to see a man with a backbone!”
Brad watched her turn and scowl at Buster, who immediately began wiping down the counter.
“Not bothering that boy are you, Millicent?”
A big woman was now walking toward their table. Her brows met in the middle as she glared down at them. She had gray hair and eyes, and Brad had seen her around town, but not up close.
“Course not, we're just talking about the Buchanan land, Henrietta.”
“And?”
“Rare bird could be the key.”
“See that it is.”
It was like listening to men conversing. No embellishment or hand waving, just the facts.
Billy, Brad noted, remained quiet, watching. Smart boy that one. He knew when to lie low.
“Name's Henrietta Roberts Haigh.” The woman turned back to him suddenly and stuck out her hand. His was then pumped several times hard. “I'm in the book club, and we want this business stopped.”
He'd heard about the power this book club wielded in town.
“I believe Newman and the others are working on the matter also, ma'am.”
“Good, and you too I believe. Saw how you stood up to that big city lawyer.”
She spat out the words big city as if they tasted foul.
“Yes, ma'am.”
“You look after our girl.”
“I—ah—”
“She's a good one, and been hurt before. See you treat her right.”
“Oh, I ah—”
“We'll be off then, but another meeting of those working on the Buchanan land mutilation will take place at 1800 hours at my house this coming Tuesday.”
He wanted to salute, but as he'd never been in the services he wasn't sure he’d get it right, and had a feeling this woman would know the difference.
“Pass our thoughts on to Macy. I understand her father has taken a turn for the worse,” Henrietta Roberts Haigh then said, before nodding to Millicent Lawrence, who took that as some kind of sign, as she got to her feet.
Brad fell into the seat as the two women walked out the door, taking all the air with them.
Buster arrived seconds later.
“Holy crap, you okay? Sorry, Billy, erase that word from your memory.”
“Mom says crap all the time.”
“Bet she doesn't talk with her mouth full though,” Buster added, which made Billy snuffle.
“I feel violated,” Brad said, wondering what the hell had just happened. “And they never laid a hand on me.”
“I can't believe Militant approves of you. If that don't beat all. Wait until I tell the others.”
