CHAPTERNINE
Leoreleased Beth as he drew near his horse. A man had grabbed the young boy and was shaking him, deliberately intimidating him. Nudging Beth behind him, he stepped closer.
“Release him.”
The man shot Leo a look, but didn’t do as he had asked.
“He’s my boy, and I’ve a right to discipline him!”
“What has he done?” Leo wrapped his fingers around the man’s wrist and squeezed hard, which forced him to release the boy. He then pushed the lad behind him with Beth.
The man looked cagey suddenly.
“I’m trying to feed our family, and he does nothing to contribute. I want my share.”
“Of what exactly?” There was little doubt that to a young boy this man with his ready fists and angry face would be frightening, but not to Leo. He hated bullies. He’d loathed them at school, and had not changed his opinion in the following years.
“You gave him money, and I’m ensuring he gives it to me, for the family.”
“I did, because he is doing something for me. You, however, are not. In fact, what you are doing is making me angry, and that is not wise, sir.”
The man gave Leo a belligerent look.
“How many in your family?”
“Five, and I feed them meself. Me wife is dead.”
“There is only my father and me,” the boy said from behind him.
“He lies!” The man tried to get at the boy again. Leo stopped him by stepping into his path.
“Leave my sight and do so at once if you please. If you do not, then I shall make you.”
“You got no right to tell me what to do. He’s my son!”
Leo took a step toward him, and the man ran. Turning when he was sure he had gone, he faced the boy, who much to his surprise was being tended by Beth. Of course, she’d shown him that she was capable of kindness in that shop, but she was now down on one knee, the dirty street marking her skirts, and had taken out a handkerchief and was pressing it to the boy’s sore cheek.
“There now, Eric. I’m quite sure that hurts, and my handkerchief can do little without water, but perhaps it is cool?”
The little boy nodded, and Leo saw the look in his eyes was a mix of fear and adoration.
“Where do you live, Eric?” Leo joined her by taking a knee.
“An hour’s walk from here.”
“Is there really just you and your father?”
He nodded.
“Well, I am in need of a stableboy. Should you wish it, I shall take you home with me now, and you have no need to come back here.”
“But, surely you can’t....”
Beth’s words fell away as she looked from Leo to the boy and back.
“I mean, surely it is not that simple?”
“It is actually, as you very well know from what you have done for those girls. But of course it is up to the boy.”
