To Betray A Brother (8 page)

Buoyed by Bryce's touch, she continued. "I tried to fight him off. He is much stronger than I am. There was nothing I could do.” Her chest heaved as she spoke, sobs threatening to overcome her again. “I nearly called the police, but I wanted to talk to you first.” She took a deep breath, Bryce’s dark eyes reflected compassion and understanding. Something else burned deeper, below the surface – something so frightening she didn’t want to meet the demon she saw lurking.

Finally he spoke, his voice deep and tender. "No. No Police and I promise you, he will never hurt you again." Penny had never felt as secure as she did at that moment. Bryce's touch and compassion draped over her like a warm blanket. She placed her head on his hand and closed her eyes
.

* * * *

Penny fell asleep within moments of closing her eyes. Bryce took the opportunity to look around the place. In the few times he’d visited, he had never seen the kitchen in such a state of disarray. Dishes were scattered everywhere, scraps of uneaten food and empty cat food tins combined in a jumbled mess in the sink. The chaotic scene gave him some insight into Penny's state of mind. He finished his coffee and sat quietly unwilling to disturb her. Clearly there had been no sleep for her last night. The dark rings under her eyes and the ragged edge to her voice said as much.

Finally he picked her up. She weighed little more than a feather and nestled into his shoulder as he lifted her. He wished different circumstances had led to him cradling her as carried her to her bedroom. He placed her gently on the bed and pulled the covers over her. He paused to study. If the deep black purple bruising around her throat was any indication, she was lucky to be alive. As she rolled over and snuggled into the eider down, a gentle sigh escaped her lips. He turned and closed the door, leaving her to sleep.

He’d had just finished a second cup of coffee when he heard a car pull up at the front of the house. He slipped the Glock from his waistband and slid the curtain back to see who had arrived. Relief washed over him as he recognised the truck. Beetle, already out of the vehicle, had the cages open and two dogs on leads by the time Bryce opened the front door.

"Hey, buddy," Bryce called softly. "Thanks for coming at short notice and such a shit time of night." He embraced Beetle only to have the affection returned.

"Shoot, no dramas. Had nothing better to do tonight anyway." Beetle winked as he spoke.

Bryce took a deep breath. He knew better. Beetle had a marvellous wife and two great kids. He always had something better to do.

"Is Penny all right? Did the bastard really rough her up?"

"I don't know. I know what Stitch’s niece saw, and I know what Penny said happened. Both stories seem to match. Should’ve sorted the fucker out a long time ago. I think this particular piper is about to get paid. "

Beetle looked at him. "You do what ya gotta do. You know where I am if you need me. Hey, Stitch is beside himself. Give him a call." He handed Bryce the dog leads. "I have to head off. You know Odin and Warlock. Remember to introduce them to Penny, and she’ll have no trouble with them."

He jumped into the truck and drove off. Bryce closed up the gates and took the dogs into the yard. He walked them around the perimeter to scent the boundary before letting them off the leash.

* * * *

Penny lay awake in bed, not daring to move a muscle. She listened to the silence filling the house. The eider down was tucked up under her chin, and she vaguely recalled how she got there. Almost afraid of what she might see, she opened her eyes. The wisps of light escaped past the curtains casting a gentle glow through her room, revealing Tim Tam curled up beside her and the bedroom door shut. The last thing she remembered was being blanketed by Bryce’s aura. While savouring the memory, his scent filled the air she breathed, sparking a fire deep in her belly.

She slid out of bed and padded to the shower. Turning on the water as hot as she could bear it, she let it run over body, hoping to wash away the stink of fear which stuck to her skin. Lemon myrtle scent rose from the soap, blending with the steam. A cathartic cloud filled the room as she washed her neck. Images of Justin crowded her mind, bringing back the memory of his breath as he delivered his invective tirade.

She tried to understand it all. None of it—nothing made any sense. Justin of all people! Who doesn’t trust Justin? She started to tremble. She had been so close to—it didn't bear thinking about! The only person it seemed she could trust was the one person who everybody trusted the least, Justin at least. The truth be told, she was in awe of how commanding his presence was at the party and how much respect everybody else showed him. Bryce’s craggy face and deep brown eyes filled her mind. At the thought her heart beat stronger, reigniting a fire deep inside that had burned down long ago.

She turned off the water and reached for the towel. Goosebumps rippled across her skin as the soft thick material caressed her, wrapping her in a comforting sheath. She dressed in loose fitting shorts and T-shirt and headed out into the living area with some trepidation only to find the kitchen cleaned and a denim clad Bryce curled up asleep on the lounge. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of him—his face bore the innocence of a child—comforted there might just be somebody she could trust in the world.

As she walked past the glass door to put on a pot of coffee a large shape loomed at her and crashed into the door, growling and barking. She jumped back shrieking, "Argh! What the hell?" A second brute, just as big, joined the first, barking and growling in a frenzy. Sweat stung her brow, and she looked around for something, anything to defend herself with.

"I see you've met Odin and Warlock." A laconic voice tinged with humour came from behind her. She turned to see a smile on Bryce's face and his eyes twinkling. "They are going to be staying with you for a while." He walked past, touching her elbow as he passed. "How are you feeling?"

"Do not open that door." Panic surged through Penny as he reached for the door handle.

"Stay here until I say otherwise." Bryce walked out to the dogs, and they jumped all over him, trying to lick his face. A minute ago she believed they would rip him to pieces. Now they were bouncing all over him like puppies. "Whoa, boys! Down. Sit." Both dogs sat and looked up at him. Bryce reached out and ruffled their ears. "Come out and stand beside me," he said to Penny.

"Are you crazy? I'm not going anywhere near those things."

"They aren't going anywhere for a while, and you'll need to feed them." A smile creased his face, teasing her.

"If you say so." With slow deliberate steps, Penny left the security of the kitchen. She moved around beside Bryce while he patted the dogs.

"Penny, this is Warlock and Odin. Warlock, Odin this is Penny. This is her house you guys are looking after so be nicely." While humour laced his voice, the undercurrent in his tone told her this was serious.

"Can I pat them?" She reached out, her hand trembled. Bryce put his hand on her arm, guiding it toward the dogs’ upturned noses. Warlock, who appeared to be at least a meter tall, sniffed her hand. Apparently happy, he pushed his head forward, forcing her to pat him. "Hello, Warlock." His fur, a grey colour mixed with black and browns, was rough against her skin, almost like wire. “What breed are they?”

“It’s hard to know for sure. Beetle breeds all of his own dogs and likes to use staghounds.”

Warlock stood and pushed into her, almost knocking her over. Odin joined in. Nuzzling for a pat, he pounded his head into her thigh. In the next second, Penny found herself sitting, pushed over by both dogs wanting her attention. She fought the sudden urge to scream. If these two experienced a sudden change of heart, there would be nothing she or Bryce to could do to stop them.

She struggled to keep her voice calm. "Bryce!"

"Oi! Sit." Both dogs sat immediately. Concern flashed in Bryce’s eyes. “Are you okay?"

"Yes." Her voice quavered a little. "I just thought if they changed their minds while I sat ...” She left the rest unspoken.

Bryce smiled. "I understand. So we will teach you what you need to know to manage them. Ready?"

Penny nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

"Four or five commands should do." Come, sit, stay,
flatz
and
utz
. When you want them to do something, use a strong tone and growl a little when you speak."

He looked at her, trying to see if she was listening.

“There is no way I’m not paying attention.”

Penny slung a couple of large bones into the yard. Both dogs sat beside her, salivating as she held them back. After a moment she said, "Go." They both charged, shouldering each other out of the way as they raced maniacally toward the two giant leg bones. Penny had developed an understanding with the dogs over the past couple of weeks, and she found herself becoming quite attached to them. Both had distinct personalities with Warlock being the dominant of the two. Odin was far sneakier. He liked to slip behind her, unseen in the dark, and then let out one loud deep bark before running off. The first time he did it, Penny jumped so high, she looked for a parachute to soften her landing coming down. It had become a reoccurring game now, one she continually lost.

She checked the clock, seven fifteen pm. Bryce would arrive shortly. He had been in contact almost daily since the incident with Justin. He came over regularly, checking on her at least every second day. If he was away for several days, he called at least once a day while he was gone. Stitch and his wife dropped into the shop to check on her. Even so, she never felt entirely safe.

Tim Tam lay on the bed. He opened one eye and closed it again seeing nothing more interesting than a pat was on offer. She scratched his belly as the now familiar rumble of Bryce's car echoed up the drive. Grabbing her bag, she slipped through the front door at the same time Bryce stepped out of the car.

"Hey, you look amazing," he said as he opened the passenger's door.

Penny smiled. "Thank you." She slid into the seat, noting Bryce seemed only to have one wardrobe, faded blue jeans and a range of T-shirts. Tonight's version, a stone washed grey. He slipped in and out of the streetlights, his tattoos adding to the shadows dancing across his skin. He eased out onto the road as music of
Electric Mary
filled the car. She chuckled at the sound, once alien to her, now familiar, like pair of jeans you had worn forever.

He looked across, his brown eyes lost in the shadows. "Mexican?"

"You know what? I can't remember the last time I ate Mexican. Sounds fantastic." The V8 engine roared as Bryce planted his foot, and the car leapt forward, driving her back into the seat.

He eased the car into a parking bay, amazing Penny at how easily he handled machinery. His car resembled a tank next to hers, and he could just possibly be the best motorcycle rider she has ever met. If he raced, there would be daylight between Bryce and everybody else in the competition. He opened her door, and she stepped out, leaning on his arm for support. Energy coursed up her arm. She blinked and paused for a moment to delay breaking the contact. They made their way through the lightly crowded sidewalk and into
El Cantina
. The sidewalk tables were full of people. Some ate while others gestured wildly, adding colour and depth to their stories. Their mood infectious, she grinned as the buzz influenced her.

"Have you been here before?" Penny asked as they waited to be seated.

"Can't say I have," Bryce replied with a smile. "I guess it'll be an experience for both of us then, won't it?"

They were led to their booth, Bryce's warm hand in the small of her back. The heat spread through her, radiating outward as they wound through the tables to the booth on the opposite side of the room. Warm mustard yellow walls contrasted with a dark well-scuffed timber floor. Booths, which were already full, lined walls adorned with all sorts of regalia such as sombreros and serapes or Mexican riding blankets. Penny relaxed, enjoying the sensation. She paused before stepping into the seat indicated. The warmth left by Bruce’s hand stayed, comforting.

"Two Coronas, two tequilas, and a bottle of sparkling water, please," Bryce ordered as he slid into the seat opposite.

"Planning on a big night," Penny teased with a smile. "You know I won't be able to get that beast of yours out of the car park without crashing into everything in sight, don't you?"

Bryce laughed with a deep rich timber, a sound Penny heard rarely. It was one of great joy to hear and know he clearly found her comment amusing. He held up his tequila glass. "To next weekend."

Penny did the same and drained the glass in one gulp. The liquid burned like fire down her throat, her stomach contracted, and she coughed unbidden. Bryce help out a glass of water, smiling with his eyes dancing mischievously as she sputtered.

"What do you mean next weekend?" Penny eventually asked. The fire in her throat had settled to resemble a damp ember.

"We race next weekend. You’re going to turn some heads, let me tell you."

"I'm actually looking forward to trying out some of my new found skills, and let's not forget the much improved bike." She tipped her glass toward Bryce. Her bike had never been as quick or handled as well since he had become her mechanic.

The waiter returned. "Are you ready to order, sir?"

Bryce looked across at Penny. “Any idea what you would like?"

Neither of them had even looked at the menu. They had been too busy chuckling at Penny's tequila fitness. She shook her head. He flicked open the menu, looked across at Penny. "If you don’t mind?"

"No, please."

He looked up at the waiter. "You know what, mate, we might have a go at the mixed selection for two."

The waiter nodded. "Any more drinks?"

"Two more beers, please." The waiter disappeared, and Bryce turned back to Penny. His eyes hardened as he spoke the concern evident in his voice. “How’s your neck?”

She adjusted the scarf she had draped about her throat, conscious of the bruises which lay beneath. “Pretty good, considering.” Penny shivered as Justin’s face filled her memory. The physical pain had gone, but the memory, still fresh and raw, ate at her.

Bryce reached out across the table, his hands closed over hers. She was safe. The touch of his hands upon her skin reassured her and gave her permission to be afraid. His eyes reflected both care and concern.

“I was in shock,” she continued. “I can’t recall ever being so scared in my life. Now I get angry at myself for not being able to stop him, letting him treat me in such a way.”

“These things have a way of righting themselves.”

The waiter appearing stopped Penny from asking what he meant. He deposited a large plate and two more Coronas on the table without a word and left.

She took a deep breath. “Mmm, smells delicious.” Her stomach growled as the aromas assaulted her.

Bryce took her plate. “What would you like?”

“Wow. It all smells so good. How about one of those.” She indicated a fajita. “And some of the marvellous smelling salsa.”

Bryce obliged and placed her plate in front of her. He loaded his plate up with some of everything on offer and topped up Penny’s beer glass. “I’ve been thinking.”

Penny looked up. “Yes?”

“How would you feel…” Her heart skipped a beat. “…about a new paint job for your bike? You know, something funky and cool?”

She finished her mouthful. “I’m not sure what funky and cool looks like, but you know what? It sounds like fun.” Penny looked at her food, tried to hide her disappointment. She had been secretly hoping he might want to take their relationship to a more personal, intimate level.

Bryce sketched out some ideas on the back of the paper napkins, calling for several more, while they ate and talked.

“Have a think about some of those ideas while I duck to the bathroom.” He stood, slipping his phone into his pocket as he excused himself.

He walked, cat like in his movement, across the room, and a completely female response stirred deep inside her. A lot of years had gone under the bridge since they had parted. They had kissed, only once. The memory of that kiss lingered with her ever since.
Her relationship with Bryce had changed from then on, and she had never really got over—or to the bottom—of it. Not long afterward Bryce had joined the Army and disappeared for ten years, but both of them were different people now. The million dollar question was did she want to rekindle those memories? Could she put them aside to pursue a relationship with Bryce? Would he want a relationship with her?

Bryce returned and slipped into the booth, with a waiter hot on his heels carrying two gigantic bowls of ice cream. “I’ll go get the two coffees you ordered,” the waiter said as he deposited the dessert on the table.

“Are you insane? There are more calories in this bowl than a girl should eat in an entire week?” Penny looked at him in disbelief.

“Yep,” he said around a spoonful of ice cream, “And every one of them delicious.” A mischievous grin broke across his face. “It’s not like you do it every day. The amount of exercise you do will kill these off before you knew they were there.”

Before she could reply, somebody screamed from near the door on the other side of the restaurant. “Help! Call an ambulance. This man needs help.”

The restaurant staff raced out of the front door toward the call. Several minutes later a paramedic entered and spoke to one of the waiters and disappeared back through the front door. Penny could see a small crowd gathered in the car park. Oddly, Bryce showed no interest at all in the commotion.

“What do you think has happened?” she asked leaning across the table, dying to find out.

He shrugged. “No idea. I do note however, your ice cream is disappearing.”

One of the paramedics headed toward the ambulance. Penny could see him talking on his radio as he did so. A moment later he reappeared, rolling a gurney toward the person in distress.

“Whoever it is must be in a bad way.” She gestured toward the gurney.

A waiter appeared with two mugs of piping hot coffee and placed them on the table.

“What’s happening over there?” Penny asked.

“I have no idea,” the waiter replied. “Apparently somebody got beaten up in out in the car park, just in front of the restaurant.” He shrugged as if this sort of thing happened every day and left.

Penny looked across at Bryce. “What do you make of that?”

“Nothing. I learned a long time ago if it doesn’t concern you, don’t go making it your concern.”

He stirred a sugar into his coffee with complete focus as if to demonstrate his point.

She gestured with her spoon. “Things must be serious. A police officer has just walked in.”

He spoke with the staff and pointed where the paramedics were with a man lying on their gurney. A second officer entered and joined the first. They stepped aside, chatted briefly together, separated, and started speaking with the diners at each table.

Before long a police officer stood at their booth. His sharply pressed blue grey uniform indicated he’d recently started his shift. “Sorry to bother you.” He looked at Bryce. “Are you Bryce Huntington?”

Bryce’s eyes went flat and dark. He looked up at the officer and in a cold voice asked, “Who wants to know?”

“I do for one,” he replied, waving for the second officer to join them.

Bryce spun in the booth and faced the officer, as the second joined them. “What do you want?”

“We wouldn’t mind asking you a couple of questions about…” He waved to where the crowd gathered outside. “Do you know who the paramedics are treating?”

Bryce shrugged. “It’s pretty hard to tell from here.”

“His name is Justin Byrne.”

Penny looked across at Bryce. “Did I hear you correctly? Justin Byrne?”

“So you know him?”

“We are all involved with motorcycle racing. Is he ok?” Even after the way he treated her, she didn’t really wish him any harm.

The officer returned his attention to Bryce. “He said you snuck up and jumped him from behind”

Bryce looked at the officer, not saying a word. Penny watched as his face hardened to become almost unrecognizable.

The officer continued. “He claims you then proceeded to kick him in the face and body.”

Bryce placed both hands flat on the table. “He does, does he? Well, he must have the best eyesight in the world if he can see somebody from behind him.”

“So you are saying you had nothing to do with Mr. Byrne being beaten so badly he is in an ambulance heading to hospital right now?” the officer continued.

“Do I look like I just kicked the shit out of somebody?” Exasperation sounded in his voice as Bryce pointed toward his leg now in plain view. “Do you see blood on me anywhere? Honestly, this is ridiculous. You just need to open your eyes, and the answers to your stupid questions are right in front of you.”

The second officer, who until now remained quiet, hooked his fingers into the front of his belt spoke with menace in his voice. “You might want to change your attitude unless you want to spend the night in the lock up.”

Bryce looked across at him, his face expressionless. “If you are going to arrest me, then do so. If not, I am still in the middle of my dinner.” He dug his spoon into the bowl of ice cream which had almost melted. “And would appreciate being able to finish my meal in peace. So if you gentlemen of the law have nothing better to do…” He left the sentence unfinished, raised his eyebrows and gestured with an open hand toward the door.

The first officer spoke. “We will be in touch.” He turned to Penny. “I am sorry to have interrupted your dinner. Have a good evening.” He looked again at Bryce who had turned his attention to finishing his ice cream. “We will see
you
again.” His tone turned ominous as he attempted to regain the upper hand.