Howdy, Ma'am

by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel

  “She’s waking up.” Caulder rested her head on his lap. He watched her flutter her eyes, and then they opened. “Howdy, ma’am.” She tried to get up. “No, you stay right where you are. The ambulance is right outside now.”

  “What happened?” More sirens blared throughout the neighborhood, and a policeman rushed in the front door. He knelt to examine Velia before the EMTs came in, and then he moved everyone out of the way.

  Edward reached for Caulder’s sleeve. “I don’t suppose this is what you expected when you got here. I’m Edward Smith.”

  “Hell no. What happened?” Before he could get an answer, Roy came in. He sat down on the sofa beside Alice and Caulder. “Exactly why I’m here. Her dad had a feeling that bastard Justin would try something.” He paused. “Excuse my language, Mrs. Smith.” He continued. “Mr. Armano is not happy about this.”

  Caulder looked around the room at everyone then at Roy. “Who the hell are you?”

  “Here to protect Miss Velia.”

  Caulder looked at Velia while the medics took care of her and then at Roy before shaking his head.

  “Roy, it could have been much worse. If you hadn’t been here, she could be dead. We all could have been.” Edward squeezed Alice tighter. “From what I’ve heard, he’s a crazy man. He sure as hell proved it tonight.”

  Roy stood. “I’m going to the hospital with her.” He grabbed Caulder’s sleeve to bring him along. “Well, I suppose you’re the cowboy. Come on. I’m not leaving her side the rest of the night.” Roy got in the rescue truck beside her. Caulder did the same. No one tried to stop either of them, both being twice the size of the EMTs.

  Even in the emergency room, Roy didn’t leave and neither did Caulder. “Who are you anyway?” Caulder sat in a straight-backed chair at the end of the bed.

  “I’m Roy Bianco. I’m here because her father sent me to protect her from this. Her ex-husband is a freaking lunatic. Her divorce finalized two days ago, just ended, and I came back here with her. She didn’t want me to be here when you came for dinner, but I couldn’t leave her. I hope you understand.”

  “She said her ex was mean, but I had no idea she meant this…or that he would try to kill her.”

  “It’s not the first time. The law will take care of his sorry ass.”

  “Good.” Caulder looked at the woman lying on the bed. She didn’t speak to either of them. He went to her side. “So, guess dinner will be another time?” He smiled.

  “I’m sorry. It would have been delizioso. Ask Roy, my food sampler.” She tried to lift her head, but it hurt too much. “Where did they take him, Roy?”

  “To jail I assume. There were too many witnesses around. I don’t see how he’ll get out of this one.”

  Velia frowned when she looked at him. “What about with a good lawyer?”

  “It might be better if he gets out.”

  “What do you mean?” Then abruptly, she turned away…she knew exactly what he meant. She gently touched the side of her face. “I must look a mess.” She glanced at Caulder as Roy left the room.

  “I probably don’t want to know what Roy meant.” He took her hand. “You’re not a mess. You’re injured. He’s nuts. I’m glad you’re free of him.”

  She squeezed his hand. “I’m so sorry. We haven’t signed a contract. If you want to look for a new photographer, I’ll understand.”

  “Velia Armano, my job is a challenge every day. My photographer might as well have challenges, as well. Trust me. You’ll be seeing me with bruises and scrapes.”

  Velia tried to laugh. “Thanks, but you still have time to think it over. How about dropping the last name now? I mean, we’ve been through so much together.” She did manage a smile.

  “If you’re ready to dump me each time I fall off the bull or break a bone, then I’d say we might as well discontinue our relationship now. But, if you can photograph agony and stay around to do it again, I’d say we’re off to a good start.”

  “I think I can deal, Caulder. Besides I have some of my own ideas about photos.”

  “Then I’m not going anywhere.” He gave a subtle smile.

  Velia experienced that warm rush again. Caulder was a gentleman, and she liked him a whole lot. “Okay, then neither will I.”

  Roy interrupted when he returned. “Alice and Edward are in the waiting room. I saw them when I looked for the doctor.” Roy handed Caulder a cup of coffee. “There’s sugar and cream out there if you want it.”

  “Nope, this is good. Thanks,” said Caulder, nodding.

  The doctor came in and examined her face. “Nothing is broken. A nasty bruise and it’s going to hurt for awhile. Those stitches won’t leave a scar. I’ll give you some pain medication to get you through.”

  “Can I go home?” Velia sat forward. She closed her eyes because everyone looked blurry, but when she opened them the fuzziness was gone.

  “I don’t see why not.” He looked around the room. “You won’t be alone tonight?”

  “As a matter of fact, I will.” Velia folded her arms.

  Roy jumped up. “No she won’t, doctor. Her father’s on his way here and I’ll be with her.”

  She sighed and glanced at Roy then back at the doctor. “Edward and Alice are in the waiting room. They’re my landlords and take very good care of me.”

  “I’ll be with her, doc.” Roy wasn’t giving in.

  “I’ll be around for a time.” Caulder rose from the chair beside the bed. He pushed a lock of hair away from her bandage. “She won’t be alone.”

  Velia smiled and gazed into his eyes. “Caulder, you don’t have to stay. You’re a busy man.”

  “Didn’t you say something about Italian food?” He snickered then winked at her.

  “Of course, but I’m not holding you to it now.” His kindness caused that warm rush to cover her body again.

  “Well,” Caulder paused. “Since I’m still hungry, someone has to be putting it away for ya. I might as well sample some.”

  “Fine.” Velia pressed her fingers in circles around her temple. “I’ll let you. We’re getting off to a bad start.” She laid her head back against the pillow. “Who’d know it would turn out this way. I didn’t expect this.” She turned to Roy. “What do you mean my father is on his way? He doesn’t have to come.”

  “You know your father. And your mother’s going to be with him.”

  “Oh, damn. Thank you. I haven’t even thanked you yet, Roy. “

  Roy stood near the window with his hands behind his back. “It’s quite all right, Velia.”

  “You’ve known each other for some time?” Caulder paced toward the door and back. “It seems like you’re quite fond of each other.”

  “Since I was a child. Roy’s been around as long as I can remember.”

  Caulder peered into her eyes. “You’ve needed protection since you were a child?”

  “He hasn’t protected me, so to speak. He’s always here for my father. My father is an important man in Chicago and Roy watches over him.”

  “Don’t you think you’ve asked enough questions for one night? She needs to rest.” Roy walked past Caulder, bumping his shoulder on the way. “I’ll find the doctor with the discharge papers.”

  Velia raised her head and tried to sit up. Caulder took her arm and helped her to the edge of the bed. “You okay?”

  “A little dizzy.” She cupped both hands around her head. “My head hurts like a mother fuc… um, I mean like mad. Where’s the pain medication?”

  Roy returned and waited at the end of the bed. “Probably should wait till you get home and can get right to sleep.” He went to the window and back again.

  “She won’t be sleeping all night. Someone has to keep waking her.” Caulder brushed her hair away from her eyes again.

  “Sound like an expert.” Roy stood in the doorway looking up and down the hall.

  “I am an expert. I’ve had a few concussions in my time.”

  “Been thrown off a few bulls, have you?” He
leaned against the doorway, looking up and down the hall. “Damn doctor isn’t even out there.”

  “He’ll be here, Roy.” Velia’s impatience began to get the best of her. “Please sit down. Your pacing makes me nervous.”

  Roy dropped to the chair and stuck his legs out in front of him. “It’s not my nature to sit.”

  “It’s not my nature to be in a hospital bed either.”

  “Shouldn’t have married that ass wipe.” Roy swept his hands through his thick hair and faced Velia. “If your father had any idea what he had been doing to you, you would have been hauled back home. He would never allow his daughter to take that kind of abuse.” He sat forward, “If I had known, well,” Roy glanced at Caulder. “Never mind.”

  “I know, I know. But I finally got out of it, and now look what happened. I didn’t think he’d be coming after me.”

  “You had an idea he would.” Roy rapidly stood. “Isn’t that why you moved here?”

  “I guess I did. That’s why I didn’t argue when my father wanted you here.”

  “Well, I failed so I’ll be removed from my post.”

  “Roy, you saved us from being killed. No one knows what idiot Justin would have done. And you aren’t going anywhere. You’re too important to mio padre and you know it.”

  “Maybe so.” He slid his hands into his pockets.

  “Yes so.” Velia smiled a friendly smile. “Roy, you aren’t leaving our family.”

  A nurse came in with papers to be signed saying Velia wouldn’t be alone for the night. Someone had to be available to wake her every few hours and to check on her. Roy signed.

  He looked toward Caulder. “You’re welcome to hang around too if you have time. We can take shifts.”

  “Sure. I don’t have any plans.”

  “You two guys stop talking like I’m not in the room. I don’t want either of you to stay.”

  “One or both of us are staying,” Roy demanded.

  “Yeah.” Caulder joined Roy, taking his side now. “You need someone there, or they’ll keep you in the hospital.” He stared into her sleepy eyes. “Do you wanna stay in the hospital?”

  “Hell no!”

  “Okay, then it’s settled. We’re staying.” Caulder sat on the side of the bed. “Now, shush.”

  “But you have to work.”

  He lowered his voice. “Shhh, I have nothing pressing.”

  “Okay, okay. Hopefully I’ll sleep and won’t know either of you are there.” She rubbed her temples again. “Don’t get into a game of poker with Roy for you’ll surely lose.”

  “I’m not so bad myself,” Caulder chortled.

  “You’ll lose.”

  * * *

  At home, Alice helped her get into pajamas. “You were lucky tonight, Velia. Don’t argue with those two about staying here. Personally, I’ll feel better myself with them in the house.”

  “I know. I’m sure I’ll rest better. But what about tomorrow? And the next day?”

  “Hopefully, your ex-husband will be in jail for a long time.”

  “Yeah, my tour will be started soon and I hope he’s locked up. He has a couple things against him. Breaking and entering, assault...” Velia forced her eyes closed. Her head pounded.

  “He didn’t break and enter. Roy opened the door.” Alice lovingly caressed her arm.

  “I want to rest. How can I sleep with those two men watching over me? Especially my boss.”

  “He seems like more than a boss. I think he’s a little bit interested.”

  “Oh, joy, all I need.”

  “You’re not even a little smitten?” Alice gave a tender smile.

  “He’s strong, definitely cute, but he’s my boss. I’m not ready, anyway. Do you understand why I don’t want another man in my life right away?”

  “I see.” Alice tucked her in and fluffed the pillows. “You need anything?”

  “How’s the food out there?”

  “I put it all away before we went to the hospital. Those men can warm it themselves if they want. Tell them not to let it go to waste. Your delicious pasta dinner and a nice bottle of wine is what they need to settle them. Can you eat anything?”

  “Not sure I want anything heavy. Make sure you take some for you and Edward.”

  “I know, you already told me that earlier. I fixed us a plate. I’ll fix you something before they come up, although Roy is pacing and waiting. He thinks he has to be physically watching you each and every minute.”

  “Oh, he always has.”

  “I’ll fix you some tasty chicken soup. I bet you can eat some of your dessert though. These men are going to love all of it. I’ll make a pot of coffee in case they’re too restless to sleep. I bet I’ll end up waking you and them. Men!”

  “Thank you, Alice. I don’t know how I ever got along without you.”

  “Well, you had your mother. I won’t be surprised if she comes with your dad.”

  Velia took a deep breath. “She is coming with him.”

  Roy knocked on the door before they could get through their conversation. Alice let him in. “The food’s in the refrigerator. I’m fixing Velia something right now, so you just stay out of my way until I’m finished.”

  Roy sat on the sofa and kept his mouth shut.

  “Where’s Caulder?” Velia stood in the doorway.

  “You get back to bed, young lady.”

  “Alice, I need to sit up. I’m not tired.” She slowly made her way to the sofa.

  Roy stood. “He’s down there talking to Edward. He seems to be a big fan of Caulder’s sport.”

  “He is,” said Alice. “We watch bull riding every weekend. Have for years. This one is up and coming, might even win the championship according to what my Edward says.”

  “You know a lot about it yourself, Mrs. Smith.”

  “Well, I pretend to be knitting, but even I can’t resist those cowboys in chaps.” She winked at Velia.

  “Alice, shame on you.”

  “Me? Listen, missy, I expect some personal pictures. You know something I can give Edward for Christmas.”

  “Okay, sure.” She leaned her head against the back of the sofa. When Caulder came in, she noticed his attire for the first time tonight. He wore black slacks with a black shirt. It made him look statuesque and lean. His hair looked soft and thick and fell pleasingly around his face. The unkempt style looked perfect on him. His dazzling blue eyes were framed with those long, sexy lashes. Such a flawless specimen. And he’s here with me when he could choose any girl out of a harem of groupies. “Thank you for being here.” Velia smiled, but this time it wasn’t just a friendly smile. She knew it teetered on seductive. Was the crack on the side of her head affecting her?

  “My pleasure, ma’am.”

  Alice brought a bowl of chicken noodle soup along with fresh bread smothered with creamy butter. She got a small table from the closet and set the food in front of Velia. “You boys can get something from the kitchen. Your scrumptious dinner waits. Put it on your plate and warm it up.

  Roy went into Velia’s kitchen first and Caulder followed. “You have no idea what’s in store for you.” Roy handed Caulder a plate. “Velia inherited cooking from her mother. Pure ecstasy.” He grabbed a bottle of red wine and poured it into two glasses then carried it to the living room. “Care for a glass, Mrs. Smith?”

  “I’d love one, but I’ll take it down and have it with Edward. He doesn’t like to watch TV alone.”

  “Does he want a glass?”

  “No, I’ll take him one of his special beers.” She turned to Caulder before leaving. “Would you like a beer?”

  “I’ll have the wine. It goes best with Italian.” He winked at Velia.

  “I’ll be seeing you two later.” She waved to Velia before leaving.

  After Alice left, Velia went to the kitchen and got a wine glass from the cupboard.

  Caulder could see her from where he sat. He jumped up and hurried to her. “Whoa there, little filly, you can’t be drinking wi
th that pain medication.” He slipped his arm around her waist.

  “I forgot.” She grasped the woodwork along the doorway. Roy came to assist Caulder with her, but Caulder picked her up and carried her to bed. Roy lingered right behind. “Is she okay?”

  “I think she’s dizzy.” He laid her on the bed and pulled the covers over her. “Maybe you should stay right here for awhile.”

  “I’m fine.” She grimaced then held her head. “Maybe not.”

  “Your pain pill is starting to work, Velia, let it ease the pain and stop fighting against it.” Caulder rested one knee on the side of the bed and brushed the hair away from her face, gently running his knuckles along her cheek.

  She looked up at him. With the tender care everyone was giving to her, she felt more like a child than a grown woman, but the burning fire making its way over her body, reminded her she was no child. And neither was he.

  “Rest while you can. We’ll be waking you soon.” He leaned forward and softly kissed her forehead.

  He stopped several inches from her face and stared into her eyes. Another heated rush fell over her, suddenly realizing she wanted him to lie beside her and hold her in his arms. She closed her eyes and felt the mattress rise as he lifted his knee.

  He moved away and stood beside the bed. “Try to get some rest,” he said, as he turned away. He stopped at the door. “I’m sorry this happened to you.” He stuck his hands in his pockets and rocked back on his heels.

  “I’ll be fine.”

  He hurried back to the bed and laid another kiss on her forehead, cupping her face in the process.

  She covered a yawn with the back of her hand, feigning sleepiness, so he would leave, but in reality, she tried to hide the fervor in her eyes. The warmth of his soft lips still lingered on her skin. Why would he do such a thing? Her weighted eyelids fluttered, and she fought to keep them closed. When he walked away, she opened her eyes and watched him walk through the door. He sat in the chair positioned where she could see him from the bed. She moved to her side and watched his motions as he sipped his wine and talked to Roy while they ate. Once he glanced back in at her. What was she getting into? Was he expecting perks while on the road? Was she?