Protective Instincts

by Mary Marvella

  While Brit slept, Sam called his office, catching his foreman replacing the night office person. All systems had proven clear, no break-ins for any of his clients. After giving instructions to start burglar-proofing Brit's house, Sam started a pot of strong coffee.

  After a shower in the guest bathroom, Sam dressed in clothes Sean had delivered on his way to school. The boy insisted he would be better off at school, helping in the office 'til time for football practice, than sitting at home or hanging with his grandparents.

  "Sam, what are you doing here?"

  He caressed her forehead, brushing a lock of hair from her face. He lingered on her unbruised cheek.

  "I'm here to feed you, Lady. Mama brought a pot of homemade chicken soup. It's waiting on your stove, I'll heat it."

  "I'm not hungry." Brit frowned. "You look tired with those dark circles under your eyes …. "

  Her sob tore at his heart.

  "Oh, Sam! It was so awful!"

  Sam pulled her onto his lap, so he could hold her and shield her from memories of yesterday's horror. He felt her tears wet his shirt as he rocked her, like he would a child after a nightmare. But this nightmare wasn't over. It might not be over any time soon. That animal will pay for what he did to this kind creature! The moisture in Sam's eyes burned.

  "I'm here, Teach," he whispered. "I'm here. He won't hurt you again, I promise. Go ahead, cry, you've earned it."

  Peace surrounded the two until Brit raised her tear-stained face from Sam's chest. "Sam, uh, I, I uh …. " She blushed as she whispered, though they were the only two people in her room.

  "Oh, Teach," he stopped laughing. "I can't believe you're embarrassed about a little thing like that." He rose from the bed, scooped her soft body up in his arms and took her with him.

  Before he made it the bathroom, Brit spoke. "Don't laugh at me. Put me down. I can walk. I meant for you to leave the room since I'm not dressed. Besides, I can't do anything with you waiting around."

  "Don't let it bother you, Teach. I've tended to my mama and my sister when they were sick. I won't look."

  He set her to her feet; close enough to grip the door jam.

  "Get out so I can ... you know ...," she blushed even more. "Get out."

  "Sure you don't need any help in there?" She still seemed groggy but she shooed him away. He could see most of her lush body through her gown. He should've realized she'd need a robe. He needed for her to have on a robe. This was no time for him to notice the dark area at the juncture of her thighs or her rosy nipples. Raising his gaze to her face, he realized she was speaking.

  "Leave me alone or you'll mop the floor! I'll tell Julie. On second thought, Julie wouldn't help me. She thinks you're a hunk!"

  Laughing, Sam turned and started for the door. "Just don't tell my mother, she thinks I'm a nice boy. I'll get your soup."

  Sam felt the warmth of more than the stove as he heated the soup. He'd thought he could look after Brit. He'd tended his brothers and sister and, of course, Adrienne, Sean's mother. This was way different. He hadn't had to worry about resisting Adrienne, since he'd been married to her. Was Brit forbidden fruit? Had their shared danger caused his over-the-top reactions?

  Sam insisted Brit eat some of the soup. Thirty minutes later she had eaten, despite her protests. She'd missed supper and refused to eat at the hospital, which Sam understood.

  Her eyes drooped as she drifted toward sleep.

  "Thanks, Sam," she murmured. "This doesn't mean anything, you know?" She left the thought hanging.

  Oh, yes. It meant a lot to him. After so many years since his divorce he'd finally found a woman who touched his heart. He wanted time to explore what she made him feel. She was real and she made him feel things he had forgotten he could. Did he really want to take a risk? Maybe the feelings would go away with her danger.

  * * * *

  That afternoon Julie found the two sleeping, side by side. Brit lay snuggled under the faded, patchwork quilt. Sam lay on top of it.

  Sam awoke. "What time is it?" he growled in a scratchy voice.

  "It's three-thirty and I'm back from school. My last conference cancelled, thank goodness. Time for a tired hero to go home to his son who, by the way, is a brave young man." Julie laughed. "He worked in the office, showing parents to rooms.

  Sam yawned and stretched. He glanced down at Brit, then eased from the bed. "Brit's parents will be here around eight. Let me know if you need anything. Have a good night, Ms. Julie." He left Brit's room. He turned when a thought grabbed him. "Oh, has Brit mentioned anything about getting crank phone calls or obscene calls?"

  Julie's grin became a frown. "Why, has she had more wrong numbers while you were here?"

  "Not exactly. Does that happen often?"

  Julie's shrug told him nothing. "She didn't say. Just often enough to make it hard to sleep when they called at all hours. The caller never says anything." Julie shrugged. "Who you gonna call, the wrong number police?"

  "The night before last the caller went too far." Sam didn't smile. "He knew entirely too much about this house. Let her tell you about him. He was stalking her before last night's attack. Sicko! Do you know of anyone who would have it in for her?"

  "No. How do you know so much about that night?" Julie crossed her arms and glared at him.

  "Long story. Ask her when she wakes up."

  "Is she safe here? What if the cops don't catch the bastard?"

  "They're watching her house and she's about to get a decent security system. I'll even send some of my men to watch, if I have to. Does she like dogs?"

  * * * *

  Brit slept quietly most of the afternoon. Julie dozed until loud knocking woke her. She rose to unlock the dead-bolt lock Sam installed earlier. Security lights streamed around blinds, reminding Julie to peek through the new, eye-level, diamond of glass before punching the code to unlock the door. Brit was gonna hate having to memorize and all. She opened the door to mom and dad Simpson.

  "How is she?" Ellen enfolded Julie in a comforting, motherly hug.

  "Yes, how is my girl?" Joseph stepped forward.

  "She should wake soon. I know she'll be glad to see you." Julie loved these good folks. "Mr. Saxon, our principal, was distressed something like this could happen at our school. We were so lucky the media missed it."

  Julie said her good-byes and pointed out phone numbers for Sam and the doctor who had seen Brit the night before.

  "I hate to leave but I have papers to grade and I have to be at school tomorrow. I'll call you from school to check on Brit."

  Julie gave both parents a guided tour of the new locks and security codes. Then Joseph walked with Julie to her car.

  "I'm so glad you're here, Pop."

  She hugged him and kissed his cheek.

  "You did a good job, Julie, girl. We're proud of you."

  It felt good to have someone hug her. She loved that he watched her get into her car as he would Brit.

  "Buckle up and lock up."

  "Yes, Sir."

  He waved to her as she drove away.

  * * * *

  "Mama?" Brit whispered as she opened her eyes. Her mother's fragrance penetrated her sleep. "Oh, Mama!" Brit raised her sleep-heavy arms and shoulders to meet her mother in a tearful hug. Her daddy moved silently across the room to enfold his girls.

  "Baby," her dad whispered with a teary voice.

  "Julie said to tell you that your Mr. Saxon called from the school and said you were to call him if you needed anything, like extra time off." Ellen touched Brit's face.

  She treated Brit to a body rub. It was good to have her mama here. Brit told some of the story and found it barely easier to face than when it happened. They had to know.

  Morning found Joseph returning home, once he knew Brit wasn't seriously injured. He could leave his wife to tend their daughter.

  Brit and Ellen shared a light breakfast, using TV trays in the bedroom. They had a good, long, heart-to-heart talk about what had happened. It was eas
ier to tell her mama the details than it would have been to tell her daddy.

  Mid-morning Brit's mother answered a knock at the front door. When Brit shuffled into the living room, she watched her mom look out the window toward the driveway, then speak with a man.

  "Who was that?" Brit frowned

  "Mr. Samuels sent him over. His truck had the sign Sam said it would. His name-badge photo looked just like him."

  "Who, Mom?"

  "Jacob McAllister."

  "Mama."

  "Honey, Mr. Samuels stopped by early and told your daddy and me he owned a security firm and he'd send people over to finish installing security stuff here. Didn't I tell you?"

  "No, Mama, you didn't."

  "We thought it would be a good idea, since you know him."

  Later, workmen arrived to put up a fence and wire it to her house current. Then more workmen disturbed her quiet. The men presented work orders signed by John S. Samuels, owner.

  Someone else installed security lights.

  Brit called the number Sam had left. Presumptuous men made her see red, and she had some heavy anger to unload on someone. He hadn't even discussed his security measures with her. She was a grown woman, capable of making her own decisions. Protecting people was his business but he should've given her choices, damn it! Saving her life didn't make him her keeper. He had no authority.

  "Mr. Samuels," she said when she was patched through to him. "What the Hell did you think you were doing? There have been strangers with work orders building fences, and putting in wiring, and making changes I didn't order. They're making my house feel like a high security prison."

  Sam sounded weary. "Protecting you, maybe?"

  "Did I ask you to?" There was a pause. "Security locks, an electric fence? What other decisions have you made for me?"

  "I discussed my plans with your father this morning and when he stopped by my office on the way back home."

  The man was too logical. Not fair, though he'd have needed time to ask questions and get people out here to put in a system, once she'd researched her needs.

  "Still want to shoot me?"

  She remembered his cocky smile. "Mr. Samuels, you should have discussed your plans with me. I'm an adult; it's my house, and I --"

  "Ms. Roberts, someone made threatening calls to you and I found him attacking you last night. I failed to catch him."

  "But, Sam, that wasn't your fault."

  "I will protect you 'til the bastard's in custody for good! If you have no more questions, I have work to do. I have to replace a security system in my son's school."

  "You win." She hung up.

  "Brit." Her mom's voice was gentle but scolding. "You didn't even thank the man."

  "I will, maybe."

  * * * *

  Wearing a sweat suit, Brit answered her door. She couldn't stall seeing people forever. Through the peep window, she saw Sam holding his hands behind his back.

  Her mom rushed from the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dishtowel. "Look through the new peep hole first."

  "I know, Mama. It's just Sam."

  "Well, then, why don't you let him in?"

  "I forgot the code." Brit punched the code keys.

  "Honey, you didn't set the alarm."

  "Oh, yeah. I forgot."

  "Come on, Teach. I've got a surprise for you." Sam's voice would have melted a polar icecap.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Against her better judgment, Brit opened her door to Sam. Even through her screen door, she had to fight the urge to touch his still damp hair. He looked pleased with himself. From behind his back, he produced a bouquet of daisies.

  "Hi, Teach." Sam cleared his throat. "For you."

  Brit opened the door. "Thanks," she smiled and turned to take them inside. "But I'm not happy about the high-handed way you took over my life."

  Mrs. Simpson took the bouquet from Brit and motioned Sam inside. "I raised her better," she shook her head, "but she's stubborn."

  "Thanks, ma'am. But there is something else." From out of Brit's view, Sam retrieved a bag and handed it to her.

  Brit opened it with caution. "A dog bowl and cans of dog food? Sam-m-m, I don't have a dog."

  "I found Monster here …. " A Doberman materialized by his side. "He needed a home. He's a trained guard dog and he needs a new job."

  "Sam, that animal looks more like a horse than a dog." She stared at the Doberman now standing at Sam's side. What would she do with such an animal? He looked at her like she was supper. With a sigh, Brit turned and went inside. She didn't need the responsibility of a pet, even one trained to earn his keep.

  Once inside, Sam began to explain the proper care and feeding of a guard dog. Monster followed his new owner, who reluctantly put her hand on his head.

  "Teach, I don't think you should --"

  Sam's warning came too late. A sloppy tongue wet Brit's hand as Monster rubbed against her, nearly pushing her over. "Don't give me that look. I don't need a dog."

  Monster's big eyes watered as he sat on his haunches, begging.

  "Don't start with me."

  Monster whined and licked her hand again.

  "Sam, I appreciate the thought but --" Brit backed against the wall when large paws bracketed her shoulders and a lick wet her face.

  "Teach, sorry about that. Monster was supposed to be trained to protect you, not love you to death. I'll take him back."

  Monster whined and put his big head on her shoulder.

  "I'd say Monster has found a home." Mrs. Simpson laughed.

  "I think you're right, Mom."

  Julie arrived shortly after Monster stole Brit's heart." Ohmigod!" She saw Brit sitting on the floor, nearly hidden by the huge animal. Its head took up her whole lap.

  "Julie, you'd better be careful. Approach Monster slowly." Sam kept his voice soft and his expression stern,

  "Why?" Julie clapped her hands in delight.

  "Monster's a guard dog," Brit answered. "He's trained to attack anyone who threatens me."

  "Well, he is." Sam glared at the dog.

  "What a sweet baby you are," Julie crooned and knelt at Brit's side.

  Monster turned liquid brown eyes toward Julie. He whined.

  "Monster? He's a sweet boy, yes he is." She rubbed the large dog's head. His tongue bathed Julie's face before she could dodge. "Where did you get this sweetheart?"

  Sam harrumphed. "I brought Monster to guard Teach. I didn't expect him to love her to death. I should swap him for a scary dog."

  Julie rubbed between Monster's eyes, putting him into a trance. "You wouldn't!" She glared at Sam. "His coloring is like King's."

  "I thought so, too," Brit said. "He's as sweet as your King was. How long has it been since King went to doggie heaven?"

  "Oh, about five years. He was so old. But he still looked pretty scary, like this big ole baby here."

  Monster carefully roused. He lumbered to all fours and moved toward the door. His growl shocked everyone in the room. "Think he needs to go for a walk?"

  The doorbell chimed. Monster stood at attention. He looked capable of going through the barrier to get the person on the other side.

  Sam gave a sharp command.

  Monster growled more.

  Julie brushed past the guard to peek out the peephole. She turned back to Brit, who stood with her hand on Monster's head. "It's just Sean."

  "Let him in."

  Julie reached for the doorknob.

  Monster looked like he could make Sean his supper.

  "No, Monster," Brit stroked his fur. "Sean's our friend."

  Julie opened the door, leaving only a screen between Sean and a killing machine.

  Monster started to growl low in his throat. His lean body shook with restrained tension.

  "No, be good, Monster!" Brit warned. "Stay. It's okay, Sean. Come on inside."

  Sean entered as Julie held the screen door. "Come meet Monster."

  He stood quietly. "Are you sure?"

  "Keep
your hands out, palms up," Sam looked at his son. "Monster will sniff them. Don't grin or show a lot of teeth."

  "Monster, say hello to Sean." Brit removed her hand from his head. "Go ahead. He's a friend. He's Sam's son."

  Monster looked like he understood. He moved to Sean. He sat on his haunches. The trembling quieted. The dog checked him from feet to head.

  Sean stood still.

  Monster licked the upturned hands.

  Julie and Mrs. Simpson left the room through the swinging door to the kitchen.

  Sam shook his head. He'd never seen such a friendly guard dog. More dog shopping to do. At least the animal looked mean. He also seemed ready to protect the ladies.

  "Where did you get this big boy?" Sean looked to his teacher.

  "Your dad brought him to guard me," Brit laughed. "I think he's a bit disappointed."

  "Whatcha got in the sack, son?" Sam crossed his arms.

  Sean held the bag to Brit.

  "Not more dog food, I hope," Brit smiled at Sam.

  "It's from your students." Sean rubbed the head of his new friend, sitting contentedly by his side.

  Brit had to fight tears when she pulled the oversized cards from the bag. They'd been made and signed by students and teachers.

  "Sean, how did you do this? School wasn't in session, today."

  "It was no big deal." He blushed. "I was helping Angie in the office for a while before practice and some of the kids came by to make the cards. The coaches gave the football players a few minutes to sign them before practice."

  Brit hugged him. "You're a good kid, Sean Samuels."

  "Supper's on," Mrs. Simpson came through the kitchen door carrying a platter of fried chicken.

  Julie followed with bowls of potato salad and rolls.

  "Better be going." Sean started toward the door. "Angie and I'll be working on our project over the weekend."

  Julie touched Sean's sleeve. "You have to stay or Ma Simpson

  will be hurt. You, too Sam."

  "Wash up and get back here. Monster, sweet boy, come on." He followed Brit's mama through to the kitchen.

  "Where's Monster?" Sean held a chair for Julie.

  "I gave him his own food, we don't want to torture him by making him watch us eat or spoil him with table scraps, yet."