The Last Bachelor

by Judy Christenberry

  She emitted an earsplitting scream even as she kneed the man yelling at her in protest. The man Joe had hold of managed to send a blow to his jaw, but it glanced off as Joe pulled back. Then Joe got in a belly blow that took the man’s breath away. Using his advantage, Joe hit him in the nose. Then he turned to help Ginger.

  She, however, had slammed both fists together to the top of the man’s head as he’d bent over from her knee attack and he was down on the ground. Ginger ran to Joe, back in his arms again.

  “Joe, are you all right?”

  “I’m fine. Go inside and find some rope.”

  “I don’t want to leave you alone!” she exclaimed.

  “Don’t worry—”

  The door opened and several of the men who bussed tables poured out into the parking lot, quickly followed by Harvey Small.

  “What’s going on out here?” the manager asked.

  “These two men were trying to kidnap Ginger. Did you call the police?” Joe asked the man he’d seen earlier.

  The man shook his head and looked at Harvey.

  “Harvey, tell him to call 911. These men are going to jail.” Joe was ready to throw a few more punches if someone didn’t call the police. Harvey looked at him and then nodded to his employee.

  After the man hurried back inside, Joe looked at the club manager. “Good decision, Harvey, or you were going to be next.”

  “Why would anyone try to kidnap Ginger? She’s worked here over a year now without anyone bothering her. This is ridiculous.”

  “That’s not true. But it doesn’t matter. They tried today. If you ask the guy who went to call the police, he’ll tell you.”

  About that time, the man Joe had fought tried to get up.

  “Stay down, or I’m going to hit you again,” Joe warned.

  The man ignored him and tried to run for the car. Joe suddenly realized the doors were open and the motor was running. He took a flying leap and landed on the man’s back, knocking him to the ground. “Ginger, get the car keys!” he ordered. He didn’t think any of the employees were going to help unless Harvey gave the order, and he didn’t have time to wait.

  He controlled the man and shouted again for rope. He was afraid the other man would escape because he was recovering a few feet away. The distant sound of sirens encouraged him, however.

  Ginger appeared in his view, a heavy skillet in her hand, as she moved to stand over the second man. “If you move, I’ll crack your skull. Stay down on the ground.”

  Joe almost laughed at Ginger’s fierce tone. She always sounded so sweet. He sat on his victim and looked at his gentle wife. “Good job, Ginger.”

  “Will Justin be the one who comes?”

  “If he’s not, we’ll call him. These are the two guys from Tuesday night.”

  “Yes, I recognize them.”

  A sheriff’s car screeched to a halt and two men jumped out, one of them drawing his gun. “What’s going on?”

  Joe got off the man on the pavement and pulled him to his feet. “These two men tried to kidnap my wife.”

  “Kidnap? Are you sure?” the deputy asked as he took handcuffs and slapped them on the man.

  Joe picked up the handkerchief the other man had tried to hold to Ginger’s nose. He gave it to the deputy. “They tried to hold this over her nose. Smell it.”

  “Ether. I guess you’re right.”

  “Yeah. Call Justin Wainwright, please. He asked us to call him if we saw these characters again. This is the second attempt.”

  The other deputy, having cuffed the other man and put him in the back seat of the car, used his radio to request Justin’s attention.

  Harvey reluctantly invited them to come in for coffee while they waited, but they refused, saying Justin would be there in five minutes.

  In the meantime, they wanted to get as much information as possible from Joe and Ginger.

  Ginger seemed reluctant to say anything, and Joe had to admit he wasn’t sure why they were after Ginger. He was relieved when he heard the siren that signaled Justin’s arrival.

  After Joe and Ginger confirmed that these were the two men from Tuesday night, Justin sent the deputies back to headquarters with the order to file kidnapping charges against the two men and start questioning them.

  Then Justin turned back to Joe. “I think this could be connected to the mob in New York. They obviously had no intention to hurt her…right now. But it’s possible there will be other attempts. Why don’t you two go stay at Dad’s for a few days?”

  Ginger gasped and turned pleading eyes to Joe.

  He looked at her and then back at Justin. “You think that’s necessary?”

  “I don’t think you should make it easy for them. Ginger needs to have someone with her at all times. And why stay where they know you live?”

  “You’ve got a point. Okay, but we’ll go to Mom and Dad’s. It would be too much of an imposition to go to Archy’s.”

  “You know Dad wouldn’t think so. You might keep it in mind for later.” Justin added, “Go pack your things now and get out of there before these guys get cut free by some lawyer.”

  “You think they will?” Joe asked in outrage.

  “They always do, Joe. Money’s no object when it comes to lawyers for the mob. We’re going to find out all we can before that happens. I’ll let you know how it goes.”

  “Right. Thanks, Justin.”

  After Justin had driven off, Joe took Ginger’s hand. But instead of heading to the car, he led her back into the club to Harvey’s office.

  “Harvey, Ginger won’t be working here anymore. It makes it too easy for someone to find her,” he said.

  “You can’t do that to me! I don’t have enough waitresses as it is!” Harvey protested.

  With sarcasm, Joe said, “I think Ginger’s safety is more important than people having to wait a little longer for their food. It doesn’t matter. We’re not offering you a choice. We’re telling you how it’s going to be.”

  “I’m sorry, Mr. Small,” Ginger said softly.

  Joe was glad she didn’t argue with him. She seemed to realize how serious her situation was.

  He wrapped his arm around her shoulders and led her back out to the car. Once they started to the condo, he said, “When we get back home, gather up all your new clothes and anything else you want with you. We’re going to use your car and leave mine parked there as a decoy.”

  “Joe, will I be able to go to school?”

  He regretted what he had to say. He’d hoped to improve her life, but that didn’t seem to be happening. “Honey, I’m sorry, but I don’t see how you can. Until we figure out what’s going on, you can’t go to school. If things wind up fast, your teachers will take you back. But I can’t promise anything.”

  She quietly nodded. No tears, no pleading, just acceptance. He squeezed her hand in support and admiration.

  Once inside, he did a quick packing job for himself. Then he called his maid Maria’s number and left word that they were going out of town for a while. He said he would drop a check in the mail for the month, but she didn’t need to come to work. He’d contact her later.

  When he checked on Ginger, he found she was trying to pack everything into her two small bags.

  “Just leave them in the boxes. I’ll stick them in the trunk like that. We’ll get some luggage as soon as we can so you can properly pack.”

  As she gathered everything up, he went back to the phone. “Mom? Ginger and I need to come over for a few days. I’ll explain to you and Dad when we get there. And Mom, you can’t tell anyone, even my brothers, that we’re there. Okay?”

  “Okay,” his mother said, quiet acceptance in her voice, just like Ginger, though he knew she must be curious.

  “Thanks, Mom. We’ll be there in about fifteen minutes. I’m going to park in the back.”

  “Better the garage, son. Sounds like we need to keep it secret.”

  “You’re right, Mom. Thanks. We’ll see you in a few minutes.”


  When he looked for Ginger, he found her in the kitchen. She was packing up some of the groceries they’d bought. “We don’t want the groceries to go to waste. Your mother can store and use them while we’re there.”

  Joe started to tell her to throw them out, but Ginger was right. Besides, the two men couldn’t have gotten out of jail this quickly. “I’ll start loading the car,” he said.

  Fifteen minutes later, they got in the Honda and drove to Joe’s childhood home. He pulled into the drive and drove straight through to the garage, which already had the door open.

  “Go inside through the back door, honey,” Joe instructed Ginger. “I’ll start bringing things in.”

  She nodded, as if in accord, but went on her way regardless. She gathered two heavy sacks of groceries and carried them to the door.

  Joe smiled and nodded. “You’re a good partner, Ginger Turner.”

  Ginger knocked on the back door and it quickly opened. Mrs. Turner held the door open for her and then reached for one of the grocery bags. “You brought food?”

  “I didn’t want it to ruin.” She also didn’t want to do the explaining. It seemed a terrible imposition, but Joe seemed to think it would be all right.

  She followed the woman to the kitchen and set down her sack. “I’m going to go help Joe bring in our clothes.” She hurried out the back again, only to meet Joe coming in loaded down. “Is there anything else?”

  “Yeah, some boxes and your smaller bag.”

  “I’ll get them. Shall I close the garage door before I come in?”

  Mrs. Turner said, “I’ll go with you and close up. That garage door opener is tricky. We really need to get a new one.”

  When they were all safely back in the house, with their car hidden in the garage, Joe’s mother invited them to the kitchen so they could have some coffee and Joe could tell her what was wrong.

  “Now,” she said, filling Joe’s mug, “what’s happened? Are you moving in for a while? You know you’re welcome anytime.”

  “Thanks, Mom. Um, some men tried to kidnap Ginger today.” She looked alarmed and he felt a shiver run through Ginger, who was sitting very close to him, holding his hand.

  “What? Why? What’s going on?”

  The conversation was halted because Ed Turner came in the back door. “Well, hi, son, Ginger. I didn’t know you were coming to visit.”

  Vivian Turner repeated Joe’s statement to her husband. His reaction was much as hers had been—questions.

  Joe held up his hand. “I’m glad you came in, Dad, so I’ll only have to explain once.” He told them about the attempt Tuesday night, about Ginger calling her mother. Then the call he’d received, and Justin’s recommendation. “He suggested we go to Archy’s, but I’d rather stay here if y’all don’t mind. I think Ginger will be more comfortable here.”

  “But, Joe,” Ginger protested, “it might put them in danger. I hadn’t thought of that until now. Maybe I should just…go away.” She paused, as if thinking about her options. “Yes, I think that’s what I should do. I can move to another town and—and hide. They won’t find me.”

  The Turners stared at her. Then Vivian said, “But Joe is your husband, and we are your family. Of course you can’t go. You two need to be together.”

  Ed nodded. “That’s right.”

  Tears filled Ginger’s eyes. “You don’t have to—”

  “Yes, they do, sweetheart. You’re not going away. You’re my wife and I’m going to protect you.”

  “With our help,” Vivian added.

  Joe suggested Ginger go lie down and rest. Her face was still paler than normal.

  His mother took Ginger’s arm and led her to the stairs. “I’ve put you in Joe’s old bedroom. But it’s not a museum. I’ve updated it and it’s become our best guest room.”

  “I’m sure it will be fine, Mrs. Turner. It’s so nice of you to offer to help.”

  Vivian stared at her. “Nice? It’s what families do. And call me Vivian, child. That’s what all my daughters-in-law call me. That way I don’t feel so old,” she added with a teasing grin. Before Ginger could respond, Vivian added, “And now is when you tell me I’m not old. I love that part.”

  Ginger smiled, relaxing for the first time since the incident at the club. “Of course you’re not old.”

  “Nicely done, child. Now, put your feet up and rest. I’m making a special dinner. We’re celebrating tonight.”

  “What are we celebrating?” Ginger asked, confused.

  “That we’re all safe and together. That’s a lot to be grateful for.” Vivian leaned over and kissed Ginger’s cheek before opening the nearest door. Then she turned and went back down the stairs.

  Ginger stared after her. Vivian had an elevated vision of family. Her mother was one of the reasons Ginger was having difficulties now. It hurt to admit it, but her mother had caused the two men to attack her. She’d called back and found out the town she lived in. All because Ginger had been concerned about the beatings her mother said she had received. Now Ginger wondered if her mother had lied about the beatings, too.

  Whatever her mother had done in the past, Ginger had never believed her mother would betray her in such a way.

  But she had.

  Vivian Turner was a different kind of mother. The kind of mother little girls dreamed about. Not the kind Ginger had experienced. Her mother had frequently worked as a prostitute, always to keep a roof over their heads, her mother had told her. And Ginger had believed her. Now she wasn’t so sure. It had taken a lot of money to buy an American husband.

  Ginger had worked from the time she was eleven, mopping the floors in a grocery store in the evening until midnight. Her mother had begun charging groceries there, the cost of which the owner deducted from Ginger’s salary. Though her mother had wanted her to quit school and work full-time, Ginger had refused. The only reason she was able to stay in school was that her mother slept until noon.

  When her mother had made the decision to come to America, Ginger held her breath wondering if she would accompany her mother. When her mother had agreed that Ginger should come, Ginger had dreamed of a different life.

  Her life had been different, but not what she’d expected.

  Her mother had discovered education was required until her daughter turned seventeen. Ginger had loved the school and the classes. Knowing she might not get to stay her senior year, she’d worked hard to get as much out of school as she could. Some of the kids made fun of her clothes and her accent, but she ignored them. She found a part-time job after school without telling her mother, who seldom cared where Ginger was. Ginger spent a little of her money on clothes—she learned about garage sales and bought secondhand—and saved the rest. The shop owner paid her in cash, which she carefully hid in her room.

  She got to stay in school her senior year and actually graduate, though there was no senior ring or dress for the prom. She treated herself to a good hair-cut—a short pageboy that was her big expenditure.

  But immediately after school ended, her mother had suggested she marry Leo, her stepfather’s boss. The old man undressed her with his eyes every time he came into the house.

  Ginger had gathered up her savings and struck out on her own, with no help from family. But then, her family was nothing like Joe’s loving parents who had opened their home and hearts to her.

  Ginger entered Joe’s old bedroom, now the “best” guest room. It was lovely, with three windows looking out on the backyard, covered by sheer curtains that floated a little from a breeze. The king-size bed was piled with pillows and covered by a beautiful homemade quilt that Ginger stroked with pleasure. Such exquisite artistry. She pulled back the quilt, not wanting to harm it in any way, and lay down on the violet sheets under it. How could she not be happy in such a lovely room? How could she not feel safe in such a warm, inviting home? How could she ever be unhappy surrounded by that new concept—a family who helped you?

  With a sigh, she closed her eyes.

&nbs
p; Joe and his dad chatted calmly about things his brothers were doing, knowing if they discussed Joe and Ginger’s situation, they’d only have to repeat it for his mom. When she came back into the kitchen, Joe cleared his throat. “I really appreciate your support, Mom, Dad.”

  Ed looked surprised. “Well, of course we’re helping you.”

  “Some families don’t behave that way. Like Ginger’s mother.”

  “What do you mean?” Vivian asked in surprise. “I’m sure her mother would do her best for Ginger if she were here.”

  “No, Mom. I think her mother betrayed Ginger.” He told them about the phone call from a woman with an accent, determining where they lived. “I’m pretty sure that was Ginger’s mom.”

  Vivian stared at them, then covered her face with her hands. “Oh, no! How could her mother do that?”

  “Ginger seems to expect very little from her mother. The strange thing about Ginger is how much she seems to be willing to do for others.”

  “She’s a sweet girl,” Ed said. “A good addition to the family, boy.”

  Guilt filled Joe. He already knew it was going to kill him when Ginger left him. He’d made a miscalculation when he’d thought he could pretend to be her husband to help her and then walk away with no damage. But he didn’t want to hurt his family. “Don’t get too attached to her.”

  “What do you mean?” Vivian asked in alarm. “Do you think they’ll succeed in taking her away? We’ll get Justin to protect her.”

  “I’ll protect her!” Joe protested, not wanting to put that responsibility on anyone else. After all, he was her husband…for now.

  “I need to tell you something, but you won’t be able to tell anyone, even if it means lying.” Joe watched his parents’ faces. He knew how much they’d emphasized honesty as he was growing up.

  Ed looked him straight in the eye. “Go ahead and tell us.”

  “I married Ginger to help her. She’s—The INS was going to take her away. I didn’t think it was fair. I’ve always admired Ginger and I offered to marry her to help her get her green card.”