Peppermint Sticks for Susie by Joannie Kay Read Free Book Online Page B

cover two weeks," he said.
    "It's more than enough for an entire month!" Alma told him. "Please... You have no idea how grateful I am for your help!"
    "You are helping me, Mrs. Beckley. Mrs. Neely threw me out without a bit of warning and I had nowhere to go that was respectable. Alex met Susie on Friday, and he thought of you, and I am so happy he did. I know I will be happy here."
    "I hope so," Alma whispered emotionally.
    "If you will show me where Miss Jenny's room is, I will unload her trunk and other belongings."
    Alma jumped up and immediately showed Alex where the room was. By then Jenny had the biscuits cut and in a baking pan and put in the oven. She was so impressed that the room was very clean, and it was much larger than her room at Mrs. Neely's. Jenny loved the furniture, too, and said so. Alma told her it was her grandmother's and she was glad that Jenny liked it.
    They checked on the biscuits and Alma pronounced the stew ready to eat. She was fixing a tray to take to Peter when he suddenly appeared in the doorway. "I thought I would join our guests tonight," he told his startled wife, and then took his place at the head of the table.
    "I like this, Papa," Susie said with a big smile for her father.
    "I like it, too, baby girl," he answered, and winked at Susie. Peter led them in saying grace and Alex was touched by his sincerity.
    The meal was simple and it was full of joy that Peter was feeling well enough to actually come to the table. Once he excused Susie, he asked some pretty pointed questions about why Jennifer came to them. Alex admitted that he wanted somewhere safe for Jennifer to live, and he explained about Lefty Bridges. He felt that Jenny would be safer if no one knew where she was living.
    Peter nodded and said, "I can still point a gun and shoot it if I have to," he quietly commented. "Miss Jenny, you will be safe here under my roof."
    It was easy to see that Peter was growing tired and Alex got to his feet. "Peter, thank you for allowing my girl to stay here. I feel better knowing she is here." He offered the other man his hand and Peter shook, surprising strength in his hand. "Alma, thank you, too."
    "You are welcome, and thank you for thinking of us," she said, glancing at Peter to make sure she wasn't hurting his pride.
    "Yes, we can use the extra income," Peter said easily.
    "It sounds like a mutual benefit, Peter." Alex turned to Jenny and said, "Will you walk me outside, Jenny?" he asked politely.
    Jennifer nodded, anxious to speak with him. They walked out on the porch and she said, "This was very nice, Alex. Thank you for thinking of it."
    "You should be very safe here, Jenny. Just keep your window locked and leaved that rod in there that will keep it from sliding up. I'll come and walk you to work in the morning."
    "Do you really believe that Lefty is that big a threat?" she asked.
    "Yes, I do. And, if what we heard today wasn't Kieran O'Malley, then we've been made, and that could be even more dangerous. So, until I give the all clear I expect you to humor me and let me keep you safe. Is that clear, young lady?"
    Jennifer looked at him in disgust. "I hate to be such a bother!"
    "You are not a bother, Miss Jennifer Shelley. Now, are you going to believe me or am I going to have to spank you to get you to believe me?"
    "I will accept you at your word. I am much too sore for any more spanking! Goodness, Alex, is that all you ever think of?" she demanded with her hands on her hips.
    "No, I think of this even more," he confessed, reaching for her and pulling her close to kiss her sweet lips. "You taste so good," he told her, and was thrilled when she kissed him back. He loved the petite redhead and hated the thought of leaving her alone, even though he was sure she would be safe as long as she obeyed him. He kissed her again and he begged, "Please stay right here, and wait for me to come in the morning."
    "I will," she agreed, feeling very much protected. Alex's dark eyes held her within