Tammy and Ringo by N.C. Reed Read Free Book Online Page A

days.”
     
    “He’s not mine,” Tammy smiled. “I just met him this morning.”
    “Well, I’m glad you did,” Helen insisted. “Some things are meant to be, honey, and God always leads us to the people we need most. I met my Hiram at a USO dance at Fort Campbell.”
    “That sounds very romantic,” Tammy smiled.
    “He was on his way to Korea,” Helen smiled softly. “A perfect gentleman.”
    “Hard to find nowadays,” Tammy nodded.
    “They weren’t any easier to find back then, either,” Helen frowned. “But once in a great while you get lucky. I got very lucky indeed.” Helen stood.
    “And it appears you did, too,” she smiled. “Now, you sit here and rest. Bathroom is down the hall, on the left. I’ll fix the two of you something hot. Trail food isn’t enough in times like this.”
    “Please, don’t go to any trouble,” Tammy asked.
    “It’s no trouble, child,” Helen replied. “I’m blessed to do it.” With that she disappeared into the kitchen.
    Tammy was asleep before Hiram and Ringo made it back inside.
    *****
     
    “Tammy,” Ringo called gently, shaking her shoulder. “Tammy, Miss Helen has supper ready,” he told her. Her eyes suddenly flared wide open, panic running wild as she looked at Ringo, then at her surroundings.
    “Hey, it’s okay,” he said softly. “Remember, we’re safe. We’re at the Bed & Breakfast. Miss Helen said you should eat something.” He watched as recognition dawned in her tired eyes and the panic subsided. She smiled up at him wanly, accepting the hand up he offered her.
    “I’m sorry,” she murmured.
    “Don’t be,” Ringo shook his head. “You’ve had a rough day. C’mon, Miss Helen sets a mean table from the look of it.” His voice was a little hoarse, she noticed.
    “What’s wrong with your voice?” she asked, concerned.
    “Talked more today than I have in a month,” he shrugged. “Throat’s a little sore.”
    “You really don’t talk much, do you?” she said kindly.
    “Not usually,” he shrugged again. “Have to make exceptions once in a while.” The two entered the dining room, where Helen had indeed set a mean table.
    “You two sit,” she ordered kindly. “You need a good meal and then a good night’s sleep.”
    “Yes, ma’am,” both answered in unison, then laughed.
    Once the blessing was said the food started making the rounds.
    “Mister Hiram, is there anything you need help with around here?” Ringo asked between bites of ham and mashed potatoes. “Long as I’m here, I’d like to help if I can.” Hiram looked at the boy, young man, with something akin to affection.
    “Son, that’s right kind of you, but as far as I know we’re in good shape.”
    “You think of anything, you let me know, okay?” Ringo insisted. “You folks have done us a great kindness today. I’d like to help you some way, if I can.”
    “You helped me plenty a little while ago,” Hiram said cryptically. “But if we think of anything, I’ll tell you.” He hesitated, then looked to Helen, who nodded.
    “If you two are of a mind to stay, you’re welcome,” he said suddenly. “We’re in a good place, and if things get more pear-shaped than they already are, this is as good a spot to be in as any.”
    Tammy looked at Ringo, who simply nodded to her. This was her trip and she was trying to get home or to something like it. He’d do whatever she wanted.
    “That’s very kind of you,” she said softly. “You don’t even know us.”
     
    “I know enough to know you two are good folks,” Hiram replied and Helen nodded her agreement.
    “Don’t think we need help,” she said, her voice kind. “It’s just. . .well, the two of you alone, out in all this mess, I don’t like it. If you need a place to ride out this storm, we have one.”
    “Let me sleep on it,” Tammy temporized. “I’m too tired to make a good decision, to be honest.”
    “Smart girl,” Helen nodded again, pleased. “Never make a decision when you