Whistling in the Dark by Tamara Allen Read Free Book Online

it."
    "Bicycle?" Neither he nor his siblings had been permitted anywhere near a bicycle after a cousin he'd never met had been struck by a motorcar while riding one. He'd always regretted not learning to ride, but never more than at the moment. "Mrs. Carlisle, I have to confess--" She swung an impatient gaze on him and he faltered. "Yes, ma'am, I'll take care of it right away."
    He hung up his apron and retrieved the bicycle from behind the coat stand. Through the window, he saw Jack leaning against the lamp post, apparently interested in something besides breakfast. As Sutton brought the bicycle down the steps, Jack crossed the sidewalk toward him, a knowing light in his eyes which Sutton resolutely ignored. Jack popped open the wicker basket on the back and Sutton put the bag in and strapped it securely. "Thank you."
    "Sure. Never been on a bike in your life, have you."
    "I can manage it."
    Sutton gripped the handles and eased a leg over the seat. He got both feet on the pedals and pushed, but the front wheel turned, the whole contraption sliding under him. Before he toppled over, Jack grabbed him. "Why don't you let me help you make your delivery before it starts stinking like something even Woody wouldn't eat. What do you say? Then after your shift, I'll show you how to ride."
    "What? No, I can't let you take the bicycle," Sutton said as Jack nudged him. "Mrs. Carlisle wouldn't like it."
    "Ida's always kicking about something. Come on, we can go together. No one the wiser." Easing him off, Jack got on.
    "Together?" Sutton realized what he meant. "I don't know--"
    "You said you'd take care of it right away. I can get you there and back before she heats up her frying pan."
    Sutton didn't like it, but after letting Ida believe he could ride, it was either walk or allow Jack to give him a lift. "You're sure you can do this?"
    "Quick as the wind. Hop on and hold tight."
    The wind had nothing on the resourceful Mr. Bailey. Sidewalk or street, wherever the path was clear, Jack raced with lightning precision, sometimes missing a motorcar or lamp post by a hair's breadth. Somewhere between terror and exhilaration, Sutton held on until the ride ended, at the stoop of a derelict brownstone. Sliding off the bike, he wrapped his arms around a post while he recovered his equilibrium.
    "Soup's getting cold," Jack said cheerfully, pushing the bike up the steps.
    A boy of about twelve opened the door into a cozy front room warmed by the morning sun. "Hello, Jack!" he said. "Come and see!" He ran to a corner table cluttered with the same radio equipment Sutton had noticed in the emporium. An elderly woman dozing on the sofa sighed and a girl reading in a chair nearby jumped up with an exasperated hiss.
    "Dan, for heaven's sake. Get along to school." She smiled an apology at Jack. "Where's Esther?"
    Jack told her and she looked Sutton over with shy curiosity. "You were quick. Ida will like that." She took the bag. "I'll just see if it needs heating."
    Jack moved to the table where Dan tinkered with his radio. "Picked up anything?"
    Dan looked forlorn. "Just once. I had it fixed so's Gran could listen in. Now it won't work."
    Jack nodded. "Want me to take a look?" he said, already doing so. The young woman returned and invited them to stay for breakfast. Aware of the time, Sutton wasn't confident he could pull Jack away. He and Dan were both too absorbed to be roused. Thinking it might be in Ida's interest for him to befriend her regular customers, he gave up his coat and sat down to a cup of tea. It was nearly seven-thirty by the time he rose to go--and discovered just why Jack had been so eager to help with his delivery.
    "Five minutes. That's all. We'll be back at Ida's before eight." Jack bounced the bicycle down the last step to the sidewalk.
    Still feeling obliged to Jack for his help, Sutton reluctantly agreed. "If you're certain you won't be more than five minutes--"
    "I swear it." Jack patted the bar. Sutton grimaced and got on,