Black Water Creek Read Online Free Page B

You’re not from around here, are you?”
    “I live a few hours away,” Kelly said quietly. “We’re going to visit my aunt but her place is at least a couple of hours from here.”
    “You don’t have any credit cards, or maybe somebody back home that could wire you the money?”
    Kelly shook her head and looked at the floor.
    He sighed and scratched the stubble on his chin before checking his watch. “We’re closing up in about fifteen minutes anyway. Even if you could afford it, it wouldn’t do you much good tonight. Do you have someplace to go? Somebody that can pick you up?”
    Keegan crawled out from under the chair and pulled on Kelly’s pants leg. “Mommy, I’m hungry again.” He glanced over at Cheryl and her behind-the-counter-stash-of-plenty.
    “I know baby, just hold on.” For what seemed like the millionth time that day, Kelly tried really hard not to burst into tears.
    “Tell ya what,” the man said. “My wife and I have a guest room that’s been collecting dust for years. I wanted to turn it into a den but she insisted we needed a spare bed for visitors. Been years since anybody’s even set foot in there, much less spent the night.”
    Kelly looked up.
    “’Course, we keep it clean and all. You and your boy are welcome to spend the night until we get everything sorted with your car. My wife would love to have some company for dinner besides me for a change.”
    “Oh, I couldn’t,” Kelly stammered. “I mean, I could never impose…”
    “Go ahead, honey ,” Cheryl interrupted from behind the counter. “I’ve known Eddie since I was a little kid. He may be a big ugly son of a gun but he wouldn’t hurt a flea. You’ll be safe there. And his wife is a damn good cook.” She glanced at Keegan. “Darn good cook, I mean.”
    “Well,” Kelly stalled, rubbing Keegan’s head and feeling uncomfortable.
    “It’s just down the street,” Ed said. “Just give me a few minutes to clean up and call the missus to let her know we’re having two more for dinner. What do you say?”
    Kelly looked over at Cheryl who gave her a little smile and a nod.
    “Okay, thank you very much. ” Kelly said. “You’re sure it’s no trouble?”
    “Not at all,” Ed smiled and held out his hand. “Ed Sheridan’s the name.”
    Kelly shook his beefy hand. “I’m Kelly Raney and this is my son Keegan.”
    “Nice to meet you ma’am,” He held his open palm out to Keegan. “Put ‘er there, champ.”
    Keegan buried his face in Kelly’s leg but had a big smile on his face.

Chapter 4
     
    Ed’s wife met them at the door and greeted Kelly with such an enthusiastic hug she would have thought they’d known each other for years. She beamed at Keegan who hid behind his mother’s legs as usual. She introduced herself as Sue and took their jackets.
    Ed and Sue lived in an old Victorian style house a couple of blocks off the main road with a huge back yard bordered by the river. The house was warm, simply decorated, and very cozy. Compared to the sparse and run-down dump that she and Don rented with second hand furniture, it was down-right homey. Best of all, the house was filled with the delicious aroma of home cooking. Kelly realized she was ravenous the second she walked through the door.
    “You poor dear .” Sue guided them into the kitchen. “I can’t image how scary it is to break down away from home. Thank goodness you were able to pull over and not get in an accident.”
    Before Kelly could think of a response, Sue added more silverware to the table and continued. “I hope you like roasted chicken. I usually make enough food for Eddie to take leftovers for lunch so we have more than enough to share.”
    “Well, I really appreciate it. Everybody is so nice here.”
    Sue paused and smiled at her. “I like to think people are nice everywhere. Some folks just need a little nudge to let it out on more of a regular basis, don’t you think?” She tousled Keegan’s hair before whirling back to