The Promise

Chapter 11

It was strange being back in my home. It was comforting and alien at the same time. Everything reminded me of Amber, not as strongly as before, but just as depressing. It was hardest in the closet, where her clothes collided into mine. My section kept getting smaller over the years. Fond memories of joking with her about being a pack rat burned through my thoughts. I couldn't live here anymore. Even if I were to pack away everything of hers, the walls would still bleed her passing. It was just too much love to lose.

My pants were too big in the waist and I'd dropped two notches on my belt. I had lost a lot of weight since I jumped off that bridge. I looked in the mirror and couldn't tell whether it was a good loss or an unhealthy one. I wondered if my beard hid an emaciated visage or a strong jaw. I wouldn't shave it today; I would save that for the banquet. I packed some toiletries and filled a suitcase with more clothes. I was done living like a beggar.

I put together a new set of keys from my spares and grabbed my warm jacket out of the closet. It was sitting next to Amber's parka. A person could survive the North Pole in that parka. Amber hated the cold and loved how the parka would shield her from it. I always thought it was overkill. I grabbed it and brought it with me. No need to let it rot on a hanger. It was time to start letting the past go.

Tony drove me to my car. It was still there, hidden in among others in the vast parking lot next to the venue I had sung in so long ago. It argued with me, trying not to start, but eventually kicked into a nice idle. I thanked Tony for all his help. He thanked me for promising to make an appearance at the annual Guns and Hoses boxing match next month. I couldn't say no after all he had done. I wasn't sure what I could offer a bunch of police officers and firefighters, but I agreed. I returned to the City Kitchen, this time with a car and a full wallet. I felt more normal, although I wasn't confident it was a good thing.

Dinner was in full swing when I arrived. I left my bags in the car but brought in the parka. Sadie did not look good. I could see the strain in her eyes, and knew it had been a difficult day. She was stoic at the head of the line, but I knew she just wanted to collapse and let it all go. I smiled at her as I entered and got a bit of a surprised look at my slight transformation.

"The caterer for the banquet canceled," Sadie said quietly when I moved next to her. "There was an article in the paper and they didn't want to be part of it."

"I think they will reconsider tomorrow," I said confidently. I would have to move heaven and earth if they didn't, but I didn't want Sadie to know that. She needed my confidence. I needed her confident.

"What did you do?" Sadie asked, looking at me, confused.

"Everything I could," I responded, "where's Maggie?" Sadie pointed to the end table in the back. Maggie was eating with Houser. "I'll be right back." I walked over to the two of them.

"See if this fits you, Maggie," I said, holding up the parka. Maggie's eyes went wide as she stood up and removed her old jacket. I held the parka up like a gentleman and let her step into it. It fit her wonderfully.

"I ain't never had anything this nice," Maggie said as she ran her hands along the fake fur lining.

"You do now." Amber would be pleased. She would have loved to know the parka was keeping someone warm. "Payment for the boots," I added, nodding over to Houser. He gave me one of his ugly toothy smiles.

"I owe you, Frank," Maggie said, "I owe you a lot."

"You owe me nothing and my real name is David." I was done hiding. "I had something I didn't need and you needed it. Simple as that." Maggie surprised me with a hug. It wasn't the first time I was hugged by that parka. I fought the tears and hugged her back. At least Maggie would be warm this winter.

I walked back to Sadie, clearing my eyes with the back of my hand. That was a little harder than I had expected.

"That was nice of you," Sadie said as I approached.

"It was Amber's," I said nodding back at Maggie and the parka. I saw concern form on Sadie's face.

"You went home?"

"Yes, I can't stay there, though."

"You're welcome to stay here," Sadie said, "as Frank or David."

"It's David and I would like to stay for now," I said honestly.

"I'm glad," Sadie said and quickly went to deal with an issue on the serving line. I watched her skirt swirl with her hips as she moved and realized I was glad as well.

It was at the tail end of cleanup when a well-dressed lady entered. She was wearing a tailored dark gray business suit with a silk blouse. She was carrying an expensive black briefcase case as if it were part of her. Her black hair was pulled back severely and secured tightly with a tiny black bow. She walked like she owned the place. I disliked her immediately.

"Sadie Milstead?" the woman asked, holding her hand out to Sadie. Sadie nodded and shook her hand. "I'm Barbara Cane, a lawyer at Helick, Cane, and Walters. I wonder if we could talk for a moment." Sadie led her to one of the dining tables. I hovered, re-cleaning part of the floor in the dining room.

"I represent a party who is interested in resolving the predicament you find yourself in." Barbara held a half grin while she talked. I suspected it was always there, but I found it rude.

"What predicament would that be?" Sadie asked, acting so innocent I almost believed her.

"I am speaking of the charges that have been leveled against you and the City Kitchen. I assume you have seen the paper." Barbara didn't let Sadie's act fool her. It seemed to be a game she liked to play.

"I don't concern myself with the idle chatter in the paper," Sadie said, waving her hand in dismissal. "My accountants assure me I have been more than forthright and all the issues will disappear in time." Barbara lost her grin. I don't think she was expecting Sadie's strength. In truth, I didn't expect it either.

"Things could get worse," Barbara stated. Sadie's face was turning red and I could see fire in her eyes.

"Who is this party you represent?" Sadie asked, holding back her sting.

"The party wishes to remain anonymous," Barbara smiled.

"Then we are done here," Sadie said calmly and rose. Barbara just smiled and stayed seated.

"I don't think you are considering the possible ramifications," Barbara threatened. Sadie exploded, shocking me.

"Bring it, bitch!" Sadie said loudly and pointed to the door. Barbara tried to hold her own but fumbled her briefcase standing up. I guessed she was used to more decorum when she threatened people. I had to stifle a laugh as I stopped the phony cleaning to watch Barbara scamper out.

"Tell me I didn't just destroy my life," Sadie said, moving toward me. She was shaking with the release of adrenaline. I folded her into my arms. She seemed a natural fit as she wrapped her arms around me.

"Bring it, bitch?" I questioned softly.

"It's all I could think of. She was threatening me in my own place." Sadie looked up to me. "Did I overdo it?"

"I was kind of proud of it. I just never heard you use a bad word before," I said with a smile. Sadie tucked her head back into my shoulder.

"I hope I didn't make it worse," Sadie whispered.

"Doesn't matter. We will get through this." I wanted to take back the 'we' as soon as I said it.

"You said 'we' again," Sadie responded without moving from my arms.

"I meant it." I wasn't in control of that word anymore. I might as well own it. Sadie squeezed me harder. I was glad I did.