He pulled his car into a parking space in front of the shop and cut the engine. He could see Jessica and Jacob through the glass, talking in the middle of the empty shop. Jacob was very adamant, his expression intense. The boy made wide gesturing motions with his hands while his mother held on to his shoulders.
When Brick walked through the door, Jessica pushed Jacob behind her back and faced him with a still, cold stare. "Why didn't you tell us who you were?" she demanded.
Her chilly reception stopped him in his tracks, just inside the entrance. The bell on the door chimed, the sound seeming to hang on the tension in the air. "I did. You know who I am."
"I know your name, but I didn't know who you are. Now I do. I think it's best that you leave. Just leave us alone." Jacob was staring at him from behind her with wide-eyed wonder and a touch of fear.
Brick watched them both closely as he locked his stance, ready for the verbal attack he could see brewing. "I don't think I'm ready to leave yet. A few things may need to be explained."
"You ought to know. You're the only one with secrets," she threw at him. "I will not have you jeopardize my son's life or mine over this money you claim Arthur owed you." Her pale eyes flashed at him, daring him to deny her.
He controlled his anger, barely keeping it in check. He would never, in a million years, willingly put someone's life on the line for the sake of cold, hard cash. That had never been his way. Without turning away from her damning stare, he said, "Jacob, why don't you go say hello to Mr. Tipple? Your mother and I have a few things to discuss."
"No way." Jacob slipped from behind her stiff body to stand directly in front of her, his hands clenched at his sides, as if prepared to protect her. His voice quivered only a little. "I won't let you hurt her."
Brick met Jacob's distrusting glare, and softened his tone. "I have never, nor would I ever hurt a woman. I have a history, but I promise I won't hurt your mother." When Jacob didn't appear to be swayed, he added, "I give you my word."
Jacob turned to Jessica. Her expression was wary, but not fearful. "Go ahead, Jacob. Go to Mr. Tipple's for a few minutes. This won't take long." The tone of her voice said as much as her words. Jacob gave Brick one last, long look before going out the door. When he was out of sight, Brick turned and locked the door behind her son, watching Jessica over his shoulder. Her eyes widened with fright as she watched him turn the lock, but what he had to say was important, and he didn't want any interruptions.
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