Robert pushed her behind him. “We're going,” he said. “We don't want any trouble.”
The redhead sucked on a cigarette. The tip glowed cherry red. “Isn't that nice. You don't want any trouble.” He looked at the other two. “Hey, Leonard, Billy, don't you think that's real nice?” He glanced at the blond. “What do you think? Should we just forgive and forget?”
Leonard gave a sick laugh.
Billy snickered.
“So, Teddy, what do you think we ought to do with them?” Leonard asked.
“My name's Ted,” the redhead corrected sullenly. He walked toward Robert. “Seems to me he needs a lesson. Ain't that what we're supposed to do—teach him and all the rest of the freeloaders a lesson?” His grin crumpled into a grimace. He looked Robert up and down. “I s'pose you might buy your way out of this jam. You got any cash?”
“Some.”
“We'll take it,” Leonard said, standing beside Ted.
“No you won't,” Robert said, sounding unruffled.
Ted smoothed back his hair. “So you say, but there are three of us and only one of you.” He held out his hand. “Pay up.”
Robert stared at the outstretched palm. “No.” He squared his jaw and glared at Ted.
“That's fine by me,” Billy said, striding up to Robert. “We'll get it either way, and I don't mind knocking your block off.”
“Robert, give them the money,” Laurel said, unable to quiet the tremble in her voice.
“Listen to the lady. She ain't stupid,” Ted said.
“No.” Robert backed toward the truck, keeping Laurel behind him.
“The money or else.” Ted advanced. When Robert didn't respond, he threw himself at the bigger man, throwing a punch.
Robert deflected the blow but didn't see the one coming from Leonard, which hit him across the jaw. He stumbled. Ted hit him again. Robert fell to his hands and knees. Leonard kicked him hard in the side.
Laurel threw herself at the tall blond, but he easily tossed her away and continued to bash Robert. Pushing herself to her feet, Laurel screamed, “Stop it! Stop it!” She grabbed the brute's coat and pulled.
Ted got a hold of her from behind and lifted her off the ground. Laughing, he held her against him while she thrashed, trying to free herself. “I'll take care of her.”
“Leave her alone!” Robert raged, pushing himself to his knees and staggering to his feet. This time it was Billy who swung at him, but Robert grabbed his hand and shoved him aside. “Leave her be, I said!” He came at Ted like an enraged bull.
“Someone's coming!” Leonard yelled. “Let's get out of here.”
Ted kissed Laurel hard on the mouth, then let her loose. “I'll see you later,” he pledged, then ran after his friends. They disappeared into the darkness.
Crying, Laurel ran to Robert who was leaning against the truck. She caressed his bloodied face. “Oh, Robert.”
A man ran up to them. “You two all right?”
“I'm all right,” Laurel said, wiping at her tears. “But my friend. They beat him up.”
He looked at Robert. “They sure did.”
Robert wiped blood from his mouth and nose.
“Looks like they really gave it to ya'.”
“They did that all right.” Robert dabbed at his nose.
“Do you know who it was?” the stranger asked.
“No. They looked familiar. I've seen them around, but I can't say for sure.” Robert focused on the man who'd helped him. “Who are you?”
“John Reynolds.”
Laurel kept a hand on Robert's arm. “The one who seemed to be in charge was a redhead. His name is Ted. The blond was called Leonard, and the other guy's name was Billy.”
The man nodded. “I know those three. They're always looking for trouble. Not much you can do about it. Their fathers don't take kindly to outside interference.”
“It sounded like they'd been hired to attack us,” Laurel said.
“By whom? Did they say?”
“No, but I can guess. I think it's Ray Townsend.”
“You got any proof?”
“No,” Laurel conceded.
“There's not much that can be done.” Mr. Reynolds rubbed his stub-bled chin.
