Barbed Boys

Chapter 7

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I slipped my hot pink apron over my head Thursday morning and tried not to think about the last time I wore it. My dreaded return to The Scoop had finally arrived and I hated being there. It made me feel edgy, nervous, and just plain sick really.

And after talking to the two officers yesterday the guilt was eating me alive. People were looking for Randy. His family was looking for him. And I knew what had happened to him. They were never going to find him. I was fairly certain his body was long gone. He'd be missing forever. Forgotten in a sea of lost faces. Was not knowing worse than the truth for his family? If it was, I could give them some form of closure. Didn't they deserve that?

Then again, I didn't know much of Randy's family, but what I did know was that they weren't very nice people. But no one should outlive their child. No one.

Deep down I knew I couldn't say anything right now. Possibly never if I wanted to protect myself and my mom and dad. It wasn't up to me and I shouldn't feel guilty for the actions of a bunch psychotic gangster assassins. And yet as the only sane person involved I felt like I took on the most responsibility it a weird way.

I shook my head. No, I wasn't one of them. I was being forced to work for them not with them. Trying to calm my racing heart I counted backwards from ten before heading out into the shop.

"Sorry you're working alone today, kiddo." Bobby's voice rang out as he came out of his office while I took up my place behind the counter.

I managed some semblance of a smile for him and shrugged, "Don't worry about. I'll be fine." My voice sounded strained even to my own ears.

Bobby grinned mischievously, "You're probably loving having a little free time here, eh? I know you can't stand the kid."

I couldn't stop the frown that took over my face, "I- I hope they find him, actually." I mumbled.

With a sigh Bobby nodded, "Yeah me too. That's why I'm not gonna replace him just yet. You think you can handle working alone for a while? No more than a week or two."

In all honestly I basically worked alone when Randy was my partner. He was little to no help ever.

"I'll manage."

Bobby grinned, showing off his slightly crooked teeth that surprisingly added to his charming appearance, "I know you will. You're my best Ainsley."

He shot me a cheeky wink before heading back into his office as the bell rang and customer came in.

Bobby wasn't what you'd probably picture a single man owning an ice cream shop to look like. He was only in his mid forties, but he barley looked it. A little salt and pepper around his temples, but other than that he was in amazing shape. In fact, he was really attractive. All the divorcee moms in town stopped in a lot just to get a glimpse of him. It didn't help that he was really nice and charming as well.

To my relief the day wasn't too busy. I was able to keep up with the orders fairly easily, with the exception of a few busy rushes here and there, but I was grateful for those too as they stopped my mind from wondering and my hands from shaking.

A little before twelve my decent morning took a nose dive at the sound of a dangerously familiar voice that made me freeze.

"Hey there, Sugar."

Slowly I turned around and even though I expected it, actually seeing him standing there knocked the air from me.

I glanced towards Bobby's office door that was wide open. I couldn't see in, but he'd hear me if I screamed for help. Would Bobby be able to take Bomber? Bomber was taller for sure, but I think Bobby was bulkier. I know he spent all his free time at the gym whenever he wasn't here working. In a clean fight I'd be willing to bet Bobby would win, but if Bomber was armed he didn't stand a chance.