CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO #2
“I’m good, thanks, Ruger. I’ve some cash on one side for furniture and stuff.
My pay is decent from the job, too. I’ll be good, even if I have to get things each month when I get paid.
” Bones walks away and heads upstairs. I look out of the window in the living room and see Ginny watering her garden.
She’s always busy in her garden, and I’ve never seen her speaking with anyone apart from the altercation with Mrs. Lincoln.
Seems she keeps to herself, but I wonder what she does for a living, or if she has a man?
Opening and closing cabinets in the kitchen, I keep shaking my head because it looks like someone didn’t care at all about what was in the place. There are plenty of canned goods, and I’m not sure Bones will want this, but we could take it to the local homeless shelter.
Hearing Bones walk into the kitchen I turn and show him what I’m looking at. “If you don’t want this canned stuff we could drop it at the homeless shelter or get Sentry to pick it up for the Swap Shop.”
“Yeah, that’s a good idea. I’ll speak to him and sort it out.
But all the kitchen is going to be removed and replaced.
I have ideas and I’ll be jotting it all down for Harris.
” Bones flicks his hand and I follow him outside where he opens the back of the Range Rover and we haul out his stuff.
He doesn’t have a lot, but it’s enough to keep him going until he gets established.
As we walk back to the front door of the house carrying the rucksacks of stuff, we stop when we hear Ginny shout to us.
“Hi, Bones, Ruger,” giving a small wave and smile. “Are you moving in today?”
Bones turns and gives a grunt, but when Ginny frowns I smirk because, as Penny always says she doesn’t understand grunt. But she’s learning, and it’s highly amusing to watch, too.
“Yeah, sorry, I’m moving in today.”
“Well, if you would like I have a chicken casserole on the stove. I can bring some around to you when it’s ready. A sort of welcome to your new home.” Ginny blushes some, and I watch as Bones gives her a solid look.
“Thanks, that’s mighty kind, and I’d be grateful.”
Turning when we hear a nasty voice behind us. “Oh, you're mixing with the scum, Virginia? It’s bad enough having to live next door to him, but having to speak to them and interact with them is disgusting. You know they are together don’t you?”
Now that takes me by surprise, and I look at Bones like he’s dirt under my feet, and I receive the same look in reply.
But Bones has obviously taken offense when he turns a steely eye on Mrs. Lincoln.
“We are not WE, you disgusting woman. You have a dirty mind and a dirty mouth.
You talk about disgusting and scum, but you're talking about yourself are you?”
Ginny places her hand over her mouth, but I can see her eyes sparkling, and her shoulders slightly shaking with laughter.
I turn and give my best scowl and grunt, which is mirrored by Bones.
Mrs. Lincoln gives a squeak and rushes back to her house, slamming the front door behind her.
I look at Bones and smirk, then at Ginny who is losing her battle with her laughter.
Throwing her head back, she laughs deeply, and you know it’s a good laugh.
It makes you smile along with her. Bright, infectious, and I can see Bones grinning back at her.
“It’s going to be fun having you living next door.” Ginny smiles. “Break up some of the monotony.”
Because I’m nosy I ask, “Do you work? Have a man? Or what?” Bones slaps the back of my head, but I know he wants to know, too. He’s just pretending to be politer than I am.
Ginny grins, “It’s okay to ask. I’m single. I’m a potter and a metalwork artist, or some would call me a sculptor.” Pointing down her garden to the extensive building at the bottom. “That’s my studio. I have an area for my pottery and another for my welding work.”
“Oh, that’s fuckin’ cool. Does it make a good living?” I blurt out, earning myself another head slap. “Stop it. I can ask, it doesn’t mean she has to answer,” I snap at Bones.
“It’s okay, it’s what most people ask. Yes, I earn a good living. I have commissions lined up for the next two years for my metal sculptures. Pottery I earn less, but I love the feel of the clay between my fingers, so I do it more as therapy.” Ginny gives us a look I’m not sure isn’t a sad one.
“Ginny, if you need anything you call. We’re gonna be neighbors, and I’m here if you want or need anything.
Ruger here is someone else you can rely on if you need help in any way.
” Bones hands her one of the BaronsSecure business cards, which he keeps in his back pocket.
“This is the work contact, but my contact is there, too. Ruger jot your digits on that for Ginny.”
I write my number on the card and give it to Ginny. “Anytime…” I state it in such a way she knows both myself and Bones are reliable and honest in our offer.
I notice Ginny has water in her eyes, and fuck, I hope she’s not gonna cry. I’m not good with crying women, and looking at Bones I notice he’s seen it too, and is just as clueless as I am.
“Thank you. I’ve got to go check the casserole.
I’ll pop some around later, Bones. Welcome to your new home, and the neighborhood.
” With that, Ginny quickly walks into her house, and we head back to the front door.
We had wandered nearer to Ginny when speaking, and further from Mrs. Lincoln, who I think is gonna find Bones will take no shit from her, but may just send her some.
As we are getting ready to leave awhile later my phone vibrates, and I see a message from Sybil.
Sybil: Where are you?
My mind flies to where I should be and close my eyes knowing I’ve dropped another bomb on myself.
Ruger: I’m helping Bones. We’ll have to go later in the week. Sorry Sybil.