Chapter 48
M aureen was appalled as she scanned the small pub. Where once harmony reigned, chaos prevailed. Chairs lay tipped on their sides, chards of broken glass sparkled across the wooden floor, and the volume in the room, albeit filled with laughter and good humor, was so loud that Maureen felt like plugging her ears.
All because of James’s arrival. He’d hurled the first verbal dart and the first fist at Gordon’s jaw. She had to admit she admired his proficiency. She had no idea her husband was capable of a right hook. But Maureen reminded herself she had never cared for violence of any kind. All along, Amanda had clapped her hands and jumped up and down. “Punch him, Daddy, punch him.” Where had Amanda picked up such uncouth manners? Most girls would be embarrassed.
Several patrons helped gather up broken furniture and set it aside, as if it was no big deal. “And I’ll pay for any damage.” Gordon said to the bartender. “A pint of ale for me. And buy this gentleman the best scotch in the house, no matter the cost.”
When James heard this, he seemed to settle down and lose all animosity. “That’s awfully good of you,” he said to Gordon, as if they were old chums. The two men shook hands, much to Maureen’s astonishment.
But where was Amanda? Maureen took James’s elbow and asked him the same question. “What happened to Amanda? She was here just a moment ago.”
James pulled away from her grasp. “How would I know? You’re the one who brought her here.”
“Is she not your daughter too?” Sometimes Maureen hated James and his glib answers. He could answer any question with another question, which must come in handy in the courtroom. But she was tired of living in a verbal tug-of-war, where she always lost. If she pulled too hard and he let go, she would fall on her rear end. Hang on or let go, he always won.
“We’re talking about our daughter,” she said. “And she told me she’s pregnant.” Amanda had recanted her provocative statement, but why let James know? Maureen decided it was his turn to suffer.
“She’d better not be.”
“Or what?” Maureen asked. “You’ll disown her?”