The boys, Lynn, and Lou talked over their plan for the one hundredth time. Everyone was thoroughly exhausted and just as bored. As they got up to go to their rooms, or the barn for others since the hotel was out of rooms, Jimmy grabbed Lou’s arm.
“Come with me.” He spoke sharply and with no emotion. He held Lou by the arm and took her outside. When he released her Lou looked at him suspiciously.
“What’s wrong with you Jimmy?” She rubbed her arm where a bruise was beginning.
“I’m starting to get the idea that you weren’t just the laundry girl for Wicks.” He glared at her.
“What do you mean?”
“No laundry girl is this much trouble. Why would he be going after you? I don’t like the ideas that are forming in my head Lou, I respect you and you’re like my sister. Tell me the truth.”
“What ideas are forming in your head Jimmy?”
“I think you were one of Wicks’ main attractions. That sounds cruel, I know, but you haven’t told me any different now have you. Tell me the truth Lou.”
Lou looked at him as if she was going to slap him. Jimmy prepared himself for the hit, but it didn’t come. Instead she collapsed onto the side walkway and began to cry. Jimmy looked bewildered. This wasn’t the reaction he was expecting. He sat down next to her and put his arm around her. She immediately put her head on his chest and sobbed deeply.
“Lou, I didn’t mean to say that. I’m sorry. God I’m so sorry.”
“It’s okay Jimmy. I just…” She hiccuped. She didn’t know if she really wanted to tell Jimmy everything.
“What is it?” A pit had begun to form in his stomach. He didn't like where this was going. This was his Louise; he loved her heart and soul. He didn’t want to hear what to hear the truth. “Lou you don’t have to tell me anything.”
“I do. I owe you that. You and all the boys came out here to help me and you didn’t even know what you were getting into.”
“Why don’t we go to the express barn on the outskirts. Buck and Noah are spending the night in the barn closer to the hotel.”
Lou nodded and allowed Jimmy to lead her there. She never let go of his arm as they walked down the street. Once they arrived Lou sat on top of a pile of hay; Jimmy pulled up a barrel so he was right in front of her.
“Kid doesn’t even know this. Does he?” Jimmy asked. Lou just shook her head. “I don’t know if you should be telling me this than. Kid should be the first to hear.”
“No, Jimmy. I will tell him once we get him back home. We will get him back home.”
“Still, it doesn’t seem right.”
“Just go with this. I need to get this off of my chest. Kid knows that I worked for Wicks as a laundry girl.” Lou began before he could change her mind.
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