Frayed Rope Read Online Free PDF

Tiny places his hands on the table and begins to rise from his chair.
     
    “Who’s the pretty woman boss, and where ya been hidin’ her?”
     
    Tiny cuts a sharp gaze to the young male in his early twenties, effectively shutting his mouth. I have an odd sense of déjà vu as the old man slowly makes his way toward me. I can remember what he said at this exact moment three months ago.
     
    “ Not a man on this green earth is gonna lay a hand on you again sweetheart.”
     
    He’s lost a little weight since I saw him last, and his white hair is a little longer, tied in a ponytail at the base of his neck.
     
    “Wasn’t sure when I’d see you again, sweetheart.”
     
    He has a cane in one hand that wasn’t there the last time I was here. I look up to make eye contact because of a deep respect I have for this man. I’d never disrespect him by staring at the floor.
     
    “I told you I would be back, didn't I?” I smartly say.
     
    His mouth tips up a bit at the corners before he replies.
     
    “That you did girl. That you did.”
     
    He knows not to hug me, or offer any kind of sympathetic gesture. He learned the first time I was here what not to expect from me. I suppose when you’re something like one hundred and two you get good at reading people.
     
    “I brought your truck back old man,” I tell him.
     
    A small look of surprise flashes across his face. I think he half wondered if he’d ever see it again. After all, he still doesn’t know my real name and when I left I lied, of course, and told him I was headed to Tennessee to tie up some loose ends. He shakes his head in disbelief.
     
    “That’s good girl. Have to say I missed the old Ford. Missed havin’ a clean toilet upstairs too,” he jokes, knowing the only time that toilet ever got clean was when I stayed here, soaking the seat in Lysol every day before I let my ass touch the surface.
     
    “I suppose we should sit down and go over a few things so you can get gone again.”
     
    Tiny. Straight down to business, just like last time. I’m sure he could sit and tell me stories for days and enjoy doing it. Part of me would love to hear them, but he knows I’m pressed for time. I just need to finish this and get outta Dodge. Or I suppose in this case, Denver.
     
    I take a seat at one of the empty tables he picked and Norm sidles up beside him. She sensed his good nature the first time we were here and now has her head in his lap just like last time, soaking up the affection.
     
    “My boy Danny has been looking after your identification. The name and birthdate you chose to use, along with a social security number, have been established. Everything’s a go once we get your picture for a driver’s license.”
     
    That’s exactly what I wanted to hear.
     
    We couldn’t take my photo last time I was here due to the welts and bruises, and definitely not before I had the surgery. One photograph and this will be over so I can be on my merry way.
     
    “I appreciate that Tiny. When and where for the photograph?”
     
    I’m not trying to be rude, but short and sweet is how he met me and I’m not about to change now.
     
    “Here and now, if you’re good with your appearance sweetheart. Danny’s got a room upstairs where he can take it.”
     
    He lowers his eyes in thought, sadness takes over his features.
     
    “You know, I sure do miss that pretty blonde hair, girl.”
     
    I miss my blonde locks too, but I’m a different person now.
     
    “Blonde hair could get me killed, Tiny.”
     
    He looks at me with his sad but kind grey eyes and nods his head. We both know he meant nothing by it, but that doesn’t mean we’re not mourning the loss.
     
    “Alright girl, let’s get you set up with Danny.”
     
     
    * * *
     
     
    I punch the number into the panel beside my storage unit. No cheap lock and key business here. I paid a pretty penny for this space with such high security. With a full-time front desk guard, a passcode to get into