Horizons(part 3)

The scraping of boots on pavement alerted the women of the approaching danger. They turned toward the sound and watched as the four men advanced up the driveway to where they were standing. One man in particular was having difficulty walking in a straight line. His wobbling legs indicated his intoxicated state. He stopped a few feet in front of Michelle, his bloodshot gaze roaming up and down her body. His buddies formed the supporting ranks behind him. The women tensed, instinct telling them that trouble had arrived. For a few moments the two groups stood facing each other in silence. The leader moved closer toward Michelle causing her to back up until the car stopped her retreat. His breath was vile smelling as he slurred, “You look like you know how to have a good time baby. I know I do.”

Michelle felt the fear racing through her spine as Betty moved protectively to her side.

The leader spoke again, “You wanna go for a ride? First on my bike, then on something else.” The snickering of his buddies encouraged his actions. He moved closer.

A figure moved in between Michelle and the drunk. He slowly focused his sight on the obstruction and stared in irritation. It was Blanche. All ninety-eight pounds of her small body was standing toe to toe with the brute and she looked at him through blazing eyes. Her voice indicated contempt as she warned, “You best get the hell out of here and leave us alone!”

The drunken leader wasn’t impressed. He laughed in Blanche’s face and sneered, “And what if I don’t want to? Why don’cha mind your own business while me and the chick talk?”

“I don’t take sass from anyone. Especially from trash like you!” Blanche spat in reply.

“You’ve got a big mouth on you for such an old bird. You better watch it or I just might close it for you!” the drunk threatened.

“Bigger and better men than you have tried and they couldn’t do it.” Blanche shot back and then added, “Cowardly drunks don’t scare me!” To emphasize her point Blanche swung her cane and smacked the biker across his left cheek.

Blanches’ intentions were far greater than her strength. The hit was only powerful enough to leave a stinging whelp. The drunk staggered slightly and then leered at Blanche with murderous eyes. What little rationale he had had was now gone. His reaction was to strike back. Michelle watched the scene like someone witnessing a car wreck in slow motion. She looked in horror as the man drew his arm back to deliver the blow, his faced contorted in a mask of rage. As his arm moved forward toward Blanche it’s intense momentum suddenly stopped. Reaching from behind the drunk, two strong hands had locked onto his wrist and held him powerless to move. A look of confusion flashed over the bully’s face as he was violently spun around to face the cause of this unexpected interruption.

“What the…” was all that the drunk could manage before Lee’s fist smashed into his nose, sending him sprawling backward to the driveway. Lee was on him before his head stopped bouncing on the concrete. Grabbing the stunned loudmouth by the hair, Lee jerked him to his feet. One member of the drunken gang moved to grab Lee from behind, but stopped his advance when he spotted Mike running up to help his brother.

“Maybe you guys better sit this one out.” Mike cautioned. The three cohorts didn’t offer a challenge and stepped away from their pal. Lee drug the swaying drunk to face the women and in a deep, threatening voice commanded, “Apologize to the ladies!”

Alcohol induced bravado inhibited the drunk’s reasoning and he furiously sneered, “Go to hell!” The words had barely passed his lips before another blow sent him back to the ground. Again, Lee grabbed his hair and ripped him to his feet. “You can take all day if you want, I’ve got all the time in the world, but make no mistake about it, you will apologize!” Lee growled in the man’s face. The bully was a slow-witted man, but his mind told him that Lee meant business and could back up his threat. With a defeated look he mumbled an inaudible statement to the three women. Yanking hard on the man’s head Lee demanded, “Say it so they can hear you!”

“I said I’m sorry.” The drunk sputtered with dejection.

He felt his face flush red with anger as Blanche laughingly taunted, “Looks like the junkyard dog just got castrated!”

With that Lee and Mike escorted the four troublemakers back to their bikes and sent them on their way. Returning back to the ladies, Lee spoke first, “I’m sorry about that, I just don’t tolerate disrespect to ladies very well.”

Blanche replied in a stern voice, “Well, you should have waited until I was finished with him and you could have had what was left over.” She waved her cane in a threatening manner.

Lee grinned at the tiny old woman and said, “I guess he got lucky that I came along and saved him!”

“You got that right” interjected Betty, “She’s always been a wildcat!”

“My name is Lee, this here is my brother

Mike.” Lee offered his hand to the ladies.

“Looks like you need a tire changed.”

To be continued…