Jasper of Moline

chapter six

“ let’s use the backroom.” the bartender said discreetly, and gestured to the door, behind the counter. they followed, Jasper gesturing for the woman to walk in front of him.

Jasper looked around to take in the place, it was full of food items and drinks, it struck Jasper as a*****e room.

“ she needs protection.” Jasper said without preamble, making the woman’s eyes pop wider, but the bartender nodded with understanding.

“ Has this happened before?” Jasper asked looking at the girl, who looked away shyly.

“ you aren’t being scolded.” He added kindly, she looked up at him, eyes bright, as if tears threatened her.

“ it has, but not here.” she said quietly, before looking away to stare at the floor. 

“ Lily.” the bartender said and let out a trail of curse words, Jasper had a few of his own but bit his tongue.

“ is that your name?” he asked, in a gentle tone, he needed her to understand she had nothing to be ashamed of, and that if anyone had anyone to be ashamed of, it was those men who had been harassing her.

“ it is.” she said, still looking at the ground.

Time, he thought. give it time.

“ why haven’t you told me, all this time, Lily?” It was the bartender who spoke now.

Jasper noticed the first tear slip, but he was at a loss, he didn’t know if holding would comfort or put her on edge. so he just stood there, and awaited her answer.

“ I couldn’t frederick. I didn’t… I couldn’t.” she finished, her teary eyes on the bartender.

“ you were afraid. you’ve been afraid.” He said, understanding dawning on him. He reached out and wiped the tears the trailed down her cheeks.

Jasper nearly smiled. He was prepared to beg this man to watch over the woman, but it looked like he didn’t have to do too much begging. The man clearly cared about her. God was good.

“ I didn’t know then. I know now.” He looked at Jasper, eyes alight.

“ I know now.” Jasper nodded. The man would watch over the woman.

Frederick drew her in, and Lily began to sob on his shoulders. Jasper couldn’t help but wonder how long she had needed to let all that go. He watched a bit at a loss, but grateful that she had some one who cared.

it took a while before her sobs quieted, frederick still held her. Jasper thought it was time he gave them a bit of privacy, he caught frederick’s eyes and pointed at the door, frederick nodded and with that Jasper headed out the door.

Eyes followed him as he walked to the counter. So much for that cover he was trying to keep, he thought to himself.

He lifted his Jug of beer gone warm, and dropped it back on the table. He listened for th storm, but could only hear Quiet. He brought his pouch, counting out some coins, he held it and dropped the pouch back in his pocket. He watched with confusion, as the bartender walked out of the back room alone.

“ Where-” he began quietly, but Frederick shook his head.

“ Went through the back.” He said in a little more than a whisper.

Jasper nodded.

He placed his hand full of coins on the table, but Frederick just screwed up his face in confusion.

“ Take it.” Jasper said kindly. 

Federick reached over and closed his hands over Jasper’s

“ Thank you.”

“ Please have a care.” Jasper placed the coins in Federick’s and with a nod got up and walked to the door.

~~~~

There was still a drizzle when he walked out of the tavern, but he decided he could walk under it.

He let out a deep sigh. He didn’t want to think too much of what was in front of him. it made him weary.

“ I need strength, Lord.” He prayed, little drops of rain falling on him.

“ my grace is sufficient for you. my power is made perfect in your weakness.”

the verse washed over him, he had read it in the bible, and it gave him. There was The Creator once more reminding him he didn’t walk alone. In all these, he didn’t walk alone. He looked up after a while, the drizzle had stopped, the dark clouds were turning white, the storm passed.

And he couldn’t help the smile that began to form on his lips, one that took forever to reach it’s pique, but definitely warmed his heart.