The dinner rushwent off without much excitement, and I was so happy to finally see Carly walk in at eight. Tonight was the pool league, and we knew it would be busy. Dan was in the back, I was at the bar, and Carly was on the floor when the door opened and in walked the same three guys from the Donnelly gang. The same three who had caused all the trouble a few months ago.
Immediately, I walked to the back and pulled Dan out front, leaving Ben to stock the cooler alone.
"Dan, those guys are back." I wasn't in the mood to deal with trouble tonight as I glanced over my shoulder to see the one watching me.
"Why don't you head on your last break, and I will watch the bar," Dan said.
I nodded. "Thanks." I grabbed a container of fries and a soda from the kitchen and headed out the side door to the back alley. The fresh air felt good, and I parked myself on the metal stairs of the fire escape. I sat there eating the hot fries and sipping on the soda, while sending texts to Cara when I heard a low whistle come from behind me. A chill ran through me as I turned around to look over my shoulder.
"What do we have here." I recognized Garrick immediately as his eyes locked on me. He slowly walked toward me, taking me in.
I could feel the panic rising in my chest as he came closer, but I did my best to keep a level head. I looked him over, taking in the colors on the patch of his jacket, to the chain that went from his belt loop to his wallet.
"Nothing."
"Doesn't look like nothing to me." His eyes ran the length of my body, giving me the creeps. "You're a pretty little thing. You were here the other night weren't you."
I backed up and slowly made my way back toward the side door. I was just about there when he leaned forward and blocked me against the wall, one hand on each side of my body. I could smell the booze pouring off his breath as he leaned into me.
"What's your name?" he hissed into my ear.
I could barely breathe as he ran his ringed fingers down my cheek.
"Bailey," I cried, paralyzed with fear. As his eyes locked with mine, I realized that I hadn't mentioned to anyone that I was coming out back for my break, which meant no one knew I was out here.
"You got a boyfriend?" he questioned, his lips practically touching my ear as he whispered the words. I felt his fingers run across my bare skin between my shirt and the waist of my jeans.
I closed my eyes tightly; every nerve in my body was on high alert as he continued touching me. "Yes," I whimpered.
"Oh yeah, what’s his name?" His fingers continued dancing across my bare skin.
"Jackson," I whimpered.
"Jackson, huh."
"Yeah," I said, doing my best to keep my voice strong.
"Hmmm, I think you are lying to me."
"Get away from her, Garrick.," I heard a familiar deep voice say.
"Hey, buddy, why don't you just fuck off."
I kept my eyes closed. I was immobilized with fear. I had no idea who was in the alley with us or where they had come from, but I prayed it took this guy’s concentration from me. However, when I felt his finger trail down my cheek again, I figured the guy had probably taken off, leaving me to fend for myself.
"I'm not going to tell you again, Garrick, get away from her." I peered from one eye and saw Jackson, in his uniform, standing in the doorway.
"Jackson," I cried.
"Bailey, get inside. He isn't going to hurt you," he demanded.
"This is your boyfriend." Garrick scoffed. "I could wipe the floor with him."
"Bailey, now," Jackson barked.
I didn't waste any time. I darted from the fence Garrick had created with his arms, surrounding me, pushed by Jackson, and went in through the back door. I leaned up against the wall and took a few deep breaths while listening to what was going on in the alley.
"Garrick, you guys have been causing enough trouble in here lately. I suggest you all find a different place to hang out."