She looked toward his shadow. Ketch saw no fear in her eyes, just an emptiness, like she’d given up her soul long ago and all that was left was a shell lined in sorrow. “I’m ready, Ketch. Let’s go.”

Jack turned loose of her arm. “Your loss, honey. If you’d let me, I’d make you smile, sad Tuesday. Maybe next time.” He hurried to catch up with his friends.

Without a word, Ketch watched as she hesitantly moved toward him. He offered his hand. Slender fingers touched his palm. They walked a few feet, then he turned to watch the three men drive away.

She slipped her hand from his. “You don’t have to give me a ride. That guy was harmless, but you did make it easier.”

“So, you don’t want a ride home?”

“No. I have a bike.”

“Good.” Ketch laughed. “’Cause I don’t have my car.” He dabbed at his forehead. “I’m too drunk to drive anyway. It seems I’m probably too drunk to walk as well.”

To his surprise she looped her arm in his and said, “How about I walk you home?”

“You don’t know where I live.”

“It doesn’t matter. Nowhere is far in this town.”

“I’d turn down your offer, but my knee and elbow are also bleeding. The way my luck is going I’d bleed out before I make it three blocks. Would you be my guardian angel tonight?”

“Sure. I’ll walk you to your door.” She paused. “But I’m no angel.”

Ketch smiled but didn’t argue. A bit of his loneliness seemed to fade. More to himself than to Tuesday he added, “I don’t need an angel, but maybe you can help me find one good reason to go on fighting my way through this world. I lost my compass today.”

Chapter 3 - Tuesday’s World

Chapter 3

Tuesday’s World

Midnight

Tuesday Raine held on to the big man’s arm. He probably outweighed her almost double, but he wasn’t steady on his feet. She’d watched him drink more than any man in the bar and still manage to look sober. If he tumbled now, he’d take her down too, but she didn’t care. He’d been nice to her and that put him ahead of most folks. He’d said thank you every time she brought him another round and he’d left a twenty for the tip. Then, even drunk, he’d stepped in to help her when he thought she was in trouble.