Goody Two Shoes (Invertary 2)

“And he’s not a bad singer,” one of the women said.

“Although not as good as you are,” another said.

“I’m not sure about that,” the first said. Her face lit up. “Maybe we should have a sing-off—get them both going and judge who’s the best?”

There was a cheer of enthusiasm from a group of tipsy middle-aged women. Josh heard a cough and looked over to Lake. “Are you dealing with that?” Josh pointed at Danny.

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“I called the local cop. He’s on his way.”

“I didn’t mean to upset you, dude,” Danny called out to him. “I just want to be part of the festivities. This is a big day for us. We’re getting married. It’ll change the whole act.”

Josh counted to ten and gritted his teeth. Caroline caught the action and turned to Danny.

“Sh!” she said in a stage whisper. “Josh doesn’t like it when you think you’re part of his life.”

Lake coughed again. Danny’s shoulders slumped, and he practically pouted. All the women melted.

“Oh, the poor wee thing,” one of them said. “Don’t be so hard on the boy. He only wants to be like his idol.”

“See?” Kirsty said. “Just like a puppy.”

Josh worked at keeping a tight rein on his temper. He was counting to ten in Spanish when he heard a car roll up. A minute later, Officer Donaldson strolled into the room.

“You.” He pointed at Danny. “Back of the car.” Lake pushed Danny in Donaldson’s direction. “Put these on and lock yourself in.” The cop handed Danny a set of cuffs as he passed him.

Danny’s shoulders slumped even further as he took the cuffs, his feet dragging across the newly laid wooden dance floor.

Caroline pouted. “Are the cuffs really necessary?”

Donaldson gave her an even look. “Last time I drove him out of town, he gave an impromptu concert in the back of the car and smacked me on the head twice while performing. He’s getting cuffed this time.”

The women glared at the cop before following Danny with pity in their eyes.

“Your singing was great,” one of the women shouted.

“I’d hire you in a minute,” another called.

Danny gave a small smile and a little bow, then cuffed himself and walked to the car.

“Idiot. He should have cuffed himself after he opened the door. I hope he can get in the car like that.” Donaldson shook his head.

Lake came up to stand beside Josh and the cop. As though they’d been trained to do it, the three men folded their arms across their chests and glared at the women. One or two of them shuffled on the spot. Caroline pushed her shoulders back and looked ready to fight. Kirsty bit her bottom lip, and it looked like his mother was about to make a break for it. There was a long silence.

“Does anyone else’s bum hurt from all that exercise?” one of the women said.

And they all burst out laughing. They were holding each other up and wiping their eyes. Caroline was giggling but trying hard not to, which made Kirsty laugh even louder. Josh turned to the men beside him. “No point lecturing them tonight.”

“Nope,” Lake said with a grin.

“I’ll talk to you tomorrow about security. Especially Caroline’s bodyguard,” Josh said.

“That guy is gone. He can kiss his security career goodbye. I’ll put someone else on her tomorrow.”

Josh nodded. They were still going to talk.

Donaldson turned to Lake. “How many you got room for?”