The Very Thought of You
Chapter 4
Later that evening, Andrew Aden walked up to The Neppy in hopes of buying a pint before closing time and then walking Joey Collins home after her first night's work. He entered the pub and eased his way through the crowd to the bar. He was more than surprised to see Martha Holden serving drinks.
"Where's Joey?" Andrew asked.
"Oh, she went home sick earlier this evening. Granddad was a bit peeved to tell the honest truth, but such is life." Martha said philosophically.
Suddenly, Andrew was shoved to one side by one of his crew mates, Robert Cruze.
"Oi!" Andrew said. Mind who you're shoving!
"Thought you'd like to stand me a pint." Grinned Cruze, leering at Martha who had come to take their order.
"A pint for me, please Mrs. Holden and another for this bloke." Andrew requested, politely.
"Okeydoke!" said Martha, reaching for a pint pot.
"Hey! Did you see Joey on your way up here?" Andrew asked Cruze.
"Na, why?"
"She was supposed to be working here tonight, but I'm told she's gone home sick." Andrew said looking puzzled.
"Just like her." Cruze grinned, leaning over the bar to catch a glimpse of Martha as she bent over to pick up the shilling which she'd dropped. "Never was reliable, was she? First the boat, now this! Huh! Bet her brother won't be too 'appy if she keeps this up."
Andrew signed. What was going on in Joey's head? She had always been a good reliable worker in the past, but just recently, she'd given up her job on 'The Summer Bay' without a by your leave and now had walked out on this job also! She had changed too. Before, Joey had been a very 'happy-go-lucky' sort of girl. Enjoyed a laugh and always willing to do 'her bit'. Now it was as if she'd had a personality change. He decided to finish his pint and speak to Joey in the morning. He put his glass down, bid his companion and Martha a "Good Night" and left.
Andrew wandered along the sea front, his hands deep in his pockets musing over his friend. He found himself walking down towards the boat yard when he noticed a lone figure sitting on an upturned box. He walked slowly up to investigate. Maybe it was another of those black marketers unloading booty off a vessel. He was about to poke the man in the back with his finger, when he heard a sob and a sniff. He suddenly recognised the sitter.
"Joey?"
The figure jumped up and faced him. "Why weren't you there! Why did you leave me with him!" Screamed a very upset and frightened Joey.
"What are you talking about?" Andrew responded in a high pitched voice. "Mr. Stewart didn't..."
"Not him!" Joey shouted in frustration. "Robert Cruze! Why did you leave...?" Joey couldn't continue. The tears were flowing in abundance and she couldn't check them. Andrew rushed to her side and put his arms around her. Joey sobbed so hard that she choked and was almost sick.
After a few minutes, Joey quietened. Andrew gave her his handkerchief. She blew her nose and tried to regulate her breathing.
"I'm sorry Andy. I shouldn't have taken it out on you. It's just..."
"What did Cruze do?" Andrew asked interrupting her in a low tone.
Joey looked at Andrew. He could see the pain in her eyes.
"Did he?" pausing for a split second. "Did he hurt you, Joey?"
Joey nodded. A single tear rolled down her face. She brushed it away quickly.
"Where did he hurt you?" Andrew asked.
Joey hung her head, not wanting to say anymore.
"Joey," Andrew gently encouraged. "Where did he hurt you?" he repeated.
Joey looked him in the eye and quietly replied, "Where do you think?"