Harry's Lady
By Astropirate©
"I'll leave you to lock then, Harry,"
"Ok, Mr. Burke, goodnight," answered twenty-four year old Harry Kelly as he continued working on the car.
Harry Kelly had run away from an abusive father and alcoholic mother several years earlier. Fleeing the East end of London, Harry had hitched until he finally reached the town of Crowely in Essex. For several years he lived roughly on the streets, surviving by any means possible, including stealing. Then, five years ago he was caught stealing by the proprietor of a garage, Tom Burke.
To Harry's surprise Tom offered him a job and taught the youth all he knew in the mechanic's trade. Soon Harry became one of the best known and respected mechanics around. Thanks to Tom's guidance Harry was always honest and fair with his employer, whom he regarded as the father he wished he had had. Harry was also known and respected by the Police because in the past he had helped stave off a bloody gang war by mediating between the various factions.
Satisfied he had done enough on the car Harry finished and headed off to his favourite bar before returning home to his flat.
***
"Damn you, come on," cried Debbie Rawlings. The thirty-nine year old housewife was talking to her car that simply refused to start when she turned the key. There was a strange chugging noise and then everything stopped. Sighing with frustration, Debbie got out of the car and locked it. She knew there was a garage nearby, but she wasn't sure where. She approached the darkened archway that she knew led to the next block and hesitated. Finally getting up her courage, Debbie slowly made her way through the dark eerie interior. She became nervous when she felt she was being followed. She hurried along only to be blocked by a group of youths.
"Where do you think you are going, baby?" asked the leader as his friends laughed.
"Please, I'm just looking for the garage..."
"No sweats baby. It's just a toll charge for using this archway," said the leader with a grin while the others laughed once more.
"Toll? How much?" asked a scared Debbie as she reached for the purse in her bag.
The leader laughed. "Well, in your case we'll an exception. How about being nice to us and we'll let you pass for free," he said as he put his hands on Debbie's breasts and began to squeeze them through her coat.
"Please, I'm a married woman. Please let me alone," begged Debbie nervously.
"You hear that, boys? She's married," said the leader of the youths in an almost mocking tone.
There was a mixture of gasps, wolf whistles and other reactions from the group.
A fear of dread came over Debbie and she turned to run only to find her way blocked by other youths. She was trapped and the youths circled her like hungry vultures.
Once again, she turned to the leader. "Please let me go," she begged once again in a final appeal, but the leader simply shook his head and was about grab Debbie's blouse when a voice suddenly yelled out behind Debbie.
"Alright, you guys. You've had your fun. Now move on," said the powerful male voice.
"Who are you, Mister? Show yourself," demanded the leader.
"You know who I am, Vince," responded the male in a softer tone though he remained hidden.
"That you, Harry?" asked the leader.
Suddenly Debbie could see a towering young man, perhaps in his early twenties. He wore a black leather jacket and blue jeans.
"We were just having some fun, Harry," said the leader of the group uneasily.
"Well, you've had your fun. Now move on. Go on, scoot!" responded Harry as he stepped forward and slammed his foot on the ground. The group hurried away. The leader gave Harry an angry look before he too disappeared.
Thank you," said Debbie almost tearful and still shaking from her experience.
"What are you doing in here, lady?" asked Harry abruptly.
"My car wouldn't start. I was looking for the garage," answered Debbie uneasily.
It's on the other side. I work there. I'm a mechanic. I'll have a look if you like."
Debbie just nodded and she and Harry walked out through the archway together. Despite this young man's rough and ready manner something inside her told Debbie she was quite safe. She was taken aback when Harry began to scold her much like her father used to.
"You ought to know better than walk through that archway this hour of the evening lady. Don't you know its reputation?"
"Yes but..."
Harry cut Debbie short.
"No buts. Those guys would think nothing about raping you. Oh, and one other thing. Never tell them you're married. It's like waving a red flag to a bull. You'd be a major prize."
Debbie shuddered. "And you?" she asked.
Harry smiled. "Lady, like I said. I'm just a mechanic. This yours?" he as they stopped in front of the red Ford.
Debbie just nodded.
Harry opened the bonnet and looked. "Turn the key again, will you?"
Debbie obeyed and turned the key but there was nothing.
Harry opened his coat and produced an array of tools. He began turning and then removing some parts before blowing some dirt from them. Then he put them back and tightened them. "Ok, try now," he instructed.
Debbie did so and the engine started first time. "Oh, thank you," she said, overjoyed and relieved.
Harry put down the bonnet. "That'll hold it until we get to the garage. I'll give it a proper cleaning and tuning. It'll take about half an hour,"
True to his word Harry finished the job in half an hour at the garage. "Try it now," he instructed.
