Forgive and Forget(9)

The man arched an eyebrow. “For Your Eyes Only?”

Joe threw his hands up. “Oh, that you know? Great. I feel much better now. That’ll come in handy during our James Bond marathon.”

“All right, I get it. I’m sorry.” Once again, Joe found himself under the man’s scrutiny, and it made him feel uncomfortable. It was as if the guy was mentally taking note of every hair out of place on Joe’s head or each tiny wrinkle in his pants. “Where’s your remote control Lotus Esprit Turbo?”

Joe felt the heat rising in his cheeks, and he suddenly found it difficult to keep his gaze in one spot, especially on the grumpy—not to mention astute—mystery man standing across from him.

“Holy hell, you have one?” The guy let out a laugh.

“Maybe.” Joe crossed his arms over his chest, and glared at whatever-his-name-was. That’s what he got for helping a guy out. “It was autographed by Roger Moore and auctioned off for charity,” Joe replied with a sniff. “Besides, it’s not like I play with it.” Why the hell was he explaining himself to a guy he’d found facedown in the dirt? His expression must have said as much, because the laughing stopped.

“You’re right. I’m sorry. Here you are helping me, and I’m being a jerk.” The gentle words got Joe’s attention, and he found himself caught off guard by the man’s arresting smile. It was certainly a far cry from his previous menacing growls. It was like the guy had two personalities. Oh God, what if the guy had two personalities? “I think it’s kind of sweet, actually.”

“Now you’re just messing with me.”

“No, I’m not. I really do think it’s sweet. Then again, you seem like that kind of guy. I apologize for insulting you earlier. I don’t come across guys like you often.”

If it hadn’t been for the completely open and honest expression, Joe would have thought the guy was trying to pull one over on him. “How do you know?”

“I don’t know. Gut feeling. Feels like I should listen to it.”

“Okay, well, there’s not much we can do until Jules has a look at you. Unless, uh… well, I suppose you can still go to the hospital. I could call a taxi and take you down there.” Was it too much to hope for?

“Not going to happen.” There was no hesitation in his reply, and the light in those bright silver eyes dimmed. “No cops, no hospital. I know it sounds crazy, but all I know is that it’s really important they don’t know I’m here. If I go there, I don’t know what’ll happen to me.” He took a step toward Joe, his expression softening as he pleaded. “I promise to behave myself. I know you have no reason to trust me or keep helping me, but… just give me a little time. At least until something comes to me. Please. Whatever’s going on, I know if I go out there without knowing who or what’s after me… I’m not going to last. I need to remember.”

Wow. Not ominous at all. “I don’t know.” Joe rubbed his hands over his face as he paced the living room. This was crazy. Helping the guy out one night was one thing, but letting him stay here until he recovered his memory? What if it didn’t happen? What if he was lying? Joe felt like a jerk for saying it, but he had to think about Bea, Donnie, and Elsie. Not to mention his customers. The last thing he wanted was for someone to get hurt because of him.

“I want to help you, I really do, but if you’re right and someone out there is trying to hurt you, how do I know they won’t come after me and my friends? I can’t let you, or anyone else, put them in danger.” He hated how the man deflated before him, but it was the right thing to do, wasn’t it? Maybe it would convince his new friend to speak to the proper authorities.

“I understand. You’ve done plenty for me already, and I’m grateful for that.” The guy walked over to the couch and sat to put on his boots before picking up his jacket and searching his pockets. He gave Joe a sincere smile that reached his eyes. He didn’t seem upset or even irritated that Joe was casting him out. “Thanks. I’ve gotten this far, right? I’ll be fine.” His expression turned to one of embarrassment. “I feel like a real jackass asking, but could you maybe spare a few dollars for something to eat? Looks like my memory isn’t the only thing missing.”

Oh for crying out loud. Before Joe could put any rational thought into it, he nodded. “Stay.” What was he doing? Was he nuts? He didn’t know the first thing about this man. The circumstances of how and where Joe had found him should’ve been enough for him to walk away from this mess. Actually, the mention of “dead” should have had Joe speed-dialing the cops, but something about the guy, the genuine look of vulnerability and distress, had all of Joe’s wires crossed.

“Really, Joe, it’s okay. You’re right. If I’m in danger, it’s possible I might bring that down on you.” He looked down at his knuckles and sighed. “From the looks of it, I can handle myself in a fight.”

“Yeah, because that worked so well the last time,” Joe muttered. “Look, it’s fine. All I ask is that you stay up here. No wandering outside or downstairs. Not until we know a little more about what’s going on. Deal?” Maybe if he kept his new friend out of sight for a while, they’d figure something out.

“Really?”