Finally, a couple of cops came in. “Knock it off. Now!” one said with authority. Each of them held one of the guys while the fighters caught their breath and glared at each other.
That’s who Tommy must have called—the cops.
“Is my brother with you?” he yelled over to them.
“He’s right behind us.”
“Thanks. I don’t know these guys. And I don’t want this kind of reputation. We just opened!”
“You got it, Tommy.”
Mary grabbed her keys and eased off the stool. “Let’s get out of here, before another hockey fight breaks out,” she said. She had to admit she loved watching the drama of a good bar fight as long as no one got seriously hurt. “We can call Dot and go get a pizza.”
Seeing them preparing to leave, Tommy rushed over. “I’m so sorry. I swear this has never happened!” He looked disappointed they were going.
“Oh, it’s okay—we just... well, we’ll come back another time,” Harper said. She wanted to stay but followed Mary’s lead.
“What were they fighting about—run out of Spotted Cow?” Mary asked, throwing her coat over her arm.
“Had to be about a girl. They looked like a couple of bucks in rutting season,” he said.
“Does that happen in here, too?” Mary asked.
“Not yet. But the night is young.”
“Something to look forward to then.” Mary started toward the door.
“It was nice to meet you, Tommy. I’m Harper.” She stuck out her hand to shake his. “And that was Mary.”
He shook her hand as he ran his left hand over his hair.
“Promise you’ll come back? Drinks on me next time.”
“Deal,” Harper said.
As the girls walked out, a policeman was pulling open the door and bumped into Mary.
He instantly recognized her and smiled. There was that dimple again.
“New York! Fancy seeing you here. I should have figured you’d cause trouble again. They throw you out of the bar?”
“Hardly!AndI never even got my beer,” Mary said cooly. “But I’m glad you finally showed up. Maybe you can focus on the real troublemakers for a change.”
“Oh, you’re a troublemaker. I could tell that the moment I set eyes on you.”
“Well now you can watch me walk away.”
Harper had no idea what was going on. Mary grabbed her hand, looked both ways, and dashed across the street.
“That’s jaywalking, New York! I could write you a ticket for that.”
Mary gestured with her right hand. And she wasn’t saying goodbye.
Chapter 19
Dot’s chartered bus idea was coming together nicely.
Kitty had secured a block of fifty seats for their guests, right in front of the debate stage. Thirty seats were already taken.