Free On the Far Side of Darkness by R. C. Graham Page A

another look of horror and pity. She thinks she knows what’s coming and wishes I’d just knuckle under.
    Not likely! is my thought. I’ve faced far worse people, and things, than Ms. Richardson.
     
    * * * *
     
    The next night I’m sitting on a stone bench in a quiet area of the university known as ‘Poet’s Walk’. It’s a very nicely landscaped piece of property, peaceful and silent. I need it.
    But I’m not getting the tranquility I seek. The situation with Diane was clawing at me. I have made my decision however that has bought me no ease. I want her, know I can’t, know I shouldn’t. So strange to be torn by warm emotions for once.
    As well my conflict with Mandy Richardson is troubling. Something about her keeps scratching at my psyche, irritating me. Looked at logically, our conflict should be over. An internal shiver of my spine says that isn’t the case.
    So here I sit, trying to soak up the peaceful ambiance of the area.
    A light set of footfalls turns my head to the left. Three people are walking towards me. Big men, of an age to be students here. Their gait is purposeful and they’re heading straight towards me. Automatic reactions tighten my muscles, fire up my body. Something about them makes me prepare for combat.
    They stop and face me, one right in front and the other two a step behind him on each side.
    Mistake, I think. One should be behind me and two in front. Amateurs.
    The one in front looks me over. “This is gonna to be too easy,” he remarks as he turns his head a little to his companions. “We gotta message for you,” is his statement then and reaches with his right hand to grab me.
    I intercept it with my left, twist his arm with a lock so he goes to his knees and blocks the man on that side.
    The assailant on my right hand shows fair reflexes. He steps forward and thrusts a meaty fist at me. I bat the blow aside and smash my own knuckles into his sternum using a good bit of the strength my nature grants me. Bones crack and he falls to his knees, gasping in agony.
    The man on the left moves around the barrier of his companion and closes in, hands grasping for my throat. The foot nearest him comes up and places itself in his crotch, hard. He flies back several feet to collapse to the ground. His hands cover his ruptured testicles and he whimpers piteously.
    To finish I twist the arm of the person I’m holding until it breaks. He curls into a ball and begins vomiting.
    I shake my head with disappointment, stand and walk away. Nothing will be said to the police by them or me. Me, because I don’t want to draw attention to myself. Them, because they don’t want anyone to know how easily they were beaten by what appeared to be a skinny, middle aged man.
    I must admit to being a bit peeved at Mandy, and I know it’s her behind this amateurish attempt at intimidation. Roughing someone up over a paper? Perhaps I should rethink my opinion of her intelligence. Why can’t she just attend classes and do the work? Why does she have to use force?
    I have no answers.
    Still, she must be waiting on tenterhooks for news, so I’ll let her know what happened.
    A twenty minute walk brings me to her house. I climb the few steps to the porch to knock on the front door. Mandy answers the summons and her face gapes at me in astonishment.
    I try to wear an expression of concern but my amusement at her reaction ruins it. “ Pardonez moi , Mademoiselle Richardson. I had heard there were some punks nearby and was concerned for your safety. I’m pleased you are all right. Bon nuit .” I step off the porch and head into the night. Her door doesn’t close until I’m well down the street.
    I hope that’s enough to tell her to pull in her horns, goes through my head. My instincts tell me that will not be the case.
    After a moment’s thought, I quicken my pace and look for a pay phone. Once found, not an easy thing these days, I drop a quarter in it and dial a number I haven’t had need to use in