Free Saving Grace by Kimberly McKay Page A

quickened pace in the young kid’s stride, and in turn stood up from his crouched position over the drip pan and paint brushes. 
    Instinct took over, as Burke leapt down the pathway to the beach.  The last thing he needed was a police report on his hands.
    Grace sat mindlessly, watching the waves roll in searching for what to do next.  Normally the ocean had such a profound effect on her.  However, today it made her feel more alone than ever.  In fact, it could swallow her whole and no one would ever know.
    Before leaving the airport, she’d emptied her account with her ATM card, and stashed bundle of cash in her purse.  It was enough to last her for at least a month or two, but after that, she wasn’t sure what to do.
    A month?   Grace thought in desperation.  Am I really contemplating staying away for a month?
    She had no desire to go back, as nothing was left of any value to her there.  She didn’t feel like it was her home.  She lost her home when she was seven and had been flailing ever since, barely keeping her head above water.
    Every one in the world had left her.  Her parents died.  Her sister deserted her.  Her grandmother had betrayed her.  And, Zach tried taking advantage of her before brutally beating her.  She felt more alone than ever before.
    From the corner of her eye, Grace sensed someone approaching from behind.  She turned just in time to see a young kid grab her purse and take off down the shore.
                  “Hey!  Stop!”  She jumped up and started to run after him. 
                  Burke quickly interceded. “Stay here with your other bag.  I got this.”  Burke smiled to himself.  It looked like he’d get his run in yet.
                  His calf muscles burned as his bare feet pushed against the sand, so he pushed harder to close the gap.  The young local turned just in time to see Burke diving toward him, as they tumbled to the sand and rolled.  Burke landed on top, straddled the kid and started to yank him up.
    “What do you think you’re doing?”  He yelled, yanking Grace’s purse away.
                  “Hey, brah.  That stupid hoale was asking for it.  She sits on my beach and leaves her stuff out?  Can’t blame me, brah.  She needs to be more careful.”
                  He didn’t think twice about popping the kid and punched him across the jaw. 
    “Watch your mouth.  Didn’t anyone teach you not to talk about a lady like that?”  He growled and pulled the kid in close enough to see his pupils dilate.  “What’s your name?” 
                  “Akau.  What you go hit me for brah?”  He rubbed his jaw, and narrowed his eyes taking his the man who towered over him.  “You going to call the cops?”
                  “Will I see you out here again?  On my beach?”  He looked at Akau with such intensity, that Akau knew better but smarted back anyway.
                  “This is our beach.  You’re just another hoale.” 
    Burke grasped the kid’s tank top tightly in his hands, and shook him for effect.
    “You want to try another answer, kid?”
    With the fresh taste of blood in his mouth, Akau knew when not to press his luck.
    “She’s one dumb hoale.  Tell her to keep better watch over her stuff.” 
    Akau took a step back when he released him, and lifted his chin in a quick nod.  In Hawaii, a nod is a simple gesture but can mean so much.  Burke knew it meant that he wouldn’t be seeing him again.
                  Grace watched the two men grapple for a few minutes, and was grateful to see the larger of the two men walk back with her purse.  As he approached she thought she should thank him, but part of her was scared.  He looked angrier than anyone she’d ever seen, including Zach, and Grace was instantly intimidated.
                  Burke walked by and tossed her bag to her.  He continued to walk up