“Yes, we know. That’s how we came in tonight. I wonder how long it will take us to walk there tonight.”
“Nonsense…we’ll give you a ride. This time of night it can’t be more than ten minutes out of our way.”
“Anyway, we have two girls. They tolerate me, but they love their father terribly. Where are you staying while you’re here?”
“We’re staying at the Plaza, Toni. Oh, it’s so beautiful there. We have a suite that overlooks the park. Doug had a meeting today so he sent me out with a professional shopper. That’s how I got this dress and about a hundred other things.”
Toni and Charlie looked at us in awe. “Don’t forget that Jennie had absolutely nothing when she came to live with me. I can and do take her shopping, but I’m a guy. I have no idea what’s stylish. I’m good with golf clothes, but that’s about it. Jennie…how about a dance?”
Jennie was in my arms a minute later as we shuffled between the bodies of the other dancers. I could see Lady keeping a close eye on us—making sure we were safe. I was sure she could cross the twenty feet separating us in about a second. We were shuffling along for a few minutes when I felt a tap on my shoulder. “Mind if I cut in?”
Jennie was shaking her head, indicating “no.”
“Sorry, but I do. I don’t mean to be rude, but we’re honeymooners. We want to be together. I’m sure you understand.” I turned my back and we continued our dance until he pulled my shoulder away from Jennie. This guy was younger and bigger than me and I was sure he could beat me in a fight. No problem—I pulled a silver whistle from my suit pocket and brought it to my lips. Lady was with us in a flash. Meanwhile, the other dancers had pulled back, leaving us in an empty circle about ten feet wide.
“Listen, pal—we’re not looking for any trouble, but if you want some my dog here will be happy to oblige. She’s a trained guard dog and she won’t hesitate if you threaten us in any way. There are plenty of women here who would be happy to dance with you, but my wife isn’t one of them. So, tell me—want to spend the night in a hospital with your arm hanging by a thread?”
“You can’t fool me. That’s a service dog.” I gave Lady the preliminary command—the same one I had used in the theater. Her growl was menacing and bared her fangs. He stepped back then turned and melted into the crowd. I led Jennie and Lady back to our table.
“What on earth was that all about, Doug?
“Well, Charlie—it seems some people don’t like to be told, ‘no.’ He wanted to cut in, but I wouldn’t allow it. If I had to guess, he probably thought I’d be intimidated by his size, but I wasn’t about to allow Jennie to be pawed by some stranger.”
Jennie leaned over to kiss me. “Thank you, Doug. I went for five years with men putting their hands all over me and I never want that again.” Then she petted Lady, thanking her, too.
We had a wonderful time, but around midnight I found I was terribly hungry. Turning to Charlie I asked, “What time did you guys eat?”
“I’m not sure, but it was early—like 4:30 or so.”
“Let’s grab a bite.” I asked our waitress for some menus and fifteen minutes later we had platters of hot food in front of us. Charlie and Toni had cheeseburgers and fries. Jennie had an open prime rib sandwich, also with fries. I had a corned beef sandwich with potato chips. Finally, around one Charlie said they had to go. I settled the bill and was listening to Toni thank us as we walked out the door.
All of a sudden I saw quick motion from the shadows off to my right. I couldn’t believe the asshole who tried to cut in would hang around this long. He raised his arm and that’s when I saw the knife. I managed to block him with my arm, but the blade sliced through the sleeve into my arm. Less than a second later I heard a scream. It was him reacting to Lady’s teeth clamped into his forearm just above the hand that held the knife.
When dogs capture prey they grab it by the neck and swing it back and forth to break its neck. Lady’s thrashing broke his arm so badly that I could actually hear it snap. Lady’s next move would have been to his throat, but I called her back. She’d hold him in place on his back until I released her once the police were on site. Luckily we had left at the same time as some other patrons. They had run back into the club to tell the staff to call the police and an ambulance.
New York City has a highly efficient police force. The first patrol car was on the scene in less than five minutes. My assailant, one Matthew Bradshaw, claimed he was just leaving the club when I sicced Lady on him. Fortunately, there were plenty of witnesses who testified that he had attacked me. I also had a bloody arm that required twenty-six stitches and there was the knife with my blood and his fingerprints on the sidewalk.
NEXT: the rest of our NYC trip; two great new friends
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