In Good Hands by Kathy Lyons

soothing. “Who made them, Spike? Who made the dream catchers?” Roger found himself turning to her, a frown on his face. Her words seemed to have a weight to them, a power for no obvious reason. It wasn’t in her tone or even her body stance, but when she spoke, both he and Spike turned to listen.
    â€œA girl,” Spike answered, his voice ratcheting up. “Got them from her cheap so I can turn that cheap on to you. Five hundred, Doc. And I’ll even drink your green crap.”
    So saying, he reached over and started gulping her smoothie. Amber smiled and she motioned to the glass she had set in front of Roger.
    â€œThat one’s yours.”
    Roger did his best not to look at the color, but it was in his mind as he took his first tentative sip. Nice. Fruity and a little sweet, but in a healthy, non-sugary, almost tasty kind of way. Spike finished his with a loud gasp, then he wiped his mouth with his sleeve.
    â€œSo, Doc. Ya got cash? I mean, I trust you and all. Your checks are good by me, but cash is always better. Saves me from going all the way to the bank, you know.”
    Amber didn’t respond except to sort through the pile ofdream catchers until she finally lifted up one of the smaller ones. Flipping it over, she read a white tag that fluttered underneath. “Sweet Dreams handcrafted by Moira. She’s even got a website listed.”
    Now Spike was visibly nervous and he leaned forward across the bar, his expression verging on aggressive. “I need the money, Doc. You gotta pay me for those before you start poking around in them.”
    She sighed. “I’m not buying stolen goods, Spike. But I will trade you for the whole lot. I’ll do a couple of sessions on you to try and help you out. I won’t even go to the police.”
    Spike’s reaction was as fast as it was violent. He lunged across the breakfast bar screaming, “I didn’t steal nothing!” Roger barely had time to get a hand up in front of Amber by way of protection. It wasn’t all that helpful—Spike was stopped more by the breakfast bar than anything else. It gave Roger time to step fully between Amber and the psychopath.
    â€œI think it’s time you left, Spike,” Roger said coldly.
    Spike fell backward, shifting with scary speed into apologetic. “I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I just get angry when people mal-inform my good name, you know? You know?”
    Spike tried to angle around Roger to look at Amber, but Roger kept himself firmly between the two. Meanwhile, Spike couldn’t seem to stop talking.
    â€œI didn’t take the stuff, Doc. I’m not that kind of guy. I’m not! But I’m kinda in a bad fix, Doc. I need money or they’re gonna hurt me. You hear that, Doc? They’re gonna cut me if I don’t pay. Just a few grand, Doc. I know you got the money.”
    That was it for Roger. The guy was a real and present danger. So he maneuvered around the breakfast bar and started bodily advancing on Spike. He didn’t have any illusions if it came to a fight. Roger might be larger and more athletic, but Spike was fast and likely very wiry. Plus he was obviouslydesperate. A lucky blow and Roger would be on the ground. But that was a risk Roger was willing to take.
    â€œYou need to leave now,” he said as forcefully as possible.
    â€œAnd you need to get out of my face!” Spike said, pushing back with a punch hard enough to make Roger grunt but not give ground.
    â€œStop it! Both of you!” snapped Amber as she came around the breakfast bar.
    â€œStay back, Amber!” Roger ordered, not that she listened to him. Instead, she turned her attention to Spike.
    â€œYou don’t have to live like this, Spike. You can change. You have to try!”
    â€œThey’re gonna cut me!” Spike spat at her.
    Amber took a deep breath, guilt and fear obvious in her features. “God, Spike, then get out of town! Start