CHAPTER 1
Charles ”Buddy” Darby sat at a table in Sid’s Singles Bar and Grill in Daytona Beach, Florida, working with his T-bone steak. Savoring tender steaks and good home-cooking meals, prompted Buddy to stop at the watering hole for many of his evening meals after a hard-day’s work at the office. A small table had been set aside for him away from regular tables so he could relax, read a magazine, or mentally go-over unusual human-related problems which he might have encountered during the day. He took pride in believing he usually solved most cases to the satisfaction of all parties concerned.
During his ten years as social worker, he’d handled all kinds of human-related problems. It was common knowledge Darby was qualified for the job and was good at trying to help people in distress. A former patient had told others he was a great buddy. If anybody could solve personal problems, Darby was the person to see. Eventually, the social worker Charles Darby, became known as Buddy Darby.
Buddy glanced-up when hearing the overly-loud voice of a woman with short red hair, who entered the tavern. She walked unsteadily while approaching the bar. He knew the attractive thirty-something year-old already had consumed too much liquor. He also noted her two piece green suit was expensive-looking and looked great on her.
While a bartender waited on the woman, Sid the owner sat down at Buddy’s table, and then nodded toward the bar.
“Sam’s not giving her more liquor.” He announced, watching the woman. “Just a concoction we make-up to taste similar to liquor. Her name’s Ruby. Lives in a second floor apartment next block. She started coming here this month. First time she’s here this early. I’ve given up trying to keep her quiet. Her loud talking and actions annoy my customers.
Sid looked at Darby. “Since you’ve experience in this kind of problem, how about talking to her.” He asked, in a pleading voice, glancing at the woman. “Maybe you can find out her problem, or at least keep her quiet.”
“She here often like she is now?” Buddy asked.
Sid looked at Darby. “Three, four times so far this month.” He replied. “Usually half-drunk. Has some kind of problem which may cause her to drink. I asked her to tell me what’s bothering her. I never did get any answers to the question.”
Buddy nodded, placed his napkin beside his plate, and then stood. “I’ll try talking to her.” He said, and started walking to the table where Ruby nursed her drink, sat down and placed his briefcase near his feet.
The rd-head glared at him. “What’s with - ?” She glanced at the briefcase and then at Buddy. “You buyin’ a good drink for me?” She asked, holding the glass in the air. “This stuff isn’t fit for a dog.”
Buddy stared into the green eyes in front of him.
She returned his stare and then set the glass upon the table.
Buddy raised the glass and looked at it. “Drink looks okay to me.” He replied. “If you don’t like this drink, how about some coffee and something to eat? Sid’s chef serves great meals. What’ll it be? I’ll order. Let me know what you want to eat.” He asked glancing toward the bar.
Ruby kept staring at Buddy. Her voice had become quieter. Her loud talking had subsided the moment he sat down next to her.
“You’re talking to me.”She muttered, reaching for the glass and then letting it alone. “Nobody in here wants to talk to me.”
“I’ll talk to you.” Buddy offered. “What’s the topic you want to discuss?”
Ruby blinked her eyes, and then frowned. “What’s with you?” She asked, in a slurred voice. “Why so chummy? Suppose you want to take me to your room, so you can have some fun. Bet that’s it. Get plenty of offers. But I’m not ready yet, even though I don’t get much good loving. Might get married again, you know. See?” She flashed a ring at Buddy. Nobody could miss the large diamond.