Chapter 149: Women’s Shelter

“You guys go ahead. I’ll check up on the girls.” As Ace slipped into the passenger seat, Mandy turned to Pam and informed with a casual but decisive tone. Mandy was the first to return, while the other two were still off fetching their car and UTV. Turns out she was right to park her own car. 

Her foot hovered just an inch above the gas pedal as she turned to Ace’s mother, locking eyes with her. “Mary, don’t worry,” Mandy said firmly. “I’ll make sure they pay for what they put Ace through.”

Mary’s eyebrows shot up. “No, you don—” she began, trying to explain she was perfectly fine with just clearing up the misunderstanding and didn’t want things to escalate.

But before Mary could finish, Mandy pressed the gas pedal, her jaw set in determination as the car sped away. She didn’t bother to hear Mary’s protest as she had already made up her mind.

Mary glanced at Pam, her voice laced with concern. “Who are these girls Mandy mentioned? And is it really fine to go there at this hour?” Although she trusted Mandy now more than ever, she was still a mother, after all. And after seeing women shamelessly fawning over her son, she couldn’t help but feel a little protective.

Pam chuckled softly, shaking her head. “Relax, Mary. Mandy’s got a rental building in town. She repurposed it into a women’s shelter—a safe house for troubled women from our town and the surrounding communities. It’s mostly widows, single moms with young kids, orphaned girls who are too old for the system but too young to be on their own, and, well, those rebellious teens who end up pregnant and get disowned by their families.”

Mary’s expression softened, though the worry didn’t completely leave her eyes.

Pam continued, a hint of pride in her voice. “The women there manage the place themselves most of the time, so it doesn’t take much of Mandy’s attention. I’m guessing, with the storm passing, she just wants to check in on them.”

“That’s amazing! How come I’ve never heard about it until now?” Mary’s eyes widened in awe. “No wonder people in town respect her so much. To think I called such an incredible child those horrible names…” Her voice trailed off, and she shook her head in regret. “I feel so ashamed now. Instead of donating to the ruler revival, we could have given to her shelter,” she lamented, her face clouded as she recalled the terrible things she’d said about Mandy that night at the resort.

Mary, who once thought her son was too good for Mandy, now found herself wondering if Ace was even worthy of someone like her.

Pam smiled softly, placing a reassuring hand on Mary’s arm. “Well, that’s just Mandy. She doesn’t like us talking about the shelter, and she doesn’t take donations either. She funds it completely on her own. Mandy believes donations come with strings attached, and she’s adamant about keeping her work independent. Besides,” Pam added with a chuckle, “she likes to say her girls don’t need anyone’s charity. They’re strong enough to stand on their own—and she’s proven it, time and time again.”

Mary nodded slowly, her expression thoughtful.

Pam continued, her tone laced with pride. “Over the past few years, she’s helped so many women turn their lives around. Mandy gives them a home, three meals a day, and the chance to rebuild. And they do. A lot of them have managed to save enough money, buy a small house or land, and move out of the shelter with their dignity and pride intact.

“A few of them, together, opened a small bakery. It’s very famous in the county. At first, town folks went there to support a local business, but now they need to reserve days ahead to get a bite of one of their famous pies. But they always have enough for Mandy. Now that you have moved here, you will hear about their famous pies sooner or later.”

“Great mom, now I am craving their pumpkin pie,” Danny grumbled, his stomach rumbling in agreement as a picture of their pies flashed through his mind.

…

“Mrs. McGee, you and the others don’t need to adjust like this. Day or night, just call me. I’ll arrange for someone to come help—” Mandy’s voice was firm as she stressed her point to the matron.

Before she could finish, Ace cut in, his tone steady and reassuring. “Ma’am, if you’d rather not disturb my aunt, here’s my number. I’ll personally come and fix it if anything stops working.” He handed over his number with a small, earnest smile.

Mandy and Ace had arrived at her women’s shelter to find the lights had gone out during the storm—and hadn’t returned, even though the rest of the town’s power had been restored. It was late, and the storm had left the roads slick and the air frigid. The matron had tried to find someone to fix the problem, even offering to pay extra, but no one was willing to come until morning.

Not wanting to burden Mandy, the women at the shelter had resigned themselves to a chilly, uncomfortable night without lights or space heaters to keep them warm. Thankfully, Mandy and Ace arrived just in time.

With Dame Wasp’s help, Ace managed to get the lights back on. After ensuring everything else was in order, they were preparing to leave. But concerned Mandy couldn’t resist lecturing Mrs. McGee not to hide things like these from her because they were worried about burdening her 

The matron, a kind-faced woman in her late fifties, sighed softly before nodding. “Alright, son. I’ll do that,” she said, taking Ace’s number with a grateful smile.

Ace’s enthusiasm in helping was because he felt guilty. The power surge across town had been caused by him using the Rail Rifle earlier, and the thought of pregnant women, toddlers, and young kids shivering through the night weighed heavily on his mind.

Just then, the soft hum of a car engine drew their attention. A sleek, silver birch Aston Martin DB5 pulled up to the curb in front of the women’s shelter, its polished exterior glinting under the dim streetlights.

The trio instinctively turned toward the car, their curiosity piqued. When the headlights dimmed, Ace saw Layla step out with her usual confident stride. She glanced at them, her eyebrows lifting slightly in surprise.

“Hi,” she greeted, a wry smile tugging at her lips. “What a surprise. What are you guys doing here?”

“Ms. Banks runs this women’s shelter,” Mrs. McGee said proudly, her chest puffing slightly as she spoke. It was clear she took great pride in working under such a remarkable individual. Ignoring Mandy’s sharp glare, the matron turned to the newcomer with a welcoming smile.

“Hello, I’m the matron of the shelter. You can call me Mrs. McGee. How may I help you?” she asked, her tone warm and inviting.

“I was wondering if you have an extra bed for me to stay for a few nights?” Layla asked sincerely, her eyes earnest and her smile gentle. “Don’t worry, I’ll clean up after myself. I’m also happy to volunteer and help with anything you need.”

Though the Martins had graciously offered her a place to stay, Layla wanted to check the local women’s shelter for herself while trying to find the curse master her friend had sent her to track down in this town. As a C.I.B. agent, she had witnessed firsthand the horrifying things some curse masters did to local shelters for women and kids. With the Crimson Eye’s report, she was certain there was a curse master hiding in this town. She needed to locate them and ensure they couldn’t harm anyone.

“No,” Mandy said abruptly, her voice laced with alarm. She glanced at Layla’s polished Aston Martin DB5 parked nearby and gestured toward it. “You’re way too eye-catching. Just follow me—you can stay at my place as long as you need.”

“Yes, honey, Ms. Bank’s right,” Mrs. McGee chimed in, nodding in agreement. A women’s shelter was a mark for ruffians and junkies around town as it was, they didn’t need extra attention. Especially one easily worth a few millions. 

Layla opened her mouth to decline Mandy’s offer, but recalled that the curse master she was tracking had been spotted in Mandy’s nephew’s car. She believed staying at Mandy’s place could give her a chance to dig deeper making it worth the trouble.

Reluctantly, she nodded. “But just for tonight. And only if I can come stay at the shelter after I ditch the car.” Seeing Mandy nod, she thanked, “Then, thank you, Ms. Banks. I appreciate it.”

When Ace was done admiring the classic DB5’s beauty and was taken aback by the development. Because he was planning on finding Layla tonight after everyone was asleep but she somehow managed to bunk with Mandy. Was it a coincidence or conspiracy, he would find out tonight.

“Ms. Banks, don’t worry about us; this won’t ever happen again. Be careful on the road.”

“You guys go ahead. I will trail behind your Stingray.”

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