Riches to Rags to Riches

[cutter]

(Chapter 15)



“Let’s stop and get something to eat. We can get something to go for Morgan while we’re there.”



“Fine.”



“Are you ok?”



“I’m fine.”



“What’s wrong?”



“I said I’m fine! Just drop it!”



“No, you’re not fine. You haven’t said a word to me since we got to Novatec. You’re mad and I want to know why.”



“YOU TALKED TO ME LIKE A CHILD IN FRONT OF THE CREW! YOU EMBARRASSED ME! I DIDN’T THINK YOU WOULD EVER DO ME THAT WAY BUT YOU DID! YOU JUST TREATED ME LIKE MOM AND DAD ALWAYS DID! I PUT UP WITH IT FOR 18 YEARS BUT I’M NOT GOING TO ANY MORE, NOT FROM THEM, NOT FROM YOU, NOT FROM ANYBODY! I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU! I TRUSTED YOU! I WOULD HAVE HAPPILY GIVEN MYSELF TO YOU LAST NIGHT! I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME BUT IT WAS JUST AN ACT! I DON’T WANT TO EAT WITH YOU, I DON’T WANT TO SLEEP WITH YOU, I DON’T WANT TO LOOK AT YOU! TAKE ME TO MORGAN AND THEN LEAVE ME ALONE! I HATE YOU!”



“Erin…”



“I SAID LEAVE ME ALONE!”



(Hospital)



“Morgan, I can’t stay, but if you want me to take you home, call me when you are ready to go.”



“Larry, are you alright?”



“Yeah. I gotta go.” (Leaves without speaking to Erin or looking back)



“Erin, what’s wrong with Larry?”



“Who cares!”



“Wait! Stop! WHAT!?!”



“I said... who cares...what’s wrong...with Larry.”



“I care and so do you. What happened?”



“It doesn’t matter.”

“Yeah, it matters. You’re on the verge of tears and Larry looked like his whole world just ended. Now what happened?”



“When we got to Novatec, Jake was giving him a hard time. He threatened to kick Larry’s ass right there. I tried to take up for Larry and he bit my head off, told me to stay out of it. He embarrassed me in front of the crew. He’s just like Dad and Mike. I thought he loved me but he’s just been playing me. We’re done.”



“Erin, he’s not playing you. That man loves you more than life itself. He’s nothing like Dad or Mike. He could have had you last night, you would have said yes in a heartbeat, but he didn’t. I wasn’t eavesdropping, but I heard your conversation. If he was playing you, he wouldn’t have talked his way out of your pants last night. No, what he did do last night was stay by your side exactly as you asked him to do. He stayed awake all night last night holding you. He didn’t leave your side until he heard me in the kitchen this morning and came to find out who was there. He came into the kitchen with my pistol. He was ready to put his life on the line to protect us, to protect you. Dad wouldn’t have done that. Mike wouldn’t have done that. Only a man that loves you completely would have done that...and Larry did it. He didn’t disrespect you at Novatec, he was protecting you and avoiding a terrible situation. I’ll tell you about it, but not now. Little Sister, I love you, but you better get your head out of your butt before you throw away the best future you’ve ever had in front of you. I don’t know, and I don’t ever want to know, what you said to him, but for your own good, you better figure out how to make it right...and right now. Tomorrow might be too late.”



“How could I be so stupid! It doesn’t matter. It’s already too late. I said so many horrible things to him. He’ll never speak to me again.”



“You’ll never know if you don’t try. You might be surprised. Brian and I had a few misunderstandings when we first started dating. As I recall, I once told him to go to hell and screw himself with a chainsaw when he got there, and that wasn’t the worst thing I said to him that night. That one took some work, but we got through it. You can too, if you want to. Take your phone, go outside, and call your man. Go make this right, right now.”



Ring...ring...ring...ring…”You have reached Larry Waters with Ruby Electric. Please leave a message and I will return your call.”



Ring...ring..ring...ring…”You have reached Larry Waters with”



Ring...ring…”I’m sorry, but the person you are trying to reach is unable to take your call right now.”



Ring...ring…”I’m sorry, but”



He’s blocked me. He doesn’t want to talk to me. I can live without him. Yeah, but you don’t want to. Last night was the best night of your life. Do you really want to give that up? No.



(Calls office phone)



Ring...ring…”Larry Waters, Ruby Electric.”



“Larry, please don’t hang up, please!”



“You said to leave you alone. You said it was all just an act. I don’t want to be somewhere that I’m not wanted. Goodbye, Erin.”



“Larry! Wait, please!”



“No, Erin. You made your choice, I wasn’t it. I love you. All I want is for you to be safe and happy. I thought I made you happy. You made it crystal clear today that I was so very wrong. Take care of yourself and Morgan and Brian. I hope you find what you’re looking for. I’m sorry I wasn’t it. Goodbye.” (click)



“Noooo!”



(Meanwhile, Morgan on her cell Both sides of the conversation)



“Hi Morgan, how’s Brian doing?”



“Max, he’s fighting for his life, but he is fighting. Max, are you somewhere you can talk without being overheard?”



(slightly muffled)

“Hey Ed. I’ll be back in a few. Keep on with what you’re doing.”



“Ok Morgan, I’m outside and alone now. What do you need to talk to me about?”



“Did you hear any of the conversation when Larry dropped off parts this morning?”



“Oh Hell yes I did! I thought Larry was going to explode! Jake started in on Larry for not being here first thing and Larry put him in his place. He was respectful, but he shut Jake down and I mean right now! Jake told him to lose the attitude or he’d kick Larry’s ass right then and there and I mean he meant it. Larry looked him square in the eye and told him he might or might not, but if Jake tried, he wasn’t going to just stand there and let him. Morgan, I’ve never seen Larry like that. He was flat out pissed. If Jake had made a move, I think Larry might have killed him. Erin asked Jake who he thought he was to talk to Larry like that. Larry told her to stay out of it and to have us unload the truck. Larry and Jake walked out of earshot and talked for a few minutes. I don’t know what was said between them. When they came back, they seemed to have worked things out.”



“Thanks, Max. Don’t tell anybody we talked. I want to keep you completely out of this.”



“I appreciate that. Morgan, I don’t know and don’t want to know what was going on between them this morning, but from what I saw, Jake was way out of line and Larry was doing his best to keep things from getting out of hand. He wasn’t going to take anything off of Jake, but he wasn’t going to provoke him either. That bit about Larry not letting Jake kick his ass? That wasn’t a threat. That was a warning.”



“Thanks for telling me, Max. Now I know what I need to know.”



(2nd call, both sides of the conversation)



“Yeah Morgan.”



“Larry, I know you and Erin are having problems right now, but I need you to get back here to the hospital right now and take her home. You don’t have to talk to her. You don’t have to even look at her, but I need you to get her away from here in the next 15 minutes. Please Larry, will you do this for me?”



“After the phone call Erin and I just had, I shouldn’t, but I will. Morgan, stay out of this. Erin made her choice. You’re her sister. You need to support her. She doesn’t want me anymore, but she needs you. Don’t sell her out. I’m not worth it.”



“Larry, I’m not Erin. I’m a little older and a little wiser. I’m not too blind to see what she can’t. I’ll always support her and I am staying out of it, but you couldn’t be more wrong, I’m not telling you what to do, but give her a chance. And you are worth more than you realize. This isn’t about you two. Jake Matthews will be here soon, on my orders, and I’m not going to fire him in front of an audience.”



“Morgan! You can’t fire Jake, he’s running Novatec! Morgan, he’s got a wife and 3 kids! He can’t afford to lose his job! You can’t afford to lose him right now! Ruby Electric needs him. Why are you firing him?”



“Larry, I know about this morning. He has threatened one of our people for the last time. Brian gave him a second chance. I supported Brian in that decision. He just screwed up royally. I’m not going to tolerate his attitude anymore.”



“Morgan, no! This morning was a huge misunderstanding. He and I have already worked it out. He apologized. He admitted he was wrong. We made our peace. I can’t stop you from firing him, but I’m telling you that you are wrong on this. Morgan, you’re holding yourself together by the grace of God and duct tape right now. I know you can’t take any more. Don’t make a mistake you can’t undo. I know he’s got his problems, but I’m begging you, don’t fire him. It wasn’t all his fault. I said some things last night that he took the wrong way. As dumb as I am, I can see now how he could take it the way he did. If you fire him, you’ll be doing it because he was defending his and his wife’s honor. He may have taken what I said wrong, but I can’t fault him for being mad based on what he believed. If I didn’t believe that, I’d be in jail right now and he’d be in ICU with Brian, if he was lucky. Please Morgan, don’t fire him.”



“Ok Larry ok, I won’t fire him. You do realize that you just saved his job, right?”



“Yeah, I know. Like I said, he’s got his problems, but he’s worth saving. I’ll be there in a few minutes. I can’t leave Erin alone at home, but I can’t talk to her right now either. If you’re not coming home tonight, I need to bring her back. I can’t stay there; she doesn’t want me anymore.”



“I’m going to tell you one thing and then I’m staying out of it. Brian and I were once where you two are now, though for different reasons. I’ve got one question for you and I absolutely do not want you to answer me. You need to answer this one for yourself. Do you really want to let her go? Can you?” I’ll see you when you get here.”



(Third call, both sides of the conversation)


“Hey Morgan, how’s Brian?



“Jake Matthews, get your sorry ass up to this hospital right now!”



“What’s this about!?!”



“Jake, I’m not doing this over the phone. If you want to have any hope of keeping your job, you will be standing in front of me in the ICU waiting room in 20 minutes. Otherwise, pack your tools, turn in your badge and get off the job. I’ll mail you your check, today”



“Alright, I’m on my way.”

[papaof2]

We've got to get this writer more time to work on his story. He needs to get the other half of this chapter up RIGHT NOW! ;-)

[cutter]

Just a heads up. I was not happy with chapter 15. I just edited the original post with a re-write. I added a conversation and a few word changes here and there. I needed the changes to set up for the next chapter. Chapter 15 works better with the edits too. Sorry about that. I hope you enjoy.

[9idrr]

Apr 6, 2017 19:39:24 GMT -6 cutter said:

Just a heads up. I was not happy with chapter 15. I just edited the original post with a re-write. I added a conversation and a few word changes here and there. I needed the changes to set up for the next chapter. Chapter 15 works better with the edits too. Sorry about that. I hope you enjoy.

I didn't see the previous posting but this is fine. Waitin' patiently. Almost patiently. Kinda patiently.

[ydderf]

f5 f5 f5 f5 thanks for the update! f5 f5 f5 why doesn't my f5 key work? :-) :-)

[cutter]

(Chapter 16)

“Erin, are you ok?”

“No.”

“Don’t give up yet Cuddles.”

“It’s over. He’s gone. He wouldn’t answer my calls, then he blocked me. I finally got him to answer by calling the office number. He wouldn’t even let me try to apologize. He said I made my choice and he wasn’t it. He told me he loved me and wanted me happy and that he was sorry he wasn’t what I was looking for. Then he said goodbye and hung up. I’ve lost him. I pushed him away.”

“He’s going to be here in 5 minutes to take you home.”

“He’s coming back for me!?! What changed his mind? How do you know?”

“No, he’s coming back to take you away from here because I asked him to. Jake is going to be here shortly. It is not going to be a social call. You have no business being here for this meeting. Don’t ask; I’m not going to tell you. He will be bringing you with him when he comes to pick me up because he doesn’t want to leave you alone at home. He said he’s not going to stay with us tonight, and I don’t blame him. We don’t have much time left so don’t talk, just listen. Erin Denise, you hurt Larry more than you can know. You devastated him and he didn’t deserve it. That man has been completely devoted to you and you betrayed him. If you want to know what I think about it, he wasn’t just like Mike, you were. Erin, you’re my only sister and I’ll love you forever, no matter what. I’ll always be on your side, but you owe it to him to give everything you’ve got to try and make amends for this. You may have hurt him so deeply that you’ll never get him back. I hope to God that you are up to whatever happens next because, either way, you’re going to have to live with it...and so is Larry. Make no mistake, Little Sister, he’s suffering at least as much as you are because of you, what you did to him.”

“Because I love you, I’m going to give you something to hold on to. Brian and I were once where you two are now. You will never know what got us there. By God’s grace and a lot of work, our relationship survived it...barely. It wasn’t easy and it took a very long time. I cried a river of tears and so did Brian. I broke both our hearts. I came this close to losing everything that matters to me. I never gave up and I still almost lost him. You may still lose Larry, but you surely will if you give up. Larry’s here and it’s up to you. Remember, you did this, not him. This is your mess to clean up.”

“I’m here, Morgan. It’ll take about 20 minutes to get back here from the farm. Call me when you’re ready and I’ll come get you. On the other thing, thank you for doing as I asked. I owe you.”

“No Larry, you don’t owe me anything, but he owes you. Please be careful going back to the farm. I’ll call you when I’m ready.”

(Larry nods and walks out. Erin follows silently, but in tears)
(......)

“Morgan, what’s the problem that you’re threatening to fire me?”

“Jake, you tore into Larry when he didn’t deserve it. He was taking care of his responsibilities, ALL of his responsibilities, including getting your parts to you. You provoked him and then threatened him when he stood up for himself.”

“So Larry told you that, did he?”

“No, Larry told me it was a misunderstanding that you two had already worked out when I told him I already knew about it. He never said a word about it until I brought it up. Just so you know, Larry stood up for you. He argued for you like you were his best friend. Assuming you don’t make me any madder than I already am, Larry is the only reason you still have a job. This is your second, and last, warning. If you ever threaten, mistreat, or try to intimidate any employee, vendor, or client of Ruby Electric again, you will be fired with cause. Now, get out of my sight, go home, and reconsider your attitude. If you decide to change your ways, report to work tomorrow and you and I will put this behind us. If you decide not to change your ways, bring your Novatec badge and Ruby ID to the shop and pick up your last check. Do I make myself clear?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Good, now go before I change my mind.”

(Meanwhile, Larry and Erin on the ride back to the farm)

“L...Larry? I’m not asking you to talk to me, but please, please hear me out. I was wrong. I said I hate you, but I don’t. I can’t. Please believe me that I don’t hate you. Larry, I love you and don’t want to lose you. I’m not going to even try to make excuses. This is my fault. I did it. I listened to my fears instead of what I know we have together. I was angry; I was afraid; and I hurt you, the only man who has ever truly loved me. Every other guy I ever dated was in it for what they could get. They wanted my money or my body. You only wanted me. You accepted me as I am. The only things you have ever asked of me are to stay by your side and to take things slow. You have constantly gone out of your way to make sure it is all about me, my happiness, my comfort, my safety. Well, it’s not all about me, it’s about you too. It’s about us. Oh, Love, I want there to still be an us. I don’t ever want to be without you. Everything was so good with us. You’ve always been so afraid of screwing up, but you never did. I’m the one who’s tearing us apart.”

“I’m asking you to stay by my side. I’m asking you to forgive me. Not now, not even soon, but when you’re ready; I’m asking you to forgive me. I’m asking you to not stop loving me because I’ll love you for the rest of my life.”

(At the farm)

“I need to go tend the animals.”

“I’ll help you.”

“I don’t want your help. I need to be alone.” (Larry walks away)

(Franklin, KY courthouse)

“Timothy Childers, you stand accused of trespassing, 2 counts of unlawfully carrying a concealed weapon, failure to register your credentials with local law enforcement, one count of kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon, 3 counts of wanton endangerment, 3 counts of terroristic threatening, using a firearm in the commission of a felony, and one count of attempted murder. How do you plead?”

“Not guilty”

“Mr. Childers it is the order of this court that you be remanded to the custody of the Simpson county Sheriff’s department pending your appearance before a grand jury. Because you are a flight risk, it is the further order of this court that you be held without bond.”

[ydderf]

Well written thank you.

[kaijafon]

whew! well I went and reread the chapter... it is smoother now.

thanks so much!

[9idrr]

Ol' Larry must have the patience of Job. Poor boy seems to always be the one who has clean up somebody else's mess.Then again, he may find himself holdin' the dirty end of the stick one of these days. Lord knows I've had to try to undo some of my own.

[cutter]

I was kind of proud of Morgan. She has been so even tempered and gentle in the story up until now. I guess Childers brought out her mean streak...or maybe it's just the morning sickness.

[pbbrown0]

Erin, though already regretting her mistake, is still too immature to understand that even a monster like Childers using guns and knives could not have hurt Larry as deeply as her words did. Right now Larry is needing an ICU for his spirit.

[cutter]

(Chapter 17)

(Wednesday, March 29th)
(OBGYN)

“Morgan, you’ve lost 5 pounds and your blood pressure is up slightly from last week. You are showing signs of stress and by the look of you, you still aren’t sleeping. Talk to me.”

“Debbie, I’m not sleeping, at least I’m not sleeping much or well. From our wedding night until 4 weeks ago, Brian and I had never spent a night apart. He spent 2 nights in the hospital then. That was no big deal. I knew he was going to be fine and the doctor was just keeping him there as a precaution and so they could keep him sedated to speed his recovery. Brian’s been in ICU for a week this time around and no telling how long until he will come home, if he comes home. I don’t know he’s going to be ok this time. He’s responsive when he’s awake. He talks to me as much as him having to write everything out allows. Debbie, he’s still so weak though. Five or 10 minutes of being awake and visiting with me wears him out. He falls back asleep with no warning. It’s not his fault. I’m not upset with him, but I’m afraid. Debbie, our bed is so empty without him. Our home doesn’t feel like home without him. I sit in the waiting room all day silently begging the minutes to pass until he wakes up again asking to see me. I am living for those 3 or 4 times a day when I get to connect with him for just a few minutes. I forget to eat or I’ll go down to get something and end up just staring at the plate. I go home so exhausted at night that I just go straight to bed, but I’m afraid to sleep because I know the nightmares will start as soon as I do.”

“What you’re not telling me is that you’re blaming yourself for Brian getting hurt, aren’t you?”

“What do you mean?”

“Morgan, don’t try to con me. You and I have been friends since you and Brian started coming to church when you two moved here. You know nothing stays off the grapevine around here for long. I know a man tried to kidnap your sister from your farm. I know Brian was hurt fighting him. I know you held him at gunpoint until the sheriff came. I also know you are not allowed to talk about it. And I know you. You think if you’d have been a little faster or done something a little different, Brian wouldn’t have been hurt. That’s not right. You did everything you could. Brian was being Brian. He knew the risks and he did it anyway. He couldn’t do anything else; it’s the man he is. Your only ‘fault’ is that you love a man that lives what he believes, no matter the cost. I hope someday I get to make your ‘mistake’. I don’t know how to tell you to make your peace with this, but you have to find a way. If you don’t, Brian’s not only not going to be a dad when he gets better, he’s going to be a widower too.”

“Here, I want you to start taking this prescription. It’s a very light dose of Xanax. You’ll have to get it filled at the hospital, none of the pharmacies around here carry it in this small a dosage. It won’t hurt the baby. As prescribed, it is just barely enough to help take the edge off. I’m going to tell you again. You need to eat. You need to rest. You need to take care of yourself. You need to find a way to stop blaming yourself for things you can’t control.”

“Alright, Debbie. I don’t know how I’m going to do it, but I’ll try. I’ve got to get to the hospital. I don’t want Brian to wake up and me not be there. I don’t want him to think I’ve betrayed him or given up on him.”

“Morgan, that was a long time ago. When are you going to stop lugging that baggage around? If he had even one doubt, you wouldn’t be his wife. Leave it in the past where it belongs. Your husband and your baby need you here, right now, not reliving a mistake you made 2 ½ years ago. You made amends and he forgave you. When are you going to quit punishing yourself?”

“When I’ve paid for what I did. I really need to go, Debbie. When do you want to see me again?”

“Come back in a week. Morgan, I know you don’t believe it, but your debt is paid, and more than paid. Morgan, lay it down. For yourself, Brian, the baby, and everybody else that cares about you, lay it down and leave it behind. Go to your husband.”

(ICU)

“Cheryl, is Brian awake?”

“No Morgan. He’s still sedated. It’ll probably be a few hours before he wakes up.”

“Oh God, No! What’s happened to him!?!”

“Morgan.”

Is he worse!?!”

“Morgan.”

“Is he going to be ok!?!”

“MORGAN! Come with me. We’ll get you gowned up and you can see for yourself. Nothing else has gone wrong. He’s improving. Come on Sweetie, let’s go put your mind at ease.”

(...)

“Why is he off the respirator!!?! He needs that to breathe!?!”

“Morgan, easy. His respirator has been set to assist for the past 12 hours. Dr. Micheals issued the orders just after you left last night to set it to assist and for constant monitoring for signs of respiratory distress. He showed no distress through the night so Dr. Micheals wanted to try removing it. He has been breathing on his own without assistance since about a half hour after you left last night. He’s been off the respirator for about an hour. His vitals have been slowly, but steadily, getting stronger for the past couple of days. His breathing is not labored. His O2 saturation is 95%, that’s good for a healthy person. Sweetie, he’s getting better. He’s still got a long way to go, but he’s getting better. Doctor left orders to start him on a liquid diet when he wakes up to transition him back to regular food.”

“Oh Praise God! I’ll understand if it isn’t allowed, but when he wakes up, can I eat with him? We haven’t shared a meal together in a week.”

“If that’s what you want, I’ll make it happen. Personally, I think it would do a lot to lift his spirits. For all I know, it might be just the boost he needs to get him out of ICU and into a regular room. You can’t be masked while you eat so I’ll have to clear it with Dr. Micheals, but it’ll surprise me if he says no. If he does, we’ll find a way around the problem. What do you want to eat?”

“What’s he having?”

“Chicken broth”

“Then that’s what I want. I want exactly the same meal he’s having so long as it’s safe for the baby.”

“I’ll take care of it. Let’s leave him to sleep it off now. Come with me.”


(nurses’ station)

“Sweetie, here’s what I want you to do. You look like hell, so take this blanket and pillow. I want you to go back to the waiting room, say the prayer you always say when you leave his room, and try to get some sleep. I’ll personally come get you when he wakes up.”

“How did you know I say a prayer every time?”

“I’m an ICU nurse. My first duty is to my patients. My second duty is to their loved ones. I pay attention. It’s part of my job and the second most enjoyable thing I do. The first is helping to heal my patients.”

“Cheryl, you’re an angel. I’m proud to know you.”

“Go rest, Sweetie.”

(Meanwhile, Larry on his cell phone back at the farm. Both sides of the conversation)

“Hi Pop.”

“Hi Son, how you doin’?”

“I’m ok.”

“We both know you’re lyin’ Boy, but I’ll leave it alone. Whatcha’ need?”

“I have to make a tool and parts run today. Can you come stay at the Marshall place for a couple of hours? I can’t leave Erin alone and I can’t take her with me. I can’t ask Mom because she’s madder than hell at Erin right now. I’m sorry to ask, but I don’t have a whole lot of choices right now.”

“Son, I can do that for you. When do you need me?”

“Whenever you can get here. I need to be on my way by noon.”

“How bout I come now?”

“That’d be great. Pop, how are you staying so calm about this? Don’t get me wrong, I think Mom is way too mad and I’m glad you’re taking it so well, but I don’t understand how you’re doing it.”

“Son, your Mom and I have been married 25 years. We’ve had our rough patches and more than a few disagreements. We’ve never been quite where you are, but we’ve been close. If you two can’t work it out then so be it. If you can, I don’t want to stand in the way. We’re more than father and son. We’ve been buddies ever since you were old enough to crawl. I know better than anybody how much you love that girl. I don’t want to make it harder on you than it already is, no matter which way it goes.”

“Pop, what do you think I should do?”

“Son, as much as I want to, I can’t tell you that. Erin messed up bad. From what you’ve told me, she’s pretty messed up herself, what with all has happened to her. That don’t mean I like or approve what she did to you; I don’t, not a little bit. You’re my son and I don’t like seeing you done wrong like that. Whether y’all can patch things up or even if it’s worth patchin’ up is something you have to decide for your own self. You’re a grown man and it’s not my place anymore to treat you like a child and tell you what to do. All I’ll say is I’ll stand behind you either way. That, and make sure you make the right choice for you ‘cause you’ll be the one what has to live with it either way. I’ll be over in about an hour.”

“Thanks Pop. I love you.”

“I love you too, Son.”

(Stamford, CT)

“Mr. Baxter, I have reviewed the charges and evidence against Mr. Childers. Sir, this isn’t just a local issue anymore. The FBI and BATFE have gotten involved. The local jurisdiction is still handling the case, but with the involvement of a Federal prosecutor. We have had our best investigators on the case but have been unable to find any significant leverage to use against the judge, prosecutors, or other parties involved. I do not believe we can prove the necessity for a change of venue or that such a change would provide a significant advantage. The best case scenario I can see for Mr. Childers is 20 years, provided we can persuade the judge and jury to be lenient. I question the likelihood of doing so. There is a danger that he could choose to trade information for a reduced sentence but it is indisputable that he attacked Mr. Marshall, causing serious injury in the process, on Mr. Marshall’s own property. It is also indisputable that Mr. and Mrs. Marshall showed mercy by not exercising their right to use deadly force despite clear legal authority to do so under the circumstances. Those facts cannot be kept from the jury and will doubtless convince the jury to be less than lenient.”

“Childers screwed up, cut him loose. He’s replaceable. I’m not wasting my money defending a moron.”

“Sir, as I said, there is a real danger that Mr. Childers could choose to offer information that is damning to you in exchange for dropping some of the charges or a reduced sentence, or both.”

“He can’t prove anything. He’s got nothing. Even if he does, that’s what I pay you for. If you think you can’t defend me against wild accusations, maybe I need to find a new lawyer.”

“Mr. Baxter, I am quite capable of defending you against ‘wild accusations’. The allegations Mr. Childers can level are provable if investigators are sufficiently thorough. I am capable of defending you against those as well, but it will be considerably more expensive than defending Mr. Childers.”

“Wainwright, I told you to cut him loose. I’m serious, cut...him...loose. He can pay for his own mistakes, and his own defense.”

“As you wish, Sir. I will notify the appropriate parties today that we will no longer be representing Mr. Childers.”

[kaijafon]

and that is what evil people do, dump those who are no longer "useful".

Thank you so much!

[freebirde]

So, is Baxter so foolish to think Childers won't talk or is he planning an "accident" for him? Will the prosecutor use the possibility of an "accident" as leverage on Childers?

[papaof2]

Sounds as though "Penny wise, pound foolish" could come back to bite Baxter - possibly with some large and very sharp teeth.

[dallanta]

Just finished what you have written. GREAT! I am hooked on it.

[cutter]

Thanks for the encouragement everybody. I'm still struggling with this one because it has went more the way it has and less the way I intended. I don't know if I am all that unhappy with the direction this story has taken. Freebirde, Baxter's problem is that he thinks he's the next "Teflon Don." Two problems with that. First, he doesn't have the strength and resources of the Mafia behind him. Second, he's not nearly as smart.

I doubt Childers will require much in the way of leverage.  He's a thug in a nice suit that learned proper English.  Beneath the smooth exterior is a man with a ton of aggression, a real bad attitude, and less than zero loyalty to anyone but himself.  He is a supreme bully whose greatest joy in life is inflicting misery on others.

Just as an aside, I mentioned early on in this thread that I am most likely unconsciously modeling the characters after people I know.  I just realized today who I am modeling Childers after.  I had to deal with him in person today.  I'll have to say that I got the attitude and personality spot on.  Fortunately, the real life individual has a John Wayne mouth and a Mickey Rooney butt.

[papaof2]

Apr 9, 2017 19:54:57 GMT -6 cutter said:

Fortunately, the real life individual has a John Wayne mouth and a Mickey Rooney butt.

I love it!

[cutter]

(Chapter 18)

(Marshall farm)

“Hey Pop. Thanks for coming. Erin’s in the office covering the phone. You might want to wander up to the animal barn. One of the cows is calving and I know how much you enjoy seeing new life coming into the world. I’ll get on my way. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

“Son, you know I’m glad to do anything for you. Brian and Morgan been good to you and us ever since they come here. Them kids had more trouble than any 10 people oughta have to deal with. I’m glad to help ‘em any way I can. Yeah, I surely want to see that. Where there’s life, there’s hope. A little more hope in this ole world is a good thing. Safe travels, Boy. I’ll look after things while you’re gone. Take your time.”

“Will do, Pop. Back door’s open and coffee’s on the stove. Morgan always told me to make myself at home. I figure that goes for you too being as you’re covering for me. Erin knew you were coming so it won’t be a problem.” (Larry drives off. Bert goes inside.)

“Hi, Mr. Waters. Thanks for coming.”

(Pouring a cup of coffee) “Glad to be o’ help. And since when do you call me Mr. Waters? I thought we settled on Bert.”

“As bad as I screwed up and Larry barely talking to me, I thought you might not like me much right now. Bert, I don’t know how to fix this. Larry hates me and I can’t say I blame him. I just don’t want him to. I miss him so much.”

“Girl, I’ll tell you like I told Larry. You’re a grown woman and it isn’t my place to tell you what to do. If you wanna’ fix this, you’re gonna’ hafta’ figure it out on your own. Larry’s my boy. You hurt him bad and I don’t like it, not one bit. That’s between you two. As far as you and me go, I think you’re a good girl that had a damn stupid fit. Larry ain’t told me ever’thing, fact I think there’s a whole lot what he left out. But from what I know, I think you had a hard row to hoe most all your life. He tells me you come from rich folk. I don’t think all that money done you no favors. I shouldn’t, but I’m a gonna’ give you a little bit o’ help. Larry don’t hate you. That boy loves you somethin’ fierce. He loves you as much as I loved his Momma when I was a datin’ her. He’s all tore up inside and don’t wanna’ get hurt no more. You wanna’ make this right, figure out how to convince him your days o’ hurtin’ him are over.”

“How?”

“That’s for you to figure out. I’m gonna’ wander up to the animal barn. Larry tells me one o’ the cows is a calving. Where there’s life, there’s hope; and we can all use a little more hope. Wanna’ come with?”

“I don’t know what ‘calving’ is, but yeah, I could use some hope right now.”

(ICU Waiting)

(Quietly, gently)

“Morgan, Sweetie, wake up. Brian’s awake and wants you.”

“Huh? What? Cheryl, what’s wrong?”

“Not a thing in the world, Sweetie. Brian’s awake and wants to see you. Come on. Let’s get you gowned up and to your man.”

(...)

“Throat hurts, Love. Can’t talk much. Can still write.”

(Morgan in tears) “Oh Brian, my precious Love, I’ve so wanted to hear your voice again. It’s alright, Love. It’s enough, don’t talk. We’ll have time enough to talk later. Oh Love, I miss you so much. What can I do for you?”

(Writing) “Think I’m hungry. Not sure. Been awhile since I felt like this. Feels like hungry though.”

“We took your feeding tube out this morning when we took you off the respirator. You haven’t had any food since yesterday evening. I expect you are hungry. Doctor said you’re on a liquid diet for now but we’re going to get you back to eating solid food. We have some chicken broth for you. I’ll go warm it up now. There’s a surprise too. Doctor said it’s ok. Be back in a minute.”

(Writing) “Surprise?”
“Not sure, Love. Guess we’ll find out in a minute.”

“Here you are. One for you and one for your lovely wife. Morgan, Doctor said it’s ok for you to unmask long enough to eat. Put it back on when you’re done. We have plenty so if either of you want more, just ask. If we run out, I’ll go to the kitchen and cook it myself if I have to.”

“Do you need help, Love?”

(Writing) “Cup. Can drink it.”

(Both finish eating)

(Writing) “Sorry, still getting tired quick. Nap?”

“I’ve heard your voice and shared a meal with you. It’s enough. Rest, my Love.”

(Speaking) “I Love You.”

(Morgan bursts into tears) “I love you too. I love you so much. I’ve missed you so. Rest, Love. Rest, get well, and come home to me. I’m going to go home for the night if that’s ok. Rest, I’ll see you in the morning.”

(Speaking) “Is ok. Be safe.”

[papaof2]

Nothing like hearing the voice. A number of years ago, my '68 VW Bug was T-boned by a pickup. I had broken ribs and a collapsed lung. The ER nurse called my wife but had me do the talking. If the patient can talk, there's less to worry about.

[freebirde]

If I am ever in the hospital and get the broth stage, there will be some disagreement. I like a shake or two of hot sauce in my cup of broth. Of course, most of the time that I drink broth is when recovering from a bug.

[ydderf]

Eating broth alone is like eating Chinese food leaves one hungry 4 hours later. Thanks for the update.

[cutter]

Brian hadn't actually spoken to Morgan in a week. They hadn't shared even the simplest pleasures they enjoyed daily together for a week. Morgan has been beyond terrified that they would never get to do those things together again. I didn't know how the next chapter was going to write itself (I have given up trying to tell this bunch of characters which way to take their story.) when I wrote the last chapter, but it led beautifully into chapter 19. The next chapter explains a lot (even to me) about why Morgan is the way she is about Brian and their relationship. I can honestly say the next chapter surprised me in a couple of places when I read it after writing it. There have been several things in this story that I didn't see coming until they were already in writing.

And now, without further ado, the next installment.


(Chapter 19)



(Morgan on phone)



“Larry, whatcha’ doin?”



“Driving back from the Masterson Farm job. They needed a tugger and some wire. They’ll have the service in for the milking barn by the end of the day. That’s all they have left to get the service inspected.”



“Is Erin behaving?”



“I hope so. I didn’t bring her with me.”



“She’s alone!?!”



“Relax Morgan. Pop came over to keep an eye on her while I’m gone.”



“Larry, I didn’t mean to drag your dad into this.”



“You didn’t; I did. Pop’s always told me he’s always there for me. He’s never let me down yet. “



“Can you come by the hospital? I’m ready to go.”



“Sure. I’ll be there in about 15 minutes.”



“Larry, do you have time to make a couple of stops after you pick me up?”



“Be glad to. It isn’t like I have much of a social life.”



“Thanks, Larry. I’ll see you when you get here.”



(2nd call)



“This is Bert, tell me what’s on your mind.”



“Do you lay awake at night coming up with new ways to answer the phone?”



“Naw, I just say whatever comes to mind first. How’s that husband of yours doin’?”



“Bert, he’s off the respirator! He’s getting better. It was so good to hear his voice. Listen, I know you’re at our place. I’m sorry you got dragged into this, but I’m grateful for you doing this. Larry’s on his way to pick me up. Would you mind staying a few minutes after we get back?”



“Sure, Darlin’! I’ll do damn near anything for a pretty redhead. Come to think of it, bein’ as my wife’s a redhead, I guess I already do. Oh, and ain’t nobody drug me into nuthin’. I’s glad to help. I got news for ya’ too. That Dexter o’ y’all’s what’s pregnant? She ain’t pregnant no more. Y’all got yerselves a brand spankin’ new calf. It showed up ‘bout a half hour ago, just pretty and perfect as could be.”



“That’s great! Did she have any trouble?”



“Not a lick. She bellered and carried on some while she was birthin’, but I reckon if I was a tryin’ to squirt somethin’ that size outta’ my butt, I’d beller too. She weren’t no worse than Sue when she had Larry.”



(laughing) “Bert, you’re terrible. I’ll see you when we get there. We may be a little while.”



“Redheads! Take as long as you need, Darlin’. Erin’s a keepin’ me busy answerin’ questions about this here calf anyway. I ‘spect she’ll keep me occupied.”



(Radio in the truck, on the way to the hospital)



...An amber alert has been issued for Sarah Barnes. She is 15 years old, 5’1”, 135 lbs., blond, shoulder length hair, and green eyes. She was last seen walking on the creek trail at Jim Roberts Community Park wearing blue jeans and a tan shirt. If you see her, call 911 with the location and any other information immediately…



What the hell is going on around here? That’s the second thing in a week. First the Mall, now this. And that’s on top of that sumbitch trying to kidnap Erin and nearly killing Brian in the process. Glad Morgan loaned me her pistol. I hope I don’t need it.



(At the hospital entrance, Morgan gets in the truck)



“Hey Larry!”



“Well, this is a nice change. That’s the first time I’ve seen you smile since Brian came here. Can I assume Brian’s doing better?”



(Gives Larry a hug and peck on the cheek)

“Yes you can! They took him off the respirator and took his feeding tube out! He talked to me and we had some soup together! I actually got to hear his voice and eat with him for the first time since this started! He wasn’t able to stay awake for very long, but he spoke to me. He called me Love! Oh Larry, it was the sweetest sound in the whole world. He’s going to be ok. It may take a while longer, but he’s going to be ok! I’m sorry to ask you to run me on some errands on the way home. Are you sure you don’t mind?”



“I don’t mind. The only other thing I want to do isn’t really an option.”



“Well then, head over to Poor Boy’s gun shop. They called and said my order is in.”



(.....)



“Larry, you said the other thing you want to do isn’t an option. What do you want to do?”



“It doesn’t matter.”



“It does matter. Larry, you’ve been the best friend I could ever ask for in all of this. You have put your life on hold just to take care of me and Erin. Brian loves you like a brother and so do I. Let me do this for you. Talk to me. Please, you’re hurting, talk to me.”



“I don’t want to just take care of Erin! I want to hold her! I want to kiss her! I want to sit with her by the fire and talk for hours! I want to smell her perfume on my shirt again! I want to see the gold flakes in her eyes when she’s happy! I want to feel her heartbeat against my chest and see that smile again that she had when she woke up in my arms! I want to know what it feels like to wake up in her arms! (Reaches into his pocket) Here. Open it.”



“OH MY GOD! Larry, it’s beautiful. You two were picking out rings!?! I had no idea! She said she hated you after this!?!  She didn’t mean it, but I can’t believe she said it! This must have cost a fortune! Oh Larry, I knew you were hurting, but now I understand. Honey, I’m so sorry.”



“It wasn’t like that, Morgan. The night she asked me out, we went walking through the shops downtown. She wanted a cross so we went to Morris Jewelry. I bought her that cross she wears. She wanted to look around just because she thought everything was so pretty. She pointed several things out to me that she thought were really pretty. That ring was one of them. She was like a kid in a candy store. We had so much fun that night. The night she came to our place, I made up my mind that I wanted to marry her. I wanted what you and Brian have, what Mom and Pop have, and I wanted it with her. I bought that ring the next day. It was only $2000.00. That’s chump change compared to her smile. I was going to ask your and Brian’s permission to marry her and then propose that Wednesday night, but everything went to hell first. I wasn’t about to ask her without y’all’s blessing and I had to talk to Brian to get that. I never got the chance. She took what I said wrong and everything went to hell with us. Morgan, I love her more than anything but God, but I don’t want to get hurt that bad again.”



“Do your Mom and Dad know about this?”



“Why do you think Mom’s so hellacious mad at Erin? The Devil himself is afraid of Mom right now. Of course they know. They thought it was pretty sudden, but they knew what she means to me, how much I love her. They knew I was going to propose. I had their blessing.”



“Don’t judge your Mom too harshly. You are all they’ve got left. In her place, I’d be protective too. Larry, pull into this lot and park. I need to tell you some things.”



(parks)



“Larry, you are never to speak of what I am about to tell you to anyone including Erin, especially Erin. I told you that Brian and I were once where you are but for different reasons. Well, I’m about to tell you the reason. I almost broke us beyond fixing. What Erin did to you was foolish and cruel, but what I did to Brian was much worse. I was selfish and heartless.



“Morgan, if it’s that serious, you shouldn’t tell me.”



“No, you need to hear this and I need to own up to what I did. I’ll be in tears before I’m done and you’ll probably lose all respect for me, if you don’t outright despise me, but that doesn’t matter. I deserve it.”



“Brian and I had been dating for about 6 months. We weren’t engaged yet, and we hadn’t slept together, but we were getting really serious. Some friends invited us to a party. Brian had to work so I went without him. That was my first mistake. There was a guy there that I had dated a few times. Very tall, very handsome, very, very smooth, and I was still nursing a crush on him. I should have left when I saw him. That was my second mistake. You have to understand, I wasn’t the same girl then. The fallout from that night changed me and everything about me and my life. I had a little too much to drink and ended up sleeping with him. Brian found out. He was devastated. He had bought me an engagement ring a week before and was arranging the perfect night together to propose. I didn’t know that before I betrayed him, I found it out afterwards. He handed me the ring and walked away without ever saying a word. I tried calling him for a week but he wouldn’t answer. Finally, I went to his apartment. I had a key so I let myself in. Brian has never been much of a drinker. He has one drink every now and then but never to excess. I found him sitting in the floor of his living room with every picture of me and us he had spread out in front of him. He was dead drunk.”



“He wouldn’t talk to me, so I talked. I told him I was sorry. I told him I couldn’t blame him for being angry. I told him a lot of things. When I ran out of things to say, he finally looked at me. He saw his ring on my finger and...and said at least my new plaything wouldn’t have to buy me a ring, then he got up and stumbled into the bedroom and locked the door. I stayed there for 2 days waiting for him to come out. When he finally did come out, he was sober. I’ll never forget what he said to me. He looked me right in the eyes and said, ‘Why are you still here? Your new boyfriend will think you’re sleeping around on him too.’ He never raised his voice. I wish he’d yelled. I wish he’d raged at me. He could have beaten me within an inch of my life and it wou...wouldn’t have hurt me as bad as...as those words did. That’s the only time in the 3 years I’ve known him that he ever wanted to cause me pain. He succeeded. I wanted to die. We stood there not talking forever. We were both hurting to bad to even cry. I finally found the courage to ask him what to do for him to forgive me. I said I’d do anything, be anything he wanted if only he’d forgive me. I still hear his answer as clearly as I did that day. He said, ‘Don’t...Ever...Hurt...Me...Again.’ It took another 3 months before we had the easy relationship we’d had before. He never asked for my ring back and I have never taken it off since that day he handed it to me and walked away. He proposed about 5 months after that day. The night he asked me to marry him was the first time we made love. Larry, there is an ‘us’ today because he decided to give me another chance. I didn’t deserve it then and I don’t deserve it now, but I’m grateful he did.”



“Larry, it’s up to you, but I don’t want you to throw away a lifetime with someone who loves you the way I almost did. She didn’t hurt you as bad as I hurt Brian. She was angry and scared and took it out on you, but she didn’t betray you like I did Brian. I don’t want anybody else to owe the debt I owe. I can never make it right. Please, don’t let this haunt you for the rest of your lives. Give her another chance. I can’t promise you that she won’t ever hurt you again. I can’t promise her that you will never hurt her, but it’s worth the risk for what you two have.”



“I don’t know, Morgan. I just don’t know.”



(At Poor Boy’s gun shop)



“Hey Morgan, how’s Brian?”



“He’s got a long way to go, but he’s off the respirator. He’s gonna’ be ok, Kyle.”



“Good. I like Brian, he’s good people.” Here’s your new piece, wrapped up just like you asked. Here’s the ammo and holster too. You already paid for it when you ordered it, so you’re good to go.”



“Thanks for everything, Kyle.”



“You’re more than welcome. Tell Brian to come by when he gets home and feels up to it. You know, you guys don’t have to buy anything just to come by and visit.”



“I’ll tell him. See ya’ later.”



(In the truck)



“You’re killin’ me, Morgan. What’d you get?”



“Here, open it up.”



“HOLY CRAP! Springfield Armory 1911A1 Loaded in brushed stainless with the ambi safety! It’s got night sights too! Morgan, this is just too sexy for words! Brian’s gonna’ love it!”



“Brian already has one. It’s his primary carry piece. This one’s not for him...it’s for you.”



“WHAT!?! NO! Morgan, I can’t accept this. This is a $1000.00 gun! You don’t have this kind of money to give away!”



“Larry, a few things here. First, yes I do have the kind of money to do what I want for the people who are closest to me. Second, if my father sends another thug, I want you to be well equipped to defend yourself if you have to. Third, you don’t have a choice, I want my pistol back.”



“You can have your pistol back. I have one that isn’t near as nice and is just a 9mm, but will do the job. This is a $1000.00 gun! You don’t just go giving away guns like this!”



“Larry, you are the second stubbornest man I know. I just did. It’s yours, along with the left handed Kydex holster and the 1000 round mixed case of ammo you put in the back. There’s 750 rounds of ball for practice and 250 of 230 grain Federal Hydrashok for when it counts. I hope you enjoy it but never need it.”



“Morgan, I don’t know what to say.”



“You’ve already said all you need to. Let’s go home.”

[pbbrown0]

Great chapter, Cutter. Sometimes the characters are even better story tellers than the author.   Thank you for your work here.  We all appreciate it.

BTW, freebirdie, that shake or two of hot sauce triggers more endorphins. It helps you feel better when you are getting over a bug.

[kaijafon]

HOLY CRAP! that was good. hehehe

thanks!