Colleen knew that Frank and Jeanne were due back that day. Before she went to the store, she brought in the mail and opened the windows. Her grocery list for the Chadwicks was usually milk, eggs, bacon, bread, coffee, juice, cheese, and crackers. She would check to see if they needed beer and wine. A bottle of Chardonnay and a six-pack. The only thing she didn’t do was change the linens. At one time, she had actually given it some thought. But then she realized that was getting a little too personal. The Chadwicks appreciated the gesture. It was nice to walk into a house that didn’t smell like it had been locked up for weeks. It was also nice to open the refrigerator and have some basic supplies, including a bottle of wine and a six-pack of beer.
As she was emptying the grocery bags, Colleen heard their car enter the driveway. She had hoped to be finished with the sprucing up before they got back, but that’s not how it went down.
Colleen opened the front door as they were getting out of the car! “Welcome home!”
She walked over to Frank, and he gave her a big bear hug. “How’s our young lass and her tribe?” Colleen stiffened a bit. “Everything all right?” Frank asked.
“Fine! So glad to see you!” Colleen said. “And look how tan you are! Play a lot of golf, did you?” she said, addressing Frank.
Jeanne walked over to Colleen and gave her a big hug. “I’ll have you know that I beat him in a round of golf.” Jeanne wrapped her arms around her neighbor.
“Lucky break. My shoulder was bothering me that day,” Frank said defensively.
“Your shoulder is always bothering you,” Jeanne shot back in a fun-poking way. “Face it, Frank. You’re just a sore loser.”
Frank muttered something under his breath. Jeanne threaded her arm through Colleen’s. “Don’t mind him. He hates losing, especially to a girl.” The two women giggled and went inside the house.
“You are such a peach, Colleen. The house always smells fresh when we get home.” Jeanne took in a deep breath. “Don’t tell me you stopped at the market?” Jeanne approached the refrigerator, knowing what the answer would be. “Really, Colleen. You are such a darling. You and Mitchel take such good care of things when we’re away. We don’t have to worry about anything while we’re gone.” Jeanne pulled out the cheese and opened the box of crackers while Frank brought in their luggage.
“Oh, sure. Let me do all the work while you fix yourself a snack.” Frank loved to tease his wife. He would never expect her to haul their suitcases out of the car. He told her that carrying her pocketbook was strenuous enough.
“Yes, I’m just lollygagging around, fixing us some snacks.” She took out a bottle of beer and poured it into a frozen mug she retrieved from the freezer and handed the mug to Frank. “Here you go, my liege lord.”
He placed the suitcases in the hallway and took the mug. “Nothing like a crisp, cold one after fourteen hundred miles of highway.”
“You can thank Colleen for providing this pleasure.” Jeanne cut some of the cheese and placed it on the plate with the crackers. “Let me know how much I owe you for all of this. Please sit.”
“Yes, thank you, sweet Colleen. It is much appreciated.” He took another sip of his beer and put the half-filled mug in the refrigerator. “I’ll be back for the rest of this as soon as I empty the trunk.” Frank proceeded to move the suitcases and boxes from the car to their appropriate spots. Boxes went in the garage for sorting. Luggage went into the den for unpacking.
Jeanne turned to Colleen. “I’m going to open the wine, and you can catch me up with what’s been happening in our quiet hamlet.”
A glass of wine sounded like a good idea, given what Colleen was about to tell them. Or should she wait? The decision was made for her when Jeanne asked, “How are Jackson and Mitchel?”
“Jackson is doing great. He’s made good friends with Buddy.”
“Ellie Bowman’s dog?” Jeanne sounded surprised.
“Yes. And get this. She’s been letting Jackson into the yard. He’s there every day.”
“Seriously?” Jeanne’s eyes widened. “How did that happen?”
“You know, Jackson shot up in height this year. Well, one day Mitchel and Jackson were on the street tossing a baseball. Jackson was at the end of the street in front of Ellie’s house.” Colleen paused, realizing Mitchel would be the next subject. “Jackson was finally tall enough to see over the fence. Buddy was just sitting there, watching and wagging his tail. Jackson walked over to the fence, Buddy jumped up, still wagging his tail, and ever since Jackson petted him on the head, they’ve been BFFs.”
“But how did he get inside the fence?” Jeanne prodded.
“Oh, yeah. You know how I invited her a dozen times for tea, but she always declined.”
“Yes. She never leaves the house.”
“Right. I guess she was feeling guilty. I really don’t know, but one day, out of the blue, I got a note asking if it was all right for Jackson to play in the yard. I almost fell over. After what happened with Mitchel—” She stopped immediately.
“What happened with Mitchel?” Jeanne sat up straight. Frank came down the hallway and repeated what Jeanne had just said. “What happened with Mitchel?”
“Is he OK?” Jeanne asked.
Colleen looked over at Frank. “You better sit down. But first, get your beer.”
Jeanne looked genuinely concerned. “Is Mitchel OK? Is he sick?”
“No. And no.” Colleen answered. “It’s no secret that Mitchel was drinking more than he used to. I don’t know what got into him, but his drinking was getting worse.”
“I have to be honest,” Jeanne said. “I thought he had gotten a little bit too sloshed at a few parties. I’m no one to talk, but at least I’m still able to talk when I’m drinking. I may not make a whole lot of sense, but I can usually enunciate my words.”
Frank broke into the conversation. “Jeanne’s right. I noticed it a couple of times, but I wasn’t really paying that much attention. But I guess you’re right about it escalating. The last party he got a little snarky with Andy. He called him a ‘dandy. Dandy-Andy.’ Andy didn’t seem the least bit offended, but it was rude and disrespectful. The man is ninety years old, for God’s sake, and he dresses better than almost anybody in the state of Missouri. Heck, pretty much anywhere.”
“I had no idea Mitchel had spoken to him that way. That’s terrible.” Colleen was upset, but not surprised about Mitchel’s behavior. At the rate Mitchel’s drinking had been escalating, it was amazing that terrible evening hadn’t happened sooner. Poor Andy. He didn’t deserve that.
“Never mind all that. I don’t think Andy really minded. What happened with you and Mitchel?” Jeanne reached out and touched Colleen’s hand.
“Just so you know, everything is under control. No one got seriously hurt,” Colleen reassured them.
“Well, that in itself isn’t very reassuring,” Jeanne said.
Frank interjected. “So start from the beginning. What happened?”
Colleen started with the same information she had already given them. Mitchel’s drinking had escalated. One morning, he was on the porch yelling at Jackson to come and talk to his father. They were late for school, so Colleen and Jackson continued on their way. That evening, Mitchel got home late, and he was very drunk. And he “got physical.”
Frank interrupted. “What do you mean ‘physical’?”
Colleen continued, fearing that Frank might do something irrational. Even though she knew Frank was not the irrational type, this might be a bridge too far. “He grabbed me and threw me down on the bed. I squeezed out from under him. He tried to hit me, but I ducked, and he punched a hole in the wall. I went into Jackson’s room and called the police.”
Both Frank and Jeanne sat back in horror. Jeanne was first to respond. “Did he hurt you?”
Then Frank. “Did he hurt Jackson?”
“No. I mean yes. He threw me against the wall . . . listen, do we have to go into the gory details?”
“No, of cour
se not.” Jeanne put her hand on top of Colleen’s. “Just tell us what you are comfortable with.”
Frank could not hold back. “If he ever touches you again, he will be the sorriest son of a bitch on the planet.”
“Thanks. But wait.” Colleen wanted to defuse Frank’s anger. “I was able to get out of the room, went to Jackson’s, barricaded the door, and called the police.”
Jeanne was almost out of her seat. “You barricaded the door? How badly did he hurt you?”
“I was OK. Mostly scared and rattled. The police were great. Came right away. Dispatcher stayed on the phone with me.” Colleen caught her breath.
“My God!” Jeanne exclaimed. “That’s horrible. When did this happen?”
“Just over two weeks ago.”
Frank leaned in. “You must be very shaken by all of this. Is there anything we can do for you?”
“I’m OK. Really. I have a temporary restraining order until he goes for his hearing on the domestic violence charges next week. I’ll apply for a permanent one, if necessary.”
“If necessary?” Jeanne was appalled.
“Yeah, well, Mitchel was really out of it that night, but he took Jackson out for his one-day-a-week supervised visitation on Saturday.”
“You let him take Jackson?” Jeanne was still appalled.
“Yes, but his mother had to accompany them. It’s part of the temporary visitation order. He can’t have Jackson alone without supervision.”
“Well, that’s a good thing,” Frank observed. “Where is Mitchel staying now?”
“At his brother’s. Greg and Elaine’s.”
“Nice people,” Frank said.
“Yes, but . . .” Colleen wasn’t sure if she should mention Greg’s gun, but at this point there was no reason to leave anything out. “Greg has a registered firearm.”
Frank folded his arms and grunted. “Your TRO isn’t good against a bullet.”
“Frank. Don’t.” Jeanne didn’t want to cause any more alarm for Colleen than necessary.
“Well, it’s important to have all the details and not be emotional about it.”
“It’s OK.” Colleen reassured them. “I am somewhat prepared.”
“In what way?” Frank asked.
“I have a Taser and was given instruction as to how to use it.”
“OK. That’s a start. What else?” Frank was borderline interrogating her.
“I had a high-tech security system installed.”
“What about when you’re not home?” Frank pressed.
“I have permission to take my Taser to work with me. I don’t know what else I can do.”
“You can learn how to shoot a real gun,” Frank added.
“I really don’t want to do that, for a number of reasons.”
“Like what?” Frank asked.
“First, I don’t like them. Second, I don’t want to have one in the house. Third, I really, honest and truly, don’t think it’s necessary.”
“And why do you think that?”
“Just say it’s woman’s intuition.”
“Don’t give me that crap.” Frank was almost snapping at her.
Jeanne intervened. “Let her finish, please.”
“Mitch had never been violent before.” She put up her hands in anticipation of their protests. “Believe me, I am not trying to defend him. I am really trying to get a realistic view. I have my son to consider.”
“Fair enough,” Frank commented.
“Vivian took them to a burger place, a movie, ice cream, and bowling.”
“That old witch?” Frank wasn’t a fan of Vivian’s.
Colleen laughed. “Yes, and apparently she was in a fine mood. Jackson was delighted that his gram was so much fun.”
“Are we talking about the same woman?” Frank looked shocked.
“So it seems,” Colleen replied. “Barring body snatching. According to Jackson and Elaine, Vivian was a totally different person.”
“Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Jeanne guffawed, and the other two followed.
“Seriously, I have no idea what got into Vivian, but I’m not about to question it. If my son had a good day, well, that’s all that matters to me.”
“So what’s next?” Frank asked.
“Mitchel has a hearing to make a plea.”
“Well, he’s guilty, of course,” Jeanne added.
“Yes, and if he pleads guilty, they will most likely reduce it to a misdemeanor rather than a felony.” Colleen was matter-of-fact.
“How is that right?” Jeanne asked.
“It’s the system, Jeanne.”
“What will happen then?” Frank asked.
“He’ll probably get probation, be required to get therapy—anger management—and maybe they’ll even send him for alcohol rehabilitation.” Colleen paused. “And he’ll have to do some community service.”
“How will that affect the visitation?” Jeanne asked.
“As long as I have a restraining order, he will most likely need supervised visitation. At least for a while.”
“This must be very nerve-racking for you,” Frank said.
“Yes, but I’m getting better at handling it.” Colleen continued. “I bought a Taser, and Officer Pedone showed me how to use it.”
“You should get a gun. I’ll teach you.” Frank was firm.
“I don’t want a gun in the house.”
“You said that Mitch is staying with his brother, right?” Jeanne asked.
“Yes. For now.”
“Why not with Vivian?” Frank asked. “She has that big old house.”
“Hah. Would you stay with Vivian?” Colleen snickered.
“Good point,” Frank answered.
Jeanne continued to prod Colleen. “OK, so if he pleads not guilty, then what happens?”
“Then it will go to trial. That could take up to a year, and I don’t think Mitchel can afford a trial lawyer.” Colleen pursed her lips. “We just have to wait and see.”
“What can we do to help?” Frank asked.
“Nothing at the moment, but thanks. I had an exceptionally good security system installed. With that and the Taser, I’m feeling pretty safe. Besides, I don’t think Mitch would want to blow his visitation rights or end up back in jail if he violated the order. But he was parking the car at the end of the block every day for the first two weeks. It was really creepy.”
“Isn’t he supposed to keep away from you?” Jeanne asked.
“One hundred yards, which is almost exactly the distance from our yard to the end of the block. As soon as we started walking in his direction, he would drive off.”
“He knew you saw him, right?” Jeanne asked.
“Oh, yeah. That was the whole point,” Colleen answered. “I don’t know if he plans on continuing to stalk us. He was really in a rage that night, and after getting locked up, well, that just pissed him off even more.”
“But you said the visit went well?”
“Yes, much to my surprise.”
“Maybe he’s wised up,” Frank noted. “But if I see him parked at the end of the block, I might have to do something about it.”
“Frank, please don’t,” Colleen implored. “I don’t want to get him riled up again.”
“Fair enough,” Frank answered. “But if I see him setting one foot on the property, he will be one sorry guy.”
“I certainly wouldn’t want to mess with you.” Colleen laughed nervously. She knew that Frank was well intentioned, but she also knew how protective he was of her and Jackson. “My hope is that he can straighten himself out so he can have a relationship with his son. Mitch was only ten when his father was killed, so he missed a lot.” Colleen sighed. “I know he loves Jackson, and I hope and pray that he will want to be a better person for Jackson and himself.”
“Mitchel wasn’t a bad guy when he was sober,” Jeanne noted.
“Yes, I know. What I don’t know is what happened to him over the past couple of years. He had a good job; we
were doing fine. Then he started drinking more, and that created so many problems. He even lost his job.”
“Oh no!” Jeanne exclaimed. “How? Why?”
“He was on probation because he was screwing up at work. Not showing up on time, leaving early. His boss had had it up to here, and when Mitch was sent to jail, that was it. His boss canned him.”
“Now that’s kicking a man when he’s down. But I understand his boss’s point, too. Such a shame.” Frank shook his head.
“What is he going to do for money? Can he collect unemployment?” Jeanne asked.
“Yes, but that isn’t going to cover child support and put a roof over his head. I don’t know how long Greg and Elaine are going to let him stay there. Elaine told me that Mitch was acting like an ungrateful ass, and she was going to throw him out the door if he didn’t straighten out,” Colleen said.
“That must be causing a lot of stress on Elaine and Greg’s relationship, too,” Jeanne mused.
“I don’t doubt it. But Greg has always looked after Mitch, ever since their father died. Mitch is his little brother.” Colleen sighed.
“Well, you keep your chin up and know that Frank and I are here for whatever you need. You have a built-in baby-sitter if you need us to watch Jackson.” Jeanne patted Colleen’s hand.
“Speaking of Jackson, I better get his dinner started.”
“Where is he right now?” Frank asked.
“Over at Ellie’s, with Buddy. That seems to be his routine when he gets home from school. Homework, Buddy, dinner.”
“It’s wonderful that she’s letting Jackson play with him so much,” Jeanne said.
“Oh, and you should see her backyard! It is absolutely magnificent!” Colleen exclaimed.
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