by L. Ann Marie
Danny
"I'm so fuckin proud of you K. Casper stopped to tell me you were so calm and never even flinched going 110 down the highway." I hug her as I'm pulling her off the seat.
She smiles up at me. "You should have seen how the club orchestrated that whole rescue, they were awesome. I just sat in the truck. They saved her life today Danny. I want to thank them all"
"God I love you." I kiss her lips. "They feel responsible. They won't be able to accept a thank you." We just make it into the house and I hear a truck pull in. I wait at the door for Pres.
Kate freezes whispering, "Please not again, she won't make it twice."
I hold her to me. "Natalie ok, Pres?"
"She's just fine Kate." He smiles at her. Doc pulls in. "I needed to talk to you Kate. Doc is a fan and wants to share an idea. We won't take long."
I look at my girl; she relaxes and smiles at them. "Come on in Brothers. I think my girl could use a drink." I hold the door open and get everyone a beer. K sits on the right of the couch leaving me room with my blind side at the wall. Beautiful K.
"Kate you were awesome today. You're very good at your job. How did you get into this, if you don't mind my asking?" Doc asks.
She takes a minute. "Please keep this just between us." Pres and Doc nod. "Jess is five months older than me. She aged out of the group home before me. The group homes were brutal back then. They didn't allow us to prepare for when we aged out. She had nowhere to live, no license and only sixty dollars. She got a job waitressing and met a guy that promised her the world. She moved in with him. It was better than living on the streets and she had food every day." I get up and get a box of tissues. She wipes her eyes and leans against me. "After a month he started beating her. She lost her job. She stopped meeting me. I knew if she could just hold on until I got out we could make it. Alone she didn't have a chance, she's so small. He knew it too. She was stuck there for almost a year. He moved and I couldn't find her. A girl from the home told me she saw her and followed her home one day. I went to her house and she wasn't Jess anymore. She was beaten down. After what we lived through and here she was just a shell of Jess. I was determined to get her back. She was my only family. I met her every day while he was at work. When he found out he put her in the hospital. I talked to the hospital social worker, but there was nothing they could do for her. I finally asked a professor and found out about a shelter in Newport. We got her away and got a restraining order. He violated it; luckily he had drugs on him and was put in jail. It wasn't for long, but it was long enough for Jess to start becoming Jess again. If we didn't find the shelter in Newport I would have lost my only family. I changed my major and started advocating for women. When I saw there were very few women in the security side of our job I took night classes and became a security specialist for domestic violence." I hold onto her. Hearing the story again doesn't make it hurt any less.
"Thank you baby." I look up at Doc; he's not hiding his tears. I look away.
Pres clears his throat. "How did you make it?"
"My birthday is in August. I only lived on the streets for three weeks. Jess had us registered in college; we had dorm rooms and even food vouchers. She entered every contest, wrote stories, got scholarships, she was awesome at finding ways to pave our way into school. Even then she was a genius with money. If it weren't for Jess I'm not sure I would have made it. She got there in the end though and we made it together." My K gives them a sad smile.
Pres looks at me. "Did you go through that too?"
"Yes, but not to the extent that Jess and Kate did. I'm a lot bigger than they are. Living on the streets, for me, was much safer. Guys have an easier time finding jobs too. I found the club right before I was nineteen."
"I read the report on Jess but it didn't say all that, I didn't realize it was that bad for her. Seeing it on paper isn't the same as hearing it. She's an amazing woman and lucky to have an equally amazing sister." Doc tells her. She nods and thanks him.
"So now that you have my Kate in tears and my throat closing up what did you want to talk about?" I need to get them moving on.
Everyone takes a breath.
Ben looks at Kate. "We should have done a better job. We know about the technology that's available. We knew this was a high security case and we were lax. I promise you, it won't happen again. Steve said you called him with a bad feeling. Dave didn’t make it there in time. We should have handled it better, taken your instinct more seriously. I called the Baxter's to find out about specialized security for these types of high security cases. They told me we already have an expert that has all the answers I need. I didn't realize you work for them."
"I don't. I'm a domestic abuse counselor, basically a social worker for women. I'm also a domestic violence security specialist. I work for a nonprofit that is funded by state grants and private donations. Mitch Baxter set up a trust to make sure our doors never close, she's has someone at Baxter's on the board. They're one of our biggest donors; Jess and Danny are a distant second." She smiles at me. "I teach security classes to the police departments in this county, other Centers and private security firms. Baxter's do schedule regular classes for their security guys but I donate that back to the shelters. The other classes pay the Center directly. I've been doing it that way for so long now it’s become part of my job." I'm in awe of my girl. Everything is matter of fact. She has no clue how amazing she is.
Pres nods. "I can't figure out how I don't know all this." He shakes his head. "I'd like to schedule classes as well. I'm adding another house. I'll need you to go through them and give us some insight on how to make it comfortable for the clients that need them."
"Ben, you already provide one of the best shelters we have. Danny put in all the bells and whistles right down to using the garage as a safe play area. The old ladies stocking and making meals is a bonus for me because I don't have to coordinate that aspect. We could definitely use another shelter. Too often we have to double up families in one house. Holding classes isn't a problem for me either. I'll just need a month in advance, you call Anita and she'll schedule you in."
"Again, I don't know how I'm missing this information."
"You're good at your job Ben. The club is growing; you're choosing wisely and trusting your people to do their jobs. They're doing them well. I can tell you, with two shelters and classes, you'll need a coordinator if you want to keep the level of service so high."
Doc jumps in. "Kate today that woman was terrified sitting in that corner and you calmed her so easily and quickly. I want to help. I watched her hold your hand and she found her strength. That was awesome to see. I want to do that too."
"Women that have been abused are going to shy away from men in general. Don't take offense but you guys are not average sized guys. You were great today Doc and so were you Ben, but it will be hard for a woman to see you as a source of comfort. Working behind the scenes would work better, like Len does. He provides a sense of security until the women are comfortable seeing him. Only then will he interact." She says gently but Doc has a determined look.
"I can be the coordinator and treat the clients. I can do what Len does." He tells her.
This gets him her smile. "That would be perfect. The trust these women have with men is shattered. They need to see that all men are not out to hurt them but we can't force it on them. Natalie is different; today she had no choice but to trust men with her kids and herself. I can already see she's going to be like Jess, if she can get away from her husband. She has a strength that will carry her through, she'll draw on that and it will grow, making her a formidable woman."
I sit forward. "I know you probably don't realize it, you saved that woman's life today. Her husband left those boys because he had one thing on his mind. Natalie wasn't going to make it back for them." I tell them, they look shocked.
They look at Kate, she nods her head. "That's the hardest part of my job, the ones I can't save."
Pres stands, "Steve will be in touch for the tr
aining class. Doc will coordinate the next house with you Danny. Kate, we're going make sure the clients that make it to us will make it out stronger and do it safely. We won't fail you or them again." He walks to the door and right out. Holy fuck!
I look at Doc, he's smiling as he stands. "When he gets like this he never fails. He'll fight until it's fixed and running right. I'll get in touch with you both next week. We'll get wands over to your office right away ensuring no more tracking devices ever make it through." He throws chin and walks out.
I look at my beautiful K; she turns to me and burst into tears. I pull her on my lap and just hold her. What a fuckin crazy day. My girl lived through hell today. I can't imagine the sense of helplessness she felt losing Natalie. I rub her back and kiss her head.
Thinking back it did get strange for a while there. Steve got a call and pulled Ben aside, next thing I know, the boys are with me and Ben is flying up the road while Steve is sliding a blue jacket and full faced blue helmet on. Rob helped me and the boys clean up. Just as we finish washing up and I see my little niece Elizabeth, Ben calls telling me to take the boys to the ice cream shop and keep watch over two other boys with Dave until he gets there.
The two little ones were so scared; the older must be about four, he asks me if I'm a pirate. Jessie tells him I'm a good pirate making Dave laugh. Sitting at the table watching the boys play I notice how Jessie and Little Ben get the other two to relax. Those boys are something else. I hear before I see a Ducati coming down the road. The full helmet shocks me. It's Steve. All I can think is, that bike is almost a match to mine and when the fuck did he get that? Casper shows telling us what happened and how Kate kept it together. When he leaves I ask Dave about Steve and the Ducati. He tells me to forget I saw it. Anybody else and I would have questioned it. Because it was Steve I let it go. Jared shows then Ben shows with Kate and the little guy’s mom who looks like she was hit by a bus. Dave takes off without saying a word. Right then, I'm so proud of my girl and my Brothers for saving this woman they don't even know. I wish I ran security today but it felt good being there for the boys. I hope they feel the good and not the bad part of losing her in the first place.
Kate tightens her arm around me getting me out of my head. I stand and carry her to the bathroom putting her on the counter. I fill the tub adding some of her bath shit and lift her to stand. She helps me get her undressed and steps in. Telling her I'll be right back I get her a glass of wine and some of her wheat crackers and cheese. I throw a handful of grapes on top of the plate and bring it to her. When I put it on the rack, she gives me a sad smile. I sit on the floor with my back against the tub and keep her company. She doesn't say a word, after a while she puts her hand on my shoulder. We both relax content in the silence.
Chapter Seventeen
One month...
I watch my boy talking to Jessie and Little Ben. He's turned into a good man. I'm so fuckin proud of him. I look at my watch again.
"Dad, she'll be here. Relax." He smiles.
"I know, but it's not like her to be late." I just finish saying as Kate pulls in. Rich stands and slaps my shoulder with a smile. He goes to help Kate telling me to wait with the boys. Fuckin kids. I smile though and I'm so fuckin happy I can without the pain.
Jessie asks me to look at their sheds. "Is something wrong with them?" Fuck.
"No, we want a safe room like our dads. We can put our stuff so it's not seen and it stays safe."
I hold my face and laugh. "I think we can do that. We can make a hidden door at the back and give you a safe room."
He looks at Little Ben and smiles. "Thanks Uncle Danny." Little Ben says. I ruffle their heads. These two are too fuckin much. It makes me wonder about the safe rooms their dads have. I did the work on the houses but didn't build safe rooms.
"You know you shouldn't tell people about the safe rooms right?" I look at both of them.
"We don't. You're family; our dads say you're a good man. We can talk to you about anything especially if it's bad or scary. That means we can talk to you about good stuff too." Jessie tells me. Fuckin kids. Fuck that makes me feel good. People trust me again.
"You're right. You're growing up so fast, I forget you're little men and ask stupid questions."
"It's ok." Little Ben says making me laugh again.
Kate finds me with my hand on my face and smiles. I move to her and bend to give her a kiss. I'm struck again that I can do this with no pressure on my face. Life's getting easier.
"Rich is taking us out to dinner. He tried for the Wharf but I shut that down quick. He's talking to Steve right now." She says with the devil in her smile. I hold on to my face and crack up.
"No inspections at dinner?" I get a laugh out of her.
"Kate, dad, Steve put me on with Ben, Tracy has Natalie to babysit for them. They can come too."
Kate smiles big. "Perfect."
"Who the hell is Natalie?" He asks.
"Our new friend. She came out of the shelter and decided she was safe here, so she stayed." I tell him. Still so fuckin proud of my K.
"Bet the Brothers are going to enjoy the good women they find themselves surrounded with." He laughs. Something I've thought about. I see Jared with Natalie's boys at the playground, he looks at peace again.
Kate draws my attention back to her. "I wanted to give you this before tomorrow." She hands me a box. "Rich helped me with the art." I look at him then her.
Opening it I see three patches. One black silk, one the same blue fire design from my bike and one bomber jacket brown leather. I hold my face and laugh almost dropping the box. When it tips I see one underneath and laugh harder. It's a picture of what my eye was. Kate holds the box for me so I can pull one out. I turn around so the boys don't see the sunken socket and switch the patches. When I turn back they look shocked.
Kate laughs. "It matches your skin color and blends in."
Little Ben climbs on the table and touches my face. "She got you back for tomorrow. But I like the ones that make you stronger. Sometimes you have to show them cause everyone can’t see the strong you yet." He slides his finger along the scar; he's being so gentle, like he likes it.
Jessie climbs up touching the patch. "Dad says people's scars shows their strength. Sometimes the scars are hidden like Uncle Steve and Aunt Jess, sometimes they're like yours, you can see some of em." He puts his hand on my cheek where Ben's just was. "We like the ones that don't hide your strong Uncle Danny. Sometimes it's good to see people's strong. Then we learn to be strong for other people." I look at them fuckin amazed.
"Thank you little Brothers. I like those too." I say hearing the emotion in my voice.
"Fuck, are they for real?" Rich says astonished.
Kate laughs. "You said it perfect my favorite little men. Would you like to come to dinner?"
They look at each other then turn to Kate. As usual Jessie talks. "If Ms. Natalie is watching Elizabeth, we need to watch over her and the boys. We can have dinner when Ms. Millie or our moms watch Elizabeth. Would that be ok?" She smiles hugging them. Rich cracks up.
"That sounds perfect little men." I tell them. They jump down and head outside.
"They really are little men. Unfuckinbelievable." Rich says in awe of them.
"All I do when I'm around them is shake my head with that same look on my face. Fuckin kids." I put my arm on his shoulder. "Especially the big one." He smiles.
We have a great time at dinner. Rich cracks us up with the stuff he's done with his team. It feels good to see my boy as a man, living his life well and happy.
Kate tells Steve he's been a good big brother to her and asks him to walk with her tomorrow. He is clearly stunned then gives her the biggest fuckin smile. "It'd be an honor." Kate, Tracy and Jess smile, then laugh. Women?
When we're finished with dinner Steve looks at Ben. Just like the boys, Ben looks at Kate and does the talking. "Natalie's husband surfaced at a crack house in Connecticut, he was picked up in a drug bust. She’s relieved and ecstati
c. She won't have to worry about him showing up anymore."
"Thank God, I thought the guy on the Ducati killed him. He was flat out in the middle of the highway when Casper left, then we never heard from him." Kate says on a sigh.
I look at Steve, then Ben. Ben laughs, "nope, apparently he spent the last month in the crack house recuperating and getting hooked." He looks pleased.
Rich looks at Steve and lifts his chin. I hold my face and look down. Jess asks Kate something about tomorrow. While Kate is talking I look up and catch Jess giving Steve a wink. Ben laughs and I hold my fuckin face again. My fuckin Brothers and sister.
Chapter Eighteen
What a day! I'm so happy; I can't believe I'm finally Mrs. LaPonte. Jess had a t shirt made that says 'FINALLY Kate's sister’; she put it on as soon as we hit the reception. She is crazy, but I love her. Everyone is having a great time. It's a little chilly but no one seems to notice. Must be the liquor.
Danny dances me around the floor until I beg him for a break. He knows how to dance really well. He even knows the line dances which surprises the hell out of me when I see him dance with Millie. We stand with everyone and watch Steve and Jess waltzing, they are so beautiful together. They surprise the shelter workers. Steve is a scary dude until he's holding Jess, then he melts. When they finish Ben and Tracy dance, they are just as beautiful and leave my coworkers mouths hanging open. I crack up at their reactions. Patches dances with me then Rich asks me to dance, as he spins me around the floor I ask, "Do they hold classes at the club? How the hell do you all know how to dance so well?" I see Jared and Dave pass by us.
He throws his head back and laughs, “I'd love to see Sam jitter bugging with his mohawk. My dad took classes with me when I was in middle school. He said the guys that danced were the ones holding the girls, while all the other guys were dreaming of holding them as they held up a wall. At thirteen I was all for dance class. I don't know where Ben and Steve learned."