~PART X: DESPERATE MEASURES

An hour later, Brian and Justin arrived at the police station with Harry and Ava in tow. Brian could hear the infamous Novotny whine going at full volume even as he heard Lindsay’s plea to be moved to another cell, preferably one with concrete walls so she could tune Michael out. Brian would have laughed had the situation not been so serious. For Justin, Ava, and Harry’s part, they were surprised to see Glenn Shelton there. Justin immediately crossed over to him and embraced the man. Harry put a restraining arm on Brian to give Justin a little privacy, explaining the true nature of Justin’s greeting with the tall, good-looking man hugging Justin as if his life depended on it.

“What’s happened?” Justin asked, concerned written all over his face.

“Craig’s goons mistook Casey for Molly last night. I arrived home just in time to see her wrestling with them, as they were trying to get her in the van. We called the police and they came but I’m here to see if there is any follow-up. I didn’t want to leave the house until Emanuel got there. He and Molly, along with Molly’s husband are at the house.”

“And Craig… where is he?”

“As far as I know, he and that bitch are still locked in their rooms at the Chartrez resort. The only reason we know who was behind the attempted kidnapping is because he called Casey ‘Molly’ and said that she was the payment that was owed. My Casey is a tough little cookie but this shook her up real bad.”

“I can imagine it did. I’ll go by and see her in a bit. Something has to be done to tie Craig and Marlene to this. Has the investigator turned up anything yet?”

“That’s why I’m here. Craig owes a massive sum to Antonio Laurent.”

“Why does that name sound familiar?”

“He was the man Molly had frequent nightmares about when she came to live with us. That was…”

“I remember the fucker now. The asshole who Marlene was trying to get Molly to fuck before I busted her out of there. That fucking perv!”

“Yeah… and somehow, according to Molly, he’s been sniffing around her off and on for the past three years. He would turn up in where she was at odd times, which is part of the reason she would stay on campus. The other reason…”

“Was because of John.” Justin sighed. “How much does he know about Molly’s past with this bastard?”

“Only what Marlene was trying to set up. Molly didn’t lie to him about that, but… well I think he is looking to finish what was supposed to happen.”

“What makes you think that?”

“It wasn’t me at first, but the stuff Casey said they kept saying to her while those men were trying to kidnap her. They kept telling her how she was going to enjoy their boss, whether she wanted to or not. Needless to say, they weren’t prepared for the hellcat they unleashed with those words. Not only was Casey fighting for herself, she was fighting for Molly too.”

Justin nodded. “Is there anything that can be done about Craig and Marlene, Harry? The violation of the restraining orders will only go so far. They need some serious jail time, as does fucking Laurent. Is there anything we can do to make that happen immediately?”

“Craig and Marlene would be easy to take down. In fact, that’s why you’re here, even as Brian is here to press charges against those two nitwits in there. As for Laurent, he’ll be a bit harder to remove from yours and Molly’s lives. Craig and Marlene made a deal with the devil; he’s bound to try to collect any way he can,” Harry answered.

“How much money do they owe him? I’ll pay it if that means she remains safe,” Justin pleaded.

“That’s the thing, Justin. I don’t think he wants the money back at all. He wants Molly,” Glenn told them.

Carl joined their group just then. “Brian, I need to take your statement. Are you ready?”

“More than ready, but Carl, there are some other issues we need to speak to you about as well. Justin’s father and step-bitch have been causing some serious issues. Currently they are locked within one of the resort rooms at the Chartrez Resort. Because of their actions, his sister is in immediate danger. This is Glenn Shelton and our attorney Harry Donaldson, who can both tell you more about the situation.”

“Alright gentlemen, let me get Brian’s statement first and then we can talk about what else is going on. Justin, I haven’t had the pleasure to meet you yet. Word is that you’re Brian’s partner.”

Justin couldn’t help but smile as the detective’s warm hand enclosed his. “Yes sir, I am. Brian has told me a little about you after Deb’s phone call to him. I must say, she chose wisely for herself.”

“Well thank you. I got lucky finding Deb. She’s loud and feisty, but I never have to guess if she loves me. I’ll keep her.” Carl ushered the four men back into his office, shutting the door on the chimpanzees jumping up and down, screaming for Brian in the cell directly across from his office. Smiling evilly at Michael and Lindsay, Carl closed his blinds then went to sit behind his desk. “Sorry about the current occupants. I’ll put in a call to animal control as soon as we’re done here.”

They all laughed at Carl’s reference to the Drama Twins. Justin was amazed that although they are in a cell, at Brian’s behest, while he is there to press charges, they somehow thought the brunet was there to rescue them. Justin didn’t miss Michael’s sighed ‘Brian, I knew you would come for me’ or Lindsay’s ‘thank God Brian, you have to get me out of here. We need to talk about the baby.’ Justin knew that last part was said specifically for his benefit, and although he would have liked to respond, the chaste kiss upon his lips that lasted a little too long, spoke volumes to the bitch with the bun in the oven. Justin couldn’t help but want to turn around and stick his tongue out to tease the heifer, but he restrained himself. Acting childish was Michael and Lindsay’s gig, he would just bask in the knowledge that he had Brian in a way they never would.

“So other than the restraining orders against Michael and Lindsay, are there any other charges you would like to press? The harassment is already a given, in which they will be ordered not to contact you physically, by letter, phone, or in person,” Carl said.

“Child endangerment charges,” Brian stated emphatically before explaining why. “Also is there a way to add stalking to the case against them. It came to my attention yesterday, courtesy of Mel, that Lindsay and Michael have been having me followed by a PI.”

“You’re shitting me right?” Carl asked incredulously.

“I wish I was, but that brings up another charge against Lindsay, since the money she was using to pay the guy was from Gus’ college fund. Michael was using the money that Ben was giving him for the store’s mortgage to pay his share of the investigator’s fee and buy collectables.”

“That little fucking maniac! Deb has been working her ass off to replenish the money she loaned him from her savings when she thought it would save his store. I have a right mind to go kick his ass,” Carl exploded.

“Whoa, Detective. We all have to stay on the right side of the law for this one. Although I share the sentiment, I think having them face their actions in a court, will for once, be more effective. They can’t brush a record off as they would us yelling at them.”

“Never thought I would see the day where you’re more the voice of reason than I am,” Carl chuckled. “But that brings up Lindsay’s claim that she is pregnant with your child.”

“A total and complete lie, that I can’t prove until the bitch drops her litter,” Brian said through gritted teeth. "The only thing I’m sure of is that she was down here while I was away on business. According to Mel, she took to her hotel bed for the entire week, too depressed to get up. I also know that she was fucking Sam Auerbach and some guy who was her boss at the time, yet is trying to extort money and care from me. I’ll leave that particular situation alone until she has the kid.”

“Do you know the guy’s name?” Carl asked.

“No, I don’t remember, but Mel would. She’s relocating here, if you want to talk to her. Debbie will be thrilled.”

“Yeah she will be, and so am I. We’ve missed the kids. How is Gus, by the way?”

“Pissed off, but he’s okay. He’s just happy to be away from Lindsay and her dick-of-the-moment. He left the hotel room the day before yesterday and found Ted at Kinnetik. He doesn’t want to go back and I’m not going to make him.”

“Brian…”

“No Carl, no. Lindsay has been neglecting Gus for a long time; both kids can attest to that. I won’t subject him to that she-wolf any longer,” Brian stated vehemently.

“Look son, I know how you feel. All I’m saying is make sure all your ducks are in a row before you fight Lindsay on this. If Gus was physically abused that’s one thing. It’s not hard to prove, but emotional and mental abuse are. We all know how manipulative she can be. It will be hard to get a judge to see past the serene exterior to the shrewd and calculating woman beneath. For what it’s worth, I’ll stand up for you if you need me too.”

Brian nodded, fighting back the emotions that were threatening to spill over. He hadn’t known Carl very long, but they had gotten to know each other very well in a short time. Brian remembered grilling Carl about his intentions towards Deb the first time she had a family dinner to introduce him to the guys. Brian appreciated the man’s plain speaking and sense of honor. It was rare that he found that kind of thing in the heteros he’d come across. Carl didn’t understand the whole gay thing, but he didn’t judge any of them for it. Instead he sought to learn about it and their experiences.

As a result, he fought alongside Deb for equal rights within the LGBT community, his black-and-white perception of right and wrong, coming to the forefront of every issue. He had long since realized that it’s about people, not preference, and that sexuality was not the total sum of who the person is. He sometimes wished his own parents had learned that lesson, but Brian was well past the point of caring whether the Kinneys ever did.

“Now that we know what direction to take with the restraining orders for Lindsay and Michael, what can I do for you other gentlemen?”

Harry cleared his throat before speaking. “We need to have Craig and Marlene Taylor jailed for violation of the restraining orders for Justin Taylor and Malinda Taylor-Callahan. They were all guests at the Chartrez Resort opening last evening. Whereas that, in and of itself, wasn’t the issue, Craig and Marlene Taylor, per the restraining order, were to keep a distance of at least five-hundred feet away from my clients. During two separate instances, they violated the terms and conditions of the order and approached both Justin and Malinda with threats and malice. We would like the terms enforced immediately, as they are once again proving a danger to the Taylor siblings.”

“Do you have a copy of the documents with you?” Carl asked, typing the complaint into the computer as Harry spoke. When the older gentleman handed the dockets to him, Carl read over the paperwork, eyes widening every so often as he read the official record. Looking back to his computer, he tapped in the case as he remembered it several years ago. “Oh my God. You’re Jennifer Taylor’s children?”

Justin’s face mirrored the shock of Carl’s. “You knew my mother?”

“More than you would think. She was my first wife’s cousin. I remember her telling me that Jenn’s family was upset because she married down and it costs her. Sadly, she died of pneumonia before any of them could be reconciled with her.”

“How well versed are you about Craig’s remarriage to Marlene after Mom’s death?”

“More than you would know. We had tried to gain custody of you and Molly...or better yet, your grandfather tried before he died. The judge had said that since there was no known reason why you and Molly should be removed from your childhood home, there was no valid reason he could find for removing you and Molly from Craig’s care. It was a decision we would all regret in later years.”

Justin nodded. “That’s all water under the bridge, but now they are posing a threat once again. I fear even with Molly married and pregnant, Craig and Marlene won’t give up. Glenn said that he is expecting his investigator’s report later today. I was hoping that with this restraining order and having the idiots arrested from the Chartrez Resort, that report could be expedited. I know that they are hell-bent on obtaining Molly, but we don’t know why,” Justin said.

“Mr. Shelton, I know that your wife was attacked last night and we are looking into it. Could this be about Molly as well? I know that you all are close with Justin and Molly.”

“That’s exactly what I was coming to tell you Detective. Casey remembered one of the goons saying ‘Come on Molly, you’re going to love the boss’ attentions.’ No doubt what attentions he was talking about. I know that Antonio Laurent plays a part in this but I’m not quite sure how.”

“That’s the easiest part. He was the man Marlene was attempting to get Molly to screw, back when we were still subjected to her abuse daily. I walked in to finding the bitch standing over my sister with a sizzling hot iron, about to burn her. It was evident that Molly had fought Marlene long and hard before I arrived, but Marlene had knocked Molly into a corner. It should all be in the report. I guess Antonio never forgot about the one that got away.” Justin’s voice was laced with anger recalling that long-ago fucked-up day.

“We’ll send someone over to the Chartrez Resort to put Craig and Marlene in custody immediately. Although we can add to this case and notate Mrs. Shelton’s, until we have probable cause, we can’t go after Antonio Laurent yet. In the meantime, keep Molly and your wife close, Mr. Shelton. Due to the nature of yesterday’s attack, I’ll call your district and have two uniforms watching your place until we are able to confirm or deny Laurent’s involvement.”

“Justin, Brian, and Molly are due back at the Chartrez Resort tonight. Is there any way we can arrange for security there as well?” Glenn asked. He was worried for his wife and the daughter of his heart. Molly had finally told them that she was married. Although their first inclination was to yell at her for keeping it a secret, they also understood why she did. A student involved with a professor- even if he was no longer her teacher- would have meant expulsion and Molly had too many career goals to risk them for her own personal happiness. She was going to make a brilliant forensic analyst, already having a job lined up for when she graduated, just before the baby is due. Although he didn’t like it, he wasn’t one to stand in the way of true love either.

“Don’t worry about it Glenn; I’ll take care of it,” Brian told the worried man. “I know some bully-boys of my own and use them whenever necessary away from the club. I’ll put in the call now and have them meet us all at your house.”

“Okay but I would like to pay for them…” Glenn began only to be cut off.

“No. They won’t accept your money. Besides if it means protecting me and mine, they will do this for free. Justin and I have to put in an appearance at Kinnetik and then we’ll meet you at your house.”

“In that case, thanks Brian. Justin it looks like you’ve done real well for yourself in the relationship department at long last. It’s about time.”

Justin started to protest but Brian stopped him with his comment. “I keep trying to tell him that I’m a catch Glenn. He just won’t believe me.”

Justin snickered and rolled his eyes before replying in falsetto, “Yes dear. And later we’ll gather the children and tell of the romantic stalking I was given as a courtship. Well how could I resist your charms?”

Brian snickered. “I didn’t stalk you, Twat. Just saw you, wanted you, and if it means I have to be your knight to have you, I can live with that.”

“You’re doing a great job so far…” Justin trailed off, getting lost in the swirling hazel depths of Brian’s eyes. He felt the blush creep up his cheeks, realizing that he had voiced his thoughts aloud. Flustered and a bit nervous at the attachment he was beginning to feel, Justin cleared his throat and looked to Carl again. “So, we’ll be in touch the minute the report comes in Detective Horvath. In the meantime, Harry can you meet me at Kinnetik for that other meeting this afternoon, in about an hour?”

“No problem Justin. I think the situation with Sapperstein will play out as it ought. It’s Brandon Parks that I’m not so sure of,” Harry told him, hesitantly.

“Why?”

“That’s what I’ve been meaning to tell you. Melanie called while we were on the way here. She met with Sapperstein this morning, but Brandon was there as well. Apparently, he’s determined that you are going to remain with the troupe, even more than Gary was. Once Mel explained part of the situation to Gary, he asked to meet with you to discuss the matter in person- hence the meeting. But Brandon became belligerent. When Gary told him to calm down, he stated that he was not about to lose you. I don’t know what he has in mind, but it can’t be good.”

“Fucking hell! Another thing for me to fix while trying to reclaim my life.”    

“Looks like my bully-boys would have been needed regardless Sunshine,” Brian drawled. He could feel the anxiety pouring off of Justin in waves, but he wasn’t about to show his own heightened worries about the situation. He wouldn’t let Justin buy into his own fears, nor would he let Justin become a slave to them by giving up what he wanted. “I promised that you wouldn’t stand alone in this; I intend to keep my word. The question is will you let me?”

Justin looked over at Brian again, thinking of their conversation by the lake earlier in the morning. That talk already seemed as if it happened a lifetime ago with the new developments. But Justin, who had never trusted easily, knew instinctively that he could trust Brian. Although he worried that this situation was a bit too big for both of them, he would have to put his faith in what they were doing to work. Brian had problems of his own, but the fact that he was still willing to help Justin with his spoke volumes about the man he had met only days ago. Making the decision Justin told him, “Yeah Brian. I’ll let you.”

The group left Detective Horvath’s office feeling lighter, each in their own way. The chimps of course started screaming and knocking at the cage they were trapped in again the minute Brian and Justin came into view, but they weren’t paid any attention. Instead, Brian grabbed Justin’s hand, capturing his eyes before lowering his head to place a gentle kiss of understanding and reassurance upon his lips. Brian didn’t know what the future held, but he was never more sure than in that moment that he wouldn’t let Justin Taylor go… even if he had to fight the man himself. Resolve renewed, Brian ushered Justin out of the police station to the background noise of Carl giving orders.