Painful Consequences (2 page)

“Missing persons and pretty ladies. I ran into this sweet young thing a few minutes ago and found her drowning her sorrows in a cup of cold coffee. She seemed to be needing some company, so I invited myself to sit with her. I hope you don’t mind,” Reed commented, glancing at the small, dark haired woman who refused to acknowledge her brother’s presence.

“What my spoiled rotten, sulking sister really needs is a good, old-fashioned spanking
,” Brett growled. Brittany felt her face heat up with embarrassment upon hearing his statement to this stranger. “She
managed to push everyone past their limits today and got herself thrown out of the house. Now, if you will please excuse us, I’ve got to get her home and settled in
.”

“I am not going anywhere with you. I am just fine here,” the woman snapped, ignoring the raising of Reed's eyebrow.

Brett reached for her elbow. “Stop being so stubborn. Let’s go, Brittany. I promised Mom that you are going to be staying with me for a while until we figure out what to do with you. And I will not be having any more attitude, or I promise that you will be feeling my belt on your backend.”

“I said that I’m not going anywhere with you,” Brittany pouted angrily. She pretended to be unbothered by the empty threat that she knew Brett issued simply to embarrass her into compliance in front of the handsome lieutenant. Hell, he had made that same one for years, threatening her with a good paddling for her horrendous behavior. She did, however, have the decency to flush again when she heard Reed chuckle.

“Miss Brittany, it might behoove you to listen to your brother. He sounds like he might be serious about his warning to you.”

“There is nothing in this world that requires me to follow his orders. In fact,” she barked defensively, “there is nothing that requires I follow
anyone’s
orders.”

“I don’t really agree with you there. Maybe it’s a man thing, but if you were my sister, I would expect you to mind me without arguing. Your bro here seems a bit annoyed with you,” Reed said lightly.

Brittany glared at him. “Good thing I’m not your sister, then, isn’t it?” she hissed.

“My, we have a little temper, don’t we?” Reed chuckled again, “Sergeant Wallace? Will I see you at work?”

“Probably more than you care to.
I should be
on your team. If you feel up to it, we can drive in together. Our station has
the worse
parking and the price of gas is disgusting. And please, call me Brett,” he said, again solidly shaking the man’s hand
as he readied to depart.
The two Wallace's watched in silence as the tall man stood
and headed towards
the
door
, his stride strong and confident. He stopped only to turn and wink at Brittany before
exiting, and Brittany felt her face heat once more at his gaze.

Brett shook his head as he sat down across from his sister, occupying the bench that had just previously housed Reed. Clasping his hands together
and leaning forward, Brett waited quietly for Brittany to finally lift her stubborn chin and acknowledge his presence.

“Leave me alone,” she muttered. “I have absolutely nothing to say to you.”

“Yeah well, too bad. I’m sorry I was so hard on you. I talked to Mom; she’s really worried. So am I. We need to get you some help, Britt. I didn’t know things had gotten this bad for you.”

“I don’t need any help. I’m fine on my own. Dad over-reacted, like usual.”

“Really? I am trying to figure out how you interpret the word ‘fine’. You’re essentially homeless, broke, and three times busted for drugs. The only reason you weren’t put in the slammer is because Dad owns this town and I'm in law enforcement. Good thing for you that his golfing buddy, the judge, considered this sentence an act of professional courtesy.”

“Professional courtesy? He is just worried that I will be a topic of discussion on the golf course. I mean, seriously! What does Daddy care anyway? I’m an embarrassment to him and bad for business. You know how he is when it comes to appearances and making more money. He is so full of shit, it's disgusting.”

“He loves you. So do I. And Mom is sick with worry. Starting now, kiddo, you are going to attend meetings and work on your sobriety. You can stay with me as long as you need to, under the condition you’re clean and sober and that you do your share of the chores.”

“You sound just like Dad!”

“No. I am actually going to make you do things, not just talk out of my ass about it.”

“You are a real jerk, know that?”

“I know, you keep telling me that,” Brett said with a patient sigh.

“I’m not going to any meetings. They’re full of weirdoes and freaks.”

“They are full of normal people just like us who are struggling with drugs and alcohol. There is one at seven tomorrow night with the core group that I run. It is a good place to begin.”

“I’m not going.”

“There is no discussion. You’re under court orders, now. It’s this or jail. This is your last chance, Britt. Don’t blow it.”

Brittany glared at her brother. She could see his heart aching beneath his dark brown eyes. She sighed, nodding, “Very well. I’ll try it if it shuts you up.”

“Good girl. And you can try being a little less obstinate, okay?” He patted her hand. “Let's get you home and settled in. Britt? I love you. You know that, right?”

She did not answer him back. The only thing she wanted was a joint…

* * *

Reed hummed to himself as he finished unpacking his boxes and looked around at his new place in Topanga Canyon, a small, quiet, and secluded bohemian community located in the bosom of the Santa Monica Mountains. The stunning little town was reported to be a favorite spot for hikers, bicyclers, and motorcycle riders, complete with winding roads through picturesque cliffs. Acres of forested land were peppered with multiple streams and waterfalls, magnificent rock formations, and massive overlooks with panoramic views of the mountains. Coming from the flat, barren plains of Bakersfield, Reed already determined that this tiny little hideaway was the closest place to paradise that could ever exist on the face of the planet.

His new home was just as perfect as the land that surrounded it. The external walls were comprised of hand-mined river rocks, set precisely and lovingly to build high, solid walls meant to withstand even the worst fires so common to the area. Inside, the ranch-style home housed three bedrooms with individual baths, high ceilings with large, stone fireplaces, and a spiral staircase of welded iron that led to the master bedroom overlooking the open living room. Light permeated the rooms through strategically placed skylights and large, double-paned windows. The kitchen had been modernized but still maintained the feel of old country; with a large pizza oven and a brick backsplash. Adding to the charm was a small workshop, a woodshed, and a good-sized yard with a pool and Jacuzzi. Trees and thick hedges lined the fence along the property, assuring him privacy, although his nearest neighbor was a quarter acre away with a stream bed between the properties. The house was a moderate distance from the station, a good hour’s drive in normal traffic, but well worth it. It needed some fixing up and a few tweaks, but otherwise, the place was perfect.

He mused over the girl he had met in the little diner down the road. She had obviously walked there, which implied that she and her brother lived somewhere close-by. Interesting coincidence, if he was the type of man who believed in such things. No, everything had a purpose and a reason, including his loud-mouthed, squawking African Grey parrot, Harry.

“Will you shut up, already? I fed you,” Reed grumbled, eyeing the bird with annoyance.

“Feed me! Feed me!”

“How could something be so stupid? Here, you worthless piece of shit,” Reed handed the bird a grape as it climbed off its perch and onto his arm.

“Piece of shit. Piece of shit.”

“Yes, you are,” Reed agreed, scratching the animal’s head. Harry ruffled his feathers and started to meow.
Stupid bird
. He had served one purpose, though. He had bitten Nancy several times, pissing her off to the point she demanded that Reed choose between her and the damn bird. Reed trusted animals’ instincts. He chose the bird. That was the end of Nancy and her endless whining, complaining, and psychotic demands.

Never again, Reed promised himself.
Either the next woman in my life will be nice and compliant
,
or I’ll get a cat.
Harry meowed again.
No, make
that
a dog.

* * *

Brittany pouted, not saying a word as Brett continued his lecture on the short drive back to their house. He got out, opened the door for her, and waited for her to move. After a few moments of her refusing to budge, he simply reached in and pulled her out by the arm.

“You’re hurting me, you asshole!” Brittany hissed, yanking her arm out of his grip.

“I’ve had just about enough of this garbage from you, Britt. Get your butt in the house and pick which room you want.
Not
mine, either.”

“I changed my mind. I’m not staying here. I don’t need to listen to your crap 24/7.”

“Really? I thought we had this discussion a few minutes ago. Where do you plan on going if you aren’t staying here with me? Stephen's? He’d put up with your shit, but Rina won’t. You’ve run out of options, sister dear. You’re stuck with me, and you will find a way to be civil, or else.”

She simply glared at him, arms crossed and thinking of a myriad of ways to make him miserable. Silently, she followed him into the cozy four-bedroom log cabin-style home that he had gutted out and completely refurbished with his brother’s help. Brittany, used to living in the plush adornments of the Beverly Hills mansion with her parents and having servants to meet her every need, wrinkled her nose. Hell, her bedroom at home was bigger than her brother’s whole upstairs, and the mansion was always immaculate.

“This place is filthy,” she sneered, her hands on her hips as she distastefully studied the room.

“Agreed. That will be part of your rent. You’ll cook and clean for me.”

“You’re insane.”

“That or get a job. Let’s see, what can you do? Spend money? Make reservations? Oh yes, show the world how mean and nasty you are. Hmm, I doubt anyone has a job that fits those amazing qualifications.”

“I intend on finding a rich man to marry!” she huffed.

“Wonderful goal, sis. Be real. Who in their right mind would marry such a shrew? Yeah, you’re pretty, but I’m willing to bet you’re as frigid as you are rude.”

“How dare you!” Brittany shrieked.

“I dare because I’m the only person in the world who isn’t afraid to tell you how it is. You’ve reached the end of your rope. It’s the streets or me. Like I’ve said, I’ve had enough. We all have, and things are going to change.”

“I hate you!”

“No you don’t. Now go find what room you want and stop the tantrum. I’m tired, and I have work in the morning.”

* * *

Reed yawned, reading over the mandatory court slips he had been handed by the rehab facilitator. He raised an eyebrow, recognizing one of the names. Interesting… No wonder there was such a fuss the previous afternoon between the brother and sister. The members of the AA group slowly trickled in, making their way to their ‘regular’ spots. Reed looked around the room. There was no sign of Brittany Wallace. Figures.
Spoiled kid like that probably thought she was too good to be here with the rest of
the group
.

Just as he approached the podium, a ruckus from the back of the room caught everyone’s attention. Reed lifted his eyes to witness Brett as he dragged his sister in by the upper arm and sat her down forcefully in a chair. Brett glanced up, waved a friendly greeting in Reed's direction, and greeted several people on his way up the aisle.

“Hey, Reed, happy Monday. The captain told me you were starting tonight. He doesn't give any of the newbies time to settle before they are assigned to facilitate. This is a tough group, but good people. At least,” he thumbed his sister, “most of them. She’s on court orders, so good luck.”

“You’re not staying?” Reed asked.

“No way! This is my first break from meeting in over a year, and I don’t have the patience to deal with anymore of the brat’s attitude this evening. I also need to finish a traffic report and don’t wanna be up all night. These are my peeps, they’ll help you out,” Brett said humorously. “Y’all keep an eye on my sister. This is her first meeting. And be nice to the newb. I gotta work with him.”

“Are you…?”

“Ten years, clean and sober,” Brett nodded. “Booze junky.”

“15 for me. Same deal.” Reed relaxed. “And her?”

“Fresh off the weed and shop lifting. Keep an eye on her for me, okay?”

“Gladly. Would you like me to take her home after the meeting?” Reed asked hopefully.

Brett eyed his scowling sister. “I don’t think I know you well enough to subject you to a one-on-one with that ugly temperament. She’ll be fit to be tied and will want to unload as soon as she has some privacy. You seem to be a nice guy. You don’t deserve that.”

“Thanks,” Reed said, hiding his disappointment. She had seemed cordial when they met. Maybe all women were like his ex… Yes, he should really consider getting a dog.

After introducing himself and giving a brief background regarding his journey to sobriety, Reed opened the forum to share and discuss the Twelve-Step program for those who were unfamiliar. Because he was a new facilitator, it was decided to start at step one.

“
I admit that I am powerless over drugs and alcohol
,
a
nd my life has become unmanageable
,” Reed began.

“This is bullshit,” a voice piped in from the back of the room thirty minutes into the meeting. Brittany stood up, her expression incredulous as she glared at the members of the group, “Are you people serious? Do you really think quoting this ridiculous mantra can help you?”

“Would anyone here care to address Miss Wallace’s question?” Reed asked calmly. Several hands came up.