Dangerous Therapy: O'Connor Brothers (Volume 1)

by Rhonda Brewer

  “You don’t have to do all this today,” Stephanie whispered.

  “It’s okay. I need to. You dating Kim was just a huge coincidence. I warned her not to tell you she was my sister because of my job. She knows what I do. Then when she cheated on you. Well, I thought you’d hate me if you knew she was related to me.”

  “I found out about Brad at the fundraiser. I remembered him at the restaurant that day with Stephanie and Donna. I saw Kim talking to him and asked her how she knew him. Then she told me. All I could think was, how I could have a brother and sister that hurt the two people I love most in the world? I honestly didn’t know what to do. I couldn’t believe the coincidence, but I was afraid to tell you.”

  “Stephanie, I know Brad cheated on you, and for that he’s an asshole, but he wasn’t the one who took the money. He also didn’t know about the email. That was Erica.”

  “She hated me that much?” Stephanie said.

  “She’s just insane. According to Kim, Brad felt terrible about cheating on you, but he knew things between you weren’t going to work out. The night of the fundraiser I asked Kim about the things that were happening to you. Stephanie, Kim was hurt because I thought it was her. She told Brad. He confronted Erica when they got back to his apartment. She denied it of course. Then she offered to get him a drink so they could talk some more, but the next thing he knew he woke up handcuffed to a pipe in the bathroom. Brad is a strong guy, but she kept injecting him with drugs.”

  “Do you want a break, Sandy?” James asked. Sandy was trembling and tears were running down her cheeks. John’s heart was breaking and Stephanie was holding Sandy’s hands.

  “No! I need to tell them.” Sandy continued. “Anyway, when Kim didn’t hear from Brad, she went to the apartment. Erica told her that Brad was away on business. Kim didn’t believe her and called the fire station. They said Brad’s girlfriend called to say he was really sick. When Kim heard about the explosion, she knew it was Erica. Kim confronted her and told her she was calling the police, but she texted me first. By the time I got there Erica was gone and Kim was… well, you know. I honestly didn’t want to see any of you hurt. I didn’t know I would get there before you.”

  “So you went to Brad’s to arrest Erica yourself?” John asked.

  “And to find Brad,” Sandy said.

  “You did all this to protect your sister and brother.” Stephanie’s face was unreadable.

  “And my friends.” Sandy sobbed. Stephanie wrapped her arms around Sandy and hugged her.

  “I know what it’s like to want to see your sibling safe.” Stephanie sobbed. John would do anything for his brothers and if he was in Sandy’s position he probably would have done the same thing.

  “I’m really sorry, Stephanie.” Sandy sobbed as she clung to her.

  “I understand, but you’ve got to promise me one thing before this is considered forgotten.” Stephanie pulled back and laid her hands on Sandy’s shoulders.

  “Anything, I don’t want to lose you or John as friends.” Sandy wiped her cheeks.

  “No more secrets. Unless it’s work related of course.” Stephanie glanced at Keith.

  “I promise.” Sandy hugged her, then glanced at John. What was he supposed to say? If Stephanie could forgive her who was he to hold a grudge.

  “No more secrets,” John said.

  “No more secrets.” It was finally over. It was time to move on to the next phase of his life. Making Stephanie his wife.

  John was sick of seeing Erica’s crimes as the top story on all the local news stations. Luckily, Kurt was able to keep Stephanie’s name out of the stories. He’d also kept the rest of Erica’s victims’ names out of the news. Brad and Kim didn’t need that in their lives. John was glad both of them were safe, and never wanted to see either of them harmed.

  Erica was charged with two counts of attempted murder, four counts of assault with a weapon, unlawful confinement and a number of other charges. The good news was she pleaded guilty in return for fifteen years in jail. With any luck, they’d never have to hear her name again.

  It was early September and Stephanie’s birthday was a week away. John was planning a surprise birthday party for her. He was going to propose to her at the party. Before he could, John needed to speak to her parents. More specifically Doug. Sean always told him and his brothers a woman’s father is her first love, and should be given the chance to give his blessing.

  John worried about talking to Doug. The man was intimidating. Although right now, John was more worried about picking out a ring. What kind of rings did women like? He knew what he wanted the ring to look like. John needed help. He pulled out his phone and tapped Isabelle’s number.

  Isabelle answered on the second ring. They talked for a few minutes. Isabelle asked how he was doing back to work. John asked how the restaurant was doing and promised to take Stephanie there for supper soon. Isabelle was head chef at her own restaurant. She opened two years ago and was doing well. John figured they’d made enough small talk and cleared his throat.

  “Um…. Ah…. I’ve got a question for you.” John was still apprehensive.

  “Okay,” Isabelle said.

  “How are you with picking out rings?” Isabelle stifled a giggle and then cleared her throat.

  “Depends on the ring.” She teased. “Would this ring be for someone special?”

  “Okay, little girl, you know what I’m asking.” John groaned.

  “Why John, I’ve got no idea. Maybe you should be more specific.” She was definitely not going to make this easy.

  “You’re gonna make me ask, aren’t you?” John sighed.

  “Yep!” She ended the word with a pop.

  “Can you please help me find the perfect engagement ring for Stephanie?” John asked. He pulled the phone away from his ear when she squealed. “I take that as a yes!”

  “Of course we will.” Isabelle squealed.

  “Wait! What? We?” Oh shit! This was not going to be good.

  “You’re on speaker phone. Jess and Kristy are here.” Isabelle, Kristy and Jess. Shopping.

  “All three of you! In a jewellery store.” John rolled his eyes. “I’m not sure if I’m ready for that.”

  “Too bad we’re all going with you,” Jess said.

  “Seriously, maybe I should do this alone.” John really didn’t want to go shopping with the three of them. That had to be some sort of torture.

  “Maybe we should call Nan and ask her if John should do this alone.” That was Kristy.

  “Fuck! No Jesus way. Don’t call Nan or Mom or your mom or Aunt Cora. How is tomorrow for you guys?” The last thing he needed was a meeting of the women in his family.

  “Perfect!” The three of them said together. They were laughing as John hung up the phone. Next step. Talk to Doug and Janet.

  John pulled his truck into Stephanie’s parent’s driveway. His heart was pounding like a drum. How was he supposed to do this? It had to be just right. As he was getting out of the car, Doug waved from where he was mowing the lawn. Doug turned off the lawnmower and walked toward John.

  “John, this is a nice surprise.” Doug glanced behind him. “Where’s Stephanie?”

  “She’s working.” John shoved his hands in his pockets. His palms were sweating. At least he could wipe them inside his pockets without looking obvious.

  “Oh! Well, come on in.” John followed Doug up the steps. Could Doug hear his heart thudding? “Janet, look who’s here for a visit.” Doug bellowed as they entered the house. A few seconds later Janet appeared in the foyer.

  “John! It’s nice to see you.” Janet smiled. “Stephanie isn’t with you?” John took a deep breath.

  “No. She’s working, but I was wondering if I could talk to both of you about something.” The words came out so fast John wasn’t sure if they even understood what he said. Janet and Doug looked at him quizzically, then looked at each other. “It’s nothing bad. I just need to discuss something with you both.”

&n
bsp; “Okay. Come into the kitchen.” Janet turned and went back to the kitchen. Doug followed her. John shuffled behind them and reminded himself how to breathe. Breathe in, breathe out.

  Janet scurried around the kitchen. She offered him something to drink and John agreed to coffee. She poured three cups and sat across the table from John. Doug settled next to her. He had to build up his courage. Stephanie’s parents could make or break his plan to propose.

  “Okay, my boy, what do you need?” Doug broke the silence.

  “Well, I know Stephanie and I have only been together a few months.” John began. “But I’ve never met anyone like her. Just so you know, I love her with all my heart.” John stopped to breathe and then continued. “Well, my dad, always told me, when you find the right woman you should never let her get away.”

  “That’s good advice.” Doug squeezed Janet’s shoulder.

  “He also told me before I propose to make sure I’ve got her father’s blessing.” Janet gasped and brought her hand to her chest.

  “Oh. My. God.” Janet cried. “You’re going to propose.” Her eyes filled with tears and she was smiling ear to ear. John smiled back. He glanced at Doug and John’s smile quickly faded. Doug was stone-faced. John’s heart dropped.

  “So you think you’re good enough for my little girl, do you?” Doug’s deep voice rumbled.

  “I love Stephanie, and I’ll be the best husband I can be.” John reasoned. “I’ve had incredible role models who taught me how to have a long and happy marriage.” John continued. “My parents are very open and honest with each other. They taught my brothers and I well.” John rambled. The corners of Doug’s lips twitched. “I’ll always take care of her.”

  “John, my boy, my daughter couldn’t ask for a better man.” Doug grinned. John blew out the breath he was holding. Doug reached across the table and shook his hand. “What the hell am I doing?” Doug chuckled and jumped up from the table. “Get over here.” Doug pulled John into a strong hug. John was glad it was a happy hug and not one where he was trying to squeeze the life out of him. When Doug let him go, Janet pulled him into her arms and kissed his cheek.

  “When are you going to propose?” She wiped a tear from her cheek. John told them his plans and Janet clapped.

  “Now you keep your mouth shut, Doug.” Janet pointed her finger at her husband. “He doesn’t keep secrets very well.”

  “I’ll keep this one,” Doug promised.

  After a couple of more hugs from Janet and a couple more handshakes from Doug, John drove home. It was as if the weight of the world was off his shoulders. That was one of the hardest things he ever had to do. He still had a couple of hours before Stephanie would be home. She’d texted him that she would pick up supper on the way home. He definitely had time to get some of the plans started for Stephanie’s party.

  John called his mother first. She cried and insisted the party be held at the house. Stephanie wouldn’t suspect anything when he suggested going to his parents. Nanny Betty was shouting in the background for Sean to get her a pad and pen. It was menu planning time. John chuckled as he hung up to Nanny Betty and his mother arguing over food choices.

  The next few calls were to his brothers. James was on beverages. Ian and Nick were going to make sure the house was decorated. Aaron and Mike were helping their mother and grandmother with the food. Keith was going to help James with the drinks. John thought about possibly getting the party catered, but Nanny Betty would bite his head off for even thinking about it.

  As John ended the call with Stephanie’s mother for the third time, his phone rang right away. The number wasn’t familiar.

  “Hello,” John answered.

  “Is this John?” A female voice asked.

  “Yes,” He answered.

  “This is Marina,” She said. “Stephanie’s sister.”

  “Hi,” John said.

  “Mom called me about the party and the surprise.” Marina giggled.

  “I thought she might.” John chuckled.

  “Well, I just wanted to let you know, I’m moving home the same week, but since there’s going to be a surprise party, I want to keep it from Stephanie,” Marina said. “I come in the day before the party. I’m staying with mom and dad, but if you need any help just text me.”

  “That’d be great.” John was even more excited about the party. “She’s going to be so happy you’re home.”

  “Me too.” He heard the smile in Marina’s voice. “I think the engagement might take precedence, though.”

  “I don’t know about that.” Stephanie really missed her sister and her nephew. Marina gave him some great ideas of how to propose. John wanted it to be something she’d never forget.

  “I’m glad my sister found you, John.” Marina’s voice cracked. “I wasn’t as lucky in love, but I know she won the jackpot. The only good thing to come out of my relationship was my son.”

  “I’m the one who won the jackpot,” John said. “I know you’ve had a hard time, but I firmly believe things happen for a reason.” John heard Danny babbling in the background. Marina told him she’d keep in touch and ended the call. His heart hurt for her. John didn’t know the full story, but what he did know pissed him off. At least she still had her family, and if Stephanie agreed to marry him, Marina would have his big crazy family too. His brothers despised men who treated women the way Marina was treated. There was also that spark he saw between James and Marina. Things happened for a reason.

  John was going to pull out all his hair. Shopping with Jess, Kristy and Isabelle the next day was a cruel and unusual punishment. They took him to so many jewelry stores, he lost count. Then equally painful, trying to get them to agree on the same ring. John was beginning to regret asking for their help. He was never going to find a ring for Stephanie.

  The ring he imagined didn’t seem to exist. He’d described it to every jewellery store they entered but no luck. Marina texted him periodically to check his progress. It was almost embarrassing to say he still had no ring.

  At yet another store, John received a text. He swiped the screen. It was Marina again. When he opened the text there was a picture attached. It was the ring.

  “John, come on,” Jess yelled from another Jewellery store door.

  “Wait! Look at this.” John held up his phone. To his surprise Jess, Isabelle and Kristy squealed.

  “That’s it.” John sighed. He tapped Marina’s number. She’d spent all day showing jewelers the sketch of the ring John sent her. She finally found it. She texted the information of the jewelry store. Marina was going to bring the ring with her when she returned home. The size wasn’t even a question because Marina wore the same size ring as Stephanie. John thanked her and ended the call.

  “Well girls, looks like we’re done.” John was ecstatic over the ring, but even happier he was finished shopping with his cousins. John had the perfect ring, and in less than a week, he’d be proposing to the most beautiful, kind and loving woman in the world. Hopefully, she’d say yes.

  Chapter 28

  John was distant the last couple of days. Stephanie wasn’t sure what was going on. She’d walked in on him a few times talking on the phone and he’d end the call. Stephanie asked him several times if anything was wrong, but he said it was just something with work.

  Stephanie tried to call Marina all day, but she didn’t answer. Then she called her mom to see if Marina was okay. Her mother told her Marina was probably busy at work and she’d have to call her later because she was busy. Her mother was too busy to talk to her.

  John told her they were going to his parents for supper, but she really didn’t feel up to going anywhere. Her birthday was in two days. She was turning twenty-eight. For some reason, it was depressing her. Maybe because she was working so much and John was getting home late from work. The last couple of days they hardly spent any time together.

  Stephanie and Sandy had become closer over the past few weeks, but Sandy brushed her off today. Sandy had meetings all da
y and wouldn’t be home until late. Even Donna was too busy to have tea with her today. Stephanie even tried calling Kim.

  A week ago, Stephanie and John sat down with Kim and Brad to talk things out. She didn’t want to be enemies with them. Especially since they were spending so much time with Sandy. Kim was happy for them. Brad had cleared up everything about Erica. He’d never told Erica he was still in love with Stephanie. He’d just said he didn’t want to get married. Erica had turned that into Brad still being in love with Stephanie. He’d apologized for the way things ended and was happy for her. Everything in her life seemed to be calm and relaxed. She was still worried it would all come crashing down around her.

  She grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. John had something to do for Nick. That meant she had the whole house to herself. It was lonely. John was off, and usually they’d spend the day together. When he said he’d be gone all morning, she was hurt. She didn’t tell him because well, it was silly. Stephanie tried texting her sister again. She just needed to talk to someone.

  “Hey, Beautiful.” John walked through the door.

  “Hey.” She sighed.

  “What’s wrong?” John raised his eyebrow and pulled her into his arms.

  “Nothing. I just missed you all day.” She hated whining.

  “You don’t have to miss me anymore today.” He kissed the top of her head and she melted into his embrace.

  “Do we have to go to your parents tonight?”

  John tensed. “Well, yeah. I mean, they’re expecting us, but we can try to get out early.” Why was he stammering over his words?

  “I guess that would be okay.” Stephanie cuddled tighter into his arms. John always made her feel better.

  The car ride to his parents’ place seemed awkward and quiet. Stephanie really wanted to leave early. John held her hand most of the way on the ride there. He was distracted just before they left, and his phone rang every ten minutes. If it wasn’t ringing, he was getting a text. It kind of pissed her off. He was supposed to spend the afternoon with her. Either way he promised they wouldn’t be staying too late.