MANTRUM

by Jacob Chance

  "All rise. All rise." The bailiff calls out the presiding judge's arrival.

  "As far as the plea goes," I lean in and whisper in her ear, "I'm thinking temporary insanity."

  She looks at me as if she's disappointed.

  "What?" I smile and wink at her.

  "Temporary might be a stretch."

  Teri beams at us like a proud mother. “Well, guys, we’re at week five of class, and by now you should be seeing some improvement in your coping capabilities. I’m not saying you won’t slip up, but there should be fewer of those instances happening. Is there anyone who struggled recently and would be willing to share?” I raise my hand. I’m not ashamed to put myself out there if it can help someone else. “Thank you, Rex. I appreciate how open you are with us. What happened?”

  “One of my girlfriend’s coworkers mentioned that he knew about us, and that I had anger problems. There’s no way he’d know this unless he’d seen us together, because she doesn’t talk about her personal life at work. I found out he was bothering her and followed him.”

  “Keep going,” Teri urges.

  “I put my hands on him and got arrested.”

  “Oh no. What’s going to happen?”

  “I have a court date, and with any luck, the charge gets dismissed.”

  “I’m sorry you’re dealing with this, Rex. Why do you think you got so worked up and didn’t think clearly?”

  “Because I care for this woman so deeply. I’ve never felt this way about anyone before. When he messed with her, all I could think of doing was putting an end to it any way I could.”

  “Do you realize that you may not have chosen the best method for that?”

  “Yeah. I shouldn’t have let him see my face,” I mutter, and everyone laughs. Everyone but Danika. She’s still salty about what happened. “But really, I do realize that I made a bad decision in the moment. I wish I could go back and redo that night. I would change everything.”

  “Unfortunately, when you lose control you have to deal with the consequences. It’s difficult to stay in that head space where you can still think about things rationally and talk yourself down. But you all need to learn to do this. Think about the possible outcomes before you do something rash. And make sure you can live with the aftermath.” My stomach sinks at her words. I can’t deal with the possibility that I’ll end up in jail, away from my daughter and the woman I love.

  Danika must notice my distress and squeezes my leg. I glance at her and her lips curve into a small smile. “Don’t worry. It’s going to be okay.” Her words have such a powerful effect on me. Instantly, I feel relieved and trust that somehow, everything will work out for us.

  After class, we walk outside together. When we reach her car, I take her in my arms, holding her so tightly. I’m scared to let go.

  “I hate that I fucked up so badly,” I whisper.

  “I know you do, but it is what it is now. We just have to hope for the best.”

  “What is that vibrating I keep feeling?” I ask.

  Danika pulls back from my hold. “It’s my phone. It’s been going off non-stop.”

  “Make sure everything’s okay.”

  She slips it from her pocket and smiles. “It’s Vi and Roxy. They said they’re waiting for me at our usual place and I have twenty minutes to get there or they’re disowning me.”

  “I guess you better go, then.”

  “Do you feel like following me home so I can leave my care there? Then you can drop me off and meet them. I think they don’t believe you exist.”

  “Sure. Let’s go.”

  “Violet and Roxanne, this is Rex. Rex these are my best friends in the whole world.”

  Both girls take turns hugging me and Roxanne goes so far as to feel my biceps before giving Danika a thumbs up.

  “Danika told us how you have three single brothers.”

  “I do.”

  “Well, there are only two of us, so that’s great odds, don’t you think?”

  They’re both attractive women. I’m sure my brothers wouldn’t hate the thought of meeting them. “I’ll see what I can do. My brothers run at the thought of a commitment, but if you’re just looking to get out and have a good time, they’re your guys.”

  “I don’t need a commitment. At this point, I’ll take some hot sex,” Violet says, and the girls all laugh.

  I lean over toward Danika. “What time do you want me to pick you up?”

  “I’ll bring her home,” Violet offers. “I’m only having one drink and then I’m switching to water.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Rex, go home and be with Ruby. Don’t you owe her a pizza party?” Danika drolls. She’s still not over that lie. I can’t say I blame her. Dishonesty is never good, but at least my motives were pure.

  “Have fun.” I press a soft kiss to her bow-shaped lips. “Call me later. Maybe I’ll come over.”

  She shoves me with a hand on my chest. “Yeah, we’re not there yet. Go home. Drive safe.”

  I give her my best repentant expression before I walk away. I know it’s going to take some time before we’re back on solid footing again.

  23

  Danika

  “You lucky girl. Rex is hawt.” Roxanne fans herself.

  “He really is gorgeous,” Violet agrees.

  “We need to get together more often.” Violet slaps the table. “I miss you guys when I don’t see you.”

  “Things have been kind of crazy for me lately. Hopefully, I’ll have more time now that the anger management class only has one more week.”

  “So, do you think Rex will really introduce us to his brothers? We can all be related if we play our cards right.”

  “Maybe we can hold off on planning the weddings?” I quip.

  “So, what’s the latest with you and Rex? You looked pretty cozy. Are you together now?” Violet questions.

  “As of a few nights ago we are officially a couple.”

  “Oh my God, you fucked him,” Roxanne yells. I cover my face with both my hands and wish the floor would open up and swallow our entire table.

  “Shh,” Violet cautions. “Dani won’t tell us anything if we embarrass her.”

  “Too late,” I grumble.

  “Come on. Pretty please? I’m sorry. I just got so excited for you,” Roxanne explains.

  “Keep your voice down,” I scold her. “Yes, Rex and I had sex, and it was the best sex of my life. Everything about him is amazing.”

  “Is that code for he has a huge dick?” Roxanne asks.

  “Take it anyway you want. I’m not saying more.”

  Roxanne and Violet look at each other and smile. “Yep, huge dick,” Roxanne whispers.

  “So how is this going to work? You don’t mind that he has a kid?” Violet questions.

  “No, not at all. And I’m not sure of the logistics yet, but I would assume we’ll spend the night together when she’s with her mother.”

  “Well, I’m glad things are so perfect for you guys.” Violet covers my hand with hers.

  “Actually, there’s a huge problem and I don’t know what to do. It’s the reason I had to cancel out on you guys last night.”

  “Share it with us and we can try to come up with a solution. Three minds are better than one.” Roxanne taps her head.

  “Officer Gray cornered me in the hallway at work. He knew that Rex and I were together and I have no idea how. He told me that Rex keyed his car the night he was arrested and he was going to file charges against him.”

  “Son of a bitch,” Violet grits out.

  “I told him that if he had proof he’d have already filed charges, and I walked away.”

  “Do you think Rex did it?” Violet asks.

  “Yeah, I do.”

  “I don’t blame him. If I had the opportunity to key Officer Gray’s car I probably would too,” Roxanne states.

  “But there’s no way Gray knows for sure who did it. He’s just assuming it was Rex because they had words while
he was still locked up. But that’s the least of my problems now. I told Rex what was going on with Gray and what he had said to me. Of course he got angry and said Gray was harassing me. We talked about it some more and I thought he was going to leave it alone. Then last night, Rex and Adam followed him to some massage parlor and Rex kicked his ass in the parking lot. He got arrested and I had to go help Adam bail him out. He had court this morning.”

  “Oh shit,” Violet mutters.

  “Yeah, oh shit is right. I don’t know what’s going to happen. I’m afraid he’s going to get jail time for assaulting him.”

  “You guys aren’t going to believe this.” Roxanne smiles like the Cheshire Cat. “I was going to save this for the end of our evening, but now I can’t.”

  “What’s going on?” I interrupt, a little annoyed that she’s about to talk about something else when we haven’t worked out my problem.

  “Work has been really busy. MANFAX has really taken off,” she explains. “You won’t believe the number of women who want to have their man’s past dating history at their fingertips before they’ll commit. I had to hire another private investigator to keep up with the demand.” I’m happy for her, but does she really need to tell us this now?

  “What does this have to do with Officer Gray?” Violet cuts in.

  Roxanne holds up a hand. “Just listen and it will all make sense. So, last week I had a new client come in. She was suspicious of her boyfriend because he could only see her on certain nights. And he never invites her over his place. She wanted to make sure he wasn’t married. I had my team look into him and come to find out he is married, but oddly, no one at his workplace knows he is. His wife never attends events with him and he doesn’t wear a ring. That guy we looked into is Officer Gray. He’s been married for almost five years, and as it turns out, his wife is from a very well-to-do family. There’s only one stipulation in the prenuptial agreement he signed. He has to remain faithful if he wants to inherit one million dollars on their five-year anniversary. He’ll get another million for every five years after.”

  “Oh my God. I can’t believe this. It seems too good to be true.”

  “Well, it’s not,” Roxanne states with an evil grin. “About time Officer Asshole got a little payback. He’s a dick to everyone.”

  “What’s his girlfriend’s name? I can use it to make him see I know everything.”

  “It’s Cindy. She’s twenty-two and a massage therapist.”

  “Oh God, as fantastic as this news is, I’m sick to my stomach thinking about having to speak to that man again.”

  “Can we be there when you confront him?” Roxanne questions.

  “No way. It will be all I can do to think clearly and not pee my pants. Roxanne, you just saved Rex’s life, which in turn saves mine. Thank you. I owe you big.”

  “Seeing you happy with Rex is all the payback I need.”

  I glance between Roxanne and Violet. “Have I told you guys lately how much I love you?”

  I text Rex letting him know I’m home safe. And he calls me.

  “I missed you tonight.”

  “I missed you too, but it was nice to see Roxy and Vi. It’s been a while since the three of us got together. How was the pizza party?”

  “Delicious. We got four different kinds of pizza and wings. I may have saved you some for lunch tomorrow.”

  “Does that mean you actually had a pizza party and you're going to deliver lunch to me?”

  “If my schedule permits it I will be.”

  “Does Ruby know about us?”

  “She does, and we have her full approval. She really likes you.”

  “Are you sure? She’s only fifteen. That’s a tough time to have your dad start dating.”

  “Danika, don’t worry. She and I had a long talk the other morning. She was there when I got home from your place.”

  “Oh God. I thought she was at Catherine’s?”

  “She was, but she came home to get something before school.”

  “Okay, but I want to make sure I don’t infringe on your time together. I’m good with only seeing you a couple nights a week.”

  “You are? Because I’m not. We can find a happy medium that works for all three of us. And in time it will become a routine that’s easy to manage.”

  “What if she gets tired of sharing you?”

  “She won’t. That’s not how Ruby is.”

  “I hope you’re right. I’d better hit my bed now. All the chaos of the past two days has me worn out.” Oh shit. Why did I say that? I don’t want to make him feel bad.

  “I’m sorry. I don’t want to complicate your life and drive you away.”

  “Rex, you’re not.”

  “Are you sure? I just got you. I don’t want to lose you. I’m in too deep, Danika.”

  “I promise everything will be fine. I’m not going to go into details now, but Roxanne had some dirt on Gray that I think will help your case.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “I’m not, but we’ll talk about it when I know more. Night, Rex.” I know it’s killing him not to pump me for details.

  “I wish you were here with me right now.”

  “Me too.”

  “Sweet dreams, baby.”

  If he only knew what a comfort being in his arms would be. I know the information I have on Gray is good, but I still have to confront him. He’s an asshole on a regular day. I’m a little concerned what his reaction will be.

  “Officer Gray, may I have a word with you, please?” My palms are sweaty and my knees feel weak.

  “Officer Putnam, what can I do for you? Are you going to try to convince me how your boyfriend isn’t a criminal some more?” He points to his bruised face.

  Glancing around, I make sure no one’s in the hallway. “Actually, I learned something really interesting about you last night.” His eyes lock on me as his interest perks up. “I didn’t realize you were married.”

  He looks surprised and then he composes his expression into one of disinterest. “Why should you know that about me?”

  “That’s not the most interesting thing I learned. I’m kind of wondering if your wife knows about your mistress, Cindy. I’m pretty sure that would break your prenuptial agreement and you know what that would mean… bye bye one million dollars.” His eyes narrow with fury. “Maybe I should tell your wife.” The more I get off my chest, the more fantastic it feels.

  “You should do no such thing. What you need to do is keep your nose out of my business. It doesn’t concern you.”

  “Oh, you mean like you pressing charges against Rex?”

  “He attacked me.”

  “Is putting the screws to Rex worth losing a million dollars?”

  “Are you blackmailing me right now?”

  “Not at all. But I have concrete information that would benefit your wife. If I were in her position, I’d want to know my husband was screwing around with Cindy the massage therapist. Hell, maybe your wife will even give me a reward for saving her a million dollars.” I shrug.

  “What do you want, Putnam?”

  “I want you to drop the charges against Rex and forget who he is. Don’t ever go near him or anyone I care about again.”

  “Fine.”

  “Don’t fuck with me, Gray, or I’ll make you sorry. And I’m not the only one who knows this information.”

  “Who else knows?” He looks panicked.

  “No one here. That’s all you need to know. Keep up your end of the bargain, and I will too.” I walk away feeling proud of the way I handled our conversation. Confrontation has never been my strong suit, but I feel like I’m gaining confidence almost daily. Rex has been good for me, and now I’ve repaid him in my own way. I lean against the wall and sigh with relief knowing Rex won’t be going to jail.

  “Congratulations to you all for completing the six-week anger management course. Is there anyone who doesn’t feel like they’ve benefitted from Temper Your Anger at all? Please be honest, because
I’m here to help and I want to make sure I’m teaching useful skills.” No one raises their hand and Teri smiles. “I’ve enjoyed working with this group of people. You guys have been a lot of fun and very cooperative.” She glances at Rex. “And I’m especially proud of my frequent flyer, Rex. I guess the fifth time taking this was the charm for you.”

  “Actually, Teri, I think Danika’s my charm.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders and presses a kiss to my temple.

  “So, are you guys Facebook official now?” Teri jokes.

  “We’re way past that,” Rex answers for us.

  “Congratulations to you both.” Everyone claps and I tuck my chin to my chest.

  “Don’t be embarrassed, baby. They’re happy for us.”

  “I know, but it’s weird that they’re clapping.”

  “Maybe they’re clapping because I found someone to put up with me.”

  I nod, glancing at him and grin. “Yeah, that’s probably it.”

  Rex takes my hand in his, resting it on his thigh. “Should I tell them how you’re my hero and got the charges dropped?”

  “No. I don’t want to talk about that anymore. It’s in the past and we’re going to focus on our bright future.”

  “Speaking of bright futures, did I tell you that I set up a weekly one-on-one therapy session with Teri?”

  “No, you didn’t, but I think that’s a fantastic idea.”

  “I think that despite this latest setback, I’m on the right track and I don’t want anything to derail me again. I’ve never been so scared in my entire life as I was that day in court. All I could think about was what it would be like to be away from you and Ruby for years.” He closes his eyes and shakes his head before meeting my gaze once more. “Or what if I really hurt Gray or even killed him? I know he’s not a nice person, but he didn’t deserve what I did to him.” He visibly swallows. “I guess there’s potential for good and bad in all of us on any given day. I promise I’m going to continue to be the best man I can be. I’m not saying I’m not going to throw the remote control once in a while, but I’m too old to be putting my hands on anyone.”