by Terri Marie
"Yeah, sure." He briefly smiled and then got up and went into the kitchen.
Tyler was at a loss, Maybe he'd rather talk with Renee. They were extremely close, and Brian hated it when she wasn't with him. Tyler didn't think it was due to him feeling insecure, but rather that he feared for her safety.
"Tyler?" Brian called out from the kitchen.
Tyler stood up and walked through the door. The kid's eyes were red. He knew Brian had been in here crying. "What's up?"
"Are you sure my parents aren't here? Are you positive that I won't get sent back to them?"
The frightened look in his eyes set Tyler's insides on fire, He wanted to break Hank and Shirley the way they'd broken Brian, but instead, he took a deep breath and pulled the kid into his arms. "Your ex-parents were extradited to Ohio, and they're still behind bars. Vincent checks up on their incarceration status like a hawk." Tyler took a step back and placed his hands on Brian's shoulders and looked him in the eyes. "I love you. I don't just love you as a friend, I love you like a son. You, me, Vincent, Sean, Jacob, Renee, and Emma, we're your family. We'll stick by you and stand in front of you to protect you from them. The Montclairs don't back down. I can't wait for the day when I get to give that name to you."
"Will you be at the trial?" Brian asked with a sad voice.
"Every second you're in that courtroom, all of us will be there. At the end of it, I'm going to bring you home. This is your home, Brian. Nothing is going to happen to you."
"What time can I see Emma tomorrow?"
Tyler knew he feared for her safety too. "Right after work, we'll head over there."
"Thank you."
Tyler wrapped his arms around him and was grateful to feel Brian hug him back, but it was nothing compared to the boys reaction to Renee when she walked in the door from shopping that evening. Brian held onto her for dear life. He watched their interaction, and knew immediately, that she'd be the key to his happiness.
After everyone was ready for bed, Tyler turned off the lights and headed upstairs. The house was completely dark. He went back down to the kitchen and turned on the light, then turned on a lamp in the front room. He walked up the steps and flicked on the light over the staircase, and the one in the upstairs bathroom, before peeking in on Brian. If Tyler closed his door, it'd end up open by morning. He stood there for a moment and watched him sleep. Tyler was determined to remove as much darkness from that child's life as he could, regardless of what he'd have to do to make that happen. If Brian awoke in the middle of the night, all he'd have to do is look into the hallway to know he was safe.
Chapter 18
The next day, Tyler sat at his desk, looking at the stack of papers in front of him. He felt like he'd never get caught up. Tomorrow, he'd be here again, and he would probably have to work every Sunday for the remainder of the year. The only thing he had to look forward to, was taking Brian out for lunch, and talking with him. He'd given him a job working in the lab, because the kid was in love with science. Jacob, was absolutely thrilled to have him there. During lunch, and for the remainder of the evening after they'd get home, he'd talk about all the equipment he'd been learning to use, and how smart he felt. Tyler already suspected Brian had a high IQ; his teacher, who'd been working with him at the house, had mentioned that, not only was he caught up to his grade level, but that Brian had surpassed it.
Tyler looked at his watch and saw the time. He picked up his phone and called Brian's cellphone number.
"Hey, champ. Are you hungry yet?" Tyler could hear the lab equipment in the background.
"Would it be okay if…I take a little walk first?" Brian hesitated between his words.
"Um, sure. Do you want me to come with you?" Tyler didn't like the idea at all. Brian knew the area well, but the thought was still unsettling to him.
"I'll only be gone for a few minutes. I'll stay close by."
"Be safe, and call me as soon as you get back, okay?" At least from the twelfth floor, Tyler could try to keep an eye on him.
After hanging up, he went to his large office window and looked down toward the street. Tyler watched as Brian walked out of the building. He smiled at the very sight of him, until he saw him cross the street and head to the park. His chest suddenly felt like it was caving in. Tyler went flying out of his office and to the elevator. He knew it wouldn't do any good, but he repeatedly pushed the button until the doors opened. He sprinted as fast as he could, down the hall, and out the front door. Behind him, he could hear the staff calling out to him. "Are you okay?" but Tyler ignored them. The lunch rush was upon the city, so he had to dodge cars to get across the street.
"Brian!" He called repeatedly. No, no, no, no! "Brian!" he yelled even louder. Oh God, no! He dug his phone out of his pocket as he ran into the woods. "Brian!" He phoned Renee.
"Honey, you sound like you're running. Did you just take the stairs?" She laughed playfully.
"Brian. He's gone. He asked me if he could go for a walk, Renee. I told him yes, but I just saw him go into the park. I think he went into the woods! He lived out here!" Tyler struggled to swallow because of the lump in his throat. "I think he's decided to run away again!"
"On my way!"
The further he ran, the more twisted around he got. "Brian!" He ran as fast as the trees and brush would allow him. Just as he was trying to build his life back up, it felt like it was shattering around him. Fifteen minutes had passed, but to Tyler, it'd been fifteen hours. His heart felt like it was going to explode. Just as he was about to yell for Brian again, Renee grabbed his arm, causing him to jump.
"Take my hand. I think I know where he is. Don't call his name anymore, or you could get him hurt." Renee tried to speak calmly.
"Hurt? What do you mean by hurt?" Tyler's felt the blood drain from his face.
"There's a homeless camp not far from here, but I don't think he went there." Renee took his hand and began to pull him behind her. Deeper into the woods, the trees seemed to part and a clearing opened up.
"Okay," began Renee. She continued to speak calmly, but her anxiety was becoming apparent.
"If we go further, we're going to end up in a couple of miles of woods. Cover your ears. Ace!!" she yelled.
"Why did you call for Ace?!" Tyler was in a panic.
"It's his street name, Tyler. We have to wait here, and he'll come to us. It's nearly impossible to follow him, because he's used to hiding, and he moves through these woods without making a sound." Renee wiped the corner of her eye.
"Ace!!!" Tyler yelled.
"Wow, neither of you are very good at this. What's all the yelling for?" Brian chuckled.
"Oh my God, Son!" Tyler grabbed him in his arms and held on tightly.
"I'm okay!" laughed Brian. "Geez, I didn't go to China!"
"Why did you come here?!? I thought you'd run away again." Tyler felt his eyes burn.
"You said we were going to see, Emma, so I went to a field I know about, and picked her some flowers." Brian held up a small bouquet.
"Why didn't you tell me? You scared me half to death." Tyler ran his hand down his face.
"I don't know. I guess I felt pretty dumb saying that I was going to go pick flowers." Brian looked down at the ground, then over at Renee.
"Honey," began Renee. "You can't scare us like this anymore."
He looked back at Tyler. "I'm really sorry for scaring you, but I'm not going to run away again. I ran from my ex mom and dad, but now I have new ones who love me. There's no way I'd trade you two in, to live back out here again."
Renee let her tears fall freely as she embraced him. "I love you, Brian." After a minute she let him go and wiped her eyes. "Now get us out of here," she laughed.
"Right this way," he grinned and turned around.
As they left the woods and began to walk through the park, Tyler put his arm around Renee and squeezed her close. He felt like he could dance on air. "Would you like to come to lunch with us, Renee?" he asked, although he really didn't think he could eat
. His stomach was still in knots.
"Would you two gentlemen like for me to drive? My new shiny caddy is parked, illegally, right here." She smiled and pointed her finger.
"Well you're the prettiest taxi driver I've ever seen, but I'll do the honors." Tyler took her keys to open the passenger doors and waited for them to get inside the car. Right before Brian climbed into the back, he stopped and turned to face them.
"I love you guys, too." His expression was serious. After a brief pause, he got in the car.
Without a doubt, it was the best music Tyler had ever heard. The closer they got to one another, and the stronger the bond the seven of them could make with each other, the easier it was going to be to get through the storms that lie ahead. After the trials of Hank and Shirley Waters and Robert Preston, they could completely put the past behind them and get to the other side.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Vincent walked out of the courtroom, his mind filled with mixed emotions. Robert Preston had requested to act pro se, but after he'd called the judge a Black Sheep looking Needle Ass, that ended that. Vincent was glad the creep had showed his true colors, but on the other hand, had Robert been allowed to defend himself, he'd lose his case pronto. What really weighed heavily on Vincent's mind, was that with adequate representation, Robert and his defense attorney would shoot for an insanity plea. The killer was definitely crazy, but he knew right from wrong. Having no conscience didn't necessarily mean you were insane.
Luckily, Vincent was able to speak with William Furrow before the proceedings today, and he'd agreed to ask the judge to ban cameras from the courtroom; Brian had to be protected. No matter what precautions they took, this case was going to cause a huge fiasco.
As Vincent turned the corner to head to the parking lot, he overheard a conversation about a local restaurant. One of the voices was very distinct and familiar. He turned and saw Carrie Oliver, the officer who'd been so kind and helpful to them when they were in hiding at the apartment. He walked towards her.
"Carrie?" Vincent smiled and offered his hand.
"Vincent! It's so good to see you. How's everyone doing?" Carrie returned the handshake. "I think about you guys all the time."
"We're picking up the pieces still. What brings you to Southfield?" Reminders from the past weren't very welcome, but if it wasn't for this woman, they'd probably all be dead.
"I'll be in town for a couple of days. We need to meet with the prosecutor to turn over some evidence in the case against Preston. It's pretty bad when there're so many law enforcement officers involved, that we decided to carpool." Carrie chuckled and introduced Vincent to a cop by the name of Bert, standing beside her.
"I just wanted to stop and say hi. I know you're busy, Carrie, so I'll let you go. In case you've lost my card, here's another one." Vincent handed her his card, and she offered him a new one as well. "I still got yours, but thanks. Bert it was nice to meet you." Vincent turned back towards the parking lot.
"Vincent!" Carrie called after him.
He walked back over to where she stood.
"Maybe we can catch up over coffee or something while I'm in town. I'll buy!" she laughed.
"Sounds good. Give me a call when you're free." Vincent grinned and walked away. At least he could finally take the time to really thank her for helping them. Carrie had left so quickly, once they were free, that he didn't get much of a chance to say anything.
Vincent had gone to all of the hearings involving Robert that he was able to, so he could keep everyone updated. None of them needed to look at that psychopath ever again, unless it was absolutely necessary. His only hope was that after the trial, they wouldn't have to begin healing again from square one.
He'd had his share of nightmares. Almost losing Jacob had hit him with such force, and then not being able to protect Renee and Brian, broke his heart. While in the hospital, he'd had episodes of feeling like he couldn't breathe. Attorneys were supposed to be strong, but damn, when it was your own family who'd been through so much, all the rules changed. After watching Tyler crumble, Vincent knew that burying his pain was a necessity in order to stay functional. It was difficult to keep his eldest brother under control, when he'd wanted to lose it too.
Preoccupying his thoughts wasn't too difficult when there was so much work to do for his clients, but when he got home to a dark empty house, he would feel the impact of what had happened to them. Whenever he got a phone call from an unknown number, the panic would set in. His greatest fear was of Robert escaping. Vincent had been anticipating something like that happening. Would any of them be warned in time? He wasn't afraid of being killed, he was afraid of living should one of his family members get slain by the monster. As much hatred as Robert Preston had inside of him, he wouldn't just pull the trigger, he'd torture them.
He knew it wasn't healthy to allow the killer to continue to interfere in his life, but it was his turn to step up and be the strong one. Vincent knew Tyler had his suspicions that he was having a rough time, and Sean seemed to be popping by his office or his home more often these days. What was there to say, though? 'I'm afraid,' just wasn't in his vocabulary. You see all kinds of creeps in his profession, but it wasn't until you were in their cross hairs that it really hit home. Every time Vincent saw Jacob, he pictured him lying on that gurney, while the doctors tried to pump the life back into him after they'd pulled him from the van.
Because Vincent's photo had been broadcasted everywhere, he was questioned constantly by colleagues, clients, and even complete strangers. That's what he saw when he looked in the mirror…a stranger. He'd wait it out though. After the trial was over, and Robert was locked away forever, he'd begin to heal. But if the insanity plea won the jury over, Vincent knew that escaping from a mental hospital could be much easier than a prison. As far as con artists and manipulators were concerned, Robert was the best of the best, and his next seven victims were already chosen.
∞ ∞ ∞ ∞
Robert smiled at the idiotic guard walking by his cell. The Asshat stuck his chest and butt out when he stopped. You look just like a horseshoe, thought Robert as he cracked up.
"What's your problem, Preston!" demanded Horseshoe Jerk.
"I'd like a phone book, some paper, and a pencil, so I can write a letter to my new attorney." Robert tried to be as polite as possible so he wouldn't find a reason to break the Idiot's back the first chance he got. "I need it now, please." Robert felt like the top of his skull was going to blow off.
"You'll get it when I have the time." Horseshoe Jerk gave him a smug look and began to walk off.
"Freedom of Speech! It's my civil right!" Bow Back was pissing him off.
"You're an idiot, Preston." Useless Twit walked away like Robert wasn't important. "You're the Jack Freakin' Idiot! Stand up straight, Butter Nuts!" Robert would love to get a shot at this Dipshit. He'd get six eyes.
After forty-five minutes, Asshat brought him a sheet of lined paper, a small pencil, and a phone book. "Here. Write your heart out, and then shut your pie hole!"
"Why thank you." Robert looked down at the small pencil. "Let me guess. You bowl like a Pansy Ass." Robert felt good when the Piece of Shit didn't have a comeback. "King of the Jungle, Loser!"
After Robert made sure Guard Broken Back was gone, he got out his Pansy Bowling Pencillette and began to write:
Dear Bitch Face Sucky Wife,
Your days are numbered. You'll get yours, Stupid Bitch! Walk out on me and ruin my freedom, I may get more time, but hopping across the seats to snap your Gangly Freakin' Neck will be worth it. Poor Dead Ass. See you in court you Cheater! I dream of what your Fat Melon will look like as it lulls to the side.
See you in court, Dead Woman!
Robert the King.
It took him a minute to find the address of Montclair Idiotic Drug Assholes, but once Robert did, he realized he'd forgotten to ask Guard Bow Back for an envelope.
"Guard!" he bellowed.
"What do you want, Preston? Maybe you want
room service?" Good ole' Butter Nuts was making fun of him. Seven eyes for being a Smart Ass.
"I need an envelope so I can mail this letter to my attorney." Come inside the cell so I can do another act of community service.
Without saying a word, Dumbass Horseshoe Boy walked away. A minute later he came back with an envelope.
"That's it, I'm busy. Put your damn letter in the envelope so I can take it." The Moron stood there and waited impatiently while Robert wrote the address on the front. He handed it to Pansy Balls.
Robert was proud of himself. He sat on his Shabby Tissue Mattress and thought about Bitch Wife's fear. He began to laugh when the guard approached the cell with a sheet of paper.
"What's that?" Robert got up and glared at the Girly Boy.
"It's called evidence. You're in a heap of shit, Preston. You're not allowed to contact the victims, let alone threaten them. Too bad Michigan doesn't have the death penalty." Freak Face had the nerve to laugh at him before swaying away like a Pansy Bowler.
"You're breaking my civil rights, Asshole!" Robert would definitely be telling his Crooked Face lawyer about this one. He could just picture all the dollar signs in his bank account. Eight eyes for you Cumquat!
Chapter 19
Emma left the office of Dr. Mills with a spring in her step. It was her last scheduled appointment with her, and she'd said that no more visits were necessary unless Emma felt like she needed to come in. It was a long road to recovery from Robert's crimes, but she hardly ever had nightmares now, and she'd even gone back to work. She'd asked Tyler to keep everything low key when she'd finally returned, but of course, the Montclairs turn everything into a celebration. Walking into her office on her first day back, Emma had no idea that the staff had all gathered on the twelfth floor to surprise her. Jacob soon appeared, pulled her out into the hallway, and kissed her square on the mouth, a long wet kiss, right in front of everyone. She didn't mind, though. Their relationship had been blooming, and Tyler was right; she'd been afraid to get attached to Jacob, for fear of losing him. This was one of the serious issues that Emma had to work out with Dr. Mills. For one visit, she'd asked Jacob to come inside with her during her appointment, because there were some questions that only he could answer. Since coming back home, they'd avoided discussing any serious topics.
