Kashena didn’t say anything. She knew this was a decision Sierra needed to make for herself. She could, however, play devil’s advocate.
“What about Colby?” Kashena asked.
Sierra nodded, accepting that Kashena was trying to help her work through this.
“I’ve stayed with him this long for Colby’s sake,” Sierra said. “But if this is the kind of man Jason really is… I don’t want my son raised by him.”
Kashena nodded in agreement.
“I have the more stable income and job in the household,” Sierra continued. “No judge would award Jason custody. He could end up back in Iraq for all we know.”
Kashena nodded again, thinking an air-to-ground missile up the man’s ass right now would make her feel a lot better, even if it wasn’t American made.
“The house?” Kashena asked, trying to cover all the bases.
“He can have it,” Sierra said, her voice even, “if he can keep up with the payments.”
There was an evil glint in her eyes. Kashena knew Sierra was now getting to the phase of being angry. It was a good sign. Sierra was a lot stronger than Kashena had realized. She’d been worried that this would really hurt her, but Sierra was pulling through it.
“I can get an apartment for Colby and me until the divorce is final,” Sierra said, continuing that line of thought.
Kashena was surprised that Sierra was so completely calm. They talked about a few other things after that. Kashena was careful to keep Sierra’s glass of wine filled, knowing it would help cushion her emotions. When it got late, Kashena took Sierra’s glass out of her hand and then, taking her hand, pulled her gently up out of the chair. Inside, Kashena left the glass on the counter and led Sierra to her bedroom.
“Wait,” Sierra said when Kashena would have laid her down on the bed. “I want to shower,” she said. “I need to get him off me.”
Kashena nodded, understanding that feeling completely.
“Go ahead, babe,” she said gently. “I’m going to go lock up the house.”
“Okay,” Sierra said, walking into Kashena’s bathroom.
Ten minutes later, Kashena poked her head into the shower to see that Sierra was standing under the streaming water, shaking from head to toe. Reaching in and shutting off the water, Kashena walked into the stall, picked Sierra up in her arms, and wrapped her in the towel she’d grabbed off the rack.
Sierra rested her head against Kashena, feeling enveloped in her girlfriend’s warmth. Kashena gently dried Sierra off, then led her over to the bed and laid her down under the covers. Kashena had changed into sweats and a tank top. She climbed into bed next to Sierra, pulling her into her arms immediately. Sierra snuggled close, her lips against Kashena’s neck.
“I’m leaving him tomorrow,” Sierra whispered to Kashena.
“I’m coming with you,” was Kashena’s reply.
Sierra kissed Kashena’s neck, then moved her lips to Kashena’s ear.
“I love you,” she whispered softly.
Kashena kissed Sierra’s temple. “I love you too, honey.”
They fell asleep with Kashena holding Sierra. They woke the same way.
When Sierra opened her eyes, she looked up at Kashena, who was already awake. Kashena moved her head to look down at Sierra.
“This is how I’d love to wake up every morning,” Sierra said, smiling softly.
Kashena smiled back, her dark blue eyes shining. “Me too.” She kissed Sierra’s lips gently.
Sierra’s hand reached up to Kashena’s cheek as they kissed. Kashena deepened the kiss slowly, pulling Sierra closer. Sierra moaned softly, responding to the kiss. When they were both breathless, Sierra pulled back, her eyes searching Kashena’s. Kashena’s response was to kiss her again, her hands sliding upward to cup Sierra’s breasts gently, caressing her.
“Ohh…” Sierra moaned softly. “Kash, what about the rule…”
“To hell with the rule,” Kashena said, continuing to kiss her.
“But, Kash, I don’t want you to think—”
“Babe,” Kashena said, putting her finger gently to Sierra’s lips to quiet her. “You need emotional healing right now. That’s more important than my stupid rule.”
Sierra bit her lip, tears in her eyes. Gratitude had her kissing Kashena back, forgetting everything else for the moment. Kashena made love to her that morning; she was extremely gentle and loving, and Sierra found it a wonderful counter to the evening before’s occurrence. It steeled her resolve to leave Jason that day. Kashena was who she was meant for, not Jason. It was over.
That morning was spent hiring a divorce lawyer. Kashena was astounded at Sierra’s resolve. She had no hesitation whatsoever, now that the decision had been made. It was amazing to watch Sierra in action too. Kashena, introduced to the divorce lawyer as her bodyguard, watched Sierra discuss legal matters with the other attorney. She was in her element, and Sierra was fantastic in her element. Every angle was touched on, every possible issue looked at and resolved. When it came to legal grounds, Sierra was on her game. She cited irreconcilable differences as the reason for the divorce, but gave the lawyer supporting issues such as Jason’s long absence, change in behavior since returning from the Middle East, violation of her privacy and intimacy levels. Kashena had never heard “rape” put so eloquently. It took all she had not to grin constantly at how amazing her girlfriend really was.
The minute they left the lawyer’s office and were in Kashena’s car, Kashena made a point of telling her that.
“My God, you’re amazing,” she said.
“Why do you say that?” Sierra asked, smiling.
“You’re one helluva lawyer,” Kashena said in an awed tone.
“Is that a good thing?” Sierra asked, raising an eyebrow.
“At what you do, yes, it is,” Kashena said, dying to kiss her but knowing this wasn’t the time or the place.
Sierra smiled brilliantly, unaccountably happy that Kashena thought that she was good at what she did. Jason always treated her like some secretary. He had absolutely no respect for what she did, or how hard she’d worked to get where she was. He didn’t care. It was yet another difference between who she was married to and who she wanted to be with.
Kashena insisted that they stop and eat before they went to the house. She could sense Sierra getting anxious and thought she could use a relaxing lunch first. She was, as usual, right. They ate at Isabella’s, a Mexican restaurant located in the front part of Club 21. Kashena ordered Sierra a couple glasses of wine, and herself a beer.
“Are you sure he’ll be home?” Kashena asked, hoping to avoid dealing with the man if she could.
“Yes,” Sierra said. “He doesn’t do anything when he’s not on duty. He takes care of the yard and that’s basically it. He’ll be home.”
“Then maybe you should practice what you’re going to say to him.”
Sierra picked up her glass of wine and took a drink. “I’m just telling him that I’m leaving. That I’m going to go pick Colby up from school and we’re leaving him. That the divorce papers have already been filed, that he should receive them within twenty-four hours. I’ll tell him there is a temporary custody order on a judge’s desk as we speak, requesting full custody be given to me before the divorce.”
Kashena nodded. “Sounds great, but you know it won’t be that easy.”
“I know,” Sierra said. “I wish we could just turn him to stone, so I could say everything I need to say, grab my stuff, and run out.”
Kashena laughed. “Yeah, me too.”
“You know,” Sierra said, reaching across the table and taking Kashena’s hand, “if you don’t want to come with me, you don’t have to. I know you don’t like to deal with him.”
“With his propensity for violence all of a sudden,” Kashena said, her tone serious, “and the fact that what you’re about to do is not on his agenda, I’m going to be there.”
Sierra bit her lip. “I really don’t want there to be a confronta
tion between you two.”
“I know you don’t,” Kashena said, “and I’ll do everything I can to avoid it, but if he lays a hand on you, all bets are off. As far as he’ll know, I’m there in an official capacity. And as far as I’m concerned, I am.”
Sierra nodded, understanding that Kashena meant that she was acting as a peace officer for the state in protecting her from Jason. She hesitated to think about what that could mean. She didn’t want to start worrying about something else now.
They left the restaurant a little while later. It was 1 p.m. when they drove up to the house. Jason’s Jeep was in the driveway. Sierra looked over at Kashena; Kashena only nodded.
Walking inside, Sierra led the way, glancing around, wondering where Jason was. Kashena looked around, doing her best not to be shocked at how big and beautiful Sierra’s house was. It was a mansion compared to Kashena’s house, with cathedral ceilings and an open, airy feel to it. The house was very much Sierra, right down to the terra-cotta entryway tiles. Very earthy.
Sierra walked into the kitchen, setting her keys on the countertop of deep hunter green. Kashena looked around. Everything was pristine, and very expensive looking. It was another dimension to Sierra she’d never seen. The woman had incredible taste. Kashena knew, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that Sierra had decorated the house. It was very much her style. Elegant, tasteful, understated, but with just a touch of flair that spoke of an American Indian influence—including some incredible Remington bronze statues, all of Indians in traditional war dress on ponies. Sierra’s house, from what little Kashena had already seen, was nothing shy of phenomenal. She wanted to give this up? Anything to get rid of Jason.
Sierra heard Jason in the backyard and decided that it would be easier to go and start packing a few things while he was outside. She led Kashena upstairs.
Upstairs was even more opulent. The master suite had double doors that opened into a huge bedroom. There were French doors that led out onto a balcony, and a huge walk-in closet. The carpet was a warm beige, the bed iron and bronze with sheer curtains draped around it. Everything had an expensive look to it—Kashena couldn’t begin to imagine how much everything cost. She stood back, keeping her back to the wall next to the door. She wanted to see Jason coming when he realized they were in the house.
Sierra pulled out a suitcase and started putting clothes into it. She also packed an overnight case with things like her makeup. She knew she couldn’t possibly get everything, but she’d come back when Jason was on base and get the rest and box it up. In the meantime she’d find an apartment. Kashena had already said that she and Colby could stay with her until she found a place. It was important that she get out of this house.
She was just finishing packing when Jason walked into the bedroom. He didn’t notice Kashena—his attention was on Sierra and the suitcase she was closing.
“What do you think you’re doing?” Jason asked in a derogatory tone.
“Leaving,” Sierra said simply. She turned to him. “I’m leaving you, leaving this house, and leaving this marriage.”
Jason’s mouth dropped open, then his eyes narrowed. Colby came bounding into the room.
“Mom!” he said excitedly. “I got to use the edger thingy and—” He stopped as he saw the suitcase. “Where you going?” he asked, assuming she was going on a business trip.
“We’re going,” Sierra told Colby. “Why don’t you go pack some clothes for the next few days at school, and I’ll—”
Jason hit her then, backhanded her.
Kashena cussed at herself for not being ready for that. She came off the wall as Jason screamed at Sierra, who was now on the floor.
“Stupid cunt! Think you can take my son, think you can leave me?” he yelled. “I’ll fucking—” he began as he brought his fist up.
In one move, Kashena grabbed his fist and twisted his arm up around his behind his back, and then slammed him into the nearest wall face first.
“You won’t do anything else,” Kashena said to Jason, glancing down at Sierra.
Colby, who’d screamed when his father hit his mother, was on the floor next to Sierra, holding on to her in complete terror.
“Let me go, you fucking dyke bitch!” Jason yelled, straining against Kashena’s hold.
It took all of Kashena’s strength to hold on to him, but she was used to suspects struggling.
“Not gonna happen,” Kashena said. “So calm down before I break your arm.” As if to back that statement up, she lifted his arm higher.
Jason let out a yell, but then stilled.
“Sierra,” Kashena said, taking command of the situation, “get on the phone, call 911, and have them send out a black-and-white. Colby, I need you to do what your mom asked you to, okay? It’s okay, your mom’s okay, but you need to get your things. Can you do that for me?”
Colby stared up at Kashena with saucer-sized eyes, but he nodded slowly. He was responding to the authority in her voice as well as the kindness. Sierra pulled herself up off the floor. Kashena glanced at her, her face pained. Sierra nodded, as if affirming to Kashena that she was right, she was okay. Sierra picked up the phone and called 911. She identified herself as Chief Deputy Attorney General Youngblood of the criminal division and asked the dispatcher to send a car to her house. Kashena smiled. Sierra knew how to get a response.
“What the fuck do you think you’re gonna do?” Jason taunted. “Think you’re gonna arrest me, bitch?”
“No, I think the officers that arrive in the black-and-white are going to arrest you,” Kashena said calmly. “I’m just going to tell them what I witnessed, and show them your wife’s cut lip and bruised face.”
“She won’t press charges,” Jason said confidently.
“She doesn’t have to, moron,” Kashena said. “In this state, the cops only need to see evidence of domestic violence. And I can assure you, considering who your wife is and who she works for, the DA will be happy to take your ass to court for it. You just made a big mistake, pal. A very big mistake.”
Jason started to struggle again. It was obvious he’d been convinced that Kashena was very serious. Sierra screamed and jumped out of the way. Jason managed to get one arm free and twisted around, grabbing Kashena by the throat and literally picking her up off the ground. Knowing that he was ready to kill her, Kashena had to think fast. She kneed him in the groin. When he doubled over, letting go of her, she brought her fist through and slammed it into his face, knocking him out cold.
“Are you okay?” Sierra asked, her voice worried.
Kashena nodded, touching her throat gingerly. The guy had a grip on him, that was for sure.
“Go,” Kashena began. Her voice was hoarse; she cleared her throat and started again. “Go tell Colby to hurry up with his stuff. I want to be ready to get out of here when the cops arrive.”
Sierra looked worriedly at Kashena.
“I’m okay, babe,” Kashena said, sparing a moment to touch the already darkening bruise at Sierra’s mouth. “Are you?”
Sierra nodded, tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry.”
“Shhh,” Kashena said. “It’s okay. That’s why I came.”
Sierra moved past Kashena to go and help Colby pack.
By the time the police car arrived, Kashena had cuffed Jason’s hands behind his back and had him lying on his stomach on the living room floor. He hadn’t regained consciousness yet. The officers came in, and Kashena explained what had happened, showing them the darkening bruise on Sierra’s face as well as the split lip.
“So you’ve got him for domestic violence,” Kashena said, watching as Jason began to stir as the other officer pulled him up off the floor. Her eyes were on him as she said, “And you can add assault on a peace officer to that too.”
“You fucking bitch!” Jason screamed. “Fucking dyke bitch. Come into my house, think you can beat me up? I have rights!”
“Yes,” Kashena said as they came face to face. “You have the right to remain silent, and if you’re fucki
ng smart, you will,” she said, her voice deep and threatening.
With that, the officers took Jason away. It didn’t stop him from screaming threats and obscenities all the way to the squad car.
Kashena looked at Sierra, who looked down at Colby. He was watching his mother with wide eyes.
“It’ll be okay,” Sierra assured him.
Colby simply nodded, the usually boisterous child very solemn.
Kashena helped Sierra put her suitcase and Colby’s in the trunk of the Impala. She drove them back to her house. A few hours later, they’d ordered pizza and gotten Colby set up in Kashena’s extra bedroom. Sierra put Colby to bed, still a bit shaken by everything that had happened that day. Jason’s violence had somehow surprised her; she wasn’t sure why. It had always been there, just under the surface. She’d just never really given him a reason to hit her before.
“Mom?” Colby said as she was holding him before he went to bed.
“Hmm?” Sierra asked, her thoughts a million places right then.
“Is Dad going to jail?”
“Yes, he is,” Sierra said.
“Because he hit you?” Colby asked.
“Yes, and because he attacked Kashena too.”
Colby nodded, assimilating that information.
“Are we going to live here now?” he asked a few moments later.
“Long enough for me to find us an apartment,” Sierra said.
Again Colby nodded, glancing around him. It wasn’t the room he was used to, but he understood that things were all confused right now. He was doing his best to comprehend what was happening.
Sierra felt a pang of guilt. It hadn’t been her wish to have Jason arrested in front of her son. It had never been her wish to have Colby witness his father hit her either—Jason had made that choice. She only hoped that Colby would be able to understand someday that things weren’t always black and white. Although she had no idea how he was feeling at that point. She didn’t want to push, knowing that her son was the type of boy to think things out thoroughly. Once he had, she knew he’d ask the questions he needed to ask.
Once Colby was in bed, Sierra made her way back to Kashena’s room. She hadn’t explained to Colby why she was staying in Kashena’s bedroom, but it had been Colby who’d brought her overnight bag to her there. He hadn’t asked, so she hadn’t said anything. There was no point in confusing him more this night.
Darkness Past Page 24
