From Smoke To Flames— Amazon: A West Brothers Novel

by A. M. Hargrove

  “Rose feels terrible.”

  “She’d feel a lot worse if she were here.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “My snarky disposition would be letting her know.”

  Sylvie frowned. “Pearson, she was only trying to help.”

  “I know, but you should’ve seen how ridiculous I looked in that thing. Do the male patients actually wear them?”

  “Nah. We try but it’s a hard sell.”

  “I felt guilty about not wearing it, so I crammed it on my head and look where it got me.”

  Sylvie cackled. “I’m sorry. I can’t help it. We’ve never had anyone react like that before. And I really wish I had seen you. You probably looked like Caesar.”

  “More like Caesar salad. And if you ever breathe a word of this to either of my brothers, you’re dead to me.”

  She snorted again.

  “Jeez, do you do that a lot?”

  “Yeah, I can’t help it. My sister says it’s super annoying.”

  “I wouldn’t say that.” I glanced over at her as she drove. “Hey, why don’t our families get together more often. You’re a lot of fun. Or at least you seem to be, especially when you snort. I asked my dad and he was real closed-mouth about it.”

  “Yeah, about that. I think my stupid mom insulted yours at a holiday get together. My dad wouldn’t say what she did, but it didn’t go over too well. Dad really likes Aunt Paige, but after that, all invitations were declined. Mom was so hardheaded about it, things just fell through the cracks and never got fixed. The truth is, I think our dads still secretly see each other though.”

  I stared at the road ahead and thought about it. Life was too damn short not to be close to family. “Maybe we should do something about that. After I get out, that is.”

  “That’s not a bad idea. I’d love to see all the babies before they graduate from college.”

  “Um, I think you have a little time.”

  We were pulling into the Flower Power entrance and she said, “Pearson, how are you doing here. Really?”

  “I’m doing. I have good moments and bad. It’s worse when I’m alone. That’s when the H monster shouts at me the loudest.” Sometimes I wanted to shout right back at it.

  “Would you like a roommate?”

  Swiveling in the seat so I could look at her, I said, “No. This is real life and what I need. If I can’t cope with being alone, I’m going to have a huge problem when I leave.”

  “Rose really hated having to send you to Jeremy.”

  “I thought she hated me.” I fiddled with a loose string on the seam of my jeans. “She was so antagonistic, I didn’t get it.”

  “It’s none of my business, but she really needs your help. Her ex is a major douche. He pulls the worst kind of crap on her. I’m not blaming you in any way. I’m just making you aware.”

  My chest cramped in a weird way. I wished this guilt about winning that case would leave me. “I’m going to help her. Maybe we can turn this thing around for her.”

  “Oh, Pearson, I hope so. Montana is everything to her.”

  “Montana?”

  “That’s Rose’s daughter.”

  We sat in silence for a moment. “Let me get out of your hair. It’s getting late and you have to be back here soon. Thanks for saving me from the doom of tomato face.”

  She grinned. “I would never let you suffer, Pearson.”

  We hugged and I got out of the car. She drove off as I waved.

  Montana. The name fit. I bet her daughter was a mini-Rose too.

  Chapter Eleven

  Rose

  * * *

  The next morning, Sylvie snuck into my office and shut the door. “Don’t be upset, but I have something to tell you.” Then she explained what happened to Pearson. Before she could stop me, I was racing out of my office to find him. He was in his first group session and when I opened the door, I was in time to hear one of the members ask, “Who’s that sitting in Pearson’s chair?” Then everyone snickered.

  Pearson answered, “Go ahead and call me Tomato Face.”

  “What happened?” someone else asked.

  “I had a reaction to lemon verbena.” That’s when he noticed me standing there. “Will you all excuse me for a moment?”

  We walked into the hall and I said, “I am so sorry. You look awful.”

  “You should’ve seen me last night. At least the itching is better.”

  I reached a hand up but then drew it back. I was about to take liberties I shouldn’t be. “I had no idea you’d react so badly.”

  “You sure about that?” he asked as the corner of his mouth turned up.

  I frowned and bit my lip. Sure, I was angry over the custody thing, but I wasn’t the type of person to intentionally harm someone. “I would never hurt anyone like that. Well, other than my ex.”

  “I was joking. I know you didn’t do it on purpose, but last night I probably wouldn’t have been so gracious. My face burned like fire. I thought you put poison ivy in that thing.”

  I inhaled sharply. The idea of doing that made my insides clench. “Oh, I couldn’t possibly—”

  “Rose, I know you couldn’t. I was only kidding.”

  It was strange to think about him kidding about this. “Okay,” I said hesitantly. “But I hope your face gets better.”

  “You and me both. Sylvie took me to the urgent care center, and I’ve taken some medication so I should be fine by tomorrow.” He aimed his thumb over his shoulder. “I probably should get back to group.”

  “Right. I’ll see you later. And Pearson, I really am sorry.”

  “Duly noted.”

  He went back into the room, and I just stood there like a dork. Why did he have such a strange effect on me? I shook myself out of my Pearson trance and slowly walked back to my office. On the way, I passed Sylvie.

  “You okay?” she asked.

  “I think so. His face looks awful.”

  “I haven’t seen him yet today, but it was bad last night. Was he pissed at you?”

  “Not at all, which is surprising.”

  Sylvie grinned.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. I have to go. Busy day.”

  Her behavior was also perplexing. She acted like she had some kind of secret. I pushed those thoughts aside and focused on work. I had several patients this morning, one being new, so my head needed to be straight.

  By the time noon rolled around, I was more than ready for a break. The morning had been tough. That new patient was really struggling, and so were the other two I’d seen. They’d all but drained me. I was just getting ready to leave my office and head for the cafeteria when Pearson dropped by. “Can we talk?” he asked.

  “Sure. Are you going to lunch now?”

  “I was after we talked.”

  “Let’s go. I’m starved.” After we filled our plates and took our seats, he wanted to know what time Greg was dropping off Montana on Friday.

  “He said around five.”

  I watched him place a forkful of lasagna into his mouth and chew. He made eating a sensual experience. His mouth was … wow. I needed to get my head out of the gutter. Fanning myself would look inappropriate, but it had suddenly gotten very hot in here.

  “I’d like to be close enough to listen to your exchange with him. Is that possible?”

  “Yeah, you can sit on my lap.” What the hell did I just say?

  “Excuse me?” He eyed me with a smirk.

  I quickly blurted, “The front office. Behind the glass partition. You can sit there.”

  “Will he be able to see me, because if he does, he’ll recognize me.”

  I thought about this and said, “No, the partition will hide you. He won’t pay attention to that.”

  “Good. I also want you to let him know you want to stay on schedule with your weekends. In other words, this is not a switch weekend.”

  “He’s not going to like that.” I could only imagine his reaction.

  �
��It doesn’t matter. He initiated this change, not you. I’m going to record what his response is. I want you to be cordial and just say you want to keep with the schedule and will pick her up at the regular time the following Friday. When he reacts, remain calm and remind him that he requested this, not you.”

  “What if he gets angry?” Greg didn’t just get mad, he became explosive and sometimes violent.

  “That’s exactly what I’m hoping for. I want him to react negatively.”

  The thought of Greg getting angry and how he would exact his revenge worried me. Anxiety clawed at my stomach, making it nothing but a twisting jumble. “What if he takes it out on my daughter?”

  “Do you think he’d do that?”

  “I’m not sure. He’s really vindictive.”

  “After he leaves on Friday, would you mind if I asked your daughter a few questions?”

  “As long as it doesn’t upset her.”

  “They’ll be questions about games and TV shows, things she does at both houses.”

  “That’s fine, but if you see her getting upset, will you stop?”

  “Rose, you’re going to be there too, so if you don’t like what I’m asking, just interrupt me, but I promise, they’ll be very generic.”

  “Okay.” My hands were clenched, but I didn’t realize it until he grabbed them and unfolded them.

  “It’ll be fine. I do have one more favor. I need to use a computer. It’s against the rules and I don’t have access.”

  “I don’t think—”

  “Hear me out. I want to contact my friend to ask him about taking this case. That’s all.”

  I was between a rock and a hard place. He must’ve noticed my hesitation because he said, “Let me talk to Sylvie. She may be able to help. This way I won’t put you in a bad position.”

  “Thank you. I can’t believe you want to help me. I mean after everything …” My voice trailed off.

  He flashed me a brilliant smile. “You mean after you turned me into Tomato Face?”

  My face heated and I must’ve matched his in color. “That, but after our beginning, I guess. I really lost my Zen and went crazy for a while, which is totally unlike me. But I’m back in my groove now and I promise not to act like that anymore.” I patted the wreath on my head for reassurance.

  He grimaced. “Everyone goes through difficult times. Look what I’m facing ahead and we’ve both apologized, so how about we move forward on this? The way I’ve treated people because of my addiction … it’s hard for me to even think about right now.”

  “This may not be any consolation yet, but number nine in the twelve steps will help you deal with that when the time comes.”

  “I hope I have the guts to face them all. I’ve injured my family, told lies. And hurt some of the people I worked with. I missed court dates. I hurt clients. There’s a lot to own up to.”

  I tapped his arm. “You’re in the company of all recovering addicts I’ve worked with. You’ll get through it. If you follow everything you learn here and then through NA, I promise it will work. It seems like a mountainous task right now, and it is. But you do it one step at a time.”

  He drank his water, and then his blue-grays homed in on mine. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “How’d you get into this? I mean, it has to be draining dealing with these types of people.”

  “To the contrary. I find it to be very uplifting. When I see how I’ve helped someone and they succeed, it’s very rewarding. But I also grew up with a drug abuser and alcoholic who died and never got help. That’s what pushed me to doing this.” It was shocking that I’d disclosed this to him. This was one of my darkest secrets.

  “That must’ve have been difficult.”

  Suddenly, my lap is very interesting. This discussion has become quite uncomfortable. “Yeah, something like that,” I mumbled.

  “Hey, I’m sorry. I don’t mean to pry.”

  I puff out a breath. “It’s not something I usually discuss.”

  “Understood. I need to get going anyway. I have my appointment with Jeremy soon.”

  “I hope you are getting along with him.”

  “He’s fine. Let’s talk again on Friday morning and you can let me know when to meet you in the afternoon.”

  “Sounds great and thank you again.” I remained seated as he left and wondered why I revealed to him about my home life. That’s information even some of my closest friends didn’t know. Not only that, he was a patient here and it seemed excessively chummy. I needed to check my behavior with him before I was in too deep.

  Chapter Twelve

  Pearson

  * * *

  When Friday rolled around, I was fully prepared. It had been quite a while since I’d worn my attorney hat and the excitement had built over the week. I hadn’t realized how much I’d missed my work, but I certainly didn’t miss the pressure of the firm. Every time I thought about going back, my body reacted in a way that made me want to use. That was certainly telling.

  Around 4:45, I went to meet Rose. She was waiting in her office and we walked up front together.

  “Gosh, I really hope this works.”

  “Look Rose, the worst that can happen is he exhibits no reaction at all. But from what you’ve told me, I doubt he’ll do that.”

  She stopped for a moment. “I just don’t want Montana to be upset.”

  “And we’ll do everything we can to prevent that. If he starts to act up, can you send her into the office away from him?”

  “I will, but she clings to me when he’s like that, especially when she’s away from his house.”

  “Then try to minimize his reaction. Yes, we want him to be the asshole, but we also don’t want her harmed in the process.”

  She reached into her bag and pulled out some toys. “I brought these. I’ll put them in the office so she can play with them. If he gets too out of line, I’ll tell her these are in there and maybe she’ll go and play with them.”

  “Will she be afraid of me?”

  “You’ll be outside where she’ll be, so I don’t think so. Just act busy, like maybe you’re doing paperwork or something.”

  “Got it.”

  She set me up behind the partitioned glass, as planned, and then put Montana’s toys inside one of the administrative offices. Then we waited. At five sharp, he entered the facility with Montana. I heard the girl yell, “Mommy.”

  Then Rose said, “How’s my little Pop Tart doing?”

  I imagined them hugging and kissing, and then Rose said, “I sure have missed you.”

  Greg interrupted the exchange. “I’m in a hurry.”

  “Oh, one thing. Since this was your request, I’ll pick her up next Friday at the usual time.”

  “Like hell you will,” he roared. “You are to have her every other weekend and that’s it.”

  “I’m sorry, Greg, but you initiated this switch. This will throw us off schedule and my weekends are planned way ahead of time.”

  “Fine, then don’t get her the following week.”

  “I’m not going to do that. That would mean me not seeing her for three weeks and that’s not happening. I’ll just pick her up next weekend like I’m supposed to.”

  “Not if we’re not there, you won’t.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “Mommy,” Montana whined. “I want to be with you next weekend too.”

  “Honey, why don’t you go into that door over there. Some of your favorite toys are inside so you can play.”

  Greg sneered, “You indulge her too much.”

  “How is that even possible? I’m only with her four days a month.”

  “Exactly. Because you’re an unfit mother.”

  “And can you explain how I’m an unfit mother?”

  “You don’t do anything for her.”

  “So, I don’t do anything for her. Did I get it?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is there more?”

  �
��Hell yeah, there’s more. We have to do it all.”

  “Greg, I would gladly do more, but it’s not possible in four days a month.”

  “You don’t deserve even that.”

  “And why is that?”

  “Because you’re a terrible mother.”

  “You keep saying that but don’t back it up.”

  As I sat and listened, the desire to see his body language was overwhelming. His tone was hostile, but was he making threatening gestures? I didn’t dare stand up, although I wanted to with everything inside of me.

  “I don’t have to back it up goddammit. I’m the custodial parent and you obviously can’t get that through that stupid head of yours.”

  “Greg, please. You don’t have to insult me.”

  “I wasn’t insulting you. I was telling you the fucking truth,” he said in a blistering tone. This guy clearly had anger problems. She had not provoked him in any way.

  “Watch your language, please.”

  “I’m a grown man. I can say whatever the hell I want to. You’re nothing but a conniving bitch. Let me tell you something. If you think you can manipulate our visitation agreement, you have another thing coming. I will take you back to court and strip you of all visitation. I will get Montana to lie about how you’re treating her.”

  Rose gasped. “Why would you do such a thing? She’s my daughter!”

  “Because I can and because I would derive great pleasure from it.”

  “But I don’t understand why.”

  “I know. You never understand anything. I’ll pick her up on Sunday. Enjoy the weekend. It just might be your last.”

  I heard the door open and close. Rose walked back and tears were flowing down her cheeks.

  “You heard?”

  “I have it all on here.” I held up my recorder. “He has problems and I’m very sorry. But I’m going to help you. I promise. Now I think there’s someone who’s anxious to see you.”

  “I’m sure, but I need a minute.”

  “Do you mind if I talk to her now? I’ll record everything.”

  “Go ahead. Nothing could possibly be as bad as what she goes through every day with that father of hers.”