Whiskey In The Water

Chapter 2-Logan

Chapter 2

Logan

I walk into my office building to get my day started and my assistant, Rita, greets me like she normally does. “Good morning, Logan.” She says. “Morning Rita.” I say back. “Mr. and Mrs. Montgomery are waiting on you in your office.” She tells me. I know when they show up here that it has something to do with someone at the mission. They started KJ’s Missions to help women and children that are being abused and I do all of my work for them pro bono since it’s for a great cause. Plus, Ashton has been my best friend since we were kids.

I walk into my office and shake Ashton’s hand before hugging Izzy. “Morning guys. What’s going on?” I ask, getting right to it. “We had a woman brought in last night. She was beaten all to hell and told us she was being abused and is pregnant.” Ashton tells me. “s**t. Okay. Anything I need to know before heading over there?” I ask. “She’s eighteen and it looks like the abuse has been going on for a while.” Izzy tells me. Ashton reaches over and hands me some paperwork. I look through the papers and see that she signed the information release form for me to have access to all of her information. I also see the report detailing her injuries and, just like every other case I help handle for the mission, it pisses me off how someone can hurt a woman like that. I look up at my friends and say “Let me clear my morning and I will head right over. Let her know I will be coming to see her.” I tell them and they nod before seeing their way out.

Rita walks in and I ask, “What’s my day look like?” She walks over and stands behind the chair across from my desk and puts her hands on the back of the chair. “You don’t have anything until noon. Is there anything you need from me to help? I know when they show up that it’s something for the mission.” She tells me. “I don’t know yet. I know we might need a couple of restraining orders but don’t have all the details yet.” I tell her as I get what I’ll need together to head to the mission. “Let me know what you need. I think it’s great that you’re helping them.” She tells me. “Thanks Rita. I’ll let you know what I need.” I tell her before leaving my office and she follows me out and back to her desk.

Walking into the mission, I head to the room that I normally use for these meetings. Getting my notepad and pen out to make my notes, I wait for my client to come in. I’m not there long before Kathy leads who I’m assuming is Lori Jones. I look at her and even with the bruises and the bandage on her cheek she’s still the most stunning woman I have ever seen. I quickly get myself together and Kathy says “Lori, this is Logan Edwards. Logan, this is Lori Jones.” I hold out my hand and she timidly shakes my hand. “Nice to meet you, Lori.” I say. “You too Mr. Edwards.” She says softly. “Call me Logan.” I tell her and she nods.

I pull out the chair for her and she sits down, and Kathy asks, “You want me to stay?” Lori looks at her and says “Please.” Kathy looks at me and I nod my okay because I want Lori as comfortable as possible. “Lori, here’s what’s going to happen. I’m going to ask you some questions so that I know how to help you, but we can go as slow as you need to. I’ll be here for as long as it takes.” I tell her and she nods. “Let’s start by you telling me a little about yourself.” I say and she takes a deep breath.

“My name is Lori Jones and I’m eighteen.” She tells me. “What about your parents?” I ask. “My mom was Maggie Jones. She died when I was ten. Dad is Michael Jones. He used to work at the local lumber yard until he got hurt but now, he stays home and gets disability for his back.” She tells me and I write all of this down. “Can you tell me what happened last night?” I ask. She puts both of her hands on the table and plays with her fingers, nervously. I reach over and put my hand on hers and say “Take your time. I’m only asking so I know what the next step is.” I tell her and she nods. “I got home from work and showered. When I got out and went to my room, my dad followed me in. He found out I was hiding money and where I was hiding it and took it from me. He slammed my head into the wall before shoving me onto the floor and kicked me in the back. He punched me too.” She tells me and I take a deep breath myself. “Did anything else happen?” I ask. She reaches up with one hand and quickly wipes her tears away and I reach across to touch her hand again. I feel so protective over her already. “It’s okay.” I tell her and she starts telling me how her dad’s friend came into her room when her dad left and r***d her again.

“I’ll give you a minute.” I tell her before stepping out of the room while Kathy comforts her when she starts sobbing again. I walk to the kitchen and place both hands on the counter and lower my head. “You good brother?” Ashton asks. I shake my head no. “Where’s your head at?” Ashton asks. “She’s a client, Ash.” I say. “She is. But you’ve never been this pissed about a client before.” He says. I shake my head and move to the refrigerator to get a bottled water out for her. “She’s a client.” I tell him again before heading back to the meeting room.

I walk back into the room and place the bottled water in front of her on the table. “Thank you.” She whispers. “I have a few more questions for you and then we’ll be done for now.” I tell her and she says “Okay.” I push over a piece of paper and hand her my pen. “Can you write down the address for me?” and she does as I ask. “What are you going to do with this?” she asks. “It’s just in case we need to file restraining orders, we can have them served.” I tell her. “What are you going to do about the baby?” I ask. “I’m keeping it.” She tells me. “Good.” I tell her and I explain how her and the baby are protected under the domestic violence act and that seems to calm her down a little bit. I know she was worried about the father being able to take the baby from her if he found out. “Lori?” I ask and she looks up at me. She actually looks me in the eyes, and she has the most beautiful blue eyes. “I won’t let anything happen to you or the baby. You have my word.” I tell her and she thanks me before sobbing again.

Kathy helps her up and leads her out of the room, but I stop them. “Kathy has my number. Call me if you need anything.” I tell her. She nods and Kathy leads her to her dorm. I sit back at the table and get my things together when Ashton walks in. “Where’s your head at on this?” he asks. “She’s a client.” I tell him again. “Yeah. I call bull shit.” He tells me. Rubbing my hand down my face I say “Fuck.” I look up at Ashton and see him smirking. “There’s nothing wrong with moving on if you’re ready.” He tells me before taking the seat that Lori was sitting in. “Look, when Karen died, I never thought I would love anyone again. But when I met Izzy, it was like hitting a brick wall. All I wanted to do was protect her and from the look on your face, you’re feeling that right now.” He tells me and I nod my head yes. “When Karen got sick, we had time to prepare. But you, losing Maura to that car accident. You didn’t have any warning. That does something to a man. But if you’re ready to move on. Then move on. Just, if you’re thinking about doing that with Lori, take it slow. That girl has been through hell. And with her being pregnant, you better be ready to take care of that child too.” He tells me and I look at him for a minute before nodding my understanding.

I go back to the office and handle my meetings for the day. I head home and as soon as I walk in the door, my German Shephard, Clyde, comes running up to me. “Hey. How’s my boy?” I ask as I scratch behind his ears the way he likes. My housekeeper, Alice, comes into the living room as I walk in and asks, “How was your day?” I look at her and she sees it. “Come on.” She tells me. She has always treated me like her son and since she has no kids of her own, I’m it. Not that I have a problem with it. I sit at the island in the kitchen, and she pours me a cup of coffee and gets one for herself. “What’s on your mind, son?” she asks. “How do you always know when something’s bothering me?” I ask. “Logan, I’ve been your housekeeper for over a decade. It’s my job to know how to read you.” She tells me. “You know you’re more than that.” I tell her and she smiles. “I know. Now, talk to me.” She tells me. “I had to go to the mission today. A woman was brought in last night. Beaten up pretty bad. Bruises all over and a cut on her cheek. And pregnant.” I tell her. “Oh dear.” She says.

“I went to the mission this morning to talk to her knowing I would have to tread lightly but when I saw her, Alice, she was perfect. She’s beautiful and strong as hell even if she doesn’t realize it yet and I have this urge to protect her. I’m not sure what to do with that.” I tell her and she smiles. “Honey, did you feel this strong of a pull to Maura?” I shake my head. “I loved Maura. Still do but, I don’t know. Something’s different with Lori. What do I do?” I ask. “First of all, you said she’s pregnant. Is she keeping it?” she asks, and I nod my head yes. “Then you need to decide if you’re ready to help her raise that baby because if she’s at the shelter, I’m assuming she doesn’t want the father near her or the baby.” She says. “She said he doesn’t even know she’s pregnant.” I tell her. “Even better. Talk to her. Tell her you want to get to know her. Tell her about yourself. But let her lead you. Take things at her pace because she’s probably still freaking out trying to figure out how she’s going to take care of herself and her baby.” She tells me. “You’re right. I’ll take tonight to get a plan together and go by there tomorrow.” I tell her before kissing her cheek. “I’ll be in my office.” I tell her. “I’ll come get you when dinner’s ready.” She tells me and I nod before heading upstairs to my home office.

I walk over to my desk and sit down. Looking over her paperwork and the notes I took today, I start typing everything up but the more I look at the notes and think about how bad she was beaten, I start thinking about my next steps. Picking up my phone I call Ashton. “Hey Logan. What can I do for you?” he asks. “I need a favor.” I tell him. “This have anything to do with our talk today?” he asks. “Yeah. Can you get Rico to get me some information on the father and his friend for me?” I ask. “He’s already on it. I told him to send it to my email and yours. We should have the information by morning.” He tells me. “Thanks brother.” I tell him. “You going to tell me what’s going on?” he asks. “I’m going by there tomorrow since my office is closed and see if I can spend some time with her. I want to get to know her.” I tell him. “You know she’s keeping the baby. Are you ready for that?” he asks. “Ash, I’m ready to settle down. Hell, I’ve not even been on a date in over a year. You know I’ve always wanted a family, and I don’t give a s**t about DNA. You know that.” I tell him. “Let us know how we can help brother.” He tells me before we end the call.

The next morning, it’s Saturday, so I get dressed into a pair of comfortable jeans, t-shirt, and tennis shoes. I head out the door and to the mission. Walking in the front door, the receptionist, Morgan, greets me. “Hey Logan. Did you get called in?” she asks confused. “No. Can you tell me where to find Lori Jones?” I ask her and she looks at her logbook and says, “Dorm 103 but she’s in the sitting room right now.” I smile and thank her before heading towards the sitting room. Stopping in the doorway of the sitting room, I see Lori sitting at a table, putting together a jigsaw puzzle. I walk over slowly and see her cut her eyes to me. “Good morning.” I say softly. “Morning.” She says. “Can I sit?” I ask and she nods.

I sit in the chair across from her and she asks, “Did you have more questions?” I shake my head and say, “No. But I was wondering if we could spend some time together.” I tell her and she looks up at me confused. “Do you spend time with all of your clients?” she asks. “Not normally.” I tell her. “Why me then?” she asks, looking back down at her puzzle. “Can I help?” I motion towards the puzzle, and she nods her head yes. I pick up a puzzle piece and start looking for where it goes and say, “How are you feeling?” I ask, not answering her question. “I’m okay. A little sore.” She tells me. “Any morning sickness?” I ask. “A little but Susan gave me something to help.” She tells me. “Good.” I say. She stops working the puzzle and looks up at me again. “Why me?” she asks again. “A few years ago, I lost my wife in a car accident. We were talking about having a family and then she was taken. I loved my wife but the minute I saw you, I felt this pull to you. The need to protect you. To get to know you. Is that okay?” I ask. “Why would you want someone damaged?” she asks. “First, you’re not damaged. You never will be. You got out of that house. That takes a lot of courage and strength even if it doesn’t feel like it. Second, please don’t ever talk about yourself like that again. From here out, we only talk about the present and future. Let me handle your past.” I tell her and she looks at me. “All I’m asking is that we get to know each other. We take things a day at a time. At your pace.” I tell her. “What if it doesn’t go past just talking?” she asks. “Then it doesn’t go past just talking. I want a family. I’m ready to settle down and get married.” I tell her. “But this baby…” she starts, and I stop her. “Will never know I’m not its father. He or she will only ever know me as it’s father.” I tell her. “And if I can’t be with you?” she asks. “Then the baby will still know me as it’s father and that their parents are friends.” I tell her and she just looks at me. “Can I think about it?” she asks. “Can I still come by and do puzzles with you?” I ask. She nods her head yes. “Take some time. Talk to Kathy and your friend. Talk to Izzy if you need to. I’m not going to rush you.” I tell her. “Okay.” She says and we go on doing the puzzle.

“What kind of things do you like to do?” I ask. “I used to love to bake. That’s why I started working at the diner. They let me bake all the deserts and still work the front.” She tells me. “I’ve had some of the pies there. Did you make that sweet apple tart they had last week?” I ask. She nods her head yes and I say, “That was delicious.” I tell her. “Thank you. It was the first thing my mom taught me to make.” She tells me. “Well, she taught you well.” I tell her. “What about you?” she asks. “When I’m not working, I’m usually hiking the woods behind my property with my dog Clyde.” I tell her. “You have a dog?” she asks. “Yeah. He’s three years old. I found him when he was a pup, half-starved in the woods. He’s been with me ever since.” I tell her. “What kind of dog is he?” she asks. “German Shepherd.” I tell her. “That’s my favorite breed. They are great with kids.” She tells me. “They are.” I tell her. “I wanted a dog growing up, but dad would never let me have one.” She tells me. “I didn’t have one growing up either. When I was a kid, my parents died and my best friend, Ashton’s parents took me in. Raised me. His dad was allergic to dogs so we couldn’t have one but now that I have Clyde, all that’s missing is the family.” I tell her.

After we finish the puzzle, she tells me she’s tired. “Get some rest sweetheart. You have my number now?” I ask and she nods her head yes. “Good. Call me or text me any time you want. I meant what I said. I want to get to know you.” I tell her. “I’d like that.” She tells me. “Can I hug you?” I ask and she nods. I slowly wrap my arms around her, and she snuggles into me and wraps her arms around me. I kiss the top of her head and hear her sigh. “It’s going to be okay.” I tell her. “I hope so.” She tells me as she pulls away. After she heads to her dorm, I head out the door with a smile on my face.

I head home and head to my office to do a little work. I see an email from Rico and open it. I open the document on Lori’s dad first. Michael Jones, age forty, married to Maggie Jones who died eight years ago of blunt force trauma to the head. Death ruled accidental. Report states she fell in the shower and hit her head on the side of the tub. Daughter, Lori, age ten, was found with bruises on her arms and back. Father explained that she was a clumsy child and active outside. In the last six years, there have been more than a dozen calls for domestic disturbances to the residence due to neighbors reporting screaming coming from the house. Father convinced the police that his daughter wasn’t home, and he was there alone. What the f**k? The system really failed her. I f*****g won’t. I’ll die before I let anyone touch her again.

I open the file on his friend next. Jake Powers, age thirty-one, divorced, no children. Ex-wife, Jessica Powers, filed for divorce after the third time he assaulted her. Spend six years in prison for domestic violence, aggravated assault, and s****l assault. God damn it. I look at the third document and see its contact information for Jessica Powers. I pick up my phone and call the number. “Hello?” a woman asks. “Can I speak to Jessica Powers please?” I ask. “This is she.” She says. “My name is Logan Edwards and I’m an attorney. I was wondering if I could ask you some questions about your ex-husband, Jake?” I ask. “Please tell me you aren’t representing him.” She says. “No. One of his victims.” I tell her. “Oh God. Has he hurt someone else?” she asks. “Unfortunately, yes. Can you tell me about your relationship with him?” I ask.

“He was nice at first but the minute he got his ring on my finger, he started beating me. He was drinking a lot and getting high. When he’d come down is when he’d get violent.” She told me. “He was charged with s****l assault. Can you tell me about that charge?” I ask. “He was charged with raping my fourteen-year-old sister. He invited her to spend the weekend with us and when I left for work, he tied her up and r***d her repeatedly.” She tells me. “How is your sister doing?” I ask. “She’s better. That was almost ten years ago. She’s married now. Got a baby on the way. She still has her moments but she’s okay.” She tells me. “That’s good to hear. Thank you for your time Ms. Powers and the information you gave me.” I tell her. “Let me know if there’s anything else I can do and please let me know if your client needs anything.” She tells me. “I will. Thank you.” I tell her before ending the call.

My next call is to Ashton. “Hey.” Ashton says as he answers. “Did you see the information Rico sent?” I ask. “Yeah. Did you talk to the ex-wife?” he asks. “Yeah. Said he didn’t start abusing her until after they got married. He was apparently drinking and using drugs and would get violent when he was coming down.” I tell him. “Did she tell you about the s****l assault?” he asks. “Yeah. He tied up her sister and repeatedly r***d her. The sister was fourteen. These fuckers have got to go. If they go to prison, they will just get back out to do it all over again.” I say. “Rico is watching the house to see when the best time to take him will be. I’ll call you when he has them.” He tells me. “The friend is mine.” I tell him and he voices his understanding before we end the call.

I hear a knock on the door of my office and see Alice standing there. “Are you okay Logan?” she asks. “No Mom, I’m not.” I say. I know she’s not my mom, but I seem to always call her that when I’m stressed. She walks in and sits on the couch and pats the cushion next to her and I move to sit with her. “Talk to me, son.” She tells me and I start telling her what I found out. “That’s a lot to process. Look, honey, I know you. I know you’re going to do all you can, legally to protect your woman. But from what you’ve told me, the legal system has failed her. Repeatedly.” She says. “I won’t fail her.” I tell her. “I have no doubt about that but just be careful.” She tells me before standing. “Dinner is ready.” She says before walking out of the room.

After I eat, I head to the shower and decide to text her when I get out. I clean up and get into my boxer briefs before getting my phone off the nightstand and pulling up the text app. I pull up her contact and try to decide what to say. I move to the balcony doors and open them, sitting in one of my chairs and look out at the moon. Then I decide to call instead. I dial the number and listen to it ring. “Hello?” she asks. “Hey sweetheart. How are you feeling?” I ask. “Okay for now. Was a little nauseous earlier.” She tells me. “Were you able to eat?” I ask. “I did. I ate some fruit, and Kathy brought me some ice cream.” She tells me. “What’s your favorite flavor?” I ask. “Vanilla. Kind of boring.” She tells me. “Not boring. Vanilla’s the best. It’s the best to make milkshakes out of.” I tell her. “That sounds good.” She tells me. “I’ll have to make you one when I come to visit tomorrow.” I tell her. “You want to come by tomorrow?” she asks. “Is that okay?” I ask. “Yeah. I’d like that.” She tells me and I smile. “How was your day?” she asks. “Productive. How was yours other than the nausea?” I ask. “It was okay. I had a session with Kathy and Susan checked the stitches on my cheek.” She tells me. “What did they tell you?” I ask.

“Kathy still wants to see me daily for a few more days and then we can go to once a week. Susan said that the cut is going to scar but she can give me something to minimize it. Izzy came by and said I could do some filing and light office work here to make some money to put back so that I’m not just sitting here.” She tells me. “That’s great honey. You know I’ll help any way I can.” I tell her. “You don’t have to do that.” She tells me. “I want to. As far as I’m concerned, we’re together until you tell me it’s not what you want. I’ll help however I can.” I tell her and she sighs. “Why are you so good to me?” she asks. “Because you need to see that you’re worth it. You need to see that not all men are like your father and his friend, and you need to see that you deserve to be loved and happy.” I tell her. We talk a little longer before ending the call for both of us to get some sleep. I can’t wait until the next day to see her.