Whiskey Lullaby

Chapter 18-Ashton

Chapter 18

Ashton

It didn’t take long to get all of Izzy and Jason’s things moved into our house. We unpacked her things, but she wanted to put Jason’s furniture in one of the other rooms that I used for storage. I know that was hard for her but it’s a step she felt she needed to take, and I just want to support her. She takes all of Jason’s clothes and puts them in the storage room too. She keeps his teddy bear on the bookshelf in our bedroom to keep it close and I fully support that.

After getting everything unpacked, Nancy calls us for dinner and we sit down in our dining room to steaks, sliced baked potatoes and veggies. Izzy is quiet during dinner. “Are you okay sweetheart?” I ask softly. She looks up at me and says “Yeah. Just wrapping my head around it all. I never really thought I would move out of my house.” She tells me. “I know it’s a lot. But you know we are all here to support you and you have Kathy too. Just take things a day at a time.” I tell her. “You said you wanted to marry me someday.” She says. “And I do. Kids too when you’re ready. But nothing happens until you’re ready. There’s no rush.” I tell her and she smiles softly at me. “How do you always know what to say to calm me down?” she asks. “Blame that on Nancy. The woman always told me that when I found my one that if I didn’t treat her like she’s the most precious thing in my life she’d kick my ass.” I tell her laughing.

Nancy takes that moment to walk in and says, “And I still mean it.” Before walking over to kiss my cheek before kissing the top of Izzy’s head and saying, “Just put your dishes in the sink and I’ll finish them in the morning.” I nod and tell her good night and Izzy does the same. After she walks out the door, Izzy looks at me and says, “She’s amazing.” I smile and say “Yeah. She is.” before we finish eating.

After dinner, I shower and when I get out, Izzy isn’t in our room. I see the book on her side of the bed is missing and I know where she is. I open the door to the library and see her curled up on one of the loveseats that we had delivered this afternoon, a blanket over her lap, wine glass in her hand and book in her lap, reading. She hears the door open and looks up, smiling softly at me. “I couldn’t resist.” She tells me. I smile back and walk over to her, leaning down, I kiss her softly on the lips. “Want some company?” I ask and she nods softly. I move to the shelves and pull down one of my favorite books, Lord of the Flies, and pour a glass of Jameson before sitting on the loveseat with her and propping my feet up on the ottoman. “What did you pick?” she asks, and I show her the book. “I remember reading that in high school. We had to read it for our literature class, and I remember us watching the movie after.” She tells me. “This was always one that my dad and I would read together when he was home.” I tell her. “What are you reading?” I ask her. “The Scarlett Letter. I loved this one when I was a teenager.” She tells me and I lean over and kiss her softly. We spend the next little bit just reading our books and enjoying just being together.

After a bit, Izzy starts yawning so I take her book from her and put it on the coffee table with mine and take her hand. Leading her to our bedroom, I pull the covers back for her to climb in and then I climb in behind her and wrap my arms around her and we both drift off to sleep.

The next morning, I get ready for work and kiss Izzy goodbye. “Just relax for a while.” I tell her. “But I thought…” she starts, and I stop her. “When someone calls me for help, you will be by my side, helping. I promise. But until then, relax. Even Kathy said you needed to take a step back.” I tell her and she nods. “She can help me in the garden.” Nancy says from behind us and Izzy smiles. “See. Spend some time with Nancy. I love you.” I tell her. “I love you too.” She tells me before I walk out the door and head to the office.

Walking into my office, Rico is right behind me. “Morning boss.” He says. “Morning Rico. You got something for me?” I ask. “Oh yeah.” He says and takes a seat at the table in my office, and I sit across from him. “Let’s see it.” I tell him and he hands me over three files. I open the first file and see it’s Marshall and Janie Walker. “Talk.” I say and Rico starts telling me what he’s found. “From what I’ve found, Marshall has been embezzling money from his clients. We’re talking about close to fifty billion dollars from them over the last fifteen years. His clients think he’s investing their money but he’s giving them just enough money as a return to keep them from getting suspicious.” He tells me. “s**t. And these are all the records?” I ask.

“How’d you get these?” I ask. “Don’t worry. I had Charles working with me to make sure everything we found could be used in court.” He tells me and I smile. “This is why I pay you the big bucks, Rico.” I tell him. “Now, tell me about the wife.” I say. “Well, she’s a little more interesting.” He tells me and I look at the papers on her. “Holy shit.” I tell him, laughing. “Yeah. Seems miss homemaker, perfect wife is also a Madam. Running an underground brothel that services several of the government officials, lawyers and judges from her country club.” He tells me. “Wait. Lawyers and Judges?” I ask. “Two very familiar ones.” He tells me and I open the file on Joshua Roberts and see pictures of him in some very compromising positions with the ladies that work for Janie Walker. Looking at the other papers in his file, I see he’s been padding the files of some of the people he’s prosecuted.

“Oh, this is good.” I tell him. “That’s nothing.” Rico tells me and pushes the judge’s file closer to me. Opening the file, I see proof that he’s been taking bribes on cases and also been in business with some heavy drug dealers. “And Charles has all of this?” I ask. “He does. He’s waiting on your call.” He tells me. “Great work Rico. Look, I know you’ve been working hard. Take your girl and pick a place. I’ll send you two on a little getaway. You’ve earned it.” I tell him. “She was actually wanting to go see her parents in Utah.” He tells me. “You’re meeting the family?” I ask. “I am. Got a question to ask her father.” He tells me and I smile.

I move to my desk and ask Megan to come in. “You need something Ashton?” she asks. “Get the details from Rico to make arrangements for him and his girl for a trip home. And get him my jeweler’s information please. And let him know to put whatever he picks on my bill.” I tell her. “That’s not necessary boss.” He says. “Like I said. You’ve earned it.” I tell him and he shakes my hand and heads out to talk to Megan.

I move back to my desk and call Charles. “Hello Ashton.” Charles greets me. “Good morning Charles. Have you looked at the information Rico dropped off?” I ask. “I have and I’m just waiting on you to give the go ahead.” He tells me. “What’s the plan?” I ask. “I play golf with the attorney general so I can set up a meeting and give him all the information. He will get the ball rolling to have Roberts and Conner arrested before the end of the week.” He tells me.

“What about the Walkers?” I ask. “Oh, I’ve already tipped off the police about them and apparently they’ve already been looking into them.” He tells me. “Good. My only concern is that Roberts and Conner will run once they see that the Walker’s have been arrested.” I tell him. “According to the information that was given to the police, they have the names of all of the big players that frequent Mrs. Walker’s brothel and they happen to also be on that list.” He tells me. “That’s great to hear.” I tell him. “Then you’re going to love this.” He tells me. “What?” I ask. “A few of the national news agencies have been notified of what’s going on and will be there when they are all hauled into the police station. The feds will be there waiting on them as well.” He tells me and I start laughing.

“When you want the best, call the best. Thanks Charles. Izzy will sleep better knowing this is being handled.” I tell him. “How’s she doing?” he asks. “Better. We’ve got her into therapy, and she’s moved into my house.” I tell him. “That’s great. Let me know if you or her need anything else.” He says. “Thanks Charles.” I say before ending the call.

That evening, I’m home before 5:30pm. Walking into the house, I walked into the kitchen to see Izzy and Nancy cooking together. I just stand there a minute and watch. She’s smiling. She turns a little and sees me standing there. “Hey.” She says and Nancy looks over at me. “Hello Ashton.” Nancy says. “Hello ladies.” I say before walking over and kissing Izzy softly before kissing Nancy’s cheek. “You seem happy.” Izzy says. “I am. Had a productive day.” I tell her and she looks at me confused. “What happened?” she asks. “Let’s watch the news.” I tell her and she follows me to the living room and so does Nancy. “Is everything okay Ashton?” Nancy asks, already protective of Izzy, seeing her take Izzy’s hand for support.

“Everything’s perfect.” I tell her and we all sit down. “I had Rico investigate the Walkers as well as the lawyer that represented Mark and the judge and we found out some things. My lawyer handled things, so we know it’s all being done the legal way. I know you wouldn’t want it any other way.” I tell her and she looks at me even more confused, so I turn on the news.

Breaking news…Investor, Marshall Walker, arrested for embezzling millions from clients over the last decade. His wife, Janie Walker, has also been arrested on charges of illegal prostitution. Mr. Walker has been embezzling money from clients and investing his money in helping his wife run her own underground brothel.

Izzy looks at me shocked when she hears what the news reporter says. “Are you serious?” she asks. “I am. But there’s more.” I tell her and she looks back at the television.

Upon discovery of the embezzling and illegal prostitution, authorities busted into the brothel and arrested several high-ranking members of our community. Those included in the arrests are Defense Attorney Joshua Roberts and Judge Ralph Conner, among others.

I watch Izzy’s reaction to the news. She takes a minute and then looks at me. “That’s the lawyer that represented Mark and the judge that ruled over his case. But will any of this stick?” she asks. “It will. None of them will be getting out for a long time. We have evidence that the judge has been taking bribes and seems to be making some of his money off the local drug dealers. The lawyer has been padding files for a long time.” I tell her. “And Mark’s parents. All of that is true?” she asks. “It is. They will be lucky if they see the light of day again in their lifetime.” I tell her. “And you did this? For me?” she asks. “I will always protect you. No matter what I have to do to do it.” I tell her.

She looks from me to Nancy, and she says “I will finish getting dinner finished. Take a few minutes to process sweetheart but remember that we are your family and there’s nothing we won’t do for family.” She tells Izzy before winking at me and heading back to the kitchen. Izzy stands and starts pacing before walking to the windows looking over the gardens. I walk over and stand beside her. “What’s going through your head baby?” I ask. She starts laughing. I look at her worried and she looks at me and says “They harassed me. They threatened me. They told me that I should have aborted my son. They said such evil things. Acted like they were untouchable and here they are, sitting in a jail cell and heading to prison and I’m getting my happy ever after.

I get to marry a man that loves me. I get to have a family. I get to be happy, and they have to worry about getting stabbed in the shower.” She tells me. “Are you okay with that?” I ask and smirk. “I am so good with that. Holy s**t. This means I’m free of them.” She tells me. “You are.” I tell her. Nancy takes that time to come into the room and tell us that dinner is ready.

After dinner, Izzy and I head to the patio to watch the sun set. “How are you doing with all of this?” I ask. “I’m good I think.” She tells me. Then she looks at me and says “I have an appointment with Kathy tomorrow. Will you go with me? Sit in there with me?” she asks. “Anything you need baby.” I tell her and she leans over and kisses me softly.

The next morning, we head out to her appointment. Walking into the waiting room, I push the button to let her know someone is in the waiting room. She opens the door and calls Izzy in. “Is it okay if Ashton sits in with us?” she asks, and Kathy smiles and says “That’s fine.” We walk into her office and sit on the sectional couch and Kathy sits with us. “So, what’s been going on?” Kathy asks. “So much. But it’s been good things.” She tells Kathy. “How’s that?” Kathy asks. “Well, I moved in with Ashton.” She says. “That’s progress. How do you feel about it?” Kathy asks. “Good. Great actually. We took Jason’s things to our house but instead of setting things up, we put them in a storage room. I have his bear on a shelf in our bedroom.” She tells Kathy. “That’s great. And this was your idea?” Kathy asks. “It was. Ashton’s never pressured me for anything. He just supports me but he does tell me what he thinks after I’ve made my decision, but he never makes me feel like he’s trying to make the choice for me.” She tells Kathy and Kathy smiles at me.

“That’s the kind of support you need. Someone that will let you make the decisions that you feel you need to make and just being there for you.” Kathy says. “Oh, don’t get me wrong, he doesn’t hold anything back. He doesn’t baby me, but he does make me feel safe in the decisions I make.” She tells Kathy before looking at me and smiling. “How do you feel about all of this, Ashton?” Kathy asks. “I’m happy. After losing my wife five years ago, I never thought I would even think about loving someone again but we’ve been taking about getting married and having kids someday, but Izzy knows that none of that happens until she tells me she’s ready for it. I wanted her to know what I wanted but it’s up to her when and if it happens.” I tell her and she smiles. “That’s great communication.” Kathy says.

“Some other things have happened too. Did you see on the news, the couple that was arrested along with that judge and lawyer?” Izzy asks. “I did.” Kathy says. “The couple that was arrested, those are Mark’s parents. The lawyer was the one that represented Mark, and the judge is the one that oversaw the case.” Izzy tells Kathy and her eyes go wide. “That’s big news.” Kathy says. “It is.” I say and we go on in the session.

Once we get home from her appointment, I’ve taken the day off and we just relax. We’re sitting in the library, reading when Izzy moves the blanket off her lap. “You need something baby?” I ask. She doesn’t speak. She moves to straddle me and cups my face. “I love you.” She whispers. “I love you too baby.” I whisper back. She kisses me softly and I deepen the kiss. My hands are on her hips, and she moves to remove her shirt. I don’t speak. I let her take the lead. Once her shirt is on the floor, her bra follows. I start kissing down her neck and move to wrap my lips around one n****e while my fingers tweak her other n****e and she starts grinding on my hard member, through our lounge pants. She suddenly stands up and removes her pants and panties in one swoop as I lower my pants and boxer briefs. She climbs back into my lap, straddling me again and I move my hard member to her entrance, and she’s soaked already.

She lowers herself on my rigid shaft, slowly and we both moan at the sensation. As we start to kiss again, she starts to move up and down and it feels amazing. I kiss over to her ear and whisper “You’re mine Izzy. All mine.” And she moans out my name as she finds her release. I lay her down on the couch and start thrusting in and out slowly and she moans “Faster Ash. Please.” I start thrusting harder and faster and she meets me thrust for thrust until she finds her release one more time and I find mine right behind he, inside of her.

After we both reach our release, I hold her close and run my fingers up and down her bare back as she does the same to my chest. “Marry me Izzy.” I whisper. She looks up at me and smiles softly and says “Okay.” I kiss her deeply, knowing we are really going to have our life together.