A Highlander For Christmas

Anna is in Trouble

I was in a lovely Outlander type dream. The sad thing for me is that instead of Sam Heughan, I was getting cozy with Gregor Mackenzie. As long as he kept his mouth closed, then all was well in the dream, if only it applied to the real world.

There was also this obnoxious chirping sound that kept creeping into my dream and ruining the steamy moments. In the dream, I was running my hands up his chiseled abs and then all of a sudden there was that obnoxious chirping sound again.

My eyes flew open and I gripped the covers in frustration, my hand swiped the nightstand in search of the chirping thing that was ruining an otherwise sexy dream. Something thudded against the rug on the floor and I sent a silent prayer up to the ghosts and Gods that I at least had some cushioning so that my phone didn't end up a busted mess.

There were several missed calls and even more missed texts and they were all from Jer. Groaning, I knew this had to do with the whole being arrested thing. Scrubbing my hands over my face, I knew that Jer would answer his phone no matter what time it was.

"WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN AND WHERE IS MY BROTHER? WHY AM I HEARING YOU WERE ARRESTED? COULDN'T YOU STAY OUT OF TROUBLE FOR AT LEAST A WEEK!?" I yanked the phone away from my ear and winced.

"Calm down Jer your voice is getting high-pitched and squeaky. Soon the neighborhood dogs will start howling." He let out a breath of curses and I winced again.

"LISTEN HERE YOUNG LADY, I LEFT MY BROTHER IN YOUR CARE AND YOU ARE GETTING ARRESTED FOR ASSAULT?! ASSAULT!!!!" sighing, it was better to just let Jer get it out of his system, I wouldn't get a word in edgewise. He was already talking without stopping to take a breath.I could imagine the veins in his head ready to explode. He let out another string of curses and I just lay back staring at the ceiling.

"Can I speak now? If you shut up long enough I can at least tell you what happened." He started cursing at me in Spanish and I only understood about three words out of the whole sentence and they were not flattering whatsoever.

"First question, where is my brother? I have been trying to get a hold of him and I have not heard from him." That was worrying and honestly, I did not know what to say to him, but I wasn't going to lie about it.

"Sinclair picked me up at the airport and said Wuggie was at the house. I haven't seen him since I got here. I have been kind of busy." There was another exasperated sigh at the other end of the phone.

"So that little turd didn't even show up to pick you up?"

"Nope, and if I find out where he is I will kick his butt and then have him call you." There was a grunt and the subject of Wuggie was now on the back burner.

"How did you manage to get a lawyer for me so fast? I know you said you had a guy over here handling things. How do you know hot Russian?" There was a girlish chuckle and I raised my eyebrows at the sound of playful slapping.

"Alexei's dad is the one handling your estate. I am sure Eugenia probably called him to have him bail you out. What is this about an assault on a constable?" Pulling a face, I glowered at my nails. Way to evade the question Jer.

"Long story short, the neighbor was a t**t, started a fight, she called the law and animal control. They tried to take my dog. I slapped her stupid frog face and fought the animal control guys." There was another squeal and giggle on the other end of the phone. I pinched the bridge of my nose. If he was having some weird kinky s*x while chewing me out, I was going to have to figure out a way to scrub my brain from the visuals.

"That's my girl, look, I just want what is best for you, and I would prefer you try to stay out of trouble while you are over there. I have confidence that Alexei can get you out of trouble, but I would prefer you not scare the poor guy off with your craziness." Pouting, I snuggled down in the blankets. Like he should talk about being crazy.

"Honey, I know you go all Mama Bear when it comes to animals, friends, and family. But you just got there and you don't need the village knowing you are unhinged." The disappointment in his voice hurt. I thought I had a valid reason for defending my animals.

"Alexei is hot, my craziness didn't really seem to bother him. In fact, he seemed impressed with my ability to get into trouble." Sure, it was not something to be proud of, but the guy did not seem to be undeterred by my crazy bag lady appearance either.

"Now answer my question, Jer, and stop evading the question. How do you know Alexei?" He groaned and I heard slurping, I made a face as bile crawled up my throat.

"Fine, I used to date his best friend. I tried to charm the pants off him, but the guy is straight as they come. Look, honey, this is a bad time, I'm kind of busy. Please have my brother call me I am worried about him." The line went dead as someone squealed "OH BABY" on the other end.

I sent a text to Wuggie and answered emails from my parents. There was an email from Alexei talking about a court date and that we would have to go over details, possibly over dinner. Then there was an email from Mack. He wanted to discuss work on the estate and find another handyman to do the job.

He went on to lecture me about how I should at least behave better and that he had the situation handled. Now he was the laughingstock of the village because he was now associated with the crazy American who punched a poor mother who was defending her children from a vicious dog.

I rolled my eyes as the email went on about my behavior and how this isn't America and how people don't act like this in Scotland. I kind of felt guilty, not a lot, but a tiny bit of guilt was worming its way into my gut. I hated that this jerk made me feel as if I were in the wrong. Even though this woman trespassed on my property and there was no reason for them to take my dog.

Tossing the phone back on the nightstand, I decided it was time to grab some food and work on a game plan for how I was going to fix the fuckery that was currently in my life. I know I am impulsive, but they had no right. I also needed to work on schmoozing the village folks. It also sounded like Alexei was asking me out on a date. I think I should take him up on his offer for dinner tomorrow night.

Starting tomorrow, I am going to right the wrongs that have happened so far. I also was going to figure out a way to get back at Karen for besmirching my somewhat tarnished name.