No Way Out - Fern Michaels Page 0,20

what will happen in each case?”

“If he pleads guilty, and they reduce the charge, he’ll get probation and community service.”

“That hardly seems right.” Ellie was starting to steam.

“Yes, indeed. And if he pleads not guilty, he’ll go to trial, and the jury will decide.” Colleen explained further. “And going to trial could take months. Even a year.”

“Jeez. Sounds awful.”

“So the present custody arrangement is in effect, as well as the temporary restraining order, until the hearing. That’s when we’ll know how he pleads and what comes next.”

“How are you holding up?” Ellie sipped on her wine.

“Not too bad, really. Our marriage had been in a severe downward spiral for a couple of years. I’m actually relieved.”

“Sometimes it takes a monumental eruption to move us forward.” Ellie spoke from experience.

“You got that right. Anyhoo, I had a security system installed and bought a Taser.”

“A Taser?” Ellie was curious. That was one of the first things she’d purchased when she had left the hospital. One can never be too safe. Or maybe she was just being paranoid. She chuckled to herself.

“Yep. Wow. Those things are impressive. Officer Pedone showed me how to use it.” Colleen felt herself blush. “He’s been extremely helpful.”

“Glad to hear it. Sometimes it can be very frightening when you’re faced with so much stress with little or no backup.” Ellie spoke from experience.

“And Jackson seems to be doing so much better. I cannot thank you enough for your kindness.” Colleen almost started to get weepy. She had been keeping herself in check for Jackson’s sake, trying to hold back the tears.

“I’m glad he and Buddy are friends.” Ellie paused for a moment. Was this the right time to invite her?

“Listen, I’ve gotta go and put dinner on the table. Jackson is washing up. Oh, and, if you ever need anything, say, an errand to be run, please let me know.”

Ellie was slightly stunned. “Why, thank you. I appreciate it.”

“I know Hector does a lot for you, but just in case, please know you have backup.”

“Thanks, Colleen. I’ll certainly keep that in mind. Thanks for calling. Have a good evening.”

“You, too.”

The two clicked off at the same time.

Lots of thoughts rushed through Ellie’s head. Had she found a friend? For the first time in two years, she felt that there was someone she could relate to. Even if it was just over the phone.

Chapter Eleven

Mitchel had tried to keep his cool the evening Officer Pedone delivered the rest of his clothing. He was very polite to the man, but what he really wanted to do was punch his face in. Delivery boy. And who the hell was she to have a cop bring his clothes? “Yes, Officer. Thank you, Officer.” Mitchel was seething at his own impersonation of Eddie Haskell. He signed the receipt and grabbed the bags. As soon as the officer was out of sight, he went outside and threw them in the trash.

“Hey, Mitch?” his brother, Gregory, yelled from the basement. “What’s up with the cops?” He had seen the police car leave as he looked through the small basement window.

“He was making a delivery. And it wasn’t pizza.” Mitchel was almost spitting, he was so mad.

Gregory climbed the steps, wiping his hands on a towel. “What was that all about?”

“The rest of my stuff.”

“Like what stuff? All your junk from the garage and basement?”

“Nah. Just my clothes.” Mitchel lit up a cigarette.

“Hey, man, you know the rules. No smoking in the house,” Greg reminded him.

“Yeah. Whatever.” Mitchel stomped out the kitchen door and sat on the back step.

“What’s going on, bro?” Gregory was right behind him.

“What’s going on? You’re kidding, right?” Mitchel threw him a look.

“No. I mean I know there’s a lot going on. But what was the visit from the cop all about?”

“I told you. He delivered my clothes.” Mitchel flicked the cigarette butt onto the sidewalk.

Gregory went over and picked it up and put it in the metal ashtray. “See, you do it like this,” Gregory instructed his brother. He was getting worn-out by Mitchel’s attitude, especially since he and his wife, Elaine, were letting him stay there for, well, they didn’t know for how long. But it was becoming apparent the arrangement wasn’t going to last very long. Even after a few days, Elaine was getting annoyed at Mitchel’s sulking, smoking, and drinking.

“Buzz off.” Mitchel went back inside and popped open a can of beer. Greg followed him in.

“Listen, I know this is not easy, but you’re going to have to