The Sisters Ch 05

Another two years passed by for the little family. With a GED in hand, Mary managed to get a job at a local law firm answering phones and filing paperwork. Stephanie, now 17, got a part time job at the aquarium she so loved. She didn't make good money, but she loved telling people all sorts of random facts about the aquatic creatures that were her charges. When she wasn't doing that or going to school, she could be found on the soccer field. College scouts were salivating at the thought of having her on their division one teams. With the money the three of them pooled together, they weren't as destitute as they once were. Jax was still a noncommunicative child, but seemed to have a bright affect.

Stephen walked through the front door one evening and scooped up Jax, playing with him with the child on his hip. He walked into the kitchen. He walked over to Mary and gave her his usual married couple kiss. He smiled brightly at the smell coming from the pot she was stirring. "Hey Babe! Did Coach Kim talk to you?"

Mary furrowed her brow a little, but kept her attention on the red sauce she was making. "No...not recently. Why? Did she get another scholarship offer?"

Stephen shook his head. "No. She's skipped practice for the last three days. Kim said it's fine, she just wants to make sure Steph's okay. I told her she seemed to be."

Now Mary met her husband's gaze. They both shared a look of concern. "Soccer is her life. Why would she ditch three days in a row?"

Stephen took out his phone, which vibrated gently in his hand. "Why would the aquarium call me? Is she awake?"

Mary shook her head 'no' and set down the wooden spoon she was holding, wiping her hands on her apron. "No. She said she was tired and went to bed."

"Went to bed!? She's seventeen and it's four in the afternoon!" Stephen held the phone to his ear. "Stephen Jackson. Not her parent but her guardian. What? She's not in trouble, is she? Okay. Let me get to the bottom of this. Okay. Thank you for calling." He hung up the phone and returned it to his pocket before looking at Mary, his face now one of mounting concern.

Mary looked at him cautiously. "She didn't skip work too, did she?"

Stephen shook his head again. "No. She was on time, but apparently very tired. She fell asleep standing up and fell into the stingray petting tank. Damn near fell on top of a stingray. Geez, that's how Steve Irwin died." Stephen's dark joke hung in the air. Neither laughed at it. There was a knock at the door. Stephen looked in the direction of the front door and began walking in that direction. "What now?"

He opened the door and was greeted by a police officer. "Hello there. Is this the Moore residence?"

Stephen sighed. "You're fucking kidding me. Jackson by the way. Is this about Stephanie?"

The officer nodded. "Yes sir. She's skipped school three days in a row without a note. We've been trying to call you and your wife."

Stephen couldn't believe his ears. "SHE WHAT!?" He took a breath. "I'm...I'm at a loss for words. I'm sorry officer. She will be there tomorrow; you have my word." They sent the police officer on his way and Stephen closed the door. "What on Earth is she thinking!? What's gotten into that kid!? I'm gonna kill her!"

Mary put her hands on Stephen's shoulders. "She's shouldered a lot of responsibility. I'm going to call Damien. Maybe they've been studying late."

Stephen turned around and looked at his wife. "You don't think they're doing drugs or something, do you? I never would have thought either one of them is the type for booze...but then again, I never would have thought Stephanie would be ditching school and missing soccer practice."

Mary tried to force a smile, but couldn't. She picked up her phone and dialed Damien's number. "Hi Damien, it's Mary. Yes, I know she's not there right now. I actually wanted to talk to you. I know Stephanie's been cutting school. If you want to keep hanging out with her and having your Friday date nights, you need to tell me exactly what's going on." Mary looked at Stephen. "No, you wouldn't be betraying her trust. Damien, I want to help her. You know that. I love her. Just like you do." She paused. "Okay. And that's what's been going on? Okay. I'll tell Stephen." Mary hung up the phone. "Damien said there's some mean girl bullshit going on in the soccer team. Apparently, it's become a thing that 'Charity case Stephanie is dating a fat ass.' Damien told her that she didn't have to date him if it was going to cause problems with her soccer friends."

Stephen gave a sigh. "Okay. She's being bullied and is depressed about it. Probably not sleeping. It's not great, but it's better than drugs."

Stephanie walked out of her room, rubbing her eye and holding a hand on her stomach. She looked like shit. "What's going on? Is everything okay?"

Mary looked at her and sighed. "We know you skipped three days of school and soccer. And we know you fell asleep at work and damn near drowned. And Damien told us your friend are pulling bitchy bullshit. What are you doing at night?"

Stephanie looked away evasively. "I just haven't felt good, sis. My stomach's been hurting. And I knew you wouldn't let me sit at home and watch wheel of fortune."

Stephen walked over to her. "Well, you're going to school tomorrow and that's all there is do it. We got a visit from the truancy officer. The last thing we need is some cop telling your social worker that we let you cut school four days in a row."

Stephanie looked up at him, tears welling in her eyes but everyone in the house knowing well her ability to produce tears on command. "Stephen...my stomach really hurts...maybe I should just stay home another day..."

Stephen had to fight a tugging at his heart strings. 'This is exactly what she did when she wanted a new phone for Christmas.' "No. You're going to school tomorrow. That's final. Rest up tonight and we'll take to you to the pediatrician tomorrow. After school that is."

"But my stomach really-" She was cut off mid-sentence by a deluge of bright red bloody vomit spewing all over Stephen's shirt. She burst into tears. "Shit! Stephen I'm sorry! I'll work a double at the aquarium to pay for-"

Stephen looked briefly at his shirt. "JESUS CHRIST!" He scooped the seventeen-year-old into his arms after handing Jax to Mary. "Mary, grab my keys! We'll take her to Saint Agatha's...that's the closest emergency room!"

When they arrived at the emergency room she was taken right back. In a heart beat she was hooked up to every monitor, IV, and tube known to man. Mary and Stephen say by a Stephanie, the couple hand in hand. Stephen was having trouble keeping a dry eye. He kept apologizing over and over. Mary was more in shock than her husband. Some people have all the luck. Jax played pleasantly in the corner of the room with some wooden blocks a nurse found and Stephanie was gaining some strength after a few blood transfusions.

Stephanie looked at her brother-in-law. "Really Stephen it's not a big deal. It's my fault. I should have told you sooner. I thought it was just a stomach bug and it would go away. It hurt like a bitch though."

Their social worker from Child Services walked into the room accompanied by a nurse and a police officer. The social worker spoke. "Mary, Stephen...hi...there's uh...there's a problem. According to the gastroenterologist there is a high chance that Stephanie ingested some poison. Has Jax been feeling under the weather?"

Mary snapped instantly out of her funk and looked at the woman. "What!? No! You don't...you don't think we had something to do with it, do you?"

The social worker looked at Stephanie. "Stephanie, can you think of any reason Mary..."

Stephanie didn't let her finish. "My sister would never, ever, ever hurt me. She didn't poison me."

The social worker made a note on her clip board as Stephanie weakly sat up in bed. "And what about Stephen? Does he drink much? Does he get angry? Has he ever hit you?"

Stephanie wiped tears from her face. "Stephen can't bring himself to beat me in Mario Kart! He's never laid a finger on me! And he's not poisoning me either! You can check me for bruises!"

The social worker nodded. "I see. Well, both of you have an excellent track record, and Stephen I've looked over your employee file at the school...I have to admit I would be surprised to find out that you were harming either of your children. I'll have some questions for Stephanie, but until this matter is cleared up, Jax will be temporarily moved into a foster home. Stephanie will stay here with a guard at the nurse's station. Stephen, I've spoken to the principal of your school. She's placing you on leave, but paid leave. She said not to worry about your lesson plans. I'll keep you apprised of Stephanie's recovery."

Mary shook her head. "Sheila! You've been our case worker for like ten years! You can't be serious!"

Stephanie was now sitting all the way up. "This is total bullshit Sheila! I want to stay with Mary and Stephen! Are you going to tell me I don't get a fucking say in this!?"

Damien walked into the hospital room and looked around. "Did...I come at a bad time?"

Stephanie looked at him, then back to the social worker. "No! Your timing is perfect. Or are you going to be a raging bitch and tell me my boyfriend can't visit either?" The social worker stuttered briefly. "That's a yes or no question." She looked at the nurse, who nodded, then the police officer, who also nodded.

The nurse spoke now. "Your boyfriend can stay. But the guard will be watching everything. He is not to give you any food or drink."

Stephanie nodded, but then looked at Mary as though she had just realized something. "Mary...um...since you have to leave...uh...is it okay if Damien stays here tonight?"

Mary couldn't fight off a warm smile. "Well...I guess since you stayed with him in the hospital it's only fair. I'll call his parents."

Mary rose with Stephen, letting Damien take her seat. The pudgy boy took Stephanie's hand. Mary couldn't be sure of it, but she thought she saw a little loop of dental floss in Stephanie's free hand. Mary's smile broadened, a tear falling from her cheek. The social worker spoke. "I'm sorry Mary. You and Stephen must go. I'll call you in a few hours."

Stephen kissed Stephanie on the forehead and walked to Mary, taking her hand and looking at Damien. "Let's go sweetheart. Stephanie is in good hands."

They were escorted by an untrusting and burly cop to the door. As soon as they were in their car, Mary took out her phone as Stephen was putting on his seatbelt. "Who are you texting babe?"

She finished her text and looked at Stephen. "Damien. Obviously. He's our mole in that place. I told him to tell me everything that's happening." Her voice had an heir of someone explaining that two and two made four.

Stephen furrowed his brow. "Wait...I thought Damien was just there to provide comfort and familiarity..."

Mary nodded. "Well...yes...obviously that too. But we've been dealing with this social worker for years. We're not allowed to text or call Stephanie. She's not allowed to call or text us. BUT if we have someone with her then there's no reason, we can't communicate with her and monitor her condition. Come on Stephen, get with the program."

Stephen sighed, his voice a mumble. "Women are scary."

Mary distractedly put her phone away. "Okay...do you have a plan on how we're getting the kids back?"

Stephen looked at her nonplussed. "Let...the system...work for us?"

Mary sighed and met her husband's eyes. "Sweetie, I know you're from gaga lala land, but these are serious accusations. We need a fucking plan. I'm not going to lose Stephanie and Jax. And we need to find out who would want to hurt Steph. Can you think of anyone?"

Stephen shook his head. "One of the bitchy soccer players maybe? Maybe she took someone's scholarship? Can you think of anyone?"

"A soccer player hadn't occurred to me." Her voice was one of admission and consideration. "I can think of someone else."

There was a pregnant pause. "Um...penny for your thoughts my love?"

"Just drive. Go home and wait for a call from Sheila. And I need to borrow the car."

After dropping off Stephen, Mary hit the road, driving to a familiar suburb. As she drove, her phone vibrated. She glanced at the phone in the cup holder. Text messages were coming in from Damien's number.

'sis i know wat ur gonna do. dont go to frqnk'

This was followed very quickly by 'typo' and 'frank'

At a red light, Mary texted back 'Get some sleep. Love you.'

After a pause, another message came in. 'he killed mom and dad'

At the next light, Mary texted back. 'I'm getting my kids back. This is my fight. Your fight is getting sleep and getting better. I love you.' Mary had to be honest with herself. This was about the last place on Earth she wanted to go. Frank was her least favorite person, and she didn't want to think of what deal he was going to want to make. As she drove, she knew he probably had some 19-year-old girl sucking his dick to keep her boyfriend from getting deployed to some war torn third world country. The thought of it made her sick to her stomach. But she would do anything for Stephanie and Jax. She pulled into Frank's driveway and stepped out of her car. She still wore her clothes from work, a knee length black skirt and black pantyhose coupled with purple blouse which was stained with a small amount of Stephanie's blood and vomit. It wasn't her sexiest look, but Frank never seemed to mind in the past. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door.

To Mary's surprise, there was no answer. She knocked again. "FRANK! It's Mary! I know you're in there! Your car's in the driveway!"

She kept banging on the door until she heard shuffling footsteps to the door. The door swung open. Tears of anger filled her eyes as Frank came into view. She was surprised though. She was used to a chubby man, usually full of piss and vinegar. Frank was skin and bones. He looked haggard and tired.

Mary didn't wait for an invitation. She walked into the house and shut the door. "Stephen and I lost custody of our kids. You're going to get them back. And you're going to pay for Stephanie's medical bills. Stephen's insurance sucks ass."

Frank's voice was feeble. "Now's not the best time..."

Mary shook her head. "Because you're dying or because I interrupted a threesome with some identical twins upstairs? You know what, I don't give a shit. Give me a retainer for a family court lawyer, give me some money for the deductible, fuck me...not in the ass this time...and I'll be on my way."

Frank hobbled weakly over to a chair. "And why should I suddenly care about your problems?"

Mary knew she didn't have time for this sob story bullshit. She turned away from him and unbuttoned her blouse until it showed a ton of cleavage and the tops of her bra cups, then parked herself on his lap so his ass was on top of his flaccid cock. If marriage had taught her one thing, it was how to seduce a man. "Why should you help my sister? Because you ruined her life. Because she's a child. Because you never put any money in the collection plate." She planted a kiss on his lips, her tongue intruding into his mouth and letting it dance against his. After breaking the kiss, she gazed into his eyes, her expression stern. "Frank, for once in your life, do the right fucking thing. You're obviously about to pass away. What do you want your legacy to be? How do you want people to remember you? As just another fucking scumbag? Because I promise you, that's where you're at right now."

He looked at the ground. "You and Stephanie would never forgive me."

Mary took his chin and pointed it up so he was looking her in the eye. "We absolutely won't. You raped me. You made sure I got pregnant, against my will, with your child. And you killed our mother and father."

Frank sighed. "Actually, I killed your father. I never laid a finger on your mother."

An obvious lightbulb clicked on in Mary's head. "How did I fucking miss it! Mom used to puke blood! Stephanie has what ever mom died of! Duh!" She grabbed Frank's shirt, leaning forward to make her cleavage more evident. "Sounds like you loved my mom. Well, she didn't love you. Boo hoo. You got your revenge. You raped her daughter. Now is your chance to save her other kid. Now tell me exactly how they died. Did you kill my dad because you loved my mom and you were jealous?" He nodded. "Okay. Now we're getting somewhere. You own pharmaceutical companies and hospitals. Is it because you wanted to save my mom?" Again, he nodded. "But she had given up on living. Did they find a treatment that would work?"

His eyes brimmed with tears; his cockiness seemed to have left him. "One of my drug companies was ready to begin human trials on a new drug about three weeks after she died. The disease is so rare I didn't bother following through with it."

Mary let go of his shirt and sat up on his lap. "Okay. It's a start. Do you have the contact information for the doctors who ran the study and the scientists who made the drug?"

Frank nodded and smiled. "You know, you have your dad's temperament. But you look so much like your mom."

Mary turned away from him. "This doesn't put us on speaking terms. I never asked for your temperament. I never asked for anything from you except my family."

Frank shook his head, still grinning. Not the cocky self-absorbed grin she so loathed. "That's not what I meant. Not me. You remind me of my brother."

Mary wiped a tear from her face and stood up. "Go get the names and numbers of the doctors and scientists who were on the project. Maybe samples of drug still exist. And I need you to get me an attorney so I can have my kids back. I don't care what I have to do."

Within two hours he had made phone calls. With bribes sent to the right people in the hospital systems and government, Mary's mom's case medical charts were located, Mary and Stephen were cleared of abuse suspicion, the experimental drug was sent to Stephanie's hospital, and Frank was shuffling back into the living room. He had a gun in his hand.

"It's all taken care of. Everything." He eased into the sofa. "I also called a notary and lawyer about my will. I've had it updated."

Mary eyed the gun fearfully. He didn't need a gun to rape her; he had to know that...right? "Uncle Frank, what's the gun for?"

He eased back in the sofa. "I've had about five hundred sex slaves. I've destroyed their lives. I think the least I can do is make sure they're taken care after all I put them through."

Mary tried to scoot away from him. "Frank! Frank, you're scaring me! Talk to me...what's the gun for?"

Frank just smiled and raised the gun to his head. With a bang, he scattered his brains against the wall.

Mary called the police first, but before the police even got there, she gave a shaking call to her husband. "Stephen...come and get me."

Stephen was silent for a moment.

"Babe...you have the car...what happened?"

"Take an Uber...please...I'm at Uncle Frank's house. 339 Oak Street. Get here fast."

She hung up on him and burst into tears. She didn't know how to feel. She wanted to hate Frank with every ounce of her soul, to be happy he was dead. She wanted to know if this drug, still in its experimental stages, could actually cure her sister. She wanted to see her son's smiling face. She wanted to hold her sister and kiss her forehead. But more than anything, she wanted her husband to hold her and tell her everything was okay. That the world wasn't ending. That everything would work out. Even if it was bullshit.

The police arrived before Stephen. When he got there, the whole house was taped off. He walked to an ambulance, where he found his wife. She was an absolute train wreck. She threw her arms around him. "It's okay." He stroked her hair. "It's okay. I talked to the social worker. She's going to bring Jax back to the hospital and drop him off with Damien. And they have some new drug for Stephanie. It's supposed to help with the bleeding." He kissed her. "Did he hurt you?" She shook her head no, burying it in his shoulder. "Well, whatever you did...it worked. You saved our family. Again."