#big truck wreck lawyers

[missmarveledsblog]

I'll show you different ( joel miller x reader ) part 7

summary : she ready , she ready to finally stand up to the man that made her life hell only to find her grandfather is in a car wreck it doesn't take her long to figure out who it was and along with meeting two new friends the pen state protection while for once in her life she get her wish will she see her loved ones again ?

warning : mention of domestic violence in the past in the whole series , car crashes , intentional car crash , kidnapping

previous part

She wanted him  to  see her ,  to see his face show him she wasn’t scared   infact she  was ready to fight back especially as she watched the tow truck that was carrying the only thing she could actually say was hers . something she paid for the moment she was divorced yes her friends help her but it was her only hers.  He broke it , wrecked in a bid to scare her only it was the opposite she was pissed , sick of being frightened .   sitting in the car as joel drove and tommy was talking away about the new show he was watching some zombie thing on hbo  she barely heard him , eyes locked on the passing town til they got to the site she barely spoke when she got out o the truck heading straight to the office ignoring her grandfathers greeting.

 “ what’s wrong with her” he asked perplexed a rarity to ever see her actually pissed only time he ever seen her angry was when he didn’t take the medication doctor gave him . 

“ asshole trashed her car” tommy scoffed already wanting to get the prick himself , knowing he was so close and still slipped by . 

“ yeah she been like a bull since “ joel nodded  none of the three were exactly in the best moods . it was a theme of the day  as she stormed and stomped around the office getting annoyed at the little things that just weren’t going the way she wanted . then the mechanic called making her sick to  her stomach ask did she know there was a dead animal in her glove box and that sherif was by.  Of course the coward would kill something defenceless she  didn’t ask what animal it was she had to stop him explaining the  details . he was escalating almost a warning she was next but she was going to get him first . 

They all sat in the cell honestly surprise never in ten years did he  ask for anything , not even  a smoke . each owed him something big , each saved from more time or penalties , some even owed him their life as they stood wondering what it could be that would be a cause to meet . 

“ henry man you gonna tell us why were here” a man spoke soft chuckle trying to ease the tension . 

“ well i’ll cut to the chase man says he’s my little girls husband , prick something about him says she back here which isn’t good  , what ever or whoever he is scared her enough to come back to this place and i  wanna do right thing , i wanna be the man i should of all those years i want her protected , i want him gone” he looked at each man watching them nod. 

“ done , maybe we can get her to come visit too “ his cell mate  ray nodded. 

“ nah she ain’t gonna do that i hurt that girl too many time to count but  now while i got the chance might not be the right way but sure as hell the way its going” he scoffed pulling the pieces of paper handing it over .  she was standing in her grandparent garden only time his lawyer wasn’t a useless fuck . 

“ she’s beautiful , we will make sure she safe” ray stood as they others did the same all men who done wrong and wanting to make amend fix their errors and some did get that connection back  even if she never saw him again henry didn’t care he was ready to face his maker , face the gates of hell with smile on his face if he could just do the one right thing for her. 

Driving home never felt good , he wanted to be their for her , keep her safe and even though he knew joel and tommy would do that . john just wanted to do what was right for his granddaughter , he wanted the best life for her . that girl was given a life that would make the devil himself shudder at and it wasn’t letting up .  Seeing her becoming happy for first and it was wiped away like all those time she was taken home as child , how she begged him and his wife to keep her and yet he thought each time would be different till he got the call he feared the one that no parent should face.  The night his daughter life was taken , his granddaughter nowhere to be found til years later he received a letter she was happy and in new york . then she returned it was like looking at his daughter broken on his doorstep only this time the story was different. She was breaking the cycle , killing a past repeating and yet it was to no avail . he felt sick to his stomach he wanted to turn the car the road empty til a car in his rearview mirror approaching and approaching fast . he moved it would follow , to point he began speeding more and more locked in a chase .  his heart sending a shooting pain the ticker letting him know this was all too much but he knew peach needed  him more threw gritted teeth he kept push , speeding to get out of the chase he found himself in . yet it wasn’t happening , his heart and his fight fading  the other car clipping his own  over and over the wheel was trying to keep the car still. His fight strong but the stranger was stronger as the car began to spin smashing in it wake as david smirked watching the path of destruction in his wake. 

“ oh my little wife i will get you and everyone that gets in my way “ he sped off looking at the carnage in the rearview mirror. 

  Tommy felt like it was coming the part where she would get pissed almost snarling at the people in town as she got the stuff for dinner .  he seen them moment he walked into the store following her doing bad job on it til he got her to get something grabbing the two mens ares and hauling their asses to other side . 

“ why you following my friend and don’t lie or ill smash your faces of the hot sauce” he looked between the two. 

“ we’re protecting her , protection detail from the boys upstate” one spat out as the other groaned .

“ your here from her dad … for protection not her ex “ he looked between the two .

“ no but you know what he looks like because we wanna talk to him” the man continued. 

“ why is her dad doing this ?” tommy mused to himself . 

“ he and our boss want to right the wrong offer protection for women in shitty situation from monsters” the man explained. 

“ her father killed her mother” tommy deadpanned. 

“ he regrets it  so he wants to protect his kid” . 

“ he also used  to beat” 

“ look we aint going on the past he wants her safe and scumbag david  sorted so we are here” the other man finally spoke up . 

The sound of glass smashing sent all three men running almost pushing each other out of the way . 

“ miss you ok” a woman called as stood frozen phone to her ear , her face contort in a flurry of pissed and saddness , 

“ tommy we need to get to the hospital … who are they ? .. it doesn’t matter” she said pulling him out only to see the truck clamped and man driving off. 

“You  drive? “ she asked the men . 

“ yeah cars around corner come on peach “ the man said as she followed wondering how he knew that and who were this men . 

“ what’s going on ?” one of the men spoke up . 

“ my grandfather he was found car wreck was all the sherif said but something tells me it not an accident sorry but who are you too “ she asked getting in the car. 

“ mike and this is freddy “ he smiled almost like a big teddy bear . 

“ your dad sent them to protect you “ tommy admitted. 

“ tell my dad to fuck off  but i need the ride … please “ she looked between the men wondering what else life was going to throw at her .  this was something she would saw even on the cards of happening and now she was wondering what was in the letter  or was this a rouse in the fact to get her to talk at some parole hearing either way it needed to be pushed to the back of her mind . what was the forefront of her mind was her grandfather literally she had just gotten him back in her life   and it was now a possibility of being alone , that he would be taken from her. She barely was listening to the men that squabbled about being too close . 

She ran into the  desk ready to ask where he was as the sheriff was able to call her , he looked tired  and his face was something she was too familiar with . she remember the night he told her that her mother was gone something no one in town knew that night when he was a deputy how he let her run , let her make the life for herself she deserved . 

“ he’s in bad way but they have him stable .. who are they ?” he asked looking to see men he’s definitely seen before . 

“ friends .. i think what happened “ she asked panting having a feeling her ex husband had something to do with it that was for sure. 

“ he was rammed from the footage and the state of his vehicle it was like someones intent of to do damage” . 

“ david .. david was intent he’s trying to make me come to him “ she mused as she stood outside the room looking in to the real damage that was cause the one person that alway tried to make her safe , the one  who fought and no one believed  . the one who held  her when she cried to stay  before she was pulled away . one who risked his life to keep her safe even now and he was hurt by just being her family a man who done nothing but good a victim because of her , because of a man who just couldn’t get over being told no .    this needed to end and it need to end with her  no one else was going to get hurt  she promised that in that moment it was going to be the last time . 

She sat her head on tommy lap when joel showed up  the red puffy eyes and dried tears as tommy own face wasn’t too different . 

“Shit is he? “ joel asked . 

“ nah he’s  stable for now but it’s not looking good man “ he sniffled trying not to disturb her. 

“ i’ll kill the bastard” he growled . 

“ actually that our job .. he safe” a voice called as joel turned seeing two men standing with coffee . 

“ yeah my brother  joel this is  mike and freddy  penstate protection “ he mused taking the coffee. 

“ as in joel “ mike nodded to peach as tommy nodded. “ hey man nice to meet you “ he smiled widely. 

“ prison guards? “ joel asked . 

“ we know some” freddy sat on the chair .  

“ would you like some coffee” mike asked. 

“ joel ?” her voice croaked . 

“ yeah its me peach darling i’m here” he crouched the pure pain in her eyes made him want to search the bastard out himself put end to all this and yet her hand holding his told him that could wait . she needed him and hell if she needed him to burn the world he would  in that moment he would do anything . 

“ hey guys wanna go get food “ tommy stood fixing himself nodded to the door as freddy took the hint and pulled a clueless mike out . 

“Come here” he said pulling her into his arms listening to the sobs that  came it wasn’t first time she was like this position crying in joel’s arms .  she felt safe around him , felt safe enough to be so vulnerable  . it was something she didn’t do usually people never saw the tears locked behind the facade of being strong , nothing was happening , her own mask of sorts and not many saw the side one where she was able to cry so freely .  she stayed there like it was last time and it could be , see once she saw the chance she was going to get out and she was going to face the monster that haunted and hunted her down . she couldn’t let him hurt joel , tommy or the girls because he was petty enough to do so . her eyes looking up at the glass  she willed her body not to tense not to show signs of what she saw the very monster staring down at her , seething seeing her in the arms of another .  

“ hey joel  watch him for me i need to go toilet one that has a dispenser” she shyly said hating how good she was at lying as she slipped her phone into her pocket . walking out the door and heading off in the direction of the toilet completely before diverting  . she could feel his step coming , she almost felt his  breathe on the back of her neck . 

“ you know not to run baby i’ll always find you “ he smirked pulling her to the stairwell just as tommy and the men came around the corner completely caught in a conversation of the show he was watching . 

part 8

taglist : @harriedandharassed @missladym1981

[yourlawyers]

How to Find the Right Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer

After a truck accident in Nashville, dealing with the aftermath can feel like a lot. It's a mix of feeling hurt, stressed out, and dealing with a bunch of legal stuff that's pretty complicated. But getting a really good nashville truck accident lawyers who knows about truck accidents is super important. Let's break down the important things you need to do and think about to find the best lawyer and make this whole process easier for you.

Nashville Truck Accidents

In Nashville, known for its awesome music and busy streets, there are quite a few truck accidents. They often cause big injuries, wreck stuff, and sometimes even really sad accidents with big trucks. Dealing with these kinds of accidents is extra tricky, which shows how important it is to get the right kind of legal help.

Importance of a Specialized Lawyer

Understanding Truck Accident Complexity

Truck accident cases involve a layer of complexity distinct from regular vehicular accidents. The involvement of commercial entities, potential multiple liable parties, and adherence to federal and state trucking regulations demand an in-depth understanding of the legal landscape.

Legal Expertise Required

A nashville personal injury lawyers specializing in truck accidents is essential because of the complexities involved. Their expertise surpasses general personal injury law and includes the detailed regulations specific to truck accidents. This specialized knowledge is crucial in building a strong case in your favor.

Qualities of a Reliable Nashville Truck Accident Lawyer

An attorney's experience and track record are indicative of their capabilities. Seek representation from a lawyer with a proven history of handling truck accident cases successfully. Their familiarity with the legal terrain can significantly bolster your case.

Specialization in Truck Accident Cases

Picking a lawyer who knows a lot about truck accidents is super important. These lawyers really get how tricky these cases are, knowing all the tiny details that can make a big difference in your situation because they know the laws and past cases that matter.

Strong Communication Skills

Having good communication is really key for a solid connection between a lawyer and their client. A good lawyer proves they're an awesome communicator by explaining legal stuff in a simple way, keeping you updated, and making sure you know what's going on at every stage of the legal stuff.

Resources and Support Team

Begin your quest by conducting comprehensive research into lawyers specializing in truck accidents in Nashville. Moreover, seek recommendations from reliable sources like friends, family, or other legal experts who can offer invaluable insights into this specific area of law.

Steps to Find the Right Lawyer

Research and Referrals

Start your search by delving into thorough research on attorneys specializing in truck accidents in Nashville. Additionally, tap into trustworthy sources such as friends, family, or legal professionals who can provide invaluable insights into this particular legal niche.

Evaluation and Comparison

After you make a list of possible lawyers, check them out using some important things: how much they've worked, what they've achieved before, what clients say about them, and how good their first talks are. Comparing these things will help you figure out which one fits your needs best.

Consultation and Discussion

Set up talks with the lawyers you picked. Use these meetings to dig into your case details, see if they get what's going on, check out their plans, and feel if you're okay letting them handle your case's tricky stuff.

The Role of Legal Representation

A skilled Nashville truck accident lawyer serves as your champion throughout the legal journey. They handle interactions with insurance firms, navigate complex paperwork, lead negotiations, and, if necessary, stand for you in court, ensuring your rights remain protected at every turn.

Conclusion

Following a truck accident in Nashville, securing appropriate legal representation is vital. A specialized lawyer, armed with experience, expertise, and a dedicated approach, can profoundly influence your case's outcome, ensuring rightful compensation and support.

[houstontruckaccidentlawyers]

Reshard Alexander Esq., MBA, LL.M was selected as a Top 25 Brain Injury Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers.

Call the attorney with the actual medical understanding and legal knowledge to personally take your case from the initial ambulance ride all the way through a successful trial verdict. It’s not a game, real lawyers are here to try cases not to entertain. Serious injuries require serious lawyers. Call today: 713.766.3322.

- Trial Lawyer

- Nationally Recognized speaker on truck wrecks

- Consistent six figure settlements

- Licensed CDL Truck Driver

- Ortho-Neurotrauma ICU Nursing Student

- Military Veteran

- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

- Phlebotomist (PBT-ASCP)

- Texas Commercial Vehicle Inspector

The care and compensation that you deserve!

Big Rig Bull Texas Truck Accident Lawyer™

Call me: 713.766.3322

⚖️🧠⚕️⚖️🧠⚕️⚖️🧠⚕️⚖️🧠⚕️⚖️🧠⚕️

#BigRigBull #ReshardAlexander #TrialLawyer #TraumaMedicine #Nursing #LawyersWithCDLs #Texas #Houston #TruckAccidentLawyer #18Wheeler #TruckCrash #TruckWreck #PersonalInjuryLawyer #BestTruckAccidentLawyer #RealTruckAccidentLawyers #CNA #EMT #ICU #ER #NursesRock #Medicine #Lawyer #RN #Trucking #WrongfulDeath #Catastrophic #TruckCrash #HazmatTruckWreck #Hazmat

[violetsystems]

I once took money out of a life insurance policy to put money down on a car. I bought an orange Volkswagen Beetle with my ex and it was our first big purchase together. It got totaled outside our apartment one morning but we argued to fix it. I lost that car to my ex when I was forced to move out after I caught her cheating on me. Outside of my apartment. With a rock star coke head contractor in his pick up truck. Doesn’t matter that I was there to help her get citizenship. She was a polish national. Since you are all so tight in this neighborhood and can’t stop taking about me. I got her a job where I worked and she tried to get me fired when we broke up. Later on when we were negotiating me getting the hell out of her life I confronted her about the money, the rent and the car. I had also confronted her about leaving the place we were in because I paid most of the rent. We agreed I needed my half of the security deposit and to be bought out of the car. She told me point blank that she didn’t owe me the money I put down from the life insurance policy because it wasn’t real money. Had to pay the taxes on that later on in life before I had a business. Never got the security deposit. Just ended up bouncing New Year’s Eve in 2007 to a horribly expensive apartment down the street here in Pilsen. She talked a lot of shit since then and people like to listen to drama. Her brother I used to play magic with jumped and joined the military. Has a grudge against Chinese people because of a failed marriage. She also married and wrecked somebody else’s life too but that’s none of my business. That’s how long I’ve lived in this neighborhood really as far as people bringing up ancient history. She also had the nerve to ask my dad after I moved out to do her taxes. And you ask me why I never want to go back to my past. My car is still out there. Pet friendly license plates. Maybe you should ask my tax lawyer if that’s real money. Doxx rhyming with soxx and all? Keep digging up the past salty and I swear you won’t like the shallow grave you find yourself in. Because the conflicts of interest out here are getting real juicy. And I’m through being polite with a mother fucker. 🚗

[judithwebster]

Our experienced child custody lawyers will guide you and work with you so that you can focus on what is best for your children. Divorce is a horrible, stressful experience for families. We will take all the time we need to understand the complicated dynamics involved in your unique situation. We know that legitimate reasons for taking a child custody case to trial can arise. When this is necessary, rest assured that we can aggressively represent you. We will fight for you and your children at every step.

Services:

family law, divorce, child custody, child support, prenuptial agreement, family law near me, best divorce lawyer near me, uncontested divorce, best custody lawyer, affordable divorce lawyer, divorce lawyer for women, top family law attorney.

Personal Injury law,  car wrecks, truck wrecks, wrongful death, premises liability, dog attacks, personal injury attorney, accident attorney, work injury attorney, LTD attorney, (long term disability lawyer), car accident lawyer, truck accident lawyer, big rig accident lawyer. Semi truck accident lawyer.

[meeksimpactlaw]

Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyers Name For Authorized Help

You are provided with an idea of the quantity of suffering and ache, and the time your case is actually priced, to ensure your compensation is fair. When the two vehicles collide, the passengers in the automobile are going to maintain some pretty severe accidents. An automobile merely can’t face up to the impression created by a large truck. If you or a loved one have been injured and need an Albany truck accident attorney, contact the Joe Durham Law Firm. We shall be glad to reply to your questions through a free review of your accident claim.

Without this insurance, a driver can not register their automobile, and so they might face other penalties if they're concerned in an accident without correct insurance. But minimal protection leaves motorists vulnerable after many wrecks. Many truck crashes will kill the victims involved or depart them with severe, life-long accidents. Is an extremely frequent georgia trucking accident attorney drawback within the trucking industry; subsequently, when an accident happens, a careful examination of driving records is important. Commercial vehicles like huge rigs, tankers, tractor-trailers, 18-wheelers, and different large vehicles are extremely heavy autos that can cause extreme and lethal accidents.

Side influence crashes — If a business truck doesn’t check its blind spot earlier than switching lanes, it might possibly collide with the facet of one another car. A T-bone accident could also happen when turning left if one other driver runs a purple mild or cease sign. You automatically get someone in your nook who can tackle insurance coverage corporations and company lawyers while georgia truck accident lawyer you get well. His vast trucking experience gives him a novel perspective and insight that other lawyers simply haven't got, and it permits him to higher perceive the problems in your case and how to get results. If you choose to characterize you can make all the difference in the end result of your case.

It only takes a mere second for a life to be completely changed. If an individual or a loved one is damaged in a trucking accident, they do not have to face the law and settlements alone. As a skilled Atlanta truck accident lawyer, Terrence R. Bethune understands how overwhelming the ordeal of being in a trucking accident is. And he is committed to working tirelessly to guarantee that victims and families obtain fair compensation for damages and losses.

Don’t put your future in the arms of an insurance firm. Contact our agency right now to debate the true deserves of your case for free. Our authorized team has in-depth expertise with federal and state trucking rules, as well as Georgia legal responsibility, negligence, and insurance legal guidelines. More than 182,000 folks had been injured in crashes involving large vans and buses in 2019, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. More than 5,000 folks died in an accident involving a big truck or bus. Our award-winning and compassionate Marietta truck accident lawyers could make legal responsibility clear and get well what you should move ahead.

Do not move unconscious victims or those victims who are badly damage. However, if the position of the injured victims poses a hazard, you presumably georgia truck accident attorneys can fastidiously move them. Leaving the accident scene can make it tough to gather sufficient proof.

An Atlanta truck accident attorney may help you create a listing of all your losses associated with an enormous rig collision in order that you do not overlook anything. Then, your attorney can accurately calculate the value of your losses to pursue the monetary compensation that you and your family want. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact the Gautreaux Law Firm right now for a free session.

Truck accidents can be just like automotive accidents, however, they are not the identical thing. Future medical bills – Serious injuries last awhile – generally for the rest of a person’s life. If future medical treatment will be required, like bodily remedy, a follow-up surgery, or in-home nursing care, the trucking firm should pay for these georgia truck accidents lawyers future costs. When a tractor-trailer driver is negligent or reckless and causes accidents to a different driver, the harmed driver is entitled to compensation. Most truck accident instances settle before trial, so the injured individual usually receives a settlement. If the case doesn't settle earlier than trial, then the jury will render a verdict that units the compensation to which the victim of the tractor-trailer accident is entitled.

Truck drivers make essential deliveries to giant cities like Atlanta and throughout rural areas of the state. Trucks play a vital position in Georgia’s financial system, but they can also trigger severe accidents involving other motorists. Your truck accident lawyer can investigate whether or not any regulation violations put you in an elevated danger of harm.

[montgomerylawpllc]

Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks often cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. The losses related to a truck wreck (e.g., medical bills, property damage, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability / future medical care) can easily reach into the tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Commercial insurance companies are ruthless when it comes to defending negligent truck drivers, but our job is to handle your entire case from beginning to end and to make sure you and your family receive justice and compensation.

[everything-person]

Then Came You

A/N: This is my contribution to @cshistfic Historical Fic Event. This is my first time diving deep, just submerging myself into research to make sure I got my time period correct and I had a blast. Sometime I had too much fun and thankfully I had @spartanguard to push me off my high horse. Thank you @shireness-says for making this event and running it. Hopefully my entree is worthy enough. This fic is based in the 70’s and is inspired by Disney Pixar’s Cars. This may have up to 3 parts.

Summary: Rookie of the Year race car driver Killian Jones finds himself lost in a forgotten Storybrooke on his way to the finale race of the season. His world and perspective on what he wants gets turned upside down in the small town.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Where the fuck am I?

was Killian Jones, famous race car driver, first thought as he woke up. Well, first thought after he got over the throbbing pain in his skull. He sat up to see he was laying in a cot. Taking in his immediate surroundings, he realized he was behind bars. His head fell into his hands.

How did I get here?

He recalled being at Pocono in the Piston Cup series finale. He was named Rookie of the Year and was set up to be the first one to win. His only real competition was Ernest “the King'' Triton, Atlantica’s golden boy, who was planning on this being his last season, and Edward Teach, the King's tail biter. They weren’t expecting Killian to come out of nowhere and take the season by storm.

He was set to win it all, ahead by half a lap, checkered flag insight when a tire blew. He struggled but was able to keep control of his car. He could feel his competitors gaining on him as he lost speed. Such events caused a three-way tie, set to be settled in a week in Daytona.

He remembered the interviews asking about him driving without a crew chief; he always had an issue taking orders. The King came walking up to him.

“My man, you are one bad racer. You got more talent in that famous smile of yours than half these dudes got in their whole body but you’re stupid. Let me give you the lowdown: this ain’t a one-man show, young blood. You need to wise up, get yourself a good crew chief and a good team. You ain’t gonna win unless you got stellar people behind you doing their jobs so you can keep being the slammin’ driver you are.”

He thanked him for the advice before they were made to get on stage for the press. That's when Edward Teach decided to try to psyche him out.

“Listen space cadet, that was some fab drifting today. By me. He he he. First one at Daytona gets Atlantica all to themselves. Catch my drift?”

Then he went looking for his team, only to find out from Smee, his truck driver, that he had to make a personal appearance over at his sponsor's tent—Arendelle Chocolates, run by sisters Elsa and Anna Arendelle, most famous for the Apollo Bar.

“A taste that’s out of this world!”

He desperately wanted to get away from his sponsor. He didn’t care for sweets and frankly found most disgusting. He entered the tent to find the other reason he didn’t care for his current sponsor: children all running around with their grubby hands. The sight made him squirm, but Smee reminded him they gave him his big break and it was in his contract. With those inspiring words, he put on a smile, made his way to his sponsor sisters, said a few words that had the tent roaring in cheers before he said goodbye.

“Killian, that was stellar! We are so proud to call you our driver!”

“And we are looking forward to another fab year!”

“Don’t drive like my sister!”

“Yeah, don't drive like my sister!”

He and his crew got on the road not long after that. His crew were in the truck along with his car while he drove just behind them. While his crew pulled off to get some rest, he kept going to be the first at Daytona. But he kept nodding off and got lost.

He remembered pulling out his map to try and find out where he was. He tried to keep his car steady while trying to make out what his map said by moonlight, when he heard sirens. Looking up, he saw the lights of a town. Before he could think about pulling over the sirens were accompanied with sounds of loud popping. He assumed it was the officer firing at him. He tried to dodge the bullets but soon lost control of his car. He ran into quite a few things before gaining control again, only to get caught on something. He gunned it to get free, only to have his car spin out once he was. The last thing he remembered was something crashing into his driver side door effectively stopping his spin out and causing his head to slam into his window; then everything went black.

Groaning, he picked up his head taking another look around. He was on a cot, in a holding cell, in a dusty office. He was taking in the desks and filing cabinets, looking for signs of life, when he heard a voice.

“Well hi,” came an excited, high-pitched voice.

His head snapped back to one of the desks to see a boy he missed sitting just behind it.

“I was wondering when you were gonna wake up.”

Killians faced scrunched up, “What's going on? Why am I here?”

The boy laughed, “Like you don’t know. For being a spaz last night.”

“What's your name, lad?”

“Henry. What's your name?”

“You don’t know my name?” Killian asked, taken aback by the question.

“No; why should I know your name?”

“I’m Killian Jones.” He waited for the moptop boy to put the pieces together

“Killian Jones!” Henry shot up out of his seat as he exclaimed the name before falling back down. “Yeah, not ringing a bell.”

Killian furrowed his eyebrows, “Where am I?”

“Where are you? You’re in Storybrooke, the most rockin’ town on the Potomac River.”

Killian sighed, dropping his head, bringing his hand up rubbing at his forehead. “Great. Just great.”

“Well if you like this place, you should see the rest of the town.”

Killian picked up his head, looking at the brown-eyed boy and spied just behind him the keys to his cage. Focusing back on the boy, he smiled and stood up from his spot on the cot.

“You know, that's a brilliant idea. I’d love to see the rest of your town. If you just let me out of here, we could go cruisin’ the town.” Killian finished his thought as he came leaning against the bars.

“Golly! Really?” Henry sat up straighter with a bright smile that slowly turned into a smirk, “You think you can psyche me out. I’m ten, not stupid.”

“Henry!” a new voice shouted out.

In walked a man sporting a perm and mustache wearing a star at his hip.

“What have you been told about being in here with criminals?”

Henry sighed, “Not without supervision. But he was sleeping.”

The man crossed his arms, letting out a huff, “Well now he’s awake. Want to help me escort him to court?”

The next thing Killian knew, he was in chains and being placed in the back of a cop car. After a short ride, he was hauled out and guided into Town Hall where he was met with shouting and very angry townspeople. He was placed in a chair.

“Oi mate,” Killian looked up at the sheriff, “I gotta skitty. How long is this gonna take?”

The sheriff, Robin read his name tag, crossed his arms, “Do you have a lawyer?”

Killian scoffed, “Aye, but he's probably in Hawaii right now.”

“If the defendant doesn’t have representation, the court will assign one to him.” Robin turned to the crowd behind him bringing his fingers to his lips, letting out a shrieking whistle. “Anyone want to be his lawyer?”

The room went silent.

“I’ll do it,” a familiar voice broke the silence.

Killian turned to see the boy from before trotting up to the gate. Robin quirked an eyebrow at him.

“What? It's not hard.”

“Hmm, alright,” Robin agreed, letting the boy take the seat next to Killian.

Killian looked between the two before landing his gaze on the sheriff.

“Are you serious?”

“Well, our normal defense is at the vet after you clipped his dog last night,” Robin informed him before speaking to the room, “All rise! Honorable Judge Nolan presiding.”

Everyone stood as the sound of a door opening and closing was heard. Heavy footsteps rang out in the silence.

“I want to know who is responsible for wrecking my town. I want his ass on a silver platter. I’m gonna put him in jail until he rots. No, until the jail rots on top of him then I’ll put him in another jail and wait until that one rots. I—”

The man's rants came to a halt as he laid his eyes on the accused. “Get him out of here, sheriff. I want him out of my courtroom and out of my town. Case dismissed; charges dropped.”

Killian let out a breathy laugh, “Woah. You were a better lawyer than I thought, youngblood.”

“Sorry I’m late, Your Honor.”

Killian turned to see a stunning blonde woman come strutting in.

“Bloody hell,” Killian whispered under his breath. He thought the sheriff must’ve found his agent's number and gave him a call. This must be who they sent from his attorney’s office.

As she was walking by, Killian spoke up, “Hello, love. Thank you for coming but we are all set. He’s dropped the charges.”

She stopped and turned to him, her eyes darting to the boy next to him. “What?”

“Aye, we got off lucky. Now all we have to do is speed on down to Florida.”

“Please.”

“I get that a lot. I create feelings in people they themselves don't understand.”

She raised an eyebrow. “Right. Well I’m gonna go talk to the judge.”

“Whatever you gotta do, love. Do be careful though. These cats are a bit feral.”

She pursed her lips, nodding before turning her attention to the smiling child next to him, “Hi, Henry.”

“Hello.”

Killian looked at the boy before looking back at the blonde, who had turned to the crowd behind him.

“Morning everyone,” she called out, receiving greetings in response. She turned, eyeing Killian as she did, before she walked up to the judges stand who was intensely looking at his papers.

“David, you're looking well. Your sideburns are—”

“Forget it, Emma. I already dismissed the case,” he said, not looking up at her.

“He endangered most of the town and destroyed half of it. You can’t just let him go.”

“We are better off with him gone.”

Emma huffed, “Alright; you asked for it.”

Emma turned and addressed the room, “I move for an appeal. Robin, if you will help me escort the accused to the Mayor.”

Robin assisted Killian out of the chair. They followed the woman down the hall and up the stairs. Killian would protest but the walk was giving him a great view of the blonde’s ass.

As they came to a door labeled Mayor, Robin leaned over and whispered to Killian, “May the mayor have mercy on your soul.”

Before Killian could question or even look at the man he was being ushered into a black and white room.

“Ms. Swan, why are you barging into my office?” A woman sitting behind the desk in the middle of the office asked, not bothering to look up at the intruders.

“Judge Nolan ruled to dismiss the charges against our drunk driver—”

“I wasn’t drunk,” Killian interrupted.

“And I moved for an appeal. I thought the sooner the better,” Emma continued.

The woman finally looked up to see Emma standing in front of her desk before her eyes darted to Sheriff Robin, and Judge Nolan standing just behind her with Killian standing in between them.

“What are the charges?”

“Reckless driving, reckless endangerment, trespassing, vandalism, and destruction of property.”

“Why did you dismiss the case?” The woman directed the question to Judge Nolan.

He stepped forward standing next to Emma. “Madame Mayor, what happened last night was a terrible occurrence but I believe the longer this man stays, the more trouble will come.”

“Based on what?”

“I know the kind of man he is. I can see it in his eyes. He’s the last thing this town needs.”

“We let this guy walk, it sends a message to every delinquent in town that you can do whatever you want. The town needs to be fixed—they need this,” Emma stated.

“I think the sheriff's station’s reputation will precede this incident. We are fine without him,” Judge Nolan responds.

The mayor turned to Emma. “What do you suggest the sentence should be if I agree to your appeal?”

“Make an example of him. Give him community service, make him fix everything he can that he broke. Whatever he can’t, fine him for; by the looks of his clothes, he can afford it.”

The mayor sat back looking between the man and woman in front of her.

“Sheriff,” she called, “What say you? Should I let this man go to avoid further disturbance, or have him fix the town?”

“Well, I think the town needs renovation more than it needs to avoid trouble. In fact, I think we could benefit from some,” Robin eloquently answered.

The mayor nodded, standing from her seat, “I’m inclined to agree. The accused is sentenced to community service until everything that was damaged from last night's events is fixed and a fine of six hundred dollars for reckless driving and endangerment.”

Killian’s eyebrows nearly shot off his forehead. He went from walking away scot-free to becoming this town’s new handyman along with being fined six hundred dollars.

The mayor took her seat once again stating, “You are all dismissed.”

Emma turned around with a satisfied smile plastered on her face. “Looks like Florida is gonna have to wait.”

[texastruckaccidentlawyers]

Houston Car Wreck Lawyer - Insurance Settlement Offer Too Low

Houston Car Wreck Lawyer – Insurance Settlement Offer Too Low

Houston Car Wreck Lawyer – Insurance Settlement Offer Too Low

It is necessary to understand what you are eligible for both now and in the future before accepting a settlement deal.

It’s mandatory that everyone that wants to drive from the state of Texas carries liability insurance. Liability insurance covers the at-fault motorist for any injuries and for another driver’s injuries and damages.

In…

[thememestho]

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚ 911 fox sentence meme

enjoy this overly extra sentence meme series. episode 1.08 (part 8 of ?)

We’ve been here before.

Whatever it was, we could have talked about it.

I imagine she wasn't eager to run into your loving arms.

Why would you get a gun?

Oh, I'm not brave.

Karma’s a bitch.

So simple, even ______ can't mess that up.

But I really need you to do this for me, alright?

I hate all of you.

You love us.

They say you should wait a year before you introduce your kids to someone, and that's under the best of circumstances.

You know, I just thought that if we all go out for ice cream and maybe have a conversation...

He's decent. Barely drinks. Doesn't smoke, no drugs.

I’m trying to move forward, _______. Move with me.

He actually fired me yesterday. It's a whole story.

What goes around comes around.

On a 70 degree day, temperatures inside a parked car can reach a hundred.

They wouldn’t tell me over the phone.

This job, it's the only way I know how to balance the ledger. Not that I can ever really do that.

Do you believe in karma?

There's something in my blood. Something unusual.

He wants to break it to me in person.

There are days when I'd actually enjoy whatever tall tale you're on the cusp of spitting my way. Where I'd be entertained letting you think that you're smarter than me, even if only for a minute. But today is nowhere close to being one of them.

I’m the victim here.

All that means to me is that _______ gets to keep having the cake of living in my house and eating it, too, coming and going as he pleases.

As far as I can see, the only one doing any heavy emotional lifting here is me.

I'm the one who has to keep pushing my feelings to the side every day.

Kids love their daddies, but they follow their mother's lead.

She's second-guessing everything I'm doing in here. It's kind of hurting my feelings.

You don't have to be here with me, you know.

Listen, I'm here for you, no matter what that doctor has to say, right?

You can speak freely and directly. No need to sugarcoat.

Well, dude, I guess you're gonna have to get over your fear of needles, huh?

You're not supposed to taunt the animals.

Cancel all my appointments.

Get my lawyer on the phone.

Karma's a wild animal, and she won't be caged.

What he's doing is... is brave, and all of us need to support him.

We prefer honesty. Isn't that what you always taught us?

You want to tell me what's chafing you?

Yeah, I'm some lifesaver, aren't I?

I couldn't save my family. Couldn't protect them from me.

I was going to see my kids again. That was the deal.

The deal I made with God.

I want this pain to end, but it's not gonna end. It's never gonna end.

Something wrong with that cola?

I keep a cooler in the truck for washing blood away from the scenes once we're done with them. Cola is the only thing that really works.

Hey, what was that thing you wanted to talk to me about?

I messed up big time.

Well, you got to tell her.

I’m never gonna do it again, it was a mistake.

If anything, it just reminded me that I want to be with my wife.

 I told you, I don't want to screw this relationship up.

Your relationship is screwed up already. You don't cheat on a healthy relationship.

It's only when secrets are revealed that we know how good or bad a marriage is.

Sometimes you got to... wreck it in order to save it.

This is the hardest thing I've... I've ever done, but I need to... do it now while I still love you.

I love you.  You're my man, the father of my children, my best friend.

It's making me hate you. If we don't really move on, that hate is gonna be the only thing I feel when I think about you.

I'm so sorry for hurting you.

I will never regret marrying you. I would do it all over again, everything. And to have those children and you as a friend, I would suffer all of it a million times.

You’re late.

I'm sorry. I was, I was... just driving around.

She's suing for custody.

According to her, we have an unstable home that's unsuitable to raise a child. 

And she's saying the proof of this unstable home is that you slept with her.

I'm gonna go pack some things. I'm taking _____ to my parents'.

I don't know what it is that you went there looking for, but I hope you got it. And I hope it was worth it.

I hope you don't mind me sending that over.

Sending drinks over to break the ice? I'm pretty sure they haven't stopped doing that.

I just didn't feel like drinking alone.

I highly doubt that you being alone is anything you ever have a problem with. 

Well, aren't you Mr. Smooth? 

If we're gonna spend the night talking and drinking, I want to know I'm not wasting my time with a bad egg.

I told him I was bringing you by, and he begged me to let him talk to you.

We never thought we would get to meet her.

It seems to me like you're here to stay.

[lumiolivier]

The Good Old Days Chapter Twenty: Heart to Heart

A/N: Hi, friends! So, we kind of had a little bit of a holy shit moment last week, didn't we? And I'm kind of in love with that holy shit moment from last week. And now, we're going to see what the Old Man has to say about it. Alright? Let's go!

“You what?” The Old Man stared me down like I was on something. But for the first time in what feels like a long time, I had the utmost mental clarity. I hadn’t had a drink all day. I got fantastic sleep the night before. Everything just…seemed to be falling into place for me. With the exception of the accusations of kidnapping my girlfriend. That’s not exactly a win in my book, but if it meant having her, I can call it one. Oh, well. Life’s not perfect, but she is. And I’ll die on that hill.

“Yeah…” Now that I said it out loud, that was in the universe for someone, no one, or anyone to hear. And hopefully, it gets to the right ears. All I knew was that I could say it with absolute certainty, “I want to marry Vanessa, Old Man. Plain and simple.”

“Easy, kid,” he slowed me down, “Let’s think this one through for a second.”

“Why?” I asked, “I already know I don’t like being without her, so why not make it official, you know?”

“That’s all well and good,” the Old Man shut me up, “But we’re going to think this one through before you rush into things. Alright? Are you listening?”

“Yeah,” I sat down across from his desk, “I’m listening.”

“Good,” he rubbed his eyes in exasperation. I always knew I had my moments where I was a handful, but I thought the Old Man could handle me by now, “You’ve known this girl for…what…three, maybe four months? In order to meet her, you had to have her make the first move because you were too damn twitchy to do it yourself.”

“Wounding my pride here, Old Man…” I bit the inside of my cheek, “Not exactly appreciated.”

“And I’m not done,” he continued, “On your first date, I thought you were going to throw up. You’re trying to chase after a blue blood while working for one of the biggest kingpins in the city.”

“Yeah,” I shrugged, “What about it?”

“Oh, Frankie, Frankie, Frankie,” the Old Man shook his head, “I really do love you, but someone needs to knock you upside the head with a goddamn frying pan.”

“What did I do?” I squealed, “All I said was that I wanted to make the best decision I could possibly ever make in my life. Is that so terrible?”

He sat back in his chair in absolute awe, “You really do love this girl, don’t you? Despite all odds. Despite her mother wanting you arrested for kidnapping her.”

“Allegedly kidnapping her,” I clarified, “Vanessa told me that if this goes to trial and she gets on the stand, she will be sure to say that everything was completely and one hundred percent consensual. And that there’s a slight chance her mother would say something along the lines of Vanessa not being in the right mind to be a credible witness. But if it comes to that, Vanessa’s demanding a psych evaluation to prove she’s of sound mind and can be a credible witness.”

“It’s not just that you love her,” he thought, “But you two have already hashed this shit out?”

“It was mostly Vanessa,” I gushed, “She’s kind of good with this whole lawyering thing. It is what she’s going to school for. I’d expect nothing less.”

“And you’re sure this is the woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?” the Old Man asked, his face still unreadable. I’m not sure if he’s going to congratulate me or take me into the warehouse and beat some sense into me.

“Without a doubt,” I nodded, “She takes care of me. I take care of her. That’s all this ever needs to be. I want to keep this one around so bad, Old Man. Vanessa’s the best thing to ever happen to me and I don’t want to let her get away.”

“I’m happy for you, kid,” he smiled a bit, “Really, I am. But good luck getting permission for her hand.”

“Her dad’s going to be easy,” I assured him, remembering everything Vanessa told me, “If I can corner him, she’s mine. Her dad’s got a spine like a wet noodle.”

“Then, I don’t think her dad’s going to be the one you need to worry about,” the Old Man warned me, “I’ve told you this before, Frankie. Victoria Scarlotti is not a bitch you want to get tangled up with. Trust me. It will not end pretty for anyone involved. And God forbid it comes back to bite Vanessa. She’s a sweet girl and she doesn’t deserve that.”

“You know what, though?” I thought back to last night. How pissed off Victoria made Vanessa, “I’m pretty sure those two are one big blow up away from never speaking to each other again.”

“Oh, fuck, really?” he perked up, “But if that does happen, what are you going to do? You know she’s going to either lean on you for support or she’s going to resent you for being the reason she cut her mother out of her life.”

“If she’s leaning on me,” I told him, “I’ll gladly support her. I’ve dealt with her mother. She is not a pleasant human being. But I know somewhere else she’d lean, too. It’s not like she’d be totally without a mother in her life. Have you ever met mine?”

“Yeah. Several times. Your mama’s a peach.”

“Right there,” I went on, “Right there would be my safety net, if need be. Because Mama and Vanessa get on like a fucking house on fire. She’d be alright. But if she resents me for it, then…I don’t know. I guess I could kiss marrying her goodbye. I’d give Vanessa the space she needed to recover and if she came back to me, then she’d come back to me and everything would be…Probably on shaky ground for a while, but we’d be ok. Eventually. How am I going to find out which one I get if I didn’t stick around?”

“So,” the Old Man pressed a little more, “You’re not worried about her mother?”

“Not at all,” I assured him, “Because at the end of the day, I’m not marrying Victoria. At the end of the day, that’s Vanessa’s decision, whether Victoria likes it or not. You know what Vanessa told me last night?”

“What?”

“She told me she spent her trust fund on her education,” I felt a phantom ache in my chest. Seeing Vanessa so pissed and so hurt killed me. Never again, baby. Don’t you worry about that, “because it was the one thing Victoria couldn’t take from her. It was the one thing she could call entirely her own. And when I heard that, she fucking broke me. It made me wonder what else she’s taken from her. She almost took her love life away from her.”

“What do you mean?” the Old Man looked at me strange.

“Victoria was trying to set up Vanessa last night…That’s the reason why I took her away from the party last night. It was fucking smothering her and she could hardly contain herself. I got her out of there, so she could breathe again. And even after she told Victoria she had a boyfriend, she told Vanessa to find her when she stops going through her rebellious phase.”

“Ouch…” the Old Man winced, “I’m sorry to hear that, kid.”

“I can’t totally hate Victoria, though,” I admitted, “As much as I’m not her number one fan, I can’t totally hate her. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t think we would’ve met. Or at least, we wouldn’t be like we are now.”

“What?”

“Yeah,” I giggled to myself, “Remember the night we met? When I seemed like I just got my ass kicked a million times over and I hated everything?”

“You were rough,” he agreed, “Yeah. What does that have to do with Victoria?”

“She was the reason why I looked so tired and defeated,” I remembered that night all too well, “The customer isn’t always right, Old Man. Sometimes, the customer has a false sense of overentitlement and needs to get knocked down a couple pegs. In the form of me falling in love with her daughter a couple nights later…I think that’s when it was. Then, you put me on my first collections job and that was the night I met Vanessa. Sort of. Like you so kindly pointed out, she had to make the first move, but dammit, I’m glad she did.”

“Yikes, kid…” the Old Man cringed, “I’m so sorry you had to deal with that. But hindsight, I guess.”

“You know,” I leaned back in my chair, finding patterns in the ceiling tiles. And I had a feeling that under at least a couple of these tiles were drugs, but what the Old Man does in his free time is his business. Not particularly one for them myself, but I don’t judge, “I’m not a big believer in destiny or fate or whatever you want to call it. But I do think the right people are put in the right path. It’s just whether or not you got the stones to take the path in the first place.”

“And now, you’re some kind of philosopher?” he teased, “Hard to believe you haven’t asked Vanessa to marry you already.”

“I’m serious, though,” I admitted, “It’s like…This all fell into place the way it should. One person out of place and my life could’ve gone completely different. No Victoria to wear me down would’ve meant me still working at the restaurant and not coming to work for you. If Vanessa wouldn’t have been in the club that night as a wake up call from her sister Violet, we never would’ve met. Or even if Veronica wouldn’t have been by Abuela’s food truck the morning after, I don’t think I ever would’ve gotten my second chance with her. Sure, I could’ve still called her, but there’s no guarantee she would’ve agreed. But having Veronica to vouch for me might have been what saved my ass. It’s just…There’s a lot of what ifs that could’ve never been and it would’ve sent me in a different direction, but it didn’t. I’m here. And hopefully, if I’m very, very lucky, I’ll be with her. For as long as we live. And I don’t know about you, Old Man, but that’s the kind of future I want. I’ve never been able to see much of it before, but…I don’t know. Something about her makes it so…Bright…So clear…”

“You don’t have to sell me on it anymore, kid,” the Old Man settled me, “If you can get her away from Victoria, you have more than my blessing. Now, before you make me an emotional wreck, how about we get you on something to get your mind off of possibly going to jail for the woman you love, ok?”

“Alright,” I wasn’t going to say no. I could use the distraction, “What do you got for me? After I’ve worked all day at the bar.”

“Don’t think I’m going easy on you,” the Old Man jabbed, “Just because you put in honest work doesn’t mean you’ve worked for me today. I’m not the one that owns the bar. It’s just under my umbrella.”

“Dammit,” I grumbled, “Alright, Old Man. What do you want me to do?”

“It’s just a collection job, Frankie,” he laughed, “Relax. It’s not the end of the world. Although, I don’t want you going on your own. Go get your brothers first.”

“What?” I wondered, “Why? Where the fuck are you sending me? I can probably handle it on my own.”

“No,” the Old Man put his foot down, “I know you’re a scrappy little shit, but trust me. I want someone watching your back. In this particular instance, I want two someones watching your back. Go get your brothers. You’re going to the outskirts of our territory and not on a good side.”

“Again,” I started to sweat a little, “Where the fuck are you sending me, Old Man?”

“The outskirts of our territory,” he reiterated, “But on the other side of the line is the Bronx. You know about the Bronx.”

“Yeah,” I knew better than to play over on that side of the fence. The Old Man made sure to keep me out of there. Which made me wonder why the fuck he’d be sending me there now. Especially after everything I just told him. But I knew I could do it. Even if it means babysitting Tony and César while they’re supposed to be babysitting me, “I know not to be too conspicuous. I know not to piss anyone off around there. Keep my head low, get in, and get out. Right?”

“That’s right,” he applauded, “You do listen when I tell you shit. Good to know.”

“Of course, I do,” I rolled my eyes, “Why wouldn’t I?”

“You’d be amazed at how many apprentices I’ve taken on in my life,” the Old Man explained, “And not too many of them listened. You know what happened to them?”

“What?”

“They’re dead, Frankie,” he put a hand to my shoulders, “Don’t be like the others.”

“Are you serious?” I gasped, “All of them?”

“Na,” the Old Man settled my nerves, “Not all of them. Some of them are, but not all of them. The ones that are dead got that way from being stupid. I got a couple that just got demoted and keep an eye on shit for me in different places. They’re information guys. You don’t want to be information. Believe me. My informants do double duty as patsies. You don’t want to go down that road.”

“No, I do not,” I promised, “I like where I am.”

“Stay at my hip, kid,” he gave me a little pop to the shoulder, “You’ll learn a thing or two. But for now, go get your brothers. Go get my money. Come back and we’ll talk about your cut.”

“Got it, boss,” I started getting up only to be pushed back down again, “What the hell, Old Man?”

“This is a big score for you, Frankie,” he kept his voice down, “You know how normally when you do collections for me, it’s maybe five grand, ten grand max?”

“Yeah.”

“This one’s around the hundred thousand mark,” the Old Man filled me in, “The envelope’s going to feel a little thicker than normal. This is a big score. Don’t blow it. Don’t get yourself killed. Don’t make friends, but don’t make enemies either. And what’s the number one rule when you got that money in your hand?”

“Don’t count it in front of anyone else?”

“And why is that?”

“Because it’s just rude?”

“And…?’

“Because it’s a sign of mistrust,” I knew the rules. I wasn’t an idiot.

“That’s my boy,” he gave me a pat on the back, “Go on. Go get your brothers and my money.”

“Ok.” I did my best to keep my cool in front of him, but holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. I’ve never held a hundred grand before. Even when the Old Man needed his money laundered, I wasn’t the one to take it. That was one of those things he did on his own. Why? I don’t know. But I figured it wasn’t my place to ask.

Still…I had to go to the borderlands. I was about to be within spitting distance of the Bronx territories and we’ve had that conversation. That’s not a place for me to be. If they find out who I work for, I’m fucked. But I suppose that’s why the Old Man wants me protected. That and the fact that he doesn’t exactly hide who the favorite is around here. I’m surprised no one’s tried to pick a fight with me yet. Probably because of what I’ve already done in the warehouse. That guy walked out of there limping with a trail of blood following him.

When I got home, I did a quick check of the calendar. Mama was working late tonight, but that didn’t mean Tony and César were. At least not yet. I checked the apartment for my favorite pair of brothers and couldn’t find them anywhere. They weren’t in the living room. They weren’t in the bedroom. Although, when I poked my head out our bedroom window, I found them both on the fire escape. Why was I not surprised? It was a beautiful night. I couldn’t blame them.

“Hola, hermanito,” César stomped out the end of his cigarette, “Que pasa?”

“You boys care to make some money tonight?” I asked, a smirk on my face. I knew they weren’t going to say no. Not to me.

“What for?” Tony wondered. Always the skeptical one.

“The Old Man’s got me on a job,” I told them, “And he wants me protected, so he told me to take you two with me. Sound like a night?”

“What if we had plans?” César whined, “What if I had shit to do tonight, Frankie? We can’t just drop everything for you to use us as bodyguards.”

“Do you have anything else to do tonight?” Tony asked, “Because I don’t remember you making plans, César…”

“Dammit, Tony,” César put his head between his knees, “I swear, you were malnourished in the womb.”

“Oh, fuck off,” Tony gave him a shove.

“So,” I figured, “You don’t have shit going on tonight, do you, César?”

“Nope.”

“But,” I put things into perspective, “You know how well the jobs the Old Man puts us on always pay out. And I think tonight might be a damn good one.”

“What do you mean?” César perked up, “How much is this one paying, Frankie?”

“The Old Man didn’t tell me,” I explained, “But he did say it’s the most I’ve ever scored from one collections job.”

“Which is…how much?”

I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face if I wanted to, “A hundred grand.”

“No fucking way,” César gasped, “Frankie, that kind of money could take care of the trip home this year.”

Or my cut could go toward an engagement ring and a damn nice wedding, but priorities, I guess. They weren’t ready to hear that one yet, “So, I’m thinking it’s safe to say you two are in?”

“I am,” César nodded, “And I don’t trust Tony home by himself, so we’re in.”

“Alright then,” I gave them both a nod, “Vamanos.”

[rebelbyrdie]

SwanQueen Christmas AU Idea

Corporate lawyer Regina Mills lives life in the fast lane.  She is a workaholic, coffeeholic, borderline alcoholic perfectionist.  Social worker and school counselor Emma Swan is a dedicated single mother and enjoys her slow small town life.  This Christmas, their paths cross and nothing will ever be the same.

“No, Zelena.”  Regina grit her teeth and spoke to her sister through the bluetooth in her car.  “I can’t guarantee I will be there on Christmas Day.  You know that.”  

“Mother and That Bastard-”  By Bastard she meant their step-father Robert Gold.  “-are going to run you to death.  They’ll never make you a partner.  Mother likes having you under her thumb too much.”

She was probably right.  Regina just needed a few more years to establish herself and to build up a portfolio of clients that were loyal to her and not Mills & Gold.

“Robby and Rolly want to see their Auntie for Christmas.  They miss you.  I miss you.”

Regina felt her heart lurch.  The children had already lost their father and grandfather, and Regina felt like she neglected them.  Zelena did not need to pile on the guilt.

“Daddy would want you there too”

There, of course, was their father’s home in San Juan, Puerto Rico.  

Regina wanted to be there too.

“I mean honestly.  Gold sent you to Canada.  You’re not even able to practice there!”

Regina sighed.  “That was last week, Z.  I’m on the way to Bangor, then Baltimore with a quick stop in Manhattan for a meeting.”

“Jesus, Regina.  Tell me you’re wearing a mask.  I can’t believe Mother is having you fly all over the country.  Countries.”

Regina scoffed. “I’m driving, Zelena.  

The conversation went downhill from there.  Regina could feel a migraine take hold.  It was a week before Christmas, the snow flurries were turning into a blizzard around her, and she would never make it to Bangor tonight.

After some more ranting, Zelena changed the subject.  She regaled Regina with every minute detail of the children’s lives.  Robyn, two and a half, was now obsessed with Frozen.  Rolland, five, was having problems concentrating during his distance-learning kindergarten classes.  So on and so forth.

Regina was only half-listening.  She was more focused on squinting through the near white out conditions she was trying to drive through.

She didn’t see the moose in the road until it was far too late.

***

Emma and Henry were half-way through their Christmas claymation marathon.  Rudolph was just about to save Christmas when there was a loud crash outside.  Emma groaned.  She knew a car crash when she heard one.  Route 108 was notoriously difficult to navigate, especially for tourists.  Add in the snow and there was bound to be trouble.

Henry sighed and paused the movie.  “I’ll get the big flash light.”  Emma  got up and went to get her coat.  They were miles away from Storybrooke proper and it would be impossible to get a tow truck or the cops out this late.  

Just past their driveway there was a black car in the ditch smashed against an old oak tree.  A moose, Henry had affectional nicknamed him Bullwinkle, was ambling across the road, completely unharmed.

Emma held the flashlight steady.  “Hello!”

She didn’t see any lights or movements in the unfamiliar car.  It was a nice car too.  A sleek black Mercedes with New York plates.  

She pushed through the show, which was already up to her knees, and to the drivers side door.  She wrenched it open.  The driver was alone and slumped over the airbag.  Emma could tell they were breathing, but not much else.

“Shit.”

She carefully pulled the driver back so she could see their face.  Her face.

“Wow.”

The unconscious woman’s  face was battered and bleeding, but the damage couldn’t hide her beauty.

Emma bent down and pushed the dark hair out of the woman’s face.  Blood pouring from her scalp and cuts to her nose, cheek and lip.

“Ma’am.  Can you hear me?”

The woman’s eyes fluttered open.  They were unfocused and one pupil was much slower to adjust to the light of Emma’s flashlight then the other.  She had a concussion for sure.  She also had the most gorgeous eyes Emma had ever seen.  Dark Guinness with swirls of whiskey, intoxicating.  Emma had always been a sucker for brown eyes.

“Hey.”

The woman blinked.  “Wha-”  Then she grimaced in pain.  “What happened?”

She was only wearing a white (quickly turning red) shirt and a skirt that was hitched up to her thighs.  She was missing a high heeled shoe.  Emma didn’t see a coat anywhere, but the crash had tumbled everything around.  The woman was already starting the shiver.  Shock plus the cold.  Emma needed to get her inside, fast.

“My name is Emma.  You wrecked your car by my property.  My house is just over there.  We need to get you inside before the storm really sets in.”

The woman’s eyes were sharpening.  She was testing her limbs one by one, awareness coming back to her.  She set one foot, the heeled one, down outside of the car.  It sank right into the snow and she jerked her leg back in.  The heel stayed behind.

“Ma’am, you should let me help you.”

The woman slowly, with shaking hands, unlatched her seatbelt.

“Regina.  My name is Regina Mills.”

Emma reached in to help the woman out of the car.  “Well, Regina Mills.  Welcome to Storybrooke.”

[judithwebster]

It would be best if you never left anything to chance. Protect your future and provide for your loved ones by allowing us to counsel you in estate planning and will execution services. The estate planning attorneys at The Barat Firm are here to help you protect your future. Your estate took a lifetime to build. You should be the one to decide what happens to it.

Services:

family law, divorce, child custody, child support, prenuptial agreement, family law near me, best divorce lawyer near me, uncontested divorce, best custody lawyer, affordable divorce lawyer, divorce lawyer for women, top family law attorney.

Personal Injury law,  car wrecks, truck wrecks, wrongful death, premises liability, dog attacks, personal injury attorney, accident attorney, work injury attorney, LTD attorney, (long term disability lawyer), car accident lawyer, truck accident lawyer, big rig accident lawyer. Semi truck accident lawyer.

[ask-de-writer]

DARING DO and the ADVENTURE of the X'IBIAN VASE! : MLP Fan Fiction : Part 10 of 21

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to MLP Fan Fiction

Daring Do

and the Adventure of the X'ibian Vase!

by

De Writer (Glen Ten-Eyck)

And

Carmen Pondiego

Cover Art by

Doctor Dimension

52630 words

© 2015 by Glen Ten-Eyck

Writing begun 08/26/15

All rights reserved.  This document may not be copied or distributed on or to any medium or placed in any mass storage system except by the express written consent of the author.

//////////////

Copyright fair use rules for Tumblr users

Users of Tumblr.com are specifically granted the following rights.  They may reblog the story.  They may use the characters or original characters in my settings for fan fiction, fan art works, cosplay, or fan musical compositions, provided that such things are done without charge.  I will allow those who do commission art works to charge for their images provided that I receive a copy of each image for my archive.  

All sorts of fan art, cosplay, music or fictions is actively encouraged.

///////////////////////

Robber was getting upset.  The fool Lock Keeper was not paying any attention to the importance of getting these five motor trucks across the canal!  

“SIR!  I must speak to you!” he demanded imperiously.

Signaling the line of peasants to halt, the Lock Keeper stepped around his counter and glared at Robber.  He gave the slight inclination of the head of one of great importance to one of little value and snapped, “We HAVE SPOKEN! You are rude.  Your trucks cannot use this bridge in ANY CASE.  They will not fit.  You must find better courtesy and a different way to cross the canal!”

A watching pegasus in the same cotton robes and flat conical hat as the other watching peasants stepped out of the line for the bridge, courteously yielding his place to the mare behind him.  He stepped behind some bushes nearer to the Dunn See and a poor young beggar came out.  He had dark blue fur with an orange mane and tail.  His robe, though clean, was much worn.  His flat conical straw hat had straws fraying away from one side.

He approached Robber imperiously, and offered only the slightest of nods.  Robber might be a slow learner, and he was, but he had sorted out that he needed to fix whatever it was that had gone wrong.  He returned a bow of equals to the beggar.

“What do you want, umm … Sir?”

The beggar gave back another bow of superiority, though not quite so great.  “It is rather what YOU want.  Also, what you need.  Your greatest need is courtesy, especially your bow.  Being foreigners here gives you no special privilege.  The importance of the one you face is not in his social station, but in whether he can aid you or not.  Recognize that in your bow to him or suffer the consequence.

“All the ponies here know Shun Yu.  As the Master of the Lock, he is vital to all who wish to cross the canal, bring cargoes to the canal, unload cargoes from canal boats, ship or receive goods from the rail line.  You treated him worse than a beggar like myself.  He will not even accept a bribe from you, so badly have you done this.”

Robber nearly ground his teeth at the rebuke from so lowly a pony.  The only reason that he did not was his already spectacular failure.  As a prominent lawyer, he was used to listening only for the purpose of gaining information to use in a case.

“What of bribes?  We have heard that this whole place runs on bribes but if they do take ours they act as if insulted!”

“They were.  You do not understand the bribe at all.  For that I will not help you.  All that is needed is to look, think deeply of what you see and learn from it.”

The blue and orange beggar held out a hoof.  “For an alms reasonable to the importance of the information, I can help you to pass this canal.”

Robber was about to offer a few of the odd copper cash used in the Empire.  Thinking like a lawyer, he reviewed what he had just been told and instead offered the same twelve golden cash, with their funny square holes, that he had tried to offer to Shun Yu, the Lock Keeper.

The beggar smiled as he made the coins disappear.  “Come back up the road a little.  It is not marked but this side path down to the river’s edge is your answer. It leads to a tether barge for large equipment and other awkward objects.”

Robber turned to inform the others of the development.  The beggar passed behind some bushes.  An old earth pony, also blue and orange, trotted down to the empty barge toll house.

It took some serious effort but Robber did negotiate their passage.  One at a time, the first three of ROT’s motor trucks was loaded, chocked, strapped and hauled upstream to the other side of the canal.  It took over an hour each.

Overthrow grew impatient at the slow pace.  “It is just past noon already!  We have not got all day to do this trifling chore!  Here!  Put both of our remaining trucks on the barge!  There is plenty of deck space!”

He thrust five more cash into the blue pony’s hoof.  The coin vanished.  “This is most unwise. You must load, place them, and secure them.  I will see to the pulling as I have already.  The consequence of your action is upon you alone.”

The old pony stood by while both vehicles were placed on the barge and tied by Overthrow, with Robber’s help.  None of their hired ponies would go near the task.

The old pony, staying on the downriver side, managed the pulling gear for the tether barge from his toll house.

ROT’s team cheered as the barge settled into its dock.  Now that the barge was across, ROT’s hirelings swarmed aboard and untied both trucks.  With the roar of its mage/tech engine, the first truck inched forward to the barge’s exit ramp.  It was about half on the dock when the barge began to tip away from the dock.  The untended truck, free of its ties, was rolling slowly toward the river side of the barge.

With a loud gurgling hiss of escaping air, the tipping barge started to take water!  The roll of the barge pulled the ramp free of the dock.  Both truck and ramp fell into the gap with a huge splash and more burbling.  Free of the nearly balancing weight, the barge flipped up almost on edge, dropping the second truck into the muddy water.  Free of the pesky, mismanaged loads, the barge flopped back to upright, neatly covering both trucks!

The horrified hirelings managed to rescue the pony driver of the first truck by throwing ropes and dragging him to a maintenance ladder.

In the toll house, the blue pony neatly set the controls and left.  Passing behind some  bushes he seemed to vanish.

By nightfall, the barge had been pumped out and removed.  The salvage cranes meant to handle river wrecks had hold of the first truck and lines secured to the second one.

All was being managed by a furious Shun Yu, whose lock facilities had been seriously damaged by these bungling foreign amateurs!

He was not buying any tale of mysterious blue and orange ponies, either.

~~ ~~ ~~ ~~

As word of amusing disasters will, the tale of ROT’s trucks falling from the barge and the ghastly salvage situation that the idiot foreigners caused, ran up the river Dunn See like a wind driven wild fire.

Daring Do and her two students were sitting at an outdoor restaurant enjoying noodles, stir fried veggies and tea when the table next to them erupted in gales of laughter.

Soree, who was better at understanding Chineighese than Jeremy, got it first!  Holding her sides, she told Jeremy, “ROT really fouled up!  They were trying to bypass the end of the canal back there with a barge.  They miss loaded it and dropped two of their five trucks right into the river! They were still lifting them out by salvage crane this morning!”

Jeremy, giggling like mad, turned to Daring Do and suggested, “Remind me not to get on your bad pony list!  Did you know that they would run into something like that if they tried to use trucks?”

Failing miserably at looking innocent, Daring Do replied around a mouth full of excellent stir fry, “Not in detail, no.  I did know that they would not do bribes correctly and I was sure that the bows of courtesy would not be done right.

“That is certain to anger anypony important to them.  Especially officials like Canal Lock supervisors.  That pretty well guarantees that they will have trouble at such places.

“I am wondering about something else.  The mysterious blue barge keeper with the orange mane.”

“Why?” asked Jeremy.

“Because that color pattern is extremely rare in the Empire.  It is believed to be the worst sort of bad luck.  There is a long history of the worst pony caused disasters in the Empire being caused or connected to ponies of those colors.”

Soree said thoughtfully, “That sounds like a superstition.  Is there any reason to think otherwise?”

Daring Do nodded.  “The most recent of them was Admiral Wong Weigh.  He led over 90% of the Empire’s Naval forces in the attack against Qushi Han Le’s Formasa Archipelago headquarters base.”

Suddenly Jeremy remembered a thing that he had been told about the Pirate Queen.  “Qushi had a major in Naval Architecture, Strategy and Weaponry, right?”

Daring Do nodded as she sucked in more noodles.

“How bad was it?”

“The Admiral ordered no surrender to all ships before the attack.  They followed orders.  All Imperial Navy ships in the attack were sunk.  Qushi lost about ten of her fleet.  They rescued almost 45% of the Imperial Navy sailors.”

Jeremy winced.  “How did she wind up owning the Imperial Navy?”

Daring Do returned to her narrative.  “There is a big difference between being an outlaw and being disloyal to your nation.  The attempted Nippony invasion brought home to her the magnitude of the disaster to the Navy.

“She hit the Nippony fleet from behind and, working together with the Imperial Army on land, crushed them.  She used that victory to arrange a truce to speak to the Emperor and his advisors.  She offered to BE the Navy to make amends for the loss to the Empire.

“She remains based in the Formasa Archipelago and PAYS the Empire a percentage of her travel duties and other incomes.  The Empire has REFUSED offers by other nations to replace the fleet because the Navy was a huge drain on the Imperial coffers.  The present arrangement gives better defense and PAYS the Empire to boot.”

Jeremy and Soree grinned. Suddenly, Jeremy got it.  “It was a blue pony with an orange mane and tail that lost the Empire’s navy!  Any other examples?”

Daring Do nodded as she mopped up the last of her luncheon with a steamed bun.  “Lots of them, going all the way back to the gate keeper who let the Mong barbarians through the Great Northern Wall.  Blue ponies with orange mane and tail are all through the Empire’s history.  Connected to disasters.”

Soree gave Daring Do a sort of admiring gaze as she asked, “Is there anything in history that you DON’T know about?”

Daring Do looked up soberly and replied, “Far too much.  This whole expedition would have been unnecessary if I knew enough.”  She sighed, “Eris was so unhappy about having to open her love’s tomb.”

Jeremy’s brows pulled down in puzzlement as he asked, “What does Eris have to do with Im Farst’s tomb?  Her love?  Are you serious?”

Daring Do looked about to be sure that no pony was listening in before answering, “She has EVERYTHING to do with it.”

Soree sucked in a breath of surprise.  She said softly, “The Dragon Queen.  That was Eris? That was way back before the Nightmare Wars.”

Daring Do nodded slowly.  “It was.  Never forget how OLD Eris, Discord, is.  The Dragonequis was made in the earliest days of the world’s creation.  She is older than Celestia and Luna.  I know from both experience and being told by Luna herself that Eris prefers her female form and is only male when that is needed to accomplish her mysterious purposes.”

Jeremy sort of snorted, “And SHE loved Im Farst?  How could an Immortal being like her love anypony?”

Daring Do gave him a bleak stare that sent shivers down Jeremy’s spine.  “I don’t know, Jeremy.  I do know this.  Eris spends time in Memorial Meditation to this day. She has a shrine with the ORIGINAL Weeping Dragon painting that you have a copy of in your materials and offers incense and tea.  And still weeps for him.”

Jeremy suddenly sat up and looked about in puzzlement.  “Where is Guardian?  Come to think, I have not seen him since Singapone.”

Daring Do smiled.  “You are the observant one, aren’t you?  This is his land.  The Guardians have more work than keeping an eye on us.  Though I do believe that his replacement is not far away.”

Jeremy paused. “Would it be impolite to try to see who he is?”

Daring Do grinned at his suddenly found caution.  She replied, “It would be REALLY HARD to see HIM.  She is here, though.  And yes, it would be rude.”

Soree was happily filling her notebook with details of the Inn that they were rooming at.  She looked up from her task and commented, “Since we are going to Hong Wa, and this is where you met the Dromedaries that were such good support on the Darkling Expedition, I guess that is why we are waiting here, now?”

Daring Do nodded affirmatively. ”That is correct, Soree.  We are specifically waiting for Sang He and her herd.  I am really anxious to see her reaction to the new rifles that I had made for her and her followers.”

It was just then that there was a slight commotion at the front of the Inn.  A big Dromedary mare was seeking entry.  The top of the door only reached as high as her shoulder.  There were six more mares out in the Inn’s courtyard. They had bared swords that were only slightly curved, maintaining a uniform width almost their full length and clipped to sharp, angled chisel point.  There were fullers running most of the length of each blade.  These were sometimes called “blood gutters” by those whose imaginations ran wild.  Their real purpose was to both lighten and stiffen the blade.

Daring Do called out in delight, “Sang He!”  She ran out, bowing the bow of equals to the enormous dromedary.

As Sang He bowed back, Jeremy got a rough idea of just how gigantic a dromedary was.  Suddenly, thinking back to the pirate attack on the Sea Sage, Jeremy appreciated the design of the huge rifle that Daring Do had used.

Soree was in an utter transport as she sketched the scene of Sang He, hugging Daring Do, and in the process, lifting her hooves over a meter above the ground.

Daring Do bowed as one seeking a favor to the Inn keeper.  “An open tab for my friends, please, good Inn keep.”  She bowed a second time, offering three of the Empire’s square holed golden cash.  With a pleased smile, the coins vanished into the Inn Keeper’s big sleeves.  

A Wok big enough for a pony bathtub was set out in the courtyard.  It had its own fire box with a big fire of charcoal lit in it.  Oil was poured in by the gallon. From the kitchen came the near machine like hammering of cleavers chopping vegetables.  They were brought out by the basket load and stirred into the oil to fry swiftly.  The stir/strainers were the size of shovels.  And needed.  Cooked vegetables were lifted up to draining racks, ready to serve.

Using platters, instead of plates, the Sang He’s herd lined up, getting huge rice beds first, loading up on the vegetables and then pouring sauces over the whole thing.

As they sat to eat, the Inn’s wait staff became even busier filling four-liter sized mugs with water and tea.

Jeremy was about to comment that this did not look like the kind of help needed for a desert journey, when Soree pointed out, “It was in the Adventure of the Darkling’s Tomb.  They will fill up now and won’t need food or water for a week or more.”

Jeremy nodded,  “That was a part that I found hard to believe.  I think that I understand it better now.”

“Listen, Jeremy!  They aren’t speaking Chineighese at all!   We are hearing our first X'ibian!”

It was obvious from his reaction that Jeremy had not been paying attention.  Again.  He was looking at the fact that all seven of the dromedaries’ swords had been sheathed and the Inn had set out the huge seeming feast.

He growled, “So much for the courtesy of bows and bribes!  They just walk in here brandishing swords and get treated like royalty.  Nobody mentioned Threats!”

Soree and Daring Do stared at him in shock.  Soree shook her head sadly, “Doctor Do, is it too late to leave him in one of Qushi Han Le’s prison cells?”

Picking at batter fried broccoli with her chopsticks, Daring Do nodded glumly, “I am afraid so.”

Turning to Jeremy, she demanded, “HOW could you not know that the X'ibian dromedary herds declare peaceful intent by displaying their weapons in a non threatening stance?  It is mentioned many times in the Darkling’s Tomb, which you told me that you have now read, after the Qushi Han Le debacle.”

Sullenly, Jeremy muttered, “X'ibia is part of the Chineighese Empire.  I read the part about the Chineighese bowing and bribes carefully.  Since it is all the same country, I sort of skimmed the rest.”

Daring Do put a hoof over her eyes.  “Jeremy, do you even understand what an Empire IS?”

“It is a big country built on conquest of smaller ones, obviously.”

Daring Do said bluntly, “If you gave me that answer in the RU’s class on Ethnological Geography I would flunk you.

“An Empire is built mostly by conquest but it is a conglomerate of states held together by common political and economic interests as well as force.

“The Chineighese Empire has existed for 1500 years.  It has fifty two individual states, each with a unique spoken language and dialects.  Each one has been allowed great cultural autonomy as well.  They share a common written language.  Chineighese Ideographic representation.

“A poet in X'ibia can be read in any state of the Empire.  Likewise, anything written anywhere else can be read in X'ibia.”

Jeremy was looking sick.  “I did get a D in that class.  I never dreamed that it could be important.  I mean, why waste time studying inferior cultures?  We have Celestia and Luna.  We are the oldest culture on the planet.”

Soree’s eyes flew wide.  “That is insane!  Equestrian culture and society were so shattered by the Nightmare Wars that even the official dating places the year zero at 250 PNW.

“The Empire is roughly equally old.  Saddle Arabia is older, though not much.  The Nippony Isles are the oldest culture that I know of from my studies in that same class.”

Daring Do pointed out, “We are seeking a tomb that dates to only 224 years after the founding of Fortress Canterlot.  That makes its date roughly 1000 years BEFORE the Nightmare Wars.

“The X'ibian Empire lasted about 2000 years.  A thousand years ago, it was taken by the Chineighese Empire.  Following the successful practices of 1500 years of conquest, they allowed much autonomy, local language and culture to flourish.  We are going to a place where the local culture is nearly 3000 years old.”

Feeling cornered, Jeremy snapped, “And still nomads!”

Soree sweetly pointed out, “Just like the Rom?  You know, the nomads of the Equestrian Roads that Celestia and Luna both join whenever they can?  The ones who invented the first Mage/Tech engine?  The same who made the first successful heavier than air aircraft?  Who invented the Magic Net that we all use?  Those nomads?”

The discussion was ended by Sang He putting her head under the door frame, bowing as an equal, and saying in perfect Equestrian, “As fascinating as your discussion is, Doctor Do, we do have your expedition to get under way.   We have been examining your bills of lading to divide up our loads.

“We found listed rifles and ammunition that we wondered about, since there appears to be seven of them.”

Daring Do returned the bow and grinned.  “Seven rifles and seven in your herd.  It seemed to be about the right number of weapons for you!”

Sang He called back over her shoulder in X'ibian and her words were greeted by cheers.  The other six of her herd made an orderly stampede for the warehouse where the expedition’s equipment was stored.

Soon a very impressed Jeremy was looking at the loaded dromedaries.  It had taken little time at all. They all knew which boxes of supplies that they wanted.  Most of their time was spent examining the rifles and ammunition.  The literally small books of care and specifications.  They were happily pointing out the features and field stripping the weapons.  It was obvious that this was something that they knew how to do well.

Sang He gave some orders and the whole expedition put up the rifles and assumed their loads.  Sang He knelt and said, “Friend Daring Do, and lady Soree, it would be my pleasure to carry you.  Sadly, we will not make good time across the desert.  

“We are limited by the pace that your Jeremy can set.  After his offensive remarks and demonstrated willful ignorance, none of us will carry him.”

<==Previous   Next==>

Return to the Master Story Index

Return to MLP Fan Fiction

[shimmershaewrites]

Waltzing's for Dreamers, Chapter 25 (a Walking Dead story, Caryl AU).

Title:  Waltzing's for Dreamers

Rating:  PG?

Warnings:  some adult language, angst.

Characters/Pairings:  Carol/Daryl, Sophia, OC, Lily Chambler, Meghan Chambler, Michonne, mentions of Aaron, Tara Chambler, Andrea Harrison, Andre, others. 

Author's Note:  so sorry for the delay on this story.  I've been blocked so horribly and just down in general about my writing.  This isn't my best chapter by any means, and not quite what I envisioned when I first drew it up, but words have been so hard for me to come by lately that it's a relief just to put it out there.  Enjoy anyway? 

  Waltzing’s for Dreamers

  Seven years after Vegas.  Middle of March.  The immediate aftermath of Daryl seeing Sophia again. 

      “Coming to the game, Mr. Dixon?” 

  Daryl’s still reeling.  Trapped inside one of them kaleidoscopes, inside a jumbled rainbow of colors and shifting emotions that only gets more and more distorted with each twist so he don’t answer.  Isn’t capable of it really.  Just lets the drone of the boy’s words go in one ear and out the other while he grips his steering wheel with blanched fingers. 

  “Zach.  Leave the man alone.” 

  “Yeah, Zach.  He look like he wants to watch us get our asses beat?” 

  “Who says we’re going to get our asses beat?” 

  “Coach.” 

  “Coach wouldn’t say that.” 

  “He put it in different words.  But he definitely said it.” 

  “Shut up, Jimmy.  Nobody asked you anyway.” 

  The boys argue back and forth, but it’s white noise to Daryl.  He’s lost inside his own head, struggling to put together the pieces of a long-shelved puzzle.  Just when he feels like he almost has it, has the elusive lynchpin within his grasp, the last bell rings and kids spill out of the school in every direction like ants scurrying to collect crumbs, jolting him rudely back into the moment.  “Game’s near Woodbury?” 

  “Yeah, Man.  You coming?” 

  “Dude looks like death, Gage.  Leave him alone.” 

  “Pfft.  Whatever.  Just forget it.  We’re running late as it is.” 

  Their voices fade the further they get away but his little girl’s rings loud and clear in Daryl’s recent memory.  Carol’s joins it and another small voice, a voice he doesn’t recognize but somehow knows all the same.      

  “I thought you were dead.  I thought you were dead ‘cause no way would my daddy leave me.”   

  “Sophia.  Sweetheart.  Not here.  Not now.  Your brother…” 

  Carol had frozen at his sharp intake of breath, her blue sky eyes stormy as she’d taken the small boy by the shoulders and tried to steer him away.  Tried to distract him from the train wreck unfolding before him, the screech and ear-splitting crash of their past colliding with the painful, harsh reality of their present. 

  “Nobody.” 

  That single word, cloaked in ‘Phia’s tears as it had been, still feels like a knife lodged deep in Daryl’s floundering heart.  Still echoes in his ears.  Haunts him.  But it’d been Carol’s softly uttered addition that’d twisted the knife and even now has his life’s blood flowing out of him in a painful torrent.  Has him all out of sorts and all but oblivious to the rest of the still moving world around him. 

  “Nobody that you know, Baby.  C’mon.  Let’s get you home okay?  You and Sis both.  Sophia?” 

  “Mr. Dixon?” 

  “I didn’t…” 

  “Mr. Dixon?  Can you hear me?” 

  Cool fingers circle his wrist, discreetly checking his pulse before moving to calmly loosen his death grip on the steering wheel, and the fog finally lifts enough for Daryl to focus.  Clarity sharpens his mind but also heightens the grief—and budding anger—that he feels and he turns his gaze to the woman eyeing him with muted concern.  He recognizes her as the school nurse.  Has had to send more than one of his dumbass students her way in the short time he’s been at this gig.  Seen her be friendly with Carol and knows where her sympathies lie.  Still.  He feels the overwhelming need to explain himself.  “I didn’t know.  I thought…” 

  Lily cuts him off with a subtle shake of her head and a suggestion for the young daughter that lingers uncertainly behind her.  “Meghan, why don’t you run back inside?  Grab something to drink for Mr. Dixon?  You were right.  He doesn’t look so good.”  When the little girl has scampered away and the bus carrying the baseball team is gone along with most of the cars in the parking lot, she finally speaks again.  “My sister Tara babysits for Carol.  Our daughters are friends, Mr. Dixon.  Sophia’s older, but they tell each other everything.  Any explanations you think you have for abandoning your family?  Sophia and Carol deserve to hear them from you.  Understood?”   

  A ragged sigh whistles past Daryl’s lips and he blinks against the sting in his eyes.  “’Phia ain’t in the place to hear nothing I say.” 

  Lily’s expression softens but she holds her tongue. 

  Daryl nods to himself and drums still nerveless fingertips against his steering wheel as he gazes straight ahead.  “Tell your girl thanks for me, but I got somewhere I have to be.”   

  Lily stops him with a hand on his arm and an inherent plea in the way she says his name.  “Mr. Dixon.” 

  Daryl ducks his head shamefully.  “Mr. Dixon was a man didn’t deserve to be called Daddy.  Guess I’m more like the old man than I thought.  Don’t worry.  I ain’t gonna bother them.  Got more sense than that.”  He doesn’t meet her eyes again, afraid of the pity that renders her voice a quiet murmur. 

  “Maybe she’s not ready to hear you now, but if I know Sophia at all?  Someday she will be.” 

  “Someday.  Yeah, maybe.” 

  Turning his key in the ignition, Daryl brings his old truck to life and its cantankerous rumble is so loud Lily almost has to shout to be heard. 

  “You sure you’re gonna be okay?”

  “Gotta be.” 

  “At least stay until Meghan gets back with your drink.”

  “Done told you…”  

  “You got somewhere to be.  I know.  I heard you.  Just.  I know it doesn’t mean much coming from somebody you barely know.  But don’t hurt them even more by doing something stupid.”    

  Daryl mulls over her words.  Tries desperately to take them to heart as the truck eats up the miles between King County and Woodbury.  To push the building anger he feels away with middling results.  Welcome distraction comes when he passes an athletic complex halfway there.  Sees the King County baseball coach running practice drills with the boys before the big game and winces because he’s gotten to know the man somewhat.  Aaron’s a good guy.  Another one of Carol’s friends and coworkers.  Earnest.  Hard working.  Friendly and welcoming to a fault.  Ill-suited to coaching but out there anyway, determined to turn lemons into lemonade, to make something positive out of something negative when Daryl aches for nothing more in that moment than a confrontation and some answers.

  “Sophia.  Sweetheart.  Not here.  Not now.  Your brother…” 

  He repeats Lily’s sensible words as a mantra, even as the puzzle pieces start to fall into place.  The harder the fist around his heart squeezes, the hotter his blood starts to boil.  Her brother?  But Andrea…    

  “Nobody that you know, Baby.  C’mon.  Let’s get you home okay?  You and Sis both.  Sophia?” 

  By the time he pulls into the Woodbury parking lot, he’s at fever pitch again.  The truck has barely lurched to a stop before he’s jumping out of it and slamming the door, striding to the front entrance and a security guard that immediately diagnoses him a threat, abandoning his post to prevent Daryl from going any further.

  “Sir.  Do you have an appointment?” 

  Daryl blatantly ignores his question.  Indignantly huffs a half-truth as he deftly sidesteps the man.  Woman had been quick to shove those divorce papers under his nose. “I’m here to see my lawyer.  We go way back.  Don’t need no appointment.” 

  “Sir,” the man repeats calmly.  “I’m going to need you to stop where you’re at and show me your hands.  Keep them where I can see them while I verify a few things.  Do that and if your lawyer’s receptive to seeing you without an appointment, we’ll go from there.” 

  Sighing in resignation, Daryl agrees and holds his hands out to his sides.  “Fine.  What you need to know?” 

  “You can start by giving me your name and who you’re here to see.” 

  Some fifteen minutes later, when his anger’s cooled considerably and the pain and devastation of all he’s missed has begun to sink back in deep, Daryl looks up from the weary study of his worn boots when he hears a familiar voice.  It doesn’t belong to the person he expected or wanted to see.  Instead, it belongs to Michonne, and one look at the grave expression the woman wears has him swallowing hard because she knows.  He doesn’t know how much she knows or when she found it out, but betrayal hangs low and heavy around her shoulders too.  “She too much a coward to face me herself?”

  Michonne’s lips pinch into a trembling, disappointed frown before she sucks in a shaky breath.  Her eyes never straying from his, she addresses the guard that waits patiently nearby.  “It’s okay, DJ.  Daryl’s good people.  He’s just been hit with a bit of upsetting news today.” 

  “Sorry, Man,” DJ apologizes.  “Hope you know I was just doing my job.” 

     As soon as they’re alone, Michonne allows Daryl only a brief glimpse of the disappointed tears in her eyes before straightening her shoulders and clearing her throat.  “I understand…” 

  “No,” Daryl instantly interjects through gritted teeth.  “You don’t.” 

  Nodding to concede his point, she begins again.  “I know you’ve just been blindsided.  It’s not exactly the same, but I have too.  Be that as it may, there’s a little boy behind those doors, my little boy, and I know none of us right now understand this whole mess, but Andre?  Daryl, it makes even less sense to him.  Do you get that?  One minute his mama and Aunt Andrea were happy and laughing.  The next?  The next they’re…they’re not.”

  “I’m sorry, ’Chonne.  But…” 

  “But nothing, Daryl.”  Impassioned now, Michonne defends Andrea.  On one count at least.  “Andrea wanted to come out here.  She wanted to talk to you herself.  I convinced her not to.  Me.  Because she was the only one that could console my son.  So please.  Remember that.  Think of him before you storm in there dead set on getting your pound of flesh.  Okay?  Think of him and treat him the same way you’d treat the son you just found out about.” 

  Daryl’s throat grows tight again and the tears that had stung his eyes earlier return with a vengeance, streaming unnoticed down his cheeks.  Hoarsely, he pleads with Michonne to understand.  “My boy, ‘Chonne.  I didn’t know.  She told me, no, she let me think he died.  Even worse…I want some answers, goddammit.” 

  Michonne grabs his hand, offers herself up as an anchor of sorts.  Something steady to hang on to in the onslaught of emotion.  “And if they don’t satisfy you?  We can’t go back, Daryl.  Only forward.  What then?” 

  “Got no fuckin’ clue, but don’t I deserve the chance to figure that out for myself?  And to do that, I need to talk to Andrea.” 

  “Okay.  Follow me.  We’ll get you your answers.”