My First Apartment Chapter 20

I woke up at 5:30. I put on the purple baby doll nightie with matching panties Ree gave me. It had matching lace collar with a tiny heart shaped locket. I put on the matching mules and went into the kitchen and started making breakfast.

Charlie had bought the essentials. Eggs, milk, coffee and creamer. He bought bread, bacon and a couple of frozen dinners I liked. He also bought some sports drinks and water for me. Gosh he's so sweet.

I started the coffeemaker and began preparing breakfast. I was bent over getting the frying pan out of the cabinet when I saw a shadow behind me. I jumped forward and started to swing the pan.

Charlie caught it mid-swing.

Ohh my goodness! I almost killed you! I exclaimed. I'm so sorry! I started to cry.

Easy, Lana! It's okay! I'd never hurt you!

I know! I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I continued to cry.

It's alright! I'm here, I got you! It's okay!

I started to kneel towards the floor in tears.

Charlie gently held me. Come here! He said.

He hugged me tightly. It gave me a secure feeling. I looked into his eyes. He kissed me softly and hugged me tightly.

You'll be alright! I'm right here! He said.

I'd never forgive myself if I hurt you! I said crying.

It's okay, Lana! He kissed me again, this time a little deeper and longer. He held me tightly as I cried.

He held me until I calmed down.

Let's get some breakfast at McDonald's! We'll get some drive-thru.

Okay! I said.

He drove us to McDonald's and we ate at my place. Charlie left for football practice. I called Lisa's office and left a message asking for a local referral for my PTSD episode I just experienced. I called my therapist and asked to see her today. I was lucky she was able to fit me in.

Bunny was working, so I called Chloe and asked for a ride. She was busy but she said she would call Dana. Dana called me back ten minutes later and said she was happy to help.

I talked with my therapist for an hour. She said PTSD wasn't her specialty, but she said I made the correct decision to reach out immediately. She gave me a brochure and information about a Support group.

Dana took me grocery shopping before she took me home. I called Charlie and left a voicemail about coming over for dinner tonight. I didn't want to be alone. Plus I wanted to make it up to him. I said dinner at 8!

He texted me back and said 8:30, with a heart and smile emojis.

I made a large pan of frozen Lasagna. I made garlic bread and green beans.

I wore a nice floral print sundress and my flat sandals. My makeup was light. He showed up on time. We talked about the morning and I told him about seeing my therapist. He smiled and agreed it was the right thing to do.

Charlie spent the night again. I didn't want to be alone. He said he wouldn't leave me alone unless I asked him to. Charlie and I made love again before bed. I felt so protected with him next to me.

In the morning I was taking a shower. Charlie announced himself when he walked into the bathroom. He opened the door to shower.

Can I join you? He asked.

I took his hand and pulled him in. We made love in the shower! (A first for me).

Charlie opened the door and was about to leave when he spotted a note taped on my door.

The note said.

"If you know what is good for you, you will forget everything you know! Or things are going to get much worse than a broken nose!"

I went to grab the note, Charlie stopped me.

Don't touch it! Hand me your phone! He said. He took a couple of pictures.

Call Detective Perez. I'll stay with you until he gets here.

I called detective Perez and texted the picture.

Charlie called Stan and a few minutes later Stan and Bunny were in my living room.

Detective Perez showed up with a Crime scene technician. He removed the note and bagged it. He dusted my door for prints.

I started getting ready for court as they "processed the scene" as they put it. Out of the clothes Ree gave me I found a dusty pink pencil skirt suit with matching heels. I added nude stockings and a garter belt. I put on a very nice white bra with inserts. I added a short white slip and white blouse. I did my makeup in conservative style with matte pink lipstick.

I grabbed my purse and a black satchel with all my papers from my stay at the spa along with my new birth certificate.

We arrived at the courthouse at 8:45. Amy Rutherford was already there. Detective Perez briefed her on the incident about the note on my door. Amy said she would report it to the judge.

The 9 am hearing was pushed to 11 am. Detective Perez explained they needed time for the local crime lab to process the note and the door finger prints and any evidence. Those two hours seemed to drag out forever.

My case was finally called at 11:25 am. Just as we were walking into the courtroom Rianna showed up.

Sorry I'm late! Did I miss anything? Rianna asked.

No, the hearing was delayed. Someone left a threatening note on my door this morning. I said.

You must be Rianna! Amy Rutherford, I'm the prosecutor on this case.

Rianna Stevens-Park. I'm representing Lana Simmons.

Aren't you a prosecutor? Amy asked. You beat Michael Walker a few years ago! You put Cecil Haskell behind bars!

About ten years ago actually! I'm a senior partner with Stapleton and Elgin now. Lana is my client. Rianna said.

Lana doesn't need an attorney today. She's clearly the victim. Amy said.

I know, and I'm not here to bigfoot your case. I'm representing Lana on the civil side of this. Rianna said. Plus, Lana is my friend.

In that case, welcome! Amy said with a smile.

Rianna sat next to me right behind the prosecutor's table. We left the aisle seat empty. After the judge took his seat we sat down. As the clerk called my case a very large handsome man sat next to Rianna.

Amy Rutherford for the people your honor!

Sidney Shelton for the defense, your honor.

Approach? Your honor! Amy asked.

The judge waved them up.

I could hear a quiet argument with the lawyers and the judge.

Step back! The judge ordered.

Present your evidence Ms Rutherford!

Yes your honor.

Amy presented the police reports, the physical evidence and my medical records. She saved the note on my door from this morning last. Lou Senior and his defense attorney were shocked when the bailiff arrested his wife in the courtroom for leaving the note. Witness tampering is what they charged her with.

Trial is scheduled in ten weeks from today. Jury selection 9 weeks from today. Courts adjourned! Bang! The gaval sounded.

You little bitch! I warned you! You're going to be very sorry! The wife yelled at me. She was actually dressed up very nice, so was Lou Senior from what I had seen earlier. It was a sharp looking suit.

We gathered in the hallway. That went pretty well! I said.

Better than I expected. Amy said. I think they were counting on you to recant your statement! Amy said.

Not a chance! I said. They deserve everything you can throw at them! I said.

She's tough, Ree! She reminds me of a younger you! The handsome man said.

My apologies! Amy, Lana. This is Keith Sanders my investigator! Rianna said.

Hello! Amy and I said in unison.

Amy, can I have a minute? Rianna asked. Keith stay with Lana please!

No problem! Can buy you a coffee, Lana?

Please! I said.

Keith took me to the coffee stand in the courthouse lobby.

Let me guess, former Military I'm guessing, Marine?

Good guess! Is one of your parents a veteran?

My father, Air Force, Captain, retired. I said.

Captain Keith Sanders, United States Marine Corps! Also retired.

How do you know Rianna? We met 3 weeks ago when I was stay at Channel surgical center and spa. Sophia introduced us!

That's a good group of people to have in your corner! I've been working for the firm for more than 12 years. They take care of people! You're in good hands. Rianna is an ace attorney! She's a Shark in the courtroom! I've seen her wipe the floor against some of the best attorneys around country!

You're a PI? How does a Marine become a private investigator? I asked.

I took a medical discharge from the Marine Corps. I went to the police academy. I am still a reserve California State Police officer. I didn't get hired by any department full time so I started my own business. Becky Stapleton hired me as a security consultant and then full time as an in house investigator.

Tell me your story Lana? I've read most of the reports. I'd like to hear your side! Keith asked.

I proceeded to tell Keith my story of self-discovery. Keith was easy to talk to. He wasn't judgemental about my transition. In fact, just the opposite he understood.

That's quite a story! You know Rianna went through something similar to you. She worked her ass off in therapy and school to get where she is today. Don't let this bullshit stop you. You have friends and family! Lean on them! Talk to them. You don't have to carry this by yourself!

Trust me! I Lost six men in one deployment! Six friends, despite my best efforts I couldn't save them. I saved the other twenty, but it's the loss that takes the toll. It wasn't my fault. This situation isn't your fault. It took me a long time to realize I didn't have to carry it alone. Lisa, my best friend Ian all helped me. Brianna and Ree helped me too.

I told Keith about my episode. He listened, nodding occasionally. When I finished talking he squeezed my hand gently, looking into my eyes, he smiled at me.

While that isn't a war, all violence is a form of combat! You may not believe it, but that was combat! You were very brave! You have strength inside you! You have ice water in your veins! Keith said.

How is that brave? Everyone says that! I said. I tried to run!

You fought back! You didn't back down! That's courage!

But I was just trying to escape. I said. You're a war hero! I'm just me! I said.

Lana, I was awarded the Silver Star, 2 Bronze Stars and 2 Purple Hearts. Trust me! I know the definition of courage and bravery! You qualify as brave in my book!

I still don't feel very brave!

You didn't back down then, you didn't back down when they threatened you! You stood your ground! You trusted the people around you! That takes courage too. The ability to trust and seek help are all forms courage. Keith said.

Keith was Marine, a cop, an MMA fighter. He was a man amongst men. Here he is calling me brave. While I still didn't see it at first, his words were slowly sinking in.

After an hour Rianna came back.

Sorry that took so long! Fortunately it was productive! We have a civil hearing at 2 pm tomorrow. Who's hungry? Rianna asked.

I could eat! Keith said

That's no surprise! Rianna smiled.

How about you Lana? Rianna asked.

Sure! I missed breakfast! I said.

Keith took us to the Hard Rock Cafe.

I'd never been here before. It was a fun place. I bought a T-shirt.

When they dropped me off, Charlie was waiting outside my apartment. It was at that very moment I decided to give him a spare key.

Keith, Ree! This is my boyfriend Charlie! I said.

Nice to meet you Charlie! Keith said.

They shook hands firmly! I never in my life shook hands like they did.

Charlie, I'm Lana's attorney, Keith is my investigator. At the expense of sounding forward are you spending the night with Lana tonight?

I was planning on it! Why do you ask! Charlie said flatly.

Her safety! If you weren't going to spend the night with her I was going to ask Keith to keep her company. They arrested the woman that left the note this morning in court. I don't want Lana to be alone until we know more. Rianna explained. We also filled a civil suit for damages today!

I'll keep a close eye on her! Charlie said while smiling at me.

We should probably tell Chloe what is going on! I said.

Let's go! Rianna said.

Give me a minute! I said.

Well wait for you outside said Keith.

I finally had a minute with Charlie.

Here! Take these! I handed him a spare set of my apartment keys.

Your keys? He said.

I trust you Charlie! Gosh knows you earned it! I said

I love you! I said softly and kissed his lips.

I love you too, Lana! Charlie said as softly as I did.

I'll be back soon make yourself at home! I said.

Chloe was still in the office working when we got there. She was on the phone.

She waved us into her office.

Rianna did all the talking. She explained everything to Chloe about my recovery, my therapy and my legal matters.

That's not a problem! I'll take her myself if I have to! I'll keep an eye on her.

Lana told me she's very fond of you! I can see why! If you or Lana need anything, call me! Rianna said. She handed Chloe a business card.

Has Matt Elgin reached out to you yet? Rianna asked Chloe.

Yes he did! I'm currently in the process of taking care of his instructions.

That's great! Don't be afraid to call him directly! He's a good man. I'm sure he'll help anyway he can.

I sat there listening. I couldn't believe how wired-in Rianna was. She seemed to know everything. I was impressed with her already, but she just stepped it up a couple notches without breaking a sweat!

If possible, I'd like you to move Lana to a third floor apartment for her safety. Rianna asked.

I can do that! But all that is available is a Three bedroom 2 bathroom. Chloe said.

I can't afford the rent on that! I said.

Call Matt, tell him I requested it for Lana. I'm sure he won't mind keeping the rent amount the same. He'll understand. Rianna said.

Yes Mrs Park!

Call me Ree, Chloe! If you need anything for yourself, call me!

Yes ma'am! Of course! Thank you!

Come on Lana, let's get you settled in for the night, you have another big day tomorrow!