No Way Out by Fern Michaels (best books to read for students txt) 📕

irrational. Even though she knew Frank was not the irrational type, this might be a bridge too far. “He grabbed me and threw me down on the bed. I squeezed out from under him. He tried to hit me, but I ducked, and he punched a hole in the wall. I went into Jackson’s room and called the police.”

Both Frank and Jeanne sat back in horror. Jeanne was first to respond. “Did he hurt you?”

Then Frank. “Did he hurt Jackson?”

“No. I mean yes. He threw me against the wall . . . listen, do we have to go into the gory details?”

“No, of course not.” Jeanne put her hand on top of Colleen’s. “Just tell us what you are comfortable with.”

Frank could not hold back. “If he ever touches you again, he will be the sorriest son of a bitch on the planet.”

“Thanks. But wait.” Colleen wanted to defuse Frank’s anger. “I was able to get out of the room, went to Jackson’s, barricaded the door, and called the police.”

Jeanne was almost out of her seat. “You barricaded the door? How badly did he hurt you?”

“I was OK. Mostly scared and rattled. The police were great. Came right away. Dispatcher stayed on the phone with me.” Colleen caught her breath.

“My God!” Jeanne exclaimed. “That’s horrible. When did this happen?”

“Just over two weeks ago.”

Frank leaned in. “You must be very shaken by all of this. Is there anything we can do for you?”

“I’m OK. Really. I have a temporary restraining order until he goes for his hearing on the domestic violence charges next week. I’ll apply for a permanent one, if necessary.”

“If necessary?” Jeanne was appalled.

“Yeah, well, Mitchel was really out of it that night, but he took Jackson out for his one-day-a-week supervised visitation on Saturday.”

“You let him take Jackson?” Jeanne was still appalled.

“Yes, but his mother had to accompany them. It’s part of the temporary visitation order. He can’t have Jackson alone without supervision.”

“Well, that’s a good thing,” Frank observed. “Where is Mitchel staying now?”

“At his brother’s. Greg and Elaine’s.”

“Nice people,” Frank said.

“Yes, but . . .” Colleen wasn’t sure if she should mention Greg’s gun, but at this point there was no reason to leave anything out. “Greg has a registered firearm.”

Frank folded his arms and grunted. “Your TRO isn’t good against a bullet.”

“Frank. Don’t.” Jeanne didn’t want to cause any more alarm for Colleen than necessary.

“Well, it’s important to have all the details and not be emotional about it.”

“It’s OK.” Colleen reassured them. “I am somewhat prepared.”

“In what way?” Frank asked.

“I have a Taser and was given instruction as to how to use it.”

“OK. That’s a start. What else?” Frank was borderline interrogating her.

“I had a high-tech security system installed.”

“What about when you’re not home?” Frank pressed.

“I have permission to take my Taser to work with me. I don’t know what else I can do.”

“You can learn how to shoot a real gun,” Frank added.

“I really don’t want to do that, for a number of reasons.”

“Like what?” Frank asked.

“First, I don’t like them. Second, I don’t want to have one in the house. Third, I really, honest and truly, don’t think it’s necessary.”

“And why do you think that?”

“Just say it’s woman’s intuition.”

“Don’t give me that crap.” Frank was almost snapping at her.

Jeanne intervened. “Let her finish, please.”

“Mitch had never been violent before.” She put up her hands in anticipation of their protests. “Believe me, I am not trying to defend him. I am really trying to get a realistic view. I have my son to consider.”

“Fair enough,” Frank commented.

“Vivian took them to a burger place, a movie, ice cream, and bowling.”

“That old witch?” Frank wasn’t a fan of Vivian’s.

Colleen laughed. “Yes, and apparently she was in a fine mood. Jackson was delighted that his gram was so much fun.”

“Are we talking about the same woman?” Frank looked shocked.

“So it seems,” Colleen replied. “Barring body snatching. According to Jackson and Elaine, Vivian was a totally different person.”

“Invasion of the Body Snatchers.” Jeanne guffawed, and the other two followed.

“Seriously, I have no idea what got into Vivian, but I’m not about to question it. If my son had a good day, well, that’s all that matters to me.”

“So what’s next?” Frank asked.

“Mitchel has a hearing to make a plea.”

“Well, he’s guilty, of course,” Jeanne added.

“Yes, and if he pleads guilty, they will most likely reduce it to a misdemeanor rather than a felony.” Colleen was matter-of-fact.

“How is that right?” Jeanne asked.

“It’s the system, Jeanne.”

“What will happen then?” Frank asked.

“He’ll probably get probation, be required to get therapy—anger management—and maybe they’ll even send him for alcohol rehabilitation.” Colleen paused. “And he’ll have to do some community service.”

“How will that affect the visitation?” Jeanne asked.

“As long as I have a restraining order, he will most likely need supervised visitation. At least for a while.”

“This must be very nerve-racking for you,” Frank said.

“Yes, but I’m getting better at handling it.” Colleen continued. “I bought a Taser, and Officer Pedone showed me how to use it.”

“You should get a gun. I’ll teach you.” Frank was firm.

“I don’t want a gun in the house.”

“You said that Mitch is staying with his brother, right?” Jeanne asked.

“Yes. For now.”

“Why not with Vivian?” Frank asked. “She has that big old house.”

“Hah. Would you stay with Vivian?” Colleen snickered.

“Good point,” Frank answered.

Jeanne continued to prod Colleen. “OK, so if he pleads not guilty, then what happens?”

“Then it will go to trial. That could take up to a year, and I don’t think Mitchel can afford a trial lawyer.” Colleen pursed her lips. “We just have to wait and see.”

“What can we do to help?” Frank asked.

“Nothing at the moment, but thanks. I had an exceptionally good security system installed. With that and the Taser, I’m feeling pretty safe. Besides, I don’t think Mitch would want to blow his visitation rights or end up back in jail if he violated the order. But he was parking the car at the end of the block every day for the first