Twenty-one Year Rule

  Twenty-One Year Rule

  Rule Series Book 3

  Alaina Stanford

  Twenty-One Year Rule

  By Alaina Stanford

  Published by Alaina Stanford for Smashwords

  Copyright 2014 Alaina Stanford for Smashwords

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without written permission of the author.

  Acknowledgements

  Kevin, the love of my life for his support and knowledge.

  Jack Martin of Gossamer Publishing for the fantastic cover!

  Jemma Scarry, Jem’s Editing for her hard work and dedication.

  Chapter One

  “You want to lay with a man?” Amy’s father screamed in rage at his petite, blonde haired, daughter. He staggered toward her, his breath reeking of alcohol. The odor of gasoline snaked up her nostrils from his gray jumpsuit. Amy wrinkled her nose at the stench and stepped back. His hands were black from the grease and grime of working on cars.

  “No daddy!” Amy begged, backing up against the hot kitchen stove. “It was an ice cream social at school. We were never alone. Jed is seventeen. He’s only a year older than me.”

  He grabbed hold of Amy’s arm and stared into her frightened, blue eyes. Amy’s fear enraged him; he twisted her arm and yelled, “You slut! It’s not enough you have to look so much like your mama, but you have to act like her too! She screwed every man that would have her!”

  Amy shook her head and pleaded with him. “No, daddy no, I would never do that. I’ve never even kissed a boy. I wouldn’t!”

  His rage swelled from a thousand sleepless nights filled with alcohol and a longing for his wife. Her words only fueled the flames of his anger. “You lying bitch! I’ve seen you watching those boys across the street through the front window. You’re planning to leave me just like your mother! I won’t have it!”

  “Daddy, mama is dead.” Amy tried to reason with him, “She loved you! She never touched another man. She didn’t want to leave you! She died of cancer!”

  He couldn’t hear her words. His rage consumed him. Amy could see it boiling in his eyes. She shrank back, terrified. He lashed out viciously at the source of his pain. The power of his beating was beyond anything Amy had experienced at his hands before.

  She screamed in horror, sinking to the floor beneath his fists. The boiling pot of potatoes flew off the stove and slammed into a nearby wall as he yanked Amy to her feet. A small voice inside her screamed he’s going to kill you! Amy was helpless, blinded by the force of his attack. She threw her arms up trying to ward off the blows, but he was too strong.

  His hands suddenly closed around her throat. Amy’s eyes flew open as his iron grip cut off her air supply. Tears streamed down her face as she looked into the eyes of the man who was once a loving father. The monster squeezing the life from her was a stranger. Amy’s legs went weak beneath her and she slowly sank to the floor.

  Amy’s lungs burned for air. She saw black spots appear before her eyes.

  Suddenly the air exploded around her as blood showered her face and chest. Her father released his grip and fell to his knees. Blood poured from his mouth as he tried to speak. Amy gasped for air and shoved him away in stunned surprise. He fell back slowly. Time seemed to stop. Amy’s eyes rose from her father’s dying form to her thirteen year old brother, Bash. He lay on the floor, thrown from his feet by the blast of the shotgun. A sob of horror wracked Amy’s petite form as she struggled to rise. Young Bash kicked the shotgun away from him and rushed to embrace her.

  “I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry!” Bash wailed clinging to her. “I didn’t know what else to do! He was going to kill you!”

  **********

  Eight years later:

  “Twenty-one is the age of freedom.” Beth began, gazing across the Community College football field at the graduates. “At Twenty-one you are now considered an adult. You now have legal access to alcohol, clubs and casinos. You're finally old enough to get married, and Federal law now dictates you are old enough to purchase a handgun. Most college graduates are usually twenty-one to twenty-three years old.” She looked at the young faces staring up at her, and thought of Jake.

  Her stepdaughter Molly was only eight, but stepson Jake was 14 years old. Someday soon, she and her husband, Josh, would be watching Jake graduate from college. “When you turn twenty-one, society expects you to be independent of your parents. You are at the age where your life finally begins to take shape. This is a critical time. You’ve proven your dedication to your education by completing your studies. Today you receive your diploma. A diploma you have worked 4 years to achieve. A college degree declares to the world you are intelligent, dedicated, and steadfast in your commitment to achieve a better life. No one can take this accomplishment away from you. This is one of the most important days of your life.

  “This is the time when you have a chance to make critical decisions that will determine the course of your life. Each choice can dictate how you interact with society. These decisions can lead you closer to your goals and dreams. Consider these decisions carefully. They could be the most important choices of your life. Remember, all decisions have consequences, good or bad, beneficial or detrimental, helpful or hurtful, personal or global. Before you make a life altering decision such as a job choice, partner or perhaps a career path, consider all of your options, all of the benefits and all of the consequences.”

  Beth flipped her long, dark hair behind her shoulder and paused a moment for emphasis. She caught a particularly scruffy looking graduate staring up at her on the platform from the grassy field below. Yet his gaze faltered at her shapely legs, instead of her face. Her eyes narrowed as she shifted her stance and willed the youth to look up. He glanced up curiously because of her silence and smiled as his face turned red.

  Beth continued, “Why should you consider the multi-level consequences of a decision? Why bother dealing with the small details? The small details give you a full understanding of the sacrifices and benefits involved in any decision, this will result in a higher level of satisfaction and lower level of regret. In other words walk into a situation, don’t run. Make decisions with your eyes open, after you are certain you understand all the pros and cons. However, if you do discover you’ve made the wrong choice, don’t panic. Accept it, learn from it, move past it and look for something new. Life is too short to dwell on a bad choice. You have too much to offer. Be bold, reach for the sky, but never forget who you are and what you stand for. Remember where you came from and most importantly, remember the people who love you. Decisions are one of the most exciting and frightening hurdles in life. Choose wisely, be flexible in your expectations, and you will find yourself on a glorious path to success.”

  **********

  Amy rushed across the quad pushing her 3-month-old daughter, Emma, in her stroller. She was late to meet Beth after her graduation speech and book signing. Beth’s long chestnut hair, emerald eyes, and petite figure were a natural draw. Her sultry looks combined with the notoriety of being a well know author of family psychology, made Beth’s book signings last for hours. Luckily, Amy arrived at the campus bookstore just as security announced the signing was ending.

  Amy grabbed Beth’s laptop and tucked it on the bottom rack of the stroller. “How did it go?”

  Beth smiled and waved goodbye to the crowd as they walked away. “I was too preachy at graduation, but I got my point across. I couldn’t stop thinking of Jake. He’s growing up so fast. He's almost taller than I am. One day we’ll be in that crowd watching him graduate.”

  Amy reached out and gave Beth a quick
hug. “Here I am struggling to get Emma to sleep through the night and you’ve got your kids graduating from college already.”

  Beth laughed, “When I married Josh I had no idea how to be a mom. Now, just a year later, I’m a complete worrywart about Jake and Molly. I love them as if they were my own. Now that their mom has returned and is stepping into a larger role in their lives, I don’t know what my role is or how I fit in. I’m feeling a bit lost.”

  “Ah, I see.” Amy said lightly, “Well if you need some advice, I know a good book by a great psychologist on Blended Families and how not to be the evil stepmother.”

  “Okay, so you’re saying I should take my own advice?” Beth nudged Amy with her hand. “I’m just trying to make sure I don’t step on Joanne’s toes. She’s their mother, and she’s trying very hard to get close to them again. I don’t want to interfere and I especially don’t want to cause her more stress. She has enough to worry about.”

  Amy pulled the stroller over to a nearby bench that sat at the bottom of the university library steps. She glanced in the stroller at Emma, who was sleeping soundly, then sat down and looked expectantly up at Beth. Beth rolled her eyes in exasperation. She knew Amy would not get up until they’d had a talk.

  Amy reached out and took Beth’s hand. “Josh and the kids love you. So Joanne has a sordid past filled with drugs and alcohol. That’s her issue to deal with. Frankly, you are the best mother figure in those kids’ lives. Yes, Joanne has been clean for three years now, and that’s awesome. You’re right; she's fighting an uphill battle and is trying to make up for all that lost time. That doesn’t mean you have to scoop up your emotions and put them in a box. Those kids need you. Josh needs you.”

  Beth gazed into Amy’s big blue eyes filled with so much concern. “Amy, I love you.” Beth smiled and added, “I’m fine. I’m not pulling back; I’m just giving Joanne some space to do the mom thing. I’m feeling a bit lonely because the kids aren’t around as much, but it is nice to have some time alone with Josh.”

  “There you go!” Amy announced, “A fringe benefit of sharing the children. You can walk around your living room naked when the kids aren’t home!”

  Amy snatched a ponytail holder out of her diaper bag and pulled her long, blonde hair into a high ponytail. They rose and headed for the parking lot. Her phone sang a popular children’s tune and Amy pulled it out of her diaper bag. “Hello?” Amy face lit up. “You’re where? Ogden?” She glanced at Beth as her face filled with delight. “Of course, I’m so excited to see you! Beth and I are heading in that direction. We should be there in about 30 minutes.”

  She hung up and said, “My brother Bash is at the train station in Ogden!”

  Beth stared at Amy and tried to smile. She thought Bash was still on parole and not allowed to leave the state of Ohio. “Bash? It’s been ages since you’ve mentioned him. Did you know he was coming?”

  Amy was giddy with excitement. She grabbed Emma’s stroller and rushed toward the parking lot. “I had no idea! This is so awesome! I’ve been emailing him pictures of Emma for months without a response. I thought he was mad at me. He’s been so distant for so long.” She spun and gave Beth a quick hug. “This is amazing! He can meet you, Josh, and Randy. I’m so excited!”

  When they reached the train station, a tall young man was waiting at the curb. There was no mistaking him for Amy’s brother. They had the same sun blonde hair and large blue eyes. Bash had Amy’s contagious smile, but where she was petite with delicate features, Bash was tall and muscular with broad shoulders.

  There was a kindness in his eyes. Beth shook off the chill that ran through her. She forced away thoughts of what he must have gone through in detention. Of course, he had a soft side. He was Amy's brother. Beth’s heart ached for the siblings. She’d spent many a night listening to Amy’s explanation of how Bash ended up in juvenile detention for shooting their father. After Amy’s mother died, her father’s drinking quickly grew out of control. He allowed Bash to run freely through the streets without a curfew or supervision. Yet he wouldn’t let Amy out of his sight. Her father didn't even allow Amy to attend any afterschool activities including dances or sporting events.

  One day when her father discovered she’d formed an innocent relationship with a young man he went ballistic. In his drunken stupor, he began beating his 16-year-old daughter. Bash arrived home near the end of the attack and saw their father with his hands around Amy’s throat. By the time Bash found his father’s gun Amy was almost unconscious from lack of oxygen. If Bash hadn’t shot his father, Amy would have died.

  Tears filled Beth’s eyes as the siblings embraced. Bash seemed no worse for the experience in detention. However, Beth knew better. Juvenile detention was not for the meek. Bash spent five years exposed to children who were abused and angry. At the tender age of thirteen, just a year younger than Jake, Bash fell into a loveless, harsh, group environment with no one to protect him. Beth knew he carried scars, more scars than anyone could imagine.

  The 45-minute drive to Amy’s home flowed with memories of Amy’s childhood. When they arrived, Bash stood staring at the large two-story home set deep in the mountains, as Amy pulled Emma’s car seat from Beth’s SUV. “You live here?” He asked.

  Amy smiled and said, “Randy had a lot of equity in his first home and Beth gave us a really good deal on the house when she and Josh got married. Did you see the stables over to the right through the trees?”

  “You’ve got horses?” Bash’s eyes opened wide in surprise.

  Amy laughed, “No, they’re Beth’s. But we take care of them for her and can ride them as often as we like.”

  Beth pulled the stroller out of the back of the truck. Bash rushed over to help. As he took the stroller from Beth he stared at her for a moment. She had a kind smile and soft voice. He could see why Amy liked her. Amy was drawn to nice people, but was it possible for Randy, a cop, to be nice? Bash just couldn’t picture it.

  Beth locked eyes with Amy as she lifted Emma’s car seat out of her SUV. Beth whispered, “You need to call Randy and let him know Bash is here. I don’t think it’s a good idea to surprise him.”

  Amy frowned at Beth and said, “I know. I’ll call him as soon as I feed Emma. I promise.”

  Bash carried the stroller into the house. Amy waved goodbye to Beth and followed him inside. “Emma will need to be fed shortly. Would you like to take a shower while I feed her? The guest room is up the stairs the first door on the left. I use it as a studio, so I’ll have to clean it up a bit for you.”

  “I’m fine; I can sleep on the floor. It’s no big deal.” He answered glancing around the large room. A tall stone fireplace sat on the wall to the right; shelves lined either side filled with books. The bamboo floor stretched across the living room past the sofa sectional and high back chairs, into the kitchen. The windows went from the floor to the ceiling across the back of the house revealing a large deck and dense forest.

  Amy lifted Emma from the car seat and offered her to Bash. “Come on over and hold your niece.”

  Bash gazed at the tiny little girl and smiled. “She looks exactly like her pictures.” He accepted Emma gingerly and sat down on the sofa next to Amy. “I can’t believe you’ve got a baby, Aim.”

  Amy’s eyes filled with tears as she gazed at him. “I’m so happy you’re finally here. It’s been too long Bash.”

  He couldn’t meet her eyes. He lifted Emma up in front of him and said, “She looks just like you.”

  Amy leaned closer and asked softly, “Are you okay, Bash?”

  Bash lowered Emma onto his lap and turned to face her. “I’m fine, Amy. I don’t want to talk about the past. I want to forget about all that shit and move on with my life. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I had to keep you at arm’s length, I had no choice. I couldn’t risk pulling you into that kind of world. I had to protect you.”

  Amy wrapped her arms around him and whispered, “I know. However, things are different now. So from now on, big sister is going
to take care of you.”

  Bash chuckled, “Good luck with that.”

  Bash took a long shower and fell asleep on the guest room bed as Amy fed Emma. She put Emma in her crib, and poured herself a glass of lemonade. Opening the French doors that led to the deck, Amy took a deep breath of the clean mountain air and sat in the chaise lounge as the sun disappeared behind the mountains.

  Amy’s foot wouldn’t stop tapping. Her face filled with a grimace of frustration. She forced her foot to be still. Stop it! Relax. She chastised herself. He’s just a kid, barely twenty years old. No, wait, Bash was twenty-one. No matter, he was still a kid in her eyes, and he finally reached out to her. He wanted to spend time with her and the baby. He wanted to meet Randy. There was no need to worry.

  Amy leaned back and stared off the deck into the woods. Sighing, she relaxed to the cricket’s song as they welcomed the cool night air. The stars appeared one by one above the tall, majestic mountains. The winter snow was slowly disappearing from the mountain peaks. The small creek behind the house was alive with the rushing water from the melting snow. Amy wanted Bash to love the mountains. She hoped he would decide to make Bailey his home.

  Bash needed his family after five years in juvenile detention and three years tied to a parole officer. He’d gotten so upset with her each time she tried to visit him in detention. She cried herself to sleep every night for the first year terrified at what he was facing in the darkness each night. Amy’s heart ached for him. He was a sweet, innocent, kid sent to a horrible place. A place filled with teenager murderers and rapists, all because of her. When Bash turned eighteen, he was released into a halfway house. Yet he still refused to let Amy visit him.

  He always thought of her first. Even as a boy. He saved her life and went to prison for it. Amy hated that. She couldn’t believe they sent him away, but at that time they were a poor family and there was no one to stand up for Bash. There was no one to protect him from the law. Amy didn’t blame the cops, hell she was married to one.