Okay so I ended up not doing as much as I wanted in this chapter. If I'd kept going it would've been suuuuuuuuuper long and god knows how many breaks I'd need to add between stuff.
I'm thinking this might now go for 7 chapters rather than 6. since I have so much more to squeeze in that didn't fit here.
And I would just like to say I'm not expert when it comes to criminal trials held in courts. I did the best I could with the knowledge I do have (Ace Attorney could NOT prepare me for this even if it tried).
Key; "normal speech" /"foreign speech"/ /"video foreign speech"/ "Video speech" 'Thoughts'
4
With Vanna's help, Mathilda was able to get Bryan eating a little. Even if it was just the smallest bite of a biscuit, it was still something. Mathilda made sure to praise him with each positive development, keeping a journal of the little things he accomplished. The hardest part was getting him to describe his feelings. No words would come verbally or in written form. They had a very unexpected visitor one afternoon just over a week after Vanna's first visit. Mathilda would never in a million years expect to find Mr. Hiwatari at Bryan's door. Regardless she invited him inside and pottered off to get an extra cup.
Why was everyone able to arrive right at the exact moment she'd finished making drinks? Was it broadcast outside the window or something? Seeing Mathilda a little flustered made Mr. Hiwatari chuckle, thanking her when she passed a steaming cup to him.
"I was told you like to keep in routine, Ms. Alster. And that you usually prepared tea around this time. My apologies for not calling first."
"No, no it's quite all right. Just not used to having guests of your status, milord."
It was faint, but Mathilda swore she caught a brief blush across Mr. Hiwatari's cheeks to her phrasing. Glancing to the wall clock, she saw that Bryan wouldn't be getting up for a while yet, straightening the creases in her skirt as she sat down.
"So then, what brings you here Mr. Hiwatari?"
Questioned businessman looked a bit nervous, fiddling with the tie around his neck.
"It has come to my attention that Mr. Kuznetskov is currently going through a difficult time. Are you aware, Ms. Alster, of the kind of company I run?"
Mathilda shook her head, wishing now that she'd done some research on the firm that Bryan cleaned the offices of.
Mr. Hiwatari didn't seem bothered that Mathilda had no inkling as to his profession, sipping a little at his tea. Wait was that?
"Before we proceed Ms. Alster I have to ask. This tea…it's Russian earl gray correct?"
"Yes it's Bryan's favourite. Says the taste reminds him of home. I can get something else if it's not to your liking?"
Mr. Hiwatari waved a dismissive hand, a proper smile stretching across his face. "No need. I was actually craving it a little just this morning but it's hard to find anywhere that makes it right. And you my dear have made the best pot I've had in all my years. If it'll make you more comfortable we can resort to first name basis?"
"If it's fine with you milord I certainly don't mind. I'm often prodded for my old fashioned ways. Jovially I assure you. You may call me Mathilda."
Mr. Hiwatari raised his cup a little in acknowledgement; again fiddling with the red tied that seemed just a little too tight. Mathilda couldn't stop herself from fixing the issue, the constant fidgeting really starting to annoy her. Upon realising she'd just invaded the personal space of a very powerful man, Mathilda shrunk back into her seat. Yet he didn't appear angry.
"I can see what people meant now. You needn't fear, Mathilda. I'm just glad to have the damn thing adjusted. Now then, since we're on a first name basis as of this moment, mine's Kai. And my company is comprised of lawyers, myself included. I'm here today in regards to Mr. Kuznetskov's case. There's a court hearing soon where his assaulter will stand trial for her crimes."
Mathilda now already feared the worst, that Kai was going to be representing Ming-Ming in court. The look in his crimson eyes said otherwise, cup set safely upon the table.
"I will be Mr. Kuznetskov's defence. But you're not wrong to assume that her father approached me in hopes that I would take her case. I've been by the precinct and familiarized myself with the evidence. Now I just need to see Bryan. To give him the news."
Life was being too kind; Mathilda felt it in her bones. Kai could see she wanted to hug the life out of something and so opened his arms for her without hesitation. He didn't anticipate the same gratitude from Bryan however. For a little while, Mathilda gave Kai a brief summary of how things had been since the attack, that Bryan was slowly getting better. She voiced understandable concern that attending a trial could possibly put him right back at square one. Kai couldn't blame her for being worried. He was too.
Time seemed to freeze when Bryan unexpectedly came out of his room looking like death itself. Mathilda instructed Kai not to move an inch, unsure how Bryan would react to his boss being present. He observed their interactions quietly. Anybody who didn't know better would suggest the couple were married or related. There was love, no doubt about it. But was it the love between two close friends? Or something more? Mathilda was ever so gentle when handling Bryan she came across as being motherly in Kai's eyes. Her dress sense certainly amplified the impression. For Bryan's sake, Kai hoped Mathilda never changed. He certainly wouldn't alter a thing about her.
From his seat in the living room, Kai could vaguely hear taking. By the sounds of things Bryan had just made progress with one of his many problems. Kai held his breath when he heard Mathilda informing him that he had a guest. Now how would he react? Shock was the first thing to cross Bryan's mind followed by disbelief, rubbing at his sleep deprived eyes but Kai was still there when he finished. Finally fear set in. This was it. He'd lost his job now, he was sure. Mathilda kept a secure hold of Bryan's hand as Kai moved toward them, crimson eyes emanating with unspoken support. Every muscle in Bryan's body tensed to unfamiliar arms wrapping around him, a strong chin upon his shoulder. This couldn't be happening…could it?
To further prove how considerate he was of his subjects, Kai shrugged off his blazer and settled it over Bryan's shoulders, feeling that he was a little too cold. Who the hell was this man and what had he done with the infamously cruel Kai Hiwatari? If Mathilda didn't know any better she'd say that Kai enjoyed catching people off guard. To try and get Bryan more comfortable with this new side, Kai sat by him on the sofa and even held his hands gently.
"Bryan, first and foremost I want you to know your position at the company is safe. You've done nothing wrong. Secondly, I'm going to be representing you in court next week. Don't fret about paying me back. If it makes you feel uncomfortable or scared I can have you excused from attending on grounds of trauma. But what I will need you to do for me is write a small statement, okay? The judge will need to hear your side of happened that morning. I can help you to do that."
Bryan blinked, showing little understanding of what Kai said. But Mathilda knew he'd heard every word clear as a church bell on Sunday. From his briefcase, Kai produce a pen and some lined paper…as well as a check sheet for victims of abuse.
"I also need you to fill out this form. Your therapist says it will help the courts better understand how you've been affected by all this. Mathilda, I'd like to ask you to do the same. I can see without a doubt that you've been affected by what happened."
Kai pulled out a second form, handing it to Mathilda for her to look at. If filling out this document would help Bryan get the justice he deserves she'd do it. And she'd go to court, too. For the next few hours Kai helped Bryan just like he promised and with his assistance, Mathilda was finally able to understand what was going through Bryan's head. It warmed Kai greatly to witness the bond they shared. It almost felt like he was intruding on a moment he wasn't meant to see.
For the rest of the week Mathilda did everything in her power to tackle Bryan's mental barriers and eating disorder. By the weekend he was able to stomach small portions of salad and keep water down. He was steadily starting to feel alive again. Ming-Ming's trial soon came around making everyone on Bryan's side nervous. Mathilda more so as she was required to attend as a witness. Spencer somehow got out of going, leaving an account of his "involvement" with Kai to support Bryan during Mathilda's absence.
So that they weren't left in the dark, Kai had set it up so that Bryan and Spencer could watch the trial through a hidden camera on his jacket and via a laptop he'd be taking. He just hoped doing so wouldn't cause more harm than good. Mathilda woke that morning with nerves on fire. She couldn't eat anything it was that bad. Kai spent a bit of time getting Mathilda mentally prepared for the low blows she would likely be taking. By now he'd heard that Ming-Ming's defence was a lawyer who played dirty and was known to fabricate evidence, taking extra care to keep a copy of all the legitimate evidence with him at all times in a securely locked briefcase. And nobody was getting into it without his thumbprint. Out of respect, Kai waited for her outside. Bryan understandably didn't want Mathilda to leave, clinging desperately to her silken beige shawl begging her to stay.
"I have to go, Bryan." She soothed while rubbing his back tenderly. "As long as I have Kai with me I'll be safe. I promise."
Having not witnessed many of her interactions with Bryan, it stunned Spencer a little to watch her kiss his forehead, hands cupping his paled face softly. Whispering that she'd see him later, Mathilda departed towards the waiting car leaving Bryan to blink in confusion. Who the hell was Boris? And why had she addressed him by that name? Spencer hadn't heard anything, leading Bryan away from the door for his own safety.
Bryan simply could not sit still while waiting for the trial to start, annoying Spencer to no end. Two camera feeds appeared on the screen in front of them, one focussed on wherever Kai's hidden camera pointed. He seemed to keep it facing in Mathilda's general direction. Kai wasted no time calling her up to the stand first.
"Witness, please state your name and occupation for the courts."
There was a brief pause and Bryan worried that Mathilda had frozen under the pressure. She sat pokerfaced in the witness stand, hands folded neatly in her lap.
"My name is Mathilda Alster. Occupation unemployed."
"Thank you. For the benefit of everyone present today, please tell us what you remember from the day of the assault."
Mathilda didn't falter for a second and Bryan couldn't be more proud of her. It was Ming-Ming's lawyer's turn to ask questions soon and as Kai predicted, the woman tried to deal a low blow to the loyal pinkette. She suggested that Mathilda was a victim of Stockholm syndrome, that Bryan was abusing and twisting her to defend him. She tried her damned hardest to keep quiet and ignore the accusations but soon as she made one final jab at Bryan, Mathilda broke.
/"Bryan is not a violent man you despicable woman!"/
All heads turned to the witness stand in shock, seeing Mathilda stood with her hands practically digging into the rail, her face the very depiction of a violent storm. She soon came to realise that everyone was staring at her, hands clasped over her mouth upon remembering what had just been said.
Out of everybody present, Kai seemed the most shocked. Bryan and Spencer didn't know how to react either. They'd only ever heard Mathilda speaking fluid English so her spouting perfect Russian was extra surprising. When asked to, Kai only translated a part of what Mathilda had said for her sake. The court took a ten minute recess then the cabby was summoned to testify.
After Mathilda's outburst everything was plain sailing, Kai debunking lie after lie spouted by his opponent and called her out on all the forged evidence she presented. He even ran Ming-Ming over the burning hot coals of evidence piled against her. She was sentenced to twenty five years but if Kai was being honest, she probably wouldn't even serve half of that time, either getting bailed out by daddy or being released because it was "detrimental to her mental health". As if Bryan wasn't going to suffer the rest of his life because of her. Where would the justice be then?
Kai clashed eyes with the defeated party one final time before escorting Mathilda out of the room. The immense weight on her shoulders lifted once in the safety of his luxurious car.
"You did well today, Mathilda. Aside from that one little hiccup your performance was exceptional."
Mathilda turned beet red at being reminded of the un-ladylike outburst shortly after the trial started. Kai wasn't asking for an apology but she felt he deserved it having indirectly put him on the spot.
"I'm so sorry about that. I don't know what came over me. I was just…just so angry with how that woman belittled Bryan I couldn't stand there quietly any longer. And no, I have no memory of ever learning that language. But you only translated part of it I think?"
Kai nodded, putting the car in park as they came to a red light. "Indeed. I believe you called her a despicable woman. And rightly so. But the language you spoke is Russian. I was able to translate because I grew up there for a little while. And being the grandson of a very wealthy businessman I learned many more including various forms of Chinese, Spanish, Japanese and of course English. Now, what do you say we stop off for a quick refreshment and maybe get something for Bryan to cheer him up some, hm?"
Mathilda couldn't deny that she was very thirsty but didn't want to be apart from Bryan longer than was necessary.
With Bryan and Spencer, similar thoughts were running through the shorter man's mind. He wanted to thank Mathilda somehow. And everyone who stood up for him in court. Spencer worried when Bryan requested for him go to buy the prettiest flowers he could find. He gave in when faced with what he considered Bryan's best attempt yet at puppy dog eyes.
Silence fell over the room once Spencer departed for the shops. Using all the energy he could muster, Bryan cleaned around the kitchen and living room a little, snacking on a banana as he went just to keep his strength up. Satisfied that everything was tidy, Bryan sat down but quickly found he could not sit still. Alone with his thoughts, Bryan started to steadily over-think things. Just what the hell was wrong with him? Had Mathilda being around really changed him that much? He was a borderline sociopath before she came along.
Could it that he'd done the one thing he promised himself never to do? Had he, despite all his issues with the fairer sex, fallen in love? Bryan swiftly told himself he didn't love Mathilda THAT way. She was a good friend; one that looked after him like a wife cared for her husband.
'No, no, NO! It's not like that! I'm not even her type for fuck sake! She deserves better than a piece of spoiled trash like me.'
Spencer returned to find Bryan missing from the sofa, alarm bells shrieking in his mind's ear. Flitting around, he found his distressed friend curled up in the darkest corner of the bathroom, tearstains upon his almost chalk white face, muttering to himself that he was worthless and didn't deserve all the kindness given to him. Taking care not to damage the bouquet he'd returned with, Spencer rushed to counter Bryan's negative mental state with positive reinforcement, telling him he wasn't worthless and that he did deserve all the good things in his life. Hopefully Mathilda would be back soon because God knew that Bryan NEEDED her home.
Mathilda strolled into the building not twenty minutes later, a large bouquet of mixed flowers in hand. Immediately she noticed that Bryan and Spencer were missing, fear bubbling in her gut. Shrugging her shawl hastily to the floor, Mathilda crossed the living room with several quick strides.
"Bryan?! Spencer?!"
Relief came crashing down like a fierce waterfall the second Mathilda saw Spencer leaving the bathroom but the look on his face turned it to ice. Into Mathilda's ear he whispered that Bryan needed her, that he was in the bathroom and had something for her. She didn't hesitate for even a second, thrusting the white wood aside. There at the back she saw him, curled up and in clear distress. Bryan looked up to the sound of heels clacking on tiles in time for a pair of soft sleeved arms to wrap around his neck.
"Bryan, don't scare me like that. I thought you'd run off somewhere."
Hearing that he'd caused Mathilda to worry needlessly again spurred guilt to rise in his chest, desperately hiding his face in the crook of her pale neck. She meanwhile was just relieved to see him safe, kissing away his tears tenderly. Bryan didn't say anything, just raised the flowers he'd asked Spencer to get. He couldn't even bring himself to look Mathilda in the eyes as she accepted the small bunch of pink orchids.
She didn't need to hear what they were for, hugging Bryan tighter than before, stroking his matted hair for added comfort. Mathilda knew by now that if she received a floral gift from Bryan, it meant he deeply appreciated everything she did for him. He felt a little bad when Mathilda gave him a bigger and in his eyes, prettier bouquet. The gesture alone brought tears to his already cried out eyes.
"You silly man." She purred. "Size doesn't matter. It's the meaning behind the bouquet that matters most. Lets get you cleaned up and go snuggle for the rest of the day. Just us."
Bryan liked the sound of that but before he could get up, there was a knock at the door. Mathilda got there first, opening it to see three people, a man and two women. All of them bore some resemblance to Bryan in some way.
"C-Can I help you?"
Spencer appeared at Mathilda's back, his face souring at the three adults on the porch. What he really wanted to do was send them back to where they'd come from, especially the younger woman. But is that what Bryan wanted? Did he even know his biological family were coming to visit? Likely not. Bryan's parents, being old, weren't tech savvy and they didn't write letters to him either. Not that Spencer knew of. Bryan definitely would not have contacted the younger woman.
In spite of his feelings, Spencer gave Mathilda the all clear to let their visitors inside, urging her immediately afterward to make some drinks. He honestly just needed an excuse for her to be out of earshot.
/"What the fuck do you think you're all doing here? And don't tell me Bryan knew you were coming. You never even cared to ask how he was doing with us."/
Spencer's hostility did not go down well with the older gentleman, restraining his anger by tightly grasping the cane in his wrinkled hand.
/"Bryan is our son. We have the right to see him."/
/"The hell you do?!"/ Spencer roared. /"I for one haven't forgotten why he was taken from your "care" to begin with."/
Mathilda returning kept the argument from going further. It didn't stop Bryan's father muttering something under his breath though, not knowing she could understand him. For now Mathilda tolerated it, telling herself to be seen and not heard. Just grin and bear it until they leave. Looking at the tray, Mathilda noticed that she'd somehow forgotten the cups, tottering back to the kitchen. Bryan's father said something about her being incompetent in Russian and she just blew up.
/"I can understand you dickhead!"/
Despite knowing that Mathilda could speak the tongue of his homeland it still surprised Spencer to hear it. And she realised far quicker this time that she'd done it, retreating to the bathroom completely forgetting that Bryan was still in there. He had no time to console her, his father grabbing Mathilda harshly by the arm before she could close the door and with unexpected swiftness, struck her hard across the face.
A memory flashed across Bryan's wide eyes, that of his mother being treated the same way. Infuriated that another man dared to hit his friend, no, his woman, Bryan unthinkingly surged forward with a curled fist and caught his father square in the eye.
"You keep your filthy hands off of her you bastard!"
Mathilda definitely did not expect Bryan to defend her so violently and it actually scared her to see that side of him, even if it was for only a moment. Father and son stared each other down until Spencer stepped in to try and keep the peace. He knew by the red mark on Mathilda's cheek that she'd been "put in her place" by the older man. Bryan couldn't stand to let Mathilda go anywhere in the apartment alone after that. He didn't care how it looked to others. If she stood still for more than a second Bryan would pull her into his arms for protection, a large hand smoothing down her ruffled hair. Mathilda hadn't felt safety like this for a long time.
At one point, she whimpered for Bryan to never let her go, but called him Boris again. It wasn't done consciously, Bryan was certain of that. Once she felt calm enough, Mathilda retrieved the cups off the kitchen counter. Her hands trembled relentlessly and she almost dropped them before even exiting the room. Rather than leave Mathilda to struggle, Bryan took the cups from her and insisted she use his arms for support. As he expected, stares of disgust were sent in his direction.
Bryan hated how old fashioned his father was. Even remembered the days his mother had taken ill because she wasn't allowed to show "weakness" in front of him or her husband. Mrs. Kuznetskov had never been the problem during Bryan's childhood. But Spencer didn't know that. Because she was forced to hide her feelings so that her son wouldn't grow up "soft in the head" or reliant on her for everything.
With Mathilda safely sitting down, Bryan got a proper look at everyone who was present, his eyes shrinking in terror when he saw the younger woman. All at once he remembered everything, the reason why he had difficulties simply talking to girls, why he still couldn't really talk to Mathilda despite knowing her better than even his own brother. Charlotte's treatment of him had refreshed that trauma but this time, he'd had help coping with it.
Part of him wanted to run and hide but another was sick and tired of being treated like dirt under people's shoes. Spencer and Bryan's sister expected him to run away from the oncoming conflict, but he had something to get off his chest. And if he said nothing now, Mathilda would never know why he acted the way he had in their first few weeks together.
"The hell are you doing here?!"
"Oh I'm sorry. I didn't realise it was a crime for me to come and visit my darling baby brother."
Heavy emphasis was put on the word baby on top of the already clear sarcasm, cold lilac eyes leering at Bryan in disgust. He'd had enough. No more running.
"Since when the fuck did you care about my wellbeing, Nikita?! Was it when you pushed me around as a child?! The times you locked me in that tiny, dark cupboard for hours because all I wanted to do was spend time with my only sister?! Or was it when you poured bleach over my head, leaving me with permanent skin damage so bad that hair can't even grow there anymore?! It's because of YOU that I'm so fucked up! That I couldn't even talk to girls of any age!"
Tears streaked down Bryan's face, his agony clear for everyone to see. Shock was the first thing Mathilda felt, followed quickly by endless sympathy. Not caring that a clearly old-fashioned man who believed women should be seen and not heard was present, she thrust her arms around Bryan and snuggled into him. At first he just stood there, not yet down from the high his anger had put him on. But he wasn't done, not even remotely. Turning his burning lilac eyes onto his father Bryan spoke again.
"And you did nothing to stop her. Just stood there watching as Nikita threw me around like an unwanted toy! That agonising week I spent in hospital, I'd hoped you'd be there for me! Instead you praised my sister for her violence! I was left alone at night wondering what I'd done wrong, confused as to why my own flesh and blood hated me so badly. And the worst part? You wouldn't even let my mother console me, to help me over the damage I'd taken."
It was Spencer's turn to feel awful. He'd always thought Mrs. Kuznetskov had willingly turned a blind eye to Bryan's suffering. Mr. Kuznetskov was a very imposing man; and apparently abusive and manipulative too. Swallowing the massive lump in his throat, Bryan resumed his crusade.
"And if she revoked you punished her for it. Oh yes father, I saw you for the monster you are with every strike she took. My only regret is that I never learned from any of it. Being bullied by not just a sibling, but a parent as well turned me into a coward. Well no more! I'm tired of running from everything!"
Bryan didn't much care for the look of pure rage slowly spreading across his father's face. He would not take this outburst lying down.
"Perhaps if you stayed in school you become better man! Instead you run like injured dog! Now you have this…this whore doing work for you! She cannot even remember to bring cup for drink. I am disappointed, son. So very, very disappointed. This boy's family made you soft in head."
Bryan's eye twitched. What did his father just call Mathilda? Spencer was not keen of the murderous look darkening Bryan's features. Oh no, Mr. Kuznetskov had really crossed the line now. Mathilda had given Bryan her unwavering loyalty and he would see that she received his in return. There wasn't a doubt in Spencer's mind that Bryan would kill his own family to protect her now. That included his adoptive one.
"Don't you fucking dare slag her off! Mathilda has done more for me than you ever have! Say what you want about me. But if you bad mouth MY woman again I'll slit your fucking throat. And one more thing, Father. You don't know why I quit school so you're in no goddamn place to judge. Take a look in the bastard mirror before calling somebody else a failure."
Nikita tired of Bryan's rambling, standing with threatening silence. Bryan gently moved Mathilda aside, not wanting her to get hurt in the crossfire. This was between him and his sister, nobody else. Slowly Nikita edged towards her little brother, clearly intending to cause him harm. Mathilda stared unflinchingly up at Bryan's face, wondering if he'd truly meant what he'd said about her being his girl. Maybe it was a slip of the tongue? Regardless, she wasn't going to stand down now. If she was his woman, even for only a moment, then Bryan was her man and she'd give her life to protect him.
Bryan barely had time to blink, everything happened so fast. One minute he's watching Nikita stalking toward him, the next Mathilda alights from his side to fight her off not caring that she was shorter and thinner than Nikita. Spencer stood to aid Mathilda but something hard and wooden caught his face, looking to see Mr. Kuznetskov with his cane half raised in warning. For a time Mathilda held strong against Nikita, only faltering when the taller woman punched her across the face. What Bryan witnessed next made his blood run cold, frozen in place by a piercing shriek of pain.
Nikita's hand was wrapped tightly around Mathilda's throat, slamming her repeatedly into the wall. Nothing Mathilda did helped her to get free, eyes steadily clouding over. The world began to spin thanks to lack of oxygen and it wasn't long before Mathilda started hallucinating. At Nikita's back was that man she kept seeing. The one who looked like Bryan but older with more hair and a squared chin.
Bryan snapped out of his shock, unable to stand the thought of losing somebody he actually cared about. Nikita was so focussed on choking Mathilda to death that she didn't hear her brother roaring in anger as he sprinted towards her. With one well placed punch to the side of her head, Nikita was sent flying across the room and out of consciousness. Bryan's chest was heaving like crazy, his instinct to fight still running at high speed.
Certain that Nikita wasn't getting back up for while, Bryan knelt at Mathilda's side. Upon her once beautiful neck was a massive dark purple mark and it looked swollen. Not knowing what else to do he tore the top of her blouse open and pulled Mathilda into his arms. Buttons could be replaced, a life couldn't. She was understandably dazed and barely able to move, raising a trembling hand to Bryan's cheek. Trying to talk hurt tremendously and it killed Bryan to watch her fail.
"Sshh, don't try to speak. Just try to keep calm and breathe, babe. I won't let you go, I promise."
Did Bryan even hear himself? Mathilda didn't care, certain now that he really did love her. Bryan tried not to touch Mathilda's neck if he could help it, wounded more by her expression of pain just trying to breathe. His sister would pay for what she'd done; he'd make sure of that. Bryan had been so focussed on keeping Mathilda calm that he didn't hear sirens, freaking out when paramedics snatched Mathilda away from him. Luckily Spencer was able to talk him down from further violence, urging that Mathilda needed him beside her.
Bryan waited for what felt like years for news on Mathilda's condition. Tesha had met them upon their arrival at the hospital so he knew she was in good hands. The time spent waiting allowed him to reflect on some of the things he'd said back at the apartment, the thoughts that had run wild. Since when had Mathilda become HIS woman? She didn't belong to him and he seriously doubted Mathilda loved him in a romantic way.
Despite her age, she'd been something of a mother figure over recent weeks. Yet there was something about her actions that spoke of a deeper affection. Bryan shook the thought away immediately. It wasn't like that. Next Bryan recalled kneeling by Mathilda's side as she struggled for every single breath. What was it he'd called her? Babe? That certainly hadn't meant to leave his mouth. He questioned why he'd even use a term of endearment toward a woman he wasn't romantically involved with.
Maybe he should just swallow his pride and accept the truth? That Mathilda had stirred something in him, within his heart. And somewhere in there, was an old love for the girl who had wounded him beyond words. Yes, he'd loved that annoying blue haired creature who had recently wronged him. Because of what Nikita had done, Bryan had been terrified of Ming-Ming doing the same. How was he to know that turning down the richest girl in school would destroy his life for the next four to five years?
That wasn't even the worst part. A tiny shred of him still held on to those feelings. Would Mathilda ask, he wondered. Bryan wasn't sure he could bring himself to tell her why he'd dropped out of high school. He'd always told himself it was for his own safety but that didn't stop it from hurting. Tesha's arrival pulled Bryan from his musings, soon wishing he'd stayed in them. Everything went deathly silent when Bryan was told the cruel extent of Mathilda's injury. This couldn't be happening. Not to her of all people.
Mathilda looked to be sleeping when Bryan arrived at her private room. If not for the shock of rosy hair and pastel pink sheets he would never be able to see her. She was deathly pale and it honestly scared him. Moving closer, Bryan saw that a tube had been put down Mathilda's gullet to ensure she got all the oxygen her lungs needed.
Tesha watched everything unfold before her in painful silence. Bryan had certainly come a fair ways since she last saw him weeks ago. Vanna always told her how he was progressing, that she believed he'd make a full recovery. But now it looked like Bryan was back at square one again. He sat devotedly by Mathilda's side, holding one of her cold, delicate hands with tender care. For hours he just sat there staring at the sheets, blind to nurses going in and out of the room. The only one Bryan ever saw was Tesha. Because she stopped to see if he was okay, asked if he needed anything.
Bryan got up only to go to the bathroom, returning to Mathilda's bedside immediately after. Getting him to eat and stretch his legs was going to be difficult. And convincing him to go home for the night? Forget that idea. Bryan wasn't going anywhere. Tesha would just have to make sure he got some form of nourishment, even if it meant twisting his arm.
Spencer stopped by before visiting hours were over, heart breaking to the sight of Bryan curled up on the bed still holding Mathilda's hand. His own hands curled instinctively into tight balls, wishing he could make Nikita witness what she'd done. He knew she was violent but to almost kill another person? It gave Spencer the chills to think it could have been Bryan she'd been choking if his parent's hadn't got him away from her in time. Hearing that visiting hours were about to close for the night, Spencer crept towards the bed. Bryan mumbled to the feel of lips on his forehead but he didn't wake up, snuggling deeper into Mathilda's side.
Charlotte discarded an empty take-out coffee cup into the waste bin on her way out of the station. Her first day back after a three week suspension and she was on an assault case, Max on hand to supervise. He'd taken it initially but passed it off to his little sister so she could start making amends for her actions. While Max drove them to the hospital, Charlotte ran over the case notes. A young woman had been left with a crushed throat during a fight with another lady. The victim wasn't named so she assumed the injured party requested anonymity.
Charlotte's heart raced, remembering the last time she'd been to the hospital. There wasn't an hour gone by that she didn't feel ashamed for putting Bryan through so much distress when all he'd needed was her support. She'd betrayed his trust. And Charlotte wouldn't hold it against him if he never trusted her again. Max set a supportive hand on Charlotte's shoulder, proud of her for trying to right her wrongs. Venturing inside, they located the right room. Charlotte was confused when Max declined to go inside, leaning beside the door with arms folded tightly across his large torso, nodding for her to go inside with a cheeky wink. Her brother was up to something…and Charlotte quickly found out what.
"Oh, fuck."
Charlotte had only meant to think those words, not say them out loud. There in the bed was Mathilda, still sleeping. Bryan however was wide awake and giving Charlotte the coldest glare known to mankind. What the hell was going on here? Charlotte wasn't given time to ask, Bryan assuming a defensive posture at Mathilda's side.
"You have no right to be here after what you've done. Get the hell out and don't come back!"
Charlotte gladly complied, skittering out of the room like a frightened insect. Well, Bryan certainly wasn't the meek young man she remembered. So much for making amends. The glint in Max's eyes told her he had a plan.
For the next few days, Charlotte tirelessly worked Mathilda's case. Learning that Bryan had a sister and that said sibling was responsible for Mathilda being in hospital was all kinds of shocking. Bryan seemed well aware that Max asked questions on Charlotte's behalf, refusing point blank to cooperate. Only one option was left…talking to one of the three witnesses who saw what happened.
Charlotte didn't like any of her choices, choosing to get the worst one over with first. Spencer was just cleaning the bar when somebody walked in, not lifting his gaze from the tankard in hand as he spoke.
"Sorry, we're not open yet."
"Who said I was a customer?"
Spencer fixed Charlotte with an icy glare that sent chills down her spine. Fear, anticipation, attraction. Wait, attraction? Scratch that last one. Nothing about Spencer's body language was even remotely attractive, never mind the possibly life threatening situation she'd landed herself in.
"You've got a pretty fucking large pair of brass ones coming in here after what you did, wench." He growled menacingly while leaning on the polished wooden surface. "You'll get fuck all out of me. Stay the hell away from my family, pig. And don't show your face around in here again."
Charlotte had anticipated Spencer's anger but seeing the stormy look set across his strong features still terrified her. It was risky, but she attempted to call his bluff. Sure Spencer was an intimidating bloke but there was a tenderness to him that he kept hidden.
"You've every right to be angry, Spencer. My actions were unprofessional and uncalled for. I stupidly let my personal feelings get in the way of justice. I've had three weeks to reflect on those few hours."
'Yeah sure you have sweetheart.' Spencer thought snidely. 'You've a long way to go before any of us trust you again.'
Charlotte could see that Spencer wasn't the least bit convinced. She'd have to let actions do the talking for her.
Spencer had to admit, Charlotte was brave for remaining in his presence after being told to leave, and in his most sinister voice too. What happened to fear he used to put in authority? Well then, if Charlotte wanted answers, she'd have to put in some extra work. And Spencer wasn't thinking a few gruesome hours serving his patrons. Hold that thought actually. Maybe she COULD serve his patrons for the night? But under his terms? And if she baulked, her chance of putting Nikita behind bars got slimmer.
Charlotte rose to the challenge but by the time night arrived, wished she hadn't. Without a doubt, Spencer's cruelty knew no bounds. For hours Charlotte tottered around the pub in the skimpiest maid outfit she'd ever laid eyes on. And of course being in such revealing clothes got her a lot of unwanted attention from the menfolk ranging from wolf whistling to outright being clapped on the arse. And Spencer just let it happen, a sadistic grin plastered on his smug face.
He thoroughly enjoyed watching Charlotte get a taste of her own medicine in a way. She was exhausted when the pub closed at around 5am, her legs trembling from being in heels the entire time. Having done what Spencer asked of her, Charlotte faced him without fear.
"There you monster." She spat venomously. "I've done what you asked; put up with being molested by those animals you call patrons. Now tell me what I need to know."
Charlotte did not like the toothy grin pulling at Spencer's lips, less so when he dragged her upstairs and into what she assumed was his bedroom. Various items were spread out on the bed, telling her exactly what he had planned. So this was Spencer's game, huh? Despite herself, Charlotte found the idea very arousing. Turning around, she found Spencer had already stripped to his smallclothes.
"Very well then boss man. But don't expect me to go down easily."
"Hmph. I'd be let down if you did little piggy. Now crawl, bitch."
One agonising week later Nikita was finally being sent to prison. The trial had been kept short, judge and jury passing down a thirty five year sentence for aggravated assault, GBH and attempted murder. Max offered to deliver the good news on Charlotte's behalf, seeing that the investigation had exhausted his sister, but she revoked. Charlotte had respect and trust to win back. She wouldn't get it by being a coward. If she could face up to a man of Spencer's size and come out only a little mauled, somebody Bryan's size shouldn't intimidate her.
Tesha had mixed feelings seeing the green eyed officer again. She wanted to believe Charlotte had changed but there would forever be that nagging feeling of her doing the same thing again. Bryan was equally displeased to see Charlotte after he specifically told her to keep away. Mathilda was looking better. The tube had been removed but for safety she still had a mask. She looked tired. Before Bryan could even get a word in, Charlotte put her foot down.
"I'm here to inform you that Nikita Kuznetskov has been sentenced to thirty five years behind bars, no chance of bail of the first ten. If she behaves the courts might consider negotiating an early release."
Charlotte's face softened, taking in the man that Bryan had become due in part to what she'd done. And not all of it good.
"No amount of apologising can make up for how badly you suffered at my hand, Bryan. I know that. Because of me your view on who can be trusted has twisted. I didn't take this case for my own validation. Hell I didn't even know Mathilda was the victim until I got here. Everything I've done over the course of these two weeks has been for you. Both of you. I want to prove to you that I've changed. That in future I won't cast my judgement so hastily. All I ask…is that you put your trust in me. I promise that from now on I will uphold the oath I took to serve and protect."
Tesha continued to monitor Mathilda's condition for another week, tentatively sending her home when it looked like she could breathe fine without assistance. For safety an oxygen tank and mask were provided, Tesha instructing Bryan on how to use the equipment should Mathilda need it. Part of him was happy to be taking Mathilda home. But it wouldn't be the same anymore.
He still couldn't believe that Mathilda's throat had been crushed so much her vocal organs were damaged. It was unlikely that she would talk again. Bryan had been unwilling to tell her and he didn't need to. Mathilda had been listening when Tesha explained everything to him. Speech therapy was a possibility but until Mathilda was breathing 100% without issue it was off the table. It'd be torture for him but he couldn't begin to imagine how difficult it was going to be for her having no voice, possibly for the rest of her life. If something serious did come from all they'd gone through, Bryan would potentially never get to hear her moaning his name, calling for him when she needed help. Would they have children? Did Mathilda even want them? Bryan could never decide if the thought ever crossed his mind.
Charlotte however found herself feeling somewhat trapped. She'd thought Spencer would let her go once Nikita was behind bars, instead finding he couldn't get enough of her. Charlotte hated herself for finding the experience enjoyable, mostly because neither she nor Spencer had those feelings for one another. Well not at first anyway. She'd only played along to get Spencer's witness statement, reluctantly at that. But now. Just something about it all felt right, had her going back for more constantly. He was violent, borderline abusive but at the same time, gentle and considerate. Charlotte even did a couple nights of playing maid, finding the customers were less aggressive with her. Of course they'd been told to be rough the first night.
Spencer sat in the visitation room where Nikita was contained on the first Sunday of July. He fidgeted in the small feeling plastic chair, still sore from last night's activities. Soon the prisoners were all brought out, guards watching closely for any signs of a potential jailbreak. Nikita had to confess, she was astounded to even have a visitor at all, never mind it being somebody who despised her very existence. Spencer loathed the fact he'd even considered visiting Bryan's blood relative after all she'd done.
"Well isn't this surprising." Nikita grumbled into the receiver, her posture suggesting disinterest. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Mr. Petrov? Getting bored of your little toy already are you?"
Spencer tensed both to the use of his surname and the stab at what he did in the privacy of his own home.
"Don't flatter yourself, Nikita." He huffed, eyes glancing around the room. "I just came to let you know that Mathilda's getting better. We can't say for sure yet if she'll ever talk again though."
Nikita's brow furrowed. Just where the hell was Spencer going trying to send her on a guilt trip? His face went from coy to serious instantly, as did his choice of language.
/"I'll get to the point, Nikita. The little bitch who raped your baby brother is in here."/
Nikita licked her lips in anticipation. Had she heard right? Some little upstart had attacked her brother? HER property? Spencer could see he'd caught Nikita's attention. She might be a bitch, but nobody except her got to bully Bryan.
/"And what am I to do with the knowledge that my poor, sweet little brother has be defiled by some tramp off the streets?"/
/"You could show sympathy for one thing. Secondly, I'd like you to do something for me. Make her time here a living hell. I know you get territorial over your brother. Hell I'd like to believe that somewhere in that black fucking heart of yours you care about him. You're looking for a girl called Ming-Ming. Rich meat."/
Nikita's senses tingled. A rich girl was it now? But did she love her brother enough to serve extra time? She'd had around ten years already to ponder why she tormented him so. First it was for her own self preservation. Then she told herself it was because he was weak and deserved to be bullied.
And now here she was, sitting on thirty five years in prison for trying to kill some girl who stood up for him. Yeah that chick had fire in her. Nikita stopped to think, what would've happened if she'd been like Mathilda? How would Bryan have turned out if she'd only been a loving sister? Spencer drew Nikita from her thoughts before she could get in too deep.
/"I'm not asking you to kill the little bitch but if it happens it happens. I sure as hell ain't going to complain. By the time you get out of here Nikita I truly expect you to come out a changed woman. Just don't expect Bryan to roll over and welcome you with loving arms."/
Nikita didn't grace Spencer with an answer, turning around to the sounds of shrieking behind her. A girl younger by say eleven years was fighting against being taken back to her cell.
"Kuznetskov!"
"Ahh well it was fun while it lasted. Thank you, Spencer. For coming to see me. It does get lonely up in this joint. Can I count on you to stop by every week?"
"I wouldn't bother. Now piss off. I have work to do."
A prison warden came to escort Nikita back to her home for the next thirty five years and she noticed something on the way. This wasn't the route to her block. Instead, she was taken to an already occupied cell housing a blue haired amber eyed lass.
"Kuznetskov, this is Ming-Ming. She'll be your cell mate from now on. Well don't be shy, get your ass in there."
Ming-Ming looked away from her drawn up knees, horrified to see a woman near identical to Bryan staring maniacally down at her. The aroma of urine filled the air. Not five minutes and she'd already pissed herself. Oh yes. Nikita was going to enjoy this greatly.
Ow ow ow ow ow ow ow ow OW! Dang this one hurt! I really am too cruel sometimes.
Poor Mathilda! Will she ever get her voice back?
But most important of all, will Bryan finally grow the balls to tell her how he feels? Is Mathilda going to reciprocate those feelings?
Find out…IN THE NEXT UPDATE!
Also, massive character drop in the next chapter! (Hoooo boy it's gonna get busy folks)