Chapter 17: A Father's Guidance

James' threats hung heavy in the air as I sat watching my father peacefully sleeping. He looked so vulnerable right now, but he was miles away from it. Despite how much he'd been caring for me, he needed sleep. I smiled at him. He was definitely a tough guy, but right now he was like a baby peacefully sleeping over there on the couch. I was sure he had no plans to leave me alone in this hospital. If Mama or Rosie couldn't be here, he would definitely be here.

Thank God the pain meds had kicked in. The ice bandages brought me relief, but I wasn't about to try to get out of my bed. I couldn't deal with that pain. The nurse came into the room to check my vitals.

She smiled when she saw my dad sleeping. Yeah, she was definitely sweet on him.

"I just need to check your vitals. How is your pain on a scale from zero to ten?"

"Right now, about a five."

She put a thermometer in my mouth and an O2 sensor on my finger, checking my blood pressure.

"Okay, you do have a fever, but the antibiotics should help with that if an infection is present. Your blood pressure has stabilized. So we're going to take you down to imaging for testing and labs."

I nodded.

"Don't wake my Dad. He needs his rest."

"I'm not asleep," he said.

"Figures. I can go, Dad. You can sleep."

Dad sat up with his stubborn self, smiling back at the nurse who was smiling brightly at him. He looked over at me with a knowing smile in his eyes.

I winked at him. He shook his head.

"Okay, Jazz. We are going to get you set up and go down now."

My Dad stood. "I'm coming with," he said.

My nurse smiled. "Of course you can tag along. I'm sure Jasper would appreciate the support. I'll be right back." She left the room.

Before I could speak, Dad interrupted me. "Jazz, I ain't studying that girl."

"Of course you can tag along," I mocked. "You can come right behind me and watch me work."

He smiled. "You better be glad you're not well enough to tussle. I would throw you outside."

I chuckled. "Mama's gonna notice, watch."

"Jasper, I ain't studying that girl," he repeated.

"Bet you saw that extra button open, didn't you?" I laughed.

"Boy!" He threw a washcloth at me. We laughed.

"Can you text Mama and tell her to bring me some more pajamas and underwear? I want to take a shower."

"I already did earlier before I went to sleep. I knew you would need them."

He tousled my hair.

"Thanks." I smiled mischievously at him. "But did you tell her about women ogling your goodies?"

He laughed and rolled his eyes. "Speaking of her, let me call her and see where she is."

While he talked to my mom, I made an attempt to go to the bathroom. Of course, he followed me and assisted me again. It wasn't nearly as painful as before, but nevertheless, it was still extremely painful. I still had swelling, and maneuvering was a challenge. When we were finished, we washed our hands and walked back into the room, where the nursing team had a wheelchair waiting for me.

The nursing team escorted me to the imaging unit, where I quickly noticed the chilly temperature in the room. I intentionally withheld the fact that we were passing James' area of the hospital, as my father had a strong dislike for him. I knew he would potentially cause trouble if he found out, unplugging cords and causing chaos. The scans were completed efficiently, covering all the areas ordered by Dr. Williams. Additionally, they conducted bloodwork and thoroughly examined my body. I felt anxious, eagerly awaiting the results.

Throughout the process, my father stayed by my side, engaging in conversation with the tech staff who performed the scans. They kindly answered his questions and explained the procedure to both of us. However, during the scan of my groin and private areas, their concern became apparent, which heightened my nervousness. Sensing my distress, my father reassured me by holding my hand and gently stroking the back of it with his thumb, saying everything would be alright.

Once the scanning and testing were complete, the staff accompanied my father and me back to my room. There, I expressed my desire to try sitting in the chair, but it turned out to be a poor idea. My father promptly cradled me and placed me back on the bed.

"What do you think they saw Dad?" I asked terrified of what could be wrong.

"I don't know,son." He answered honestly. "I'm sure we will find out the results tomorrow."

I sighed heavily. "What else will he take?" I murmured almost to myself. "He's taken everything else and just keeps on taking. When will this end?"

My Dad looked at me with pure love in his eyes. "It ends when you say it ends. You will rebound from this Jasper."

"Dad, I'm going to need to talk to a therapist. I definitely need to talk you Kate."

"Who is Kate, son?"

"She's a social worker from the hospital in Forks. I called her with Kevin's help while you guys went to the store. Before all of this she was helping develop a plan to leave James. It was more preliminary than anything but she was going to help."

"I see."

"Dr. Cullen recommended her to me. Which by the way if you see a bill from last week I'll pay it."

He shook his head. "A bill for what?"

"I decided to take a risk and used the insurance card you provided me with before I left. I hoped that you had continued to include me on your insurance plan, as I'm still eligible based on my age. I asked the staff to process it, and fortunately, it was successful. I couldn't use James' cause he would know I was there and beat me to near death for exposing his sorry ass. Therefore, I filed the claim under your insurance instead."

"Good thinking and yes Lizzie and I decided to keep you covered. And don't worry about the bill."

"Dr. Cullen was sharp. He picked up the missing pieces right away. He was kind and understanding. Very helpful. So he hooked me up with Kate. I was thinking I could call her. She said she will come here so maybe she can come to the hospital."

"How would she help you at this point?"

"Well in the event Jay weasels his way out of going to jail or bonds out, I need a plan. I'm telling you Dad. He won't stop until he kills me. Yall don't know this man like I do. He is all kinds of crazy. He made good on his promise to put me in here. I know he meant what he said. He will stalk me and anyone who tries to keep him from getting to me. I have to make sure you guys stay safe. Just like you guys have guns, so does he. But the difference is, he's vile and evil. I would put it past him to try anything. I just believe Kate can help sort this out. And James won't care about restraining orders."

"Jazz, James can go to hell. You are not living your life tucked away or in fear. I'm telling you the next bullet will hit its target."

I shook my head. "If something happens to any of you I will die."

We were both silent for a minute as we both pondered the severity of this situation.

"I believe we have enough to convict him. Trust me Jasper. Let me take the lead on this. I know plenty of judges and I think I can get a no bond hold."

I listened intently.

"He generally will have the option to post bail, but the amount he pays will depend on the crime he's charged with….as is the case for me and Mickey. Ours was so high because we have felony charges."

My eyes widened.

"I'm not worried and neither should you worry."

"Why are you so confident?"

"Jasper I know the law and I know people. We are going to be just fine."

I nodded but wasn't completely satisfied.

He continued. "For domestic violence, in Seattle, there is often a 48-hour hold for those who are taken to jail for domestic violence. This is to prevent the abuser from retaliating against their victim for getting law enforcement involved. This number is significant because it is the maximum amount of time that a judge has to set a bond for the person incarcerated. If the alleged abuser has a previous criminal history, a judge will often wait the full 48 hours."

"He doesn't have a criminal history."

"Still doesn't necessarily mean anything. When the bond is set, the amount highly depends on the nature of the crime.

For example, let's assume the crime was a misdemeanor domestic battery. Most likely, this would be a slap, grab, or similar physical action that didn't cause significant bodily harm. The bond here might be set between $500-$1000."

"For more severe forms of domestic violence, though, as in your case, this amount will be far higher. Sexual abuse, for example, can have a bond that's thousands of dollars. Domestic violence that culminated in attempted murder or severe bodily injury could not have any bond set at all. This is where you fall. And harassment is definitely a no-go."

Wow my Dad was smart. His expertise was astounding.

"James ain't walking and he damn sure ain't getting off with no misdemeanor! Like I previously mentioned, a simple battery charge is often the most common misdemeanors that domestic violence defendants face. This type of charge could result in up to 150 days in jail, community service, enrollment in an anger management program. He would have to also pay restitution to you. Which is exactly what the hell that bitch gone do! Under certain circumstances, the judge may also make him surrender his firearms if they own any. Which he will have to."

"Doesn't mean he will or won't get another one."

"Man I don't give a fuck what he gets! He can kiss my ass and I'm sure he would love to!"

I laughed. "Naw. You are definitely not his type. Too much testosterone."

He rolled his eyes. "Nah, what his type is gone be is those felony charges that's gone get dropped on his ass. Those charges are a different story, as these include rape, sexual abuse, and assault that causes grievous bodily harm. This is you,Jazz…

particularly violent felony crimes (or those that involve rape) could be considered Class A felonies, for which the maximum punishment is life in prison."

"Wow!" I said.

"Mmm, hmmm. That'why we need every shred of evidence. We will have enough with the ring cameras alone to keep him locked down without bail right after he's discharged. Then we can go to forks and round up evidence and witnesses."

"Okay. I can do that. Then you'll finally get to see my crypt." I said sarcastically. "I should burn it to the ground…by accidentally leave fries cooking."

He laughed. "So I see you've thought this through."

I laughed and shook my head. " You know Dad with everything that James did to me, I never once considered hurting him or retaliating against him. I truly loved him."

"I know son. But in the case of James, what's love got to do with it?"

"As far as he's concerned absolutely nothing. As far as I'm concerned, it was everything."

"I get it son. I'm looking forward to the day when your little heart is completely untangled from him, and someone else is holding it inside of theirs."

"You really believe that's possible dad?"

"I do, son. I believe it's very possible. No one deserves to be abused, Jazz. Unfortunately, the risk of danger does not always end after the abuser has served his/her sentence. I agree that you may still need to take steps to keep yourself safe once the abuser gets out of jail or prison. Our goal is to keep him in there!"

"So if you want to speak with your advocate from the hospital, I'll support that. If you want to see a therapist, I'll support that too."

"Could he ever be released?" I asked nervously. "Even after years?

"Depends on how the judge sentences him." He told me. "I mean technically if he is being held in jail while the charges are pending, he can be released if he has posted bail or bond; if he gets arraigned and "released on his own recognizance," which means without having to pay bail or bond; he could try to enter a plea agreement before a trial is held, which I'm sure you don't want to do that…there's a lot to consider…where the outcome is that the he would be placed on probation, gets a suspended sentence, or there is some other outcome rather than being sentenced to jail or prison time; or it's possible that the charges could be dropped….which is highly unlikely."

"I'm glad you know what you're talking about. I'm clueless."

"Don't worry, son. I'll make sure you receive the best representation."

"Okay Thanks."

He continued. "If he is convicted and goes to prison, he can be released if he completes his sentence; is released on parole or probation; or has appealed the conviction to a higher court and the conviction is reversed or overturned."

He noticed I was starting to panic. "Relax Jazz. We will give it everything we can to make sure he's in for a while without paroling. But anything can happen when dealing with these things. We just have to do our due diligence and trust the process. It's the same for Mickey and me. I'm sure they are going to come after us with full vengeance. We'll handle it."

I mustered the courage to share with him my decision to not pursue any of James' wealth, but my father's determination to fight for my rights remained unwavering.

"Dad, I've thought about it, and I don't want any of James' money. I just want to move on and put this all behind me," I explained, my voice filled weariness.

My father's eyes narrowed, his voice filled with intensity. "Jasper, I understand your desire to move on, but that jackass owes you every dime. He ain't getting off this easy. He gone give you what's yours. Then Mickey can take it and turn it into a nice pit for you. I tell you what! You gone get something out of all this shit he put you through!" He declared, his words resonating with a fierce protectiveness.

" He's going to fight it."

"So what! Let him! He gone be fighting worse than that in prison. Or hell he might be right at home since he likes to get laid so much!"

I could barely hold back a laughed. I balled up my lips but it was useless. When he saw my face, he laughed too.

"Mannn…I swear I can't stand that mother fucker." He said still laughing a little. "He makes my ass itch. Anyway did you sign a prenup?"

"No there is no prenuptial agreement in place. James has been so sure of our everlasting commitment, he hasn't required one."

My father's voice held a tinge of excitement as he realized the implications.

"Jasper, that means you are entitled to a great portion of his wealth. He can't just walk away with everything while you get nothing," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I'm not going to support that son. Nope."

"He asked about his car when I went over there. I have his cell phone, keys and his wallet. The nurse gave it to me because he told them to. I told him the car and his suitcase is at your house."

"I ought to have it towed."

"He told me I'm not allowed to drive it since 'I'm sooo irresponsible' and it's worth more than my life."

"Well in that case I will have it towed!"

I took a deep breath, gathering the strength to reveal another secret. "Dad, I've been secretly saving some money of my own. It's not much, but it could help me start anew," I confessed, hoping he would understand my need for independence. "I don't need his money."

"It's not a matter of need, son. It's about restitution. All your pain and suffering. No. He needs to pay! Jasper, I'm proud of your resourcefulness, but we won't let James off the hook so easily. You deserve your fair share," he assured me, his voice filled with determination.

I sighed. There was no use in arguing with him. Besides he was right.

"Jasper, we will do everything in our power to protect you. I'll connect you with lawyers who specialize in high-asset divorces. They will make sure your rights are upheld," he assured me, his voice filled with conviction.

He explained the intricacies of high-asset divorces, detailing the importance of determining marital property, uncovering hidden assets, and considering tax implications. I listened, my fear slowly transforming into a sense of empowerment.

As my father spoke, I realized that I wasn't alone in this battle. He was there, ready to fight for me and ensure that justice was served. He stressed again the importance of obtaining a no-contact order from the judge, acknowledging that James might not abide by it.

"Dad, like I said James doesn't care about a no-contact order? He's going to show up for me,Dad!" I confessed, my voice filled with fear.

My father's voice held an unwavering resolve. "Jasper, I'm going to say this one more time and you need to hear me. The next bullet will not miss its target. If he steps one foot in my yard, his mama will be sewing his brains back together for his funeral. You know there are three things I don't play 'bout: my wife, my kids, and my money. He done fucked with two of those on the list. Two too many and I got a bullet with his name on it. Let him try it. He better damn well kill me first cause I give you my last righteous word, I will lay him down. I am done! I have never been afraid of anything that moves in my life and certainly not his pink ass! Is there any part of that you don't understand?"

I shook my head. "No, sir. I understand." My voice was meek and humble. He was absolutely fearless. Always had been. He meant every word he said. The problem was…so did James.