North Meets South

Story: North Meets South: When World's Collide

Chapter: 16 Belle's Incident

Author: Eric McQueen (mcqueen.richarderic@gmail.com)

Mature Readers only due to sexual situations and graphic sexual content

Freedom of expression is precious. To do that Nifty needs help. Your donation is greatly desired. Give to http://donate.nifty.org/ or this story ends and all the others! That would be a crime!

Mitch and Sasha were returning from work following a New Year's Celebration at the hotel...where they both worked. A wealthy business man runs into them. There are fireworks.

Belle's Incident

Gary only was going to stay that one night, but we insisted he stay the weekend. I was just happy things seemed to mend between Gary and me. He was still dealing with some guilt he'd carried for decades, but he watched Tony and me together and seemed to relax a bit. He also watched David and Sasha together and that seemed to ease his mind even more that there was real love at work between them.

The season between Thanksgiving and Christmas was always chaotic. Holiday parties and celebrations were almost nonstop. I was busy! Alan and I both had to work some evenings to keep the demands met and taken care of. I got Christmas and Alan chose New Years.

We decorated again for the upcoming Holy Day which was fun with a child in the house. It was fascinating to learn how Alik had celebrated in Russia. It seemed the Russian Orthodox and Roman Catholic Church was not that dissimilar. Like the Catholic Church, Russian Orthodox celebrated Christmas as did many celebrated Christmas Season on the 25th and on the 7th of January they celebrated Christmas as in opening presents like the West did. Then there was Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost who delivered presents, but when the Soviet Union became the government, religion was barely tolerated and New Year's was the holiday that was important. Ded Moroz and his granddaughter, Snegurochka, who always accompanied her grandfather delivered presents to the children. The children would sing around a tree, but it was a New Year tree. Christmas was done more quietly and in private. So, I felt less guilty about leaving them on the traditional Christmas week. Of course, there were the traditional shows that came on and I was going to watch them all as usual, only now there was Alik to share it with me! He got a stocking we hung on our mantle beside Tony's, mine, David's, and Sasha's. Then I only told him that there was something I'd enjoyed for decades and wanted to share it with him. I promised I would translate when needed, but I hoped he'd like them.

That evening Tony had worked a little later and was coming home right before a show I always watched came on. I popped popcorn and got some cookies out for us when Tony came home. He came in greeting me and Alik as he entered, saw the popcorn waiting and cookies, wondered only a few seconds and then nodded.

"Rudolph?" He grinned at me kissing me as he put his briefcase down.

"Rudolph." I nodded as Alik and I sat to watch. "This is an important time for Alik to get the full American Traditional Christmas experience."

Sasha came down having showered and greeted Tony. He also saw what I'd prepared to do as his eyebrows rose. "Is there something special happening?"

Tony nodded pulling Sasha over. "Very special." He said to Sasha in a hushed voice with a smile. "And Mitch is sharing it with Alik."

I shushed them both as the news like reports of the bad weather the world was having in the show that made Rudolph's nose necessary. "Either join us or go somewhere else." I waved them off.

"It's a very serious part of Mitch's Christmas Tradition," Tony explained in a whisper. "He's never missed it in his entire life!"

That made Sasha's eyes widen. "Then can I share it?" He whispered back.

"Just be quiet about it," I growled irritated.

Soon we were four little boys watching that beloved story when David came in from school.

"Hi, every..." David greeted happily, then was surprised when he got four "SSHHH!!!" Which David stopped with his eyebrows rising, but looked at the screen. He grinned and sat down beside Sasha to watch it with us and dug in the popcorn. There were questions from Alik. Why is his nose red? Why didn't the other reindeer like him? I often just told Alik. "Vot uvidish." You'll see.

When it was over, I looked at Alik. "Well?"

I did have to translate somethings for Alik, but he loved it going on and on about how scary that monster was and how funny it was when the elf pulled all his teeth!

I smiled at them sitting there. "Now we've only got Charlie Brown, Frosty and It's Wonderful Life." I grinned. "Oh! And Miracle of 34th Street, all versions!" I said happily as I got the now empty bowl of popcorn and plates.

Sasha watched me...not really knowing what to say and then turned to Tony. "He does this every year?"

Tony chuckled. "Every single year." He nodded. "Then he becomes my overgrown six-year-old."

I spun on Tony. "I do not! I told you if you're too old for Rudolph..."

Tony nodded and said with me. "...then you're too old." He chuckled. "I guess I'm not that old then." Tony shrugged still grinning. "Either that or you have another fetish. This one for old white men with long white beards!"

There were a few uneaten kernels of popcorn which I flung at Tony as he laughed. "Oh, shut up."

The flight to New York was taken. We again celebrated with Tony's family at the traditional home where he and his sisters were raised. Nick arrived and we all celebrated the holiday. Nick said he was flying back to Europe when this was over, he'd be looking for a job by Spring. Tony and I again saw the Rockettes. That was becoming our tradition.

Then it was New Years. I had to cover the hotel that holiday. There were the other parties and those who thought nothing of drinking to excess at the hotel, which we never allowed to drive home, but took them home or put them in a taxi. That was our normal operations.

Being as it was a busy time, both Sasha and I worked New Year's Eve. I rode with Sasha in Bubba that evening. I waited for Sasha to finish to ride home with him. My evening had been very busy, but I knew Sasha's was even worse. He'd become the favorite for the restaurant and hotel and very much in demand.

Sasha finally got off and walked through the lobby to meet me.

"I am really tired," Sasha confessed. "Not sleepy, just tired. Can you drive?"

"Sure." I chuckled. "I was running all night, but I saw you were a constant blur."

Sasha laughed back. "I was a constant blur." Then he brightened, "But I made lots of good tips!"

Sasha insisted I drive back. Which, well, it was my truck and I did miss Bubba, but I had gotten used to the other car Tony insist I drive to and from work. Using a clutch was not hard, but I had gotten used to the Mercedes. It came back pretty quickly.

What happened next, I will tell you what I remember. We were going back home on the highway and all I remember were these bright lights suddenly going the opposite way. It was divided highway! He had to have turned down, going down and up heading access lane. He was now going east in direction on the west heading lane and going very, very fast. I tried to avoid him, but he had to be doing at least seventy and I was going sixty. It would be a bad impact! I remember it hit the front but to our passenger side and then turning it seemed in midair and then...nothing. I do remember hearing what sounded like a buzz saw and wondering why. There were shouts and men speaking loud instructions, but I don't remember what was said. I have a faint recollection of seeing the roof being pulled back that had been cut away as men were moving in toward me. Firemen? I know I saw a woman with a mask in her hand attached to a tank, but she was working beside me. Sasha. There were brief moments I remember, lights overhead as we moved down a hallway and uniformed men and women in scrubs.

The first real memory I had was opening my eyes and wondering where I was. It didn't feel like I was home. I was thirsty. Waking up more I wondered why I was having trouble moving and then I heard someone move quickly and over me was Tony, but he looked terrible! His face was covered in what I've never seen. His beard looked several days old, his hair was washed, but it looked like he'd washed it will just soap and he was wearing scrubs. As his face came into view, I saw his eyes water as tears were forming.

"Mitch, can you hear me?" Tony asked taking my left hand bringing it to his lips as he kissed them. "Please be awake, baby."

I wanted to say of course I'm awake, but all that came out was a sort of gurgle; a dry, rasping sound. I moved my head in what I thought was a nod. Tony grabbed something from the bed and pressed a button.

"He's awake!" Tony all but shouted to no one I could see and then turned back to me. "Come on, please Mitch." He pleaded as grateful tears were coming now. Then I heard someone else come into the room and a man was looking and went to a phone dialing and said something to someone.

"The doctor's on his way, Mr. Delveccio, she'll want to assess the situation." The man said to Tony.

"I'm not leaving!" Tony said in his growl as if he'd said it before. "She can assess all she wants, but I'm staying!" He looked back at me. "It'll be okay, honey, I promise." He said kissing my hand again.

I heard a beeping noise and saw IV bags and a monitor going for heart monitoring. I saw the numbers and what they were for. "Thirsty." I managed to get out.

Tony smiled and suddenly was looking around. "Water. Do we have water?"

"I'll get some ice. That will help." The man said hurrying away only to return quickly with a cup which he handed to Tony. "Just a few chips, just put some on the tips of your fingers and run them over his lips for now."

Tony grabbed some of the ice and did as instructed rubbing the chips over my lips and let some of it drip in my mouth which seemed to absorb it quickly. My mouth had a strange taste to it and now that was easing. I saw as a tiny little woman in her late thirties came in wearing scrubs and a white coat. A short haired blonde. She smiled at me as she got near me.

"I'm Dr. Honeycut." She said touching my face and peering into my eyes and shined that little light thing in them watching my pupils' reactions. "Do you know where you are?"

"Hospital?" I asked and then I remembered a little more. "Sasha!"

Tony nodded squeezing my hand. "Sasha's being taken care of, Mitch. He'll be fine."

The doctor nodded. "Do you remember what happened?"

"There was something that hit us. We must have been in an accident." I said now worried about Sasha.

"That's right." The doctor smiled. "It was pretty bad. Your friend Sasha was also hurt pretty badly, but we're doing all we can for him and like you, he's starting to recover." She put her hand on Tony. "Do you know this man?" It wasn't a question.

I smiled. "He's my husband Tony." I saw Tony smile as he wiped his face from the tears he'd shed.

"And a damned fine husband." She patted Tony's shoulder grinning. "We practically had to call security to examine you, but he's never left your side. He's very stubborn."

I chuckled. "He can't help it, he's Italian."

She nodded smiling more. "Oh, is that what it is?"

I looked around the room and saw flowers and not just one but several and a few of those "Get Well" balloons. "I've been here a while."

She nodded. "You came in with a pretty bad head injury. We worried about swelling on the brain, so we had to induce a coma."

"How long have I been out?" I asked.

"We induced it for five days and then let you wake up on your own. So, about eight days." Dr. Honeycut replied. "Now let's see if you're making connections like you need to." She then did the whole thing, making me move my arm and touch my nose and ran a thing up my feet to gauge a reaction which I felt. She smiled. "I think you're making all the right connections. I think we can get you to a step-down unit." Then she cocked her head. "I'd take it easy with eating though. Are you hungry?"

I shook my head. "I don't think so, but let's not go with the clear liquids, okay? Even when I'm throwing up, when I'm hungry, I'm hungry! Ask Mom!"

She laughed at that. "I will! Don't think I won't."

Tony grinned. "She's here waiting to see you."

I looked at Tony. "Mom's here?"

Tony nodded. "And your Dad and Grandmother." Then he shrugged a nod. "Dad took Grandmother back to rest, but she'll be back, but your Mom's been waiting." He was smiling even more. "I'll get her if you want." He pointed out of the room.

I reached for Tony which he took my hand quickly. "In a minute." I motioned for him to come closer. "Sorry about any bad breath."

Tony looked at the doctor uncertain. "You said not to jostle him. Can I kiss him?"

"While he was in the coma and we worried about brain trauma, I cautioned you to be careful not to jostle him." She smiled. "The princess can be wakened with a kiss. Nothing wrong with those."

"I'm no princess." I growled.

Tony nodded with a laugh. "He most definitely is not."

"Whatever, a kiss should be fine. In fact, I'm ordering you to. Doctor's orders." She chuckled pointing at me. "Proceed."

Tony leaned in kissing me very gently but increased the pressure slightly. When he stopped his pressed the side of his face to me. "I was so scared." He said as the tears came again.

"I'm sorry you were scared, baby," I said touching his hair, which felt just wrong. Gone was the silky softness and then I wondered how I looked. "I probably look horrible." I ran a hand over my face feeling the hair there. "I haven't shaved at all!"

Tony shook his head. "You look beautiful. I never lie to you. Believe me, you're beautiful." Then he frowned. "But I have bad news. There was a loss in the family."

My mind went to a lot places. Kathy? Al? Louise? I ran through the whole family. "Who?"

"Bubba didn't survive," Tony said a little serious. "I know how much he meant to you, but he did a fine job protecting you two. That hard metal kept you from dying."

My truck! Yes, it did hurt. I'd had Bubba forever!

"I'm sorry," Tony said truly sad. "It's not like we can't get you something else. I'll get you anything you want, even a Rolls if you like."

I grinned. "An Aston Martin?"

Tony didn't even change expressions. "Anything."

I touched his face. "I'm kidding. I don't need anything. Just you."

Tony kissed me again. "You have me."

Dr. Honeycut sighed. Was it because Tony and I clearly loved each other? I can't say. "We'll give it twenty-four more hours. If you do as well as I hope, we'll move you down to the next level. If you eat and tolerate what we give you, then we'll talk about steak and potatoes, Okay?"

Tony hugged her. "Thank you, Doctor."

She accepted the hug and even gave it back. "That's what I do." Then patted Tony's arm. "If I need to, I'll write an order. Kisses as needed whenever requested or just feel like giving them or getting one. So, it's PRN."

"Thank you, Doctor." I smiled as Tony squeezed my hand he wouldn't let go of.

Then Tony sat again. "I'll get your mother."

I nodded. "Tony."

He smiled.

"I love you."

He kissed me. "I know. I love you, too."

I nodded. "I know."

It was just a few minutes later when my mother came into the room. I could see she was exhausted, but she looked relieved when she walked in.

"Hi, Mom," I said smiling at her hating that I sounded a little pitiful.

She came over and gently hugged me careful not to move me that much. "I can only say, this was the hardest thing I've been through." She admitted allowing a little sniffle, but she smiled at me.

I frowned. "I'm sorry."

She shook her head. "You didn't do this. That man did. He did this to you...and Sasha. You were both victims. It wasn't your fault. I'm just glad you're alive." She said as tears came down and she sat beside my bed taking my hand. "A parent worries about their children even when they become adults. No parent should lose a child. That's not the way it is supposed to go. A parent is prepared to go first."

I nodded as Tony came back to check on us and then was about to leave seeing a moment between mother and son.

"No." Mom said to Tony quickly. "Don't go. Your place is here, with my son." She smiled at me. "He was always here. We had to make him shower and change. He wouldn't leave for many moments and only when we insisted." She took Tony's hand as he came back. "He is your husband."

I smiled. "He is."

Mom wiped her face of the tears. "Your father took my mother back to the condo. He'll be in later with her."

"What about Alik?" I asked. "How badly was Sasha hurt?"

Tony smiled. "It was pretty bad. We lost him once, but they got him back. His injuries were more internal, broken ribs, a punctured lung, and other injuries that he had surgery for. He now has a pin in his knee and a broken arm. He's sore, but he should make a full recovery." He chuckled. "We never made David Sasha's Power of Attorney. I gave permission for the surgery. David's been here as much as I have, never leaving Sasha." He sat on the other side of the bed. "Alik's fine. He was scared and still is, but he's seen Sasha and even spoken with Sasha. He even saw you, but only for a minute. It seems he'd developed a strong attachment to you. Don't worry, he has that woman from the Russian Church sitting as needed. Your Dad and Grandmother are with him, too. Thank god for the translator."

I chuckled. "Whatever endorsements the investor needs or the developer needs, I'll give whole heartily. It's saved a lot of problems from developing."

Tony smiled. "I will endorse it, too."

Later they brought in lunch. Hah! Lunch!? It was broth! I told them not to do the clear liquids. Broth wouldn't fill a gnat. I tolerated it well. If anything, it reminded my stomach I was used to eating and my stomach was demanding real food! But I'd be good. They insisted I try to get up, which I did being careful and had a therapist with me when I did. I did have some cuts and bruises that we healing and there was soreness, but I think it may have been to not moving for a week as well as the accident.

"Can I get a wheelchair?" I asked the physical therapist who was working with me. Of course, Tony was right there with me, too.

The therapist looked surprised. "Is there somewhere you want to go?" He hadn't anticipated me wanting to go far.

"To see Sasha," I said. "Sasha Lebedev, the man in the accident with me?"

The therapist looked at Tony. "He must be on the surgical floor, that's on another wing."

Tony smiled unsurprised at me. "Sasha is family. I can take Mitch if needed."

The therapist shook his head. "I just don't want Mitch overdoing it, but we encourage doing as much as possible. Still, it may be more than he should do."

Tony grinned. "He will do it anyway, so you might want to help him get there."

I was helped into a wheelchair and taken down a couple of floors to another wing of the hospital. Once wheeled into where Sasha was, I was horrified. Sasha's leg was in one of those things that keep your leg elevated, his left arm was in a cast. He had cuts and bruises all over his face, shoulder and I knew there were more under his gown. He saw me and a smile lit up his face. It made him almost look normal. He hadn't shaved either. His light brown, bronze hair spread across his face gave him a rugged look that wasn't too bad.

"Mitch!" Sasha said happily trying to sit up better. David came out of the bathroom in Sasha's room and instantly at Sasha's side helping Sasha sit up.

"Mitch!" David said equally happy. Once he got Sasha in place, he hurried over but stopped short as he was going to hug me seeing I was cut and bruised as well. "Can I hug you?"

I grabbed my cousin and hugged him. "I'd be offended if you didn't." Then I was wheeled closer to Sasha. "It would be a little harder to hug you, but I'll try." I rose unsteadily, instantly grabbed by Tony and the therapist, hugging my Russian brother carefully. He was my brother now. Make no mistake. "You've had a tough few moments, I hear."

Sasha nodded. "So have you." He smiled at me, "But we're both here. It's so good to see you up! I wish I could do the same."

"You will. I won't stay long this time." I said. "I'll be back, but I had to see you for myself to see if you're alright."

"I'll be fine," Sasha said smiling. "I guess you know what happened. The accident, I mean."

I shook my head. "Not really, I just barely remember being hit."

David frowned and I could sense he was getting angry, but kept some control. "Well, this rich man. He has several car dealerships here and elsewhere and very wealthy was at a party where he got very, very drunk. He was returning to his mansion in Mount Pleasant doing about 80 miles an hour going East in the Westbound lane." David's anger was clear and he was getting louder and forced himself to calm down by taking a deep breath. "He saw you and swerved to miss you, which he shouldn't have had to!" His anger flared. He calmed himself again, but barely did the trick. "He shouldn't have been in that lane at all! He hit you and the front passenger side of your truck with the front of the passenger side of his luxury car. He totaled both his car and your truck. Being the raised portion of the highway, his impact sent you over the rail and to the ground several feet down. That's a good ways down!"

I felt a chill hearing that. "Is he alive?"

"Barely." David nodded. "His wife was killed instantly being on the passenger side." Then he smiled bitterly, "But he's still alive."

"It was an accident," Sasha said simply.

"An accident that shouldn't have to happen at all! It never should have happened!" David shouted angrily. "He almost killed you and Mitch." Then he turned to Sasha. "He did kill you, Sasha!"

Sasha nodded as he reached for David's hand. "I'm not dead." Which David took Sasha's hand as he was drawn to Sasha who hugged him with his good arm. "I'm alive, Tigryenok." I recognized the Russian term of endearment. He kissed David. "I'm alive." He stroked David's face and sides.

I suddenly was very tired. "This is not how I hoped to start a new year, but it is what it is." I sighed, shrugged, and raised my hand for Tony. "I need to rest now. Can you take me back to my room?"

"Sure." Tony helped me back in the chair. "I'll take you back."

I'd been out for over a week, but I was tired and went to sleep almost before Tony and the therapist got me in bed. The doctor came back a little later and said I was doing well and would be transferred to a step down unit. I asked if Sasha and I could be put in a room together. She had no problem with that. Hospitals are great to recover in, but not to rest. They're noisy! People coming and going to do...whatever around the clock! I hoped I'd be discharged soon, but was still under observation to see if there were complications. Then I might get some rest.

What was almost funny was Tony and David. Sasha's and my care was allowed only medically, but any sponge bath or anything too personal, neither Tony nor David allowed anyone to do that. Grandmother and Dad came to see us. I realized how elderly my Grandmother had become. The trauma of this accident hadn't helped her. I found out Dad and Mom had moved in with Grandmother for now. Then I told Tony to go home!

"What!? I can't leave!" Tony said a little irritated.

"You, too, David." Sasha nodded, agreeing with me.

"Why!?" David demanded. "You're not out of here! How can I leave?"

I nodded. "Okay, both of you. If you want to help us, go home, and rest all night tonight. I mean rest. I'm not going to go anywhere and Sasha won't either until he's wheeled out or hobbles out. Don't worry about Sasha or me. Get up, dress..." and then I smiled at Tony, "...and then shower and change. Use that expensive shampoo you insist on using, Tony. Your hair is a mess. Then bring the shampoo here, I need more than soap. Hospitals don't really provide shampoo."

Sasha nodded. "We don't want you here until lunch time." Then he brightened. "In fact, because we're both on normal solids now....you can bring us lunch!"

I nodded smiling. "Great idea! Bessinger's would be great! Bring some of those large onion rings! That barbeque!" My mouth almost watering anticipating the taste.

"I've had that! That sounds good! Do that for me, too!" Sasha said nodding.

"A decent razor and shaving cream," I added watching Tony's face grin.

"Is there anything else?" David groused as the list was getting longer.

"As much as I enjoy hospital chic." I chuckled. "Maybe some shorts and t-shirt?"

"And underwear!" Sasha nodded lifting his gown showing he had on nothing under the hospital gown.

I grinned at Sasha's lack of concern with us about any nudity on his part. Now I knew for a fact Sasha was uncircumcised. God had not shortchanged him. Lucky David! "And don't forget the extra sauce for the onion rings."

Tony sighed and nodded with a smile. "Fine." He walked over and kissed me, but not as chaste as he may have wanted. His tongue entered which I pulled in and my arms went around him. I felt the surge of wanting more, but we were in a hospital and not alone. Tony bumped his head against mine gently. "You know I'll do anything you want, baby. I love you."

"I know," I whispered back. "I love you." I loved having him next to me and felt his warmth.

"I know."

"Now go home." I grinned to him shoving him away lightly. "Come back as the gorgeous man I married."

"We've been thrown out," David growled.

Tony chuckled. "You do look a little rough around the edges, Cuz." He said with a bad Southern accent.

"You're no Prince Charming now either, you know?" David shot back as they went into the corridor and disappeared.

It was almost noon when they did come back and there again was my Tony. He was back in his designer threads and looked like the man I'd fallen in love with. Handsome. Hair in place and well-groomed and he smelled good, but he had the decency not to wear the cologne that made me crazy. David looked good, too. He and David had bags in their hands I didn't need to see what was in them, but could smell the barbecue. Again, my mouth was watering for the taste I knew was there. Tony stopped and did a fashion runway turn.

"Well?" Tony asked with a grin.

I smiled. "Much, much better." I held my arms out for him. When he was near me, my hand brushed through his hair. "Oh, yeah, much better. Soft." Then kissing him, I then grabbed the bag and opened it greedily and inhaled. "That smells so good!"

"I see what's really important." Tony chuckled as he sat beside me.

"You've seen what they've given us to eat," I growled. "Can you blame me!?" We ate and just enjoyed being together. Damned, it tasted good and there was sauce dripping down my face with Tony was more than willing to kiss and lick away.

It was about mid-afternoon when a man knocked on our door. Dressed in an expensive suit...I knew he was a lawyer. There are some looks I knew. I can spot a preacher at a near mile's pace, and lawyers have a look as well.

"Excuse me." The man said entered. "I'm here to speak to Mitchell McKenzie and Sasha Lebedev."

David frowned knowing who he was like I did. "They are the two in the hospital beds." He said again crossly. "You're here for Mr. Belle?"

The man nodded. "I'm his attorney. Maxwell Kincaid." He extended his hand smiling, but the smile faded as lowered his hand when David didn't take the hand given. Then he saw Sasha's injuries and mine and his smile faltered a little. "I'm authorized to offer a settlement." He said opening his briefcase and pulling some papers out. He was about to give them to me when David stood to take them. "This is for Mitchell McKenzie and Sasha Lebedev." The man brought the papers back to himself.

Sasha shook his head. "This is David McKenzie. I authorize him to look at those papers. English is better, but he is able to understand better. I Sasha Lebedev." He said in a more exaggerated Russian accent that he used normally now.

I grinned at Sasha's poor English. "And I'm Mitch McKenzie," I said and pointed at David. "David is family. Give those papers to him, please." I instructed. "He can understand them better."

"He's a lawyer." Mr. Kincaid handed David the papers but didn't get a response from us.

David took the papers and read them carefully. He read the whole thing! Took his time and it took almost half an hour and then I saw his eyebrows knit together just before he handed them back. "He must be joking."

"It's a generous sum." Mr. Kincaid said softly. For a lawyer, he knew his client had little bargaining power here.

"Really? I don't think it is generous at all!" David said taking the papers back and handed them to Sasha. "Only half a million? This is a slap in the face!!" He turned back to Mr. Kincaid. "Maximillian Belle is worth a hell of a lot more. Much, much more. He has over a half a billion in his dealerships and in his real estate, stocks, and other investments. This is shit. This won't do at all!"

"Mr. Belle is guilty, but he lost his wife in the accident." Mr. Kincaid justified slowly. "You prefer it to be punitive?"

"YES!" David said as if anything else was unthinkable! "And?" David asked. "There's a problem with what you just said. What happened was a terrible occurrence that didn't have to happen. There was no..." David used air quotes. "...accident. An accident is a tragic occurrence which we have no control over. Your client had control of the whole situation! He chose to go to a party, he chose to drink a lot and was way over the legal intoxication limit, by the way. I've seen the medical reports, he chose to get in a car with his wife, he chose to drive, he drunkenly chose to go down a highway in the wrong lane and he hit my cousin and my future husband! That was no accident, Mr. Kincaid. He made choices! The settlement is denied. There will be punishment."

"Are you speaking for both parties?" Mr. Kincaid asked looking at me and Sasha.

"Are you saying there should be no punishment for what he chose to do? That amount is NOTHING! No amount of money can undo his wife's death or the horrible incident, but he shouldn't get off so easy!" David nearly shouted and folded his arms to show he was unmoving on this point. "For his lack of judgment and poor choices, HE WILL PAY THE PRICE!"

Sasha nodded. "He speaks for me. What about you, Mitch?" Sasha looked at me.

I nodded liking this David. "Absolutely he does."

David looked back at Mr. Kincaid. "Either he comes back with a more fitting settlement, or we'll see you in court."

"How much do you expect?" Mr. Kincaid asked. "He's lost his wife; he lost his license..."

"He'll lose a whole lot more," David growled. "He killed Sasha! He nearly killed my cousin. He can lose his reputation when this gets out, and believe me it will! What is that worth to make it as easy as it can be? There has to be more than money. I'm angry and I want him to pay."

Mr. Kincaid nodded. "I'll let Mr. Belle know." He walked out of the room.

"That was a lot of money," Sasha said softly to David.

"You were gushing blood, Sasha and he wants to put a band-aid on it? I don't think so. What he did was a crime. Crimes are punishable. He will be punished! End of story." David declared flatly. Sasha's eyebrows rose, but he was smiling.

"I see you don't aggravate a McKenzie." Sasha smiled taking David's hand.

"Damned right you don't," David growled again.

I chuckled. "He's going to be a great lawyer. Just..." I said to David, "...always be on our side, okay?"

Then Sasha held up his hand. "Wait!" Then he looked at David, "...my English may not be as bad as I claim, but you told this Mr. Kincaid I was your future husband."

Now David was smiling, but turning pink. "I was trying to give a reason....you're more than just my boyfriend. You mean a lot more to me than that. I wanted that overpaid puppet of Belle's to know that."

"Did you just say you want to marry me?" Sasha was grinning.

David was now very pink. "I was thinking about it." He looked at Sasha. "I nearly lost you. I did lose you, but...yes. I don't want to have a life without you." He shrugged. "I would have preferred not to ask in a hospital room, but...just think about it. I'd love to marry you if you'll have me."

Sasha was shaking his head but smiling enough to split his face. "In Russia, we could not even tell many people we were married and certainly not as much as Mitch and Tony, but yes I'd love to marry you."

I smiled when David pulled the curtain to separate our half of the room and I saw David kiss Sasha. There was a silhouette on the thin curtain as light from outside came in and we heard them kiss. "Semi-private room, guys. We can hear you." I reminded, but inside I was thrilled! Another McKenzie wedding! There were those uncles who were going to really freak out now!!!

It was unfair, but I was being discharged before Sasha. I was concerned about Sasha coming back to the condo. His room was a floor above ours with stairs and because of the pin in his leg he would be in a wheelchair a while and traversing those stairs would be nearly impossible. Tony and I discussed what we needed to do. When we agreed, we waited until Sasha and David were together with us.

"When you come home in another week or so..." Tony began. "You and David will move into our bedroom on the first floor. We'll take the room you have on the second."

Sasha's eyes widened. "You don't have to do that!"

"Of course, we don't." I agreed. "But we are. You can't go up and down those stairs. Not for a while."

However, David was very happy about it. "Wow. That huge tub in their bathroom! We can take long soaks in it! And that bed!"

Sasha hit David lightly. "I won't be soaking for a little while yet." He tapped his leg. "Even when they take the pin out, it will have a cast thing a few weeks more." Then he grinned. "I'll need a lot of sponge baths."

David grinned back. "I'll take the soaks then. The sponge baths I will be glad to do for you."

It was then Mom, Dad and Grandmother came in with Alik who brightened when he saw his father running to the bed, climbed up and hugged Sasha.

"Hi, Dad!" Alik said in English then he looked up at me and Tony. "Hi, Uncle Mitch, Uncle Tony, and Uncle David!"

"All these uncles," I muttered. "One about to be Daddy David," I said quietly to Tony who chuckled.

"Are they discharging you soon?" Grandmother asked as she came in sitting beside me.

"Tomorrow," I replied.

She nodded. "I'm glad you both are alright." She said to me and Sasha.

Dad grinned as Alik lay close to his father. "It's been a few years since you were that age, Mitch. He's a real energetic boy." He held up the translator. "This thing is a real life saver."

Tony grimaced nodding. "Don't I know it."

"I hope he wasn't too much trouble," Sasha said hopefully.

"Not at all." Mom shook her head. "Though he does have a thing for peanut butter sandwiches." She grinned at me. "With apple jelly. I wonder who he picked that up from?"

I shook my head. "You can't fault him for having good taste."

"He really missed you, Sasha." Mom said to Sasha. "He spoke with his mother and with her input we got him feeling better. She's still in Moscow. Do you know when she's coming over?"

Sasha shook his head. "She said she was handling it. She and her future husband were taking care of it, so I left it with her."

"Any more word about what's happening with the man that hit you?" Dad asked.

"Not yet," I replied. "His lawyer came with an offer..."

"Which was denied," David said quickly.

"You should have seen David, Dad." I smiled. "He was a real lawyer!" Then I thought about what he'd said to Kincaid, Belle's lawyer. "David, you said you saw the medical reports...those are confidential. Only our lawyer can do that with some sort of legal authorization thingy. As far as I know, you have two more years before you graduate or even think of taking the bar exam."

David smiled and lowered his eyes. "Well...I sort of said I did. As your appointed representative, I can look at them even if I weren't a future lawyer, but come on..." he shrugged. "...he drove the wrong way on a highway in a city he's lived in...like forever. He hits a truck while speeding....it doesn't take a rocket scientist to know what happened. Belle's thinking was impaired!" He reasoned with a shrug. "Kincaid didn't know I wasn't...so?"

Tony chuckled. "The makings of a true Southern lawyer. A damned good one, I'd bet."

"Besides, Kincaid knows there will be charges. Drunk driving will the least Belle has to worry about. There's vehicular manslaughter of his wife being the worst and vehicular assault on you two. He might even face prison." David explained. "I'm not sure, as I haven't graduated," he looked at me, "but there could be Federal Charges."

"Prison!?" Grandmother said shocked.

David nodded. "Oh, yes Ma'am. If he has any priors...sure. He committed a homicide; it doesn't matter that he was married to her. That's no longer a misdemeanor." Then he frowned. "He offered half a million." Then he nearly spat in disgust. "That's $250,000 for Mitch and the same for Sasha." He shook his head. "Not a chance in Hell!"

Dad nodded. "It's not about the money." Dad wanted to confirm.

"No, no, Uncle Richard." David shook his head. "No amount of money will undo what happened to Mitch, Sasha, and sure as Hell won't bring his wife back." Now he catching fire again. "It's called Crime and Punishment. He committed a crime and now he should be punished! That little sum would be a slap on the wrist for him. He's got to pay damn it!!!" Then he glanced my grandmother. "Sorry, Grandmother Sams...but if he thinks he can buy his way out of this one. He's sadly mistaken! In South Carolina, the consumption of alcohol doesn't even have to be the main charge, but if a crime is committed and whether or not alcohol is the reason, but it was the reason! There wasn't just bodily harm, someone died! There's no chance he won't escape time in jail and fines!" He was getting louder. "Whether its jail or prison...and I believe it will be prison. Even if he manages bail, he's a flight risk and God forbid there is another DUI in his past. Then it will be much, much worse. We're looking at a possible ten to twenty years!!" Now he was almost shouting. "I don't give a fuck about the money, we'll give it to Mothers Against Driving Drunk, or even burn it! I don't care, but that son of a bitch will be punished!!" David caught himself and breathed hard as he tried to calm down. Then he looked at Grandmother. "Sorry for all the cussing." Then he looked at Alik and said in Russian. "Sorry, Alik. Uncle David's just very angry at the man who hurt your daddy and Uncle Mitch."

We were all looking at David a little surprised, even Sasha. Then Grandmother started laughing.

"Nothing wrong with passionate indignation. Jesus himself had that with the moneychangers in the temple." Dad said smiling.

"You may want to curb some of that language in any closing arguments in the future." Grandmother smiled.

Tony was laughing as he clapped David on the back. "I'd hire you right now if I could."

Now David was a little embarrassed, but he grinned. "If nothing else, Sasha, you could use the money to get that culinary degree you want. Start that Russian restaurant." Then he smiled bigger. "Or something else you may need money for." His eyebrows danced a little. "That's up to you."

Sasha shook his head as he smiled. "We need to tell Alik about those future plans..." he said quietly. "He doesn't understand a lot of English, so I'll tell you all. David's asked me to marry him."

Mom was the first one to smile and say. "That's wonderful! I'm so happy for you!"

Even Dad was smiling. "It won't be the first now." He shrugged. "Mitch broke the McKenzies in, including me."

"But Sasha is a foreigner and a Russian!!" I pointed out happily. "And don't forget a Red!" I teased.

Sasha rolled his eyes. "I was only in the Soviet military a year! Then all of Soviet Russia fell apart!!"

Tony was shaking his head. "So? I simply was born in New York! My family was still in Italy when the Civil War happened over a hundred and fifty years ago. They hear my accent and I'm treated like the enemy sometimes. They started the war! Now you're being in the Soviet military even a year makes you suspect."

"Southern Americans have a long, if not convenient memory." I chuckled. "They take a long time to let things go, but they will never forget. Why do you think Aunt Hilda didn't ever mention her birth in Germany or that her father was a Nazi?"

Then the door to our room had more visitors as Alan and Kent appeared. The hotel had sent a get well balloon and basket with a card signed by many of the employees for both Sasha and myself.

"Is this where you've been?" Alan grinned. "Just lying here, taking it easy while we slave away."

"Hi, Alan, Kent!" I greeted my friends. "I'm afraid I'll be out a while longer. Being injured, I'll need a little more time to recuperate. Poor Sasha here will be out even longer as his leg and arm need to heal."

"Well, get better, both of you. The hotel is barely hanging on without you and the restaurant is just chaos!" Alan said to both of us. "We're going to be facing a busy season, Spoleto and all that."

"Spoleto originates in Italy you know." Tony smiled.

I shook my head. "Of course, it did." I rolled my eyes, "But I dare say we sort of changed it."

Tony nodded. "Sure, made it so no traffic comes and goes downtown. Parking is impossible and there are art things everywhere, dancing, and theatre groups..."

"See what happens when you hog Broadway?" I said.

Tony just shook his head.

But it was pretty good! Sasha and I would be fine.

I was discharged the next day after getting...well, not a clean bill of health, but I was recovering. I had a severe concussion and there was bruising on my brain, I was told. That was the cause for concern about my brain swelling that's why I had to stay as I did and the induced coma. I had many cuts and bruises elsewhere, but nothing was broken. Bubba had taken much of the impact. My truck! Now poor Sasha had a broken right arm that was in a cast and the pin in his left knee. He would be going home, but not until they were sure he wouldn't bleed again internally. He did die, so they needed to be sure.

When I was taken home Tony was hovering over me. Which I didn't mind, but I was always independent and it was hard to let go of that. After nearly two weeks in the hospital, it was good to be home again.

"Sit," Tony ordered as soon as we got in pointing at the sofa.

I grinned. "Do I roll over, sit up and beg next? Will I get a treat?" I waggled my eyebrows when I asked about the treat.

Tony smiled back. "Sit, walk, whatever..." He grinned, "And you never have to beg me for anything. You never have." He kissed me gently. "Dr. Honeycut said to be careful not to overdo and I know you. You would overdo!" Then he pointed to the couch again. "Now, sit!" He ordered again and took my belongings that survived the incident or was brought after while recovering.

I looked around. Mom, Dad, and Grandmother had gone back to the mountains. "Where's Alik?"

"He's with Mrs. Cummings," Tony called back putting things away. "The Russian woman keeping Alik? He loves playing with her children, so why not? They'll teach him English better than anyone and it was easier for her to keep him there and watch her kids, too."

I grinned at that. "You mean we're alone? Not even David or Sasha."

Tony came back into the room. "Until six o'clock when Alik comes home."

I looked at a clock. "That gives us a few hours."

Tony looked wary. "You want to....what?"

"I want my treat!" I rolled my eyes. "What do you think? It's been two frigging weeks!"

He came over slowly. "You're not to overdo." He said softly but wasn't too convinced.

"So, we'll take it easy." I shrugged, "Or is this scraped up body going to upset you. I'm healing! It's mostly gone." Then I smiled at him. "Don't tell me you haven't missed lovemaking."

He shook his head. "I do. I have! I just don't want....a relapse or something." He sat beside me. "I almost lost you. I won't risk losing you again."

I nodded bringing him close. Having him close again, I realized how badly I missed him, but I knew he was a little scared. "I'm okay, Tony. Life gives us no guarantees, there are nothing but risks. I'll be okay." I kissed him in a consuming kiss, he needed reassurance as I unbuttoned his shirt and let my hands run underneath. Those chest hairs were making my body crave him even more. He was warm and solid. I really missed him. It only took a second before he was returning the kiss with as much passion. There was some tenderness in me, and not because of our potential loving, but those injuries that were still sensitive, but it was tolerable.

Then Tony rose, holding out his hand. "Let's take in our room where we can be comfortable."

He opted to make love to me this time if I promised to return the favor later, which I agreed with no problem. It didn't require much energy on my part this time and Tony was great, slow, and gentle. He loved me.

Later we moved things we would need upstairs and moved Sasha's and David's things downstairs. I did it, too, while under the watchful eye of Tony. It took a couple of days, but Tony finally relaxed. He needed access to his suits and other things, so the move was necessary.

Tony stopped as he hung a few suits up in the closet. "What sort of vehicle do you like?" His voice coming from the closet was barely audible to me.

I stood surprised at this sudden unexpected subject. "You know what I like. Come out of the closet."

Tony laughed. "I've been out of the closet for years." Tony walked into the bedroom. "I know you like trucks, but you'll need a vehicle. Sasha's going to need a vehicle and we only have two cars now. What was your dream truck?"

Okay, that led to a lot of possibilities, but one immediately popped in my head. "A Bronco." Then I held my hand up. "I don't mean a Bronco II, none of these little mini trucks. A full, he-man sized Bronco!" Then I growled like a caveman or bear and beat my chest and did a bad Tarzan yell.

Tony shook his head chuckling. "He-man sized Bronco? Didn't they stop making Broncos?"

I nodded waving at him. "And there you go." I shrugged. "I'm good with whatever we get. It's transportation."

Tony nodded and sat closer to me on the bed. "And another thing." He smiled as his mouth got closer, his voice humming on my ear and his breath making my skin sensitive. "Have you thought about getting another place?"

Knowing Tony, I stopped and looked at him surprised. "I love the condo. Do you think we should move?" I looked at him. "Don't you like it here?"

Tony nodded. "I'm not saying get rid of it, but...wouldn't you like something...a bit smaller? Just for us?" He shrugged. "We can even get a house if you like." He saw my face. Then he gave a sort of shrugging shake of his head. "Don't get me wrong. I love Sasha. I love David. I love Alik. So don't misunderstand. I'd love a place that was....just you and me."

"Okay, Tony." I smiled. "I haven't misunderstood you. I get it. I've seen the bank statements and I know we'll be fine...." Then I grinned. "I'm not convinced you're not Mafia. You've made a lot of money. What is it you do?"

Tony chuckled. "You found me out. My Uncle Guido and I, Uncle Guido otherwise known as Knuckles, are into a lot of scams."

"You don't have an Uncle Guido." I smiled back. "I've never really understood, nor did I want to, but you were with me for two weeks! Won't you lose money?"

Tony shook his head. "No." He kissed me. "I'm like many firms that handle investments. Like the investor for the company that made the translator. I predict that will be big!" He got a look in his eye that almost made them sparkle. "I can tell you, that company will do well. In fact, I bet the stocks invested will split and even split after that! The investor makes money! Therefore, I make money for steering him in the right direction. It's commissioned. With enough clients, I make money with all of them only if they make money."

I nodded. "Isn't that risky?"

Tony shrugged. "It can be hit and miss, but I've gotten more hits than misses. I keep up with trends and follow the market. That's why you see it on my computer all the time. I could make more if that's all I wanted, but..." he grinned bumping his forehead against mine. "...I found something else to occupy my off hours." He kissed me. "And I want those off hours."

"So, what do we do with the condo?" I asked.

He shrugged. "Lease or rent it to Sasha." He grinned. "That man's going to do well. I can feel it. With Belle facing charges, he's going to pay something if I know David. Sasha will have enough money for this place."

I smiled. "I'd love a place that was smaller and just you and me." I grinned and then put my hand on Tony's chest. "But no Mount Pleasant!"

Tony frowned. "And what's wrong with Mount Pleasant?"

"Everyone wants to be there!"

"That means it's popular!" Tony reasoned.

"Too popular!" I shot back. "Every doctor, nurse, lawyer, and neuvo riche wants to live there! It's too crowded, that's why traffic is nearly impossible." I watched Tony eyes widen.

"Neuvo riche?" He chuckled. "How positively upper crust that sounded of you."

"There's no infrastructure. They build highways after they've built all these new developments and that causes delays while they do that. There's one popping up every week! That's Charleston, but Mount Pleasant is the worst! The mall out there is great! When you can get to it. Out there I parked Bubba next to a Rolls!" I waved my hand in frustration. "The people in Mount Pleasant think they're entitled to the lifestyle there. I'm a country boy. I like the clean, wide open spaces. I was raised in the mountains! Those grand peaks, the open fresh air...the smell of grass...I guess it's just deep-rooted in me." I shrugged.

Tony shook his head. "That's your charm." He kissed me again. "I love you. Even if you wear the designer clothes, you'll always be in jeans and t-shirts to me."

"Great! Then I'll start wearing them a lot more. The jeans and t-shirts, that is."

Tony sighed. "We don't have to move now, but there has to be somewhere here you and I will be comfortable. We just have to find it."

"I hate moving," I muttered.

"We'll find a great reason and you'll be ready," Tony assured.

By that Friday, Sasha was fitted in a cast for his leg and discharged. Tony and I went to pick him and David up. Of course, Alik had to come as well. We were right about the stairs. The condo was on the top floor. That wasn't bad, but it was only a few stories and had an elevator. The condo did not. Sasha would not be able to go up and down the stairs, so what had been our bedroom would be perfect.

David wheeled him in the door where Sasha looked up and saw a very...well...it was a bright banner that said, "Welcome Home, Dad!" A child's writing, but heartfelt, and in English in a lot of colors! Sasha grinned at Alik who was beaming with pride.

"Did you do that?" Sasha asked in Russian but smiling.

Alik nodded. "I did!" Alik said in English. "I get better English!"

I looked at Tony. "I think we should have him play with Mrs. Cumming's children more often."

Tony shrugged. "Kids have an easier time with languages."

I grunted as I passed Sasha, giving him a pat on his good shoulder. "I'm still not getting your alphabet," I said to Sasha who just looked at me and laughed.

We had an Italian dinner; it was a macaroni and gravy something and cooked by our resident Italian. It was good. It was at dinner when Tony asked.

"What's the latest about Belle?"

David grimaced a smile. "Wait until you hear!" He said almost excited. "I just knew there was something...no one drinks like that once. He's got prior offenses and this one was within the limits of the others. He's looking at twenty years!"

"How is he driving!?" Tony asked in shock.

"He wasn't supposed to!!" David said almost bouncing in his chair. "His license is still suspended! He was sixty-four, she was thirty-three. She may have fallen in love with his wallet, I don't know, but he'll be in prison for certain."

Sasha frowned. "So, what happens now?"

David smiled. "We sue his ass, that's what we do," David growled again. "He'll be lucky to get out on parole! He'll be looking at eighty when he comes up for parole!" David shook his head. "He's a real sleaze bag. We should take him for everything he's got."

"You told Dad this wasn't about the money." I reminded.

David nodded. "It isn't, or wasn't..." He looked at us fiercely. "He nearly killed you, Mitch! He did kill Sasha. It was only because of modern medicine we got Sasha back." Then he looked at Sasha. "I think he owes you, Sasha." Then he looked at me. "And you, Mitch. I know you and Tony are okay money wise, but he almost took Sasha from Alik!" He looked again at Sasha. "This is punitive. You and Alik will be fine now."

Sasha shook his head. "And you."

David took Sasha's hand. "I love you, baby. If you include me in that, I'm happy to share it with you, but even if we don't work out..."

"David!" Sasha protested in shock.

"I mean it!" David said emphatically. "The fact we're together or not shouldn't matter." Then he brightened. "It's great we are, but he should pay! He took his wife's life and nearly took your life. We got yours back, but he needs to be held accountable."

Sasha gave a nodding shrug. "Yes, but...I don't want to be what you called a lawsuit millionaire."

"You don't think he needs to pay something?" David asked and then looked at me. "You, too. You and Tony are set financially, but you should get something. You lost Bubba!! No one can bring him back! More important Tony nearly lost you!" Then he thought. "He needs to pay you something so he knows he did wrong. He did. That's justice!"

I smiled. I understood what he was saying, but... "How much equals justice?" I put my hand on David's. "I know you want justice. I know that's just part of you and why you chose the law. You're very keen on what's right and wrong. Nothing will bring Bubba back. We can't undo what happened, but from what I've heard, I'm understanding things about Belle more, he's not going to change."

David nodded. "Maybe not, but he'll know loss if he feels it. Money seems to be the one thing he cares about, so he should lose some if not all of it."

Tony looked at me. "Does he have any children?"

David nodded. "Several. Three with wife number one, they're all grown and living on their own, two of them have spouses and children, too. He has a daughter with wife number two. None happened with wife number three. He settled with wife number one because he got soon to be wife number two pregnant, so no more child support to the first three. The daughter with wife two is in college and she has a trust. She's fine, too."

"This just sounds like revenge," Sasha said sadly.

"And?" David asked. "What if it is? We're not talking about the sort of suit you hear about while watching all those court shows where someone gets hit and sues by one of those ambulance chasing lawyers. This was a crime! He will pay your hospital bills, Sasha, and your rehabilitation. Loss wages and tips, you were bringing home nearly a thousand or more a week in tips alone!"

"Because he's good," I said smiling. "The most popular waiter in the hotel's restaurant and most requested."

"And you!" David pointed to me. "Your hospital bills and lost wages will be covered. There has to be restitution as well as compensation." He was getting that tone he gets. "We'll take him to court. He won't want a jury trial and if we can, we'll get a bench trial, no jury and the decision is final, no appeals. No judge will let him off easy, I can promise that!"

We were all just staring at David as he was so...passionate about it. Then Tony smiled. "Okay, that's what we'll do then."

I grabbed David's hand. "You're a good friend, family and will make one hell of a lawyer."