Ethan Jaspers looked down at his watch. She was ten minutes late. It was hot outside, but there was no way he was going to open a window. Ethan didn't enjoy sitting in his new BMW in a jail parking lot. There was something degrading and common about it. Most of the parked cars belonged to the Dallas County Sherrif's Office, but a few were from families visiting their relatives. They were all cheap Hondas and beat-up Fords. On the other side of the road were a few shacks with 'Bail Bonds' written in tacky colors and a car dealership.
The lobby doors opened, and she finally appeared. Her inky-black hair was a little bit longer than when he had last seen her. She had lost weight too, but probably more from stress and nerves than anything else. The last time Ethan had seen his sister, she was in the hospital, covered in bruises and cuts. Despite his wife's protests, he donated enough blood to keep her from dying.
And then he left the hospital before she was arrested for drug trafficing. So much for being a good brother.
He debated opening the door for her. Lucky for Ethan, an officer was following her, and was gentlemanly enough to open the door and help her inside. She nodded at the cop and waved as he shut the door. Then she turned and smiled at her big brother.
"Hey, Ethan."
"Hey, Vivian."
It was stiff and informal -- just the way Ethan's wife would have wanted it. He turned on the engine and drove out of the jail's parking lot -- and felt a little bit cleaner by doing so.
Vivian spoke first. "So, is Lucy at home with --"
"She took the kids to her mom's house." Ethan felt guilty for feeling so embarassed. For Christ's sake, this was his sister.
"I see." She turned towards Ethan and grinned. "She really doesn't approve of you doing this?"
"I set my foot down, this time." Why do I always managed to sound like a kept man? "I said you were my sister and I had an obligation to help you out."
They didn't speak the rest of the ride home. Ethan pulled into his house -- two car garage, two floors plus attic, green shutters, and a white picket fence. This time, in the garage, he went to the passanger side and pulled his sister out of the car.
"Thanks." She followed him into the kitchen. "You've got new countertops. Nice."
Ethan grabbed two glasses and began looking in the fridge for something to drink. "Lucy picked them out. Still think they're nice?"
"She picked you out. I won't complain about my sister-in-law's taste. Still, I was hoping I could see my own nieces and nephew. The house seems too quiet." She raised an eyebrow. "I take it she told them Aunt Vivi's been traveling in Europe? Or something silly like that."
"Actually, we told them you were taking classes in Austin again."
"Figures. What do you have to drink?"
"Lucy doesn't really approve of --"
She rolled her eyes. "I don't need alcohol. A coke will be fine."
Ethan poured Vivian a glass. "So, how long are you going to be here? I've got the guest room ready for you, and you'll have your own bathroom --"
"I'm leaving tonight."
Ethan tipped the two-liter over. The soda spilled on the new Travertine. "What?"
Vivian just looked down at her drink. She tapped the glass, forcing some of the bubbles to surface. "I really don't belong here, Ethan. I never did, really. What happened was an embarassment for you, and I know it must be straining on your family. Besides, I have things to do."
Vivian left the kitchen and headed to the front door. Ethan followed, still confused. "Things? What kind of things?"
The mailman had already been by the house. Vivian picked up the mail, looked at each letter, and began handing them to Ethan. "Did you watch the trial?"
"A little."
"Did you hear my defense's arguement?" Ethan nodded. "Oh, of course you heard what the lawyer said, you paid for him, after all. He wasn't a very good lawyer. He was completely right about the drugs being planted on me, and he still didn't get me off."
"Wait, are you telling me you're innocent of the charges?"
"Of those particular charges? Yes." The only mail left was a large manilla envelope. Ethan saw it was addressed to her. Vivian used her fingers to rip it open. Inside was a new cell phone, a debit card, and car keys. Vivian began putting the new objects in her pockets. "Happy birthday to me."
Ethan tossed the mail on a desk. "What's going on? I believe you about the drugs being planted on you, but what are you up to now?"
Vivian just scowled at him. "Why are you asking guestions? Why are you just setting yourself up to be questioned by the police? I know I've done some bad things, but the person who's responsible for putting me in jail -- and the hospital -- is still sipping pina coladas on a resort."
Ethan couldn't believe what he was hearing. "And you're going to get back at him? Is that it?"
Vivian didn't smile. It was then that Ethan noticed the thin scar that ran from her lip to near her nostril. The last trace of her stay in the hospital. He had forgotten she almost died there. "You don't understand a lick of what's happened to me. I didn't deserve it." Her eyes began watering. "And it was horrible. All -- all I want right now is get even. All I want is to --"
Vivian dropped the car keys and began sobbing. "It's okay." Ethan wrapped his arms around her. No matter what, she was his sister, and he had his duties. "How can your big brother help?"
*** *** ***
Ethan pulled over at the drop-off point at DFW International Airport. "I don't know if I should wish you good luck or not."
Vivian grinned. "Just pray you don't have to pick your little sister up from jail again." Her eyes soften, and the sarcasm stopped. "I'm really sorry I caused you this much trouble. You know that, right?"
Ethan tapped his fingers on the gear stick. "Yeah, I know. Just don't go in over your head, okay?"
She kissed him on the temple. "You'll find out if I do. Love you."
And only five hours after she was freed, Vivian was gone. Ethan just groaned. "What the hell am I going to tell Lucy?"
