My First Syn

MJ's POV

"Yea, well, change of plans, blondie," Matt growled at me. I sunk even further behind Brian, slightly afraid because I had never seen him this angry before. "She's been arrested, so get your fucking head in the game and get her a fucking lawyer!"

I blinked a few times at Matt, trying to register his words. I had to have misheard him, right? Why on earth would Dice get arrested? I worked with her all night and then Matt stayed with her. When did she have time to break the law? That was my question. It just doesn't make any sense. This has to be some kind of sick and twisted joke.

"Chillax, man, and stop fucking yelling at my girl," Brian yelled back. I was thankful for him trying to stand up for me, even though I was barely listening. My mind was preoccupied thinking about Dice.

"Wh-what? Dice's arrested?" I stammered, shaking my head with a furred brow. No, there has to be some kind of misunderstanding. The Dice I knew would never hurt a fly. Okay, so maybe I was pushing it there. She would undoubtedly beat the shit out of people if they pissed her off enough but not cause enough damage to get arrested. And since Matt looks fine, well except from being a bear at the moment, I don't know what she could have done. I was so confused over all of this it wasn't funny.

Matt ran his hands over his face, obviously in effort to calm his anger. "The cops showed up at her house, took her away," he huffed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"For what?" Brian asked as a frown permanently graced my features. That was exactly what I would like to know. I looked to Matt hopefully, but the disgruntled look on his face told me all I needed to know.

"Would be fucking amazing if I knew, that's why MJ has to move her fucking ass and get Dice a fucking lawyer," Matt said slowly, spitting each and every syllable.

My heart started to race at Matt's intense stare burned a hole in the top of my head. I couldn't even look at those angry hazel eyes because they reminded me so much of Malcolm before he would beat me for not following directions. I chewed my bottom lip as I tucked into Brian even more fearful and totally panicking over the whole situation. How had all this happened?

"Matt--" Brian started, obviously sensing my fear and discomfort.

"Don't mess with me, Gates, I'm not in the fucking mood."

If you thought he was frustrated about all this? Well, you must not have noticed my rising state of panic as I tried to get my brain to function. My heart was racing a million miles a minute as my chest rose and fell rapidly. I couldn't breath but thank god for Brian's calming touch or else I would surely pass out. I had to get her a lawyer? Where the hell was I going to find that information? It's not like I had another best friend who was a master of the courts. Oh, wait! That guy that always sits at the end of the bar and orders a Cuba libre, what's his name? You know, the one with the dark mop and the blue eyes? He gives me really good tips when I wear low cut tops? Oh yeah, Steve! I could call Steve!

My eyes widened with the thought and I quickly pulled away from Brian and ran into the house. I could hear some shouting behind me but I didn't stop, I didn't have time. I had to get my phone so I could get ahold of Steve. Where the hell did he work again? God, I wish I hadn't had so many vodka and cranberry the night we talked about this. Come on, MJ, access that storage place. Wait, I think he gave me a card!

I ran up the stairs and dived across the bed to my wallet I only carried at work, the rest of the time I lived by my purses. So sue me, I really like fashion and having things that matched. I ripped open the wallet as my practically naked body lay on the bed, flipping through all the phone numbers and useless shit I had collected.

"MJ?" I didn't look up when I heard Brian's voice. I was on a mission and I had to find that card. "What are you doing?"

"Looking for that fucking lawyer before Matt has an aneurysm or hits me, one of the two," I huffed, now sitting up and flipping through the papers again. Maybe I had read them too quickly before. "Just grab me some clothes so we can get to the station....I found it!" I shrieked and bounded out of the bed and towards my phone on the makeup table.

"Found what?" Brian looked down over my shoulder just as Matt pulled into the doorway. I couldn't tell if he was looking at me or my new drawing in the sketchbook.

I chanced a glance back to see Matt anxiously tapping his foot and glaring at me. "I found the number, just have to call it," my voice wavered slightly as I recalled that terrifying look in his eyes moments ago.

"What the hell are you waiting for?" he snapped just as I pressed the call button. My brow furred as I leaned forward, listening to the ringtone.

"Dude, back off. She's doing what you asked her to," I could tell Brian was clenching his jaw just by his tone. Come on guys, don't fight now. That is the last thing we need.

"Hello, Stephen Merkle of Merkle and Parker, how my I help you?" I almost let out a scream of delight as he answered.

I turned around in the chair, giving Matt and Brian a smile as I answered. "Hey, Steve, this is MJ from Johnny's....I-I need your help."

"Blondie? What can I help you with? You didn't get arrested did you? Though I nightly doubt it," He laughed. Was it so hard to believe that I could be arrested? I could be bad! I could break the law. Hell, I didn't it every time I drove Abby. I even punched Brian in the face that one time. So tell me I couldn't get arrested!

"It's funny you should say that," I chewed my bottom lip as I spoke. "Erm...it's actually Dice. She got arrested this morning and we have no idea why. Do you think you could help us out?" I held my breath as I waited for the answer. Please, oh please be available!

Steve groaned into the phone and I shot a panicked look at Brian, who in turn cursed. "Yeah, I can see what I can do. Wonder what kind of trouble Dice got herself into this time." What does he mean this time? Was this not the first time Dice needed Steve’s legal help? I blinked and shook my head trying to push the thought away. I had to focus on the task at hand. "What's Miss Dices real name so I can make some calls, sweetheart?"

I smiled and stood up, moving towards the closet. "It's Lucy Reed and as far as we know they took her to the Huntington Beach precinct."

"Alright, I'll get to work on this. Will you be paying bail?" I looked up at Matt and Brain and then nodded, only to realize he can't see me.

"Yeah, we will," I sighed, pulling on a pair of ripped jeans and an old tshirt. I just hope I had enough saved up from my tips to get her out.

"Okay, well meet me at the precinct and I'll text or call when I get any new information."

I let out a small sigh, pulling a black blazer over my tshirt. "Thank you Steve. I owe you a round at the bar."

He laughed lightly. "Don't say that until I work my magic. See you soon, MJ."

"So you got the lawyer?" Matt asked, his expression hopeful and less pissed. I was thankful for that change myself.

I nodded as Brian took my hand and lead me down the stairs. "We've got to meet him at the precinct and....I told him that we will pay bail. I've got a stash of tips, but I don't know how much it is..."

Just at that moment, my phone started to ring again but I didn't recognize the number. I swallowed thickly as I pulled it to my ear. "Hello?" I asked nervously, receiving raised brows from both Matt and Brian.

"Would you accept a collect call from the Huntington Beach Police Precinct from Dice," she elongated her name in the most obnoxious way possible, making me smile.

"Yes...it's Dice!" I squealed, bouncing up and down on the balls of my feet as I waited for her to come on the line. Come on tell me some good news this morning. I didn't need this on top of my building sexual frustration. Even looking at Brian was agonizing and I just wanted to pull him away and let him do nasty things to me...maybe once this Dice thing is straightened out we could sneak off somewhere.

"Babe, you there?" Dice's tone sounded rushed and pissy.

"Yeah, I'm hear. Steve is on his way to figure this mess out. What is going on?" I asked, walking away from the guys who were inching closer by the second. Couldn't I get some privacy with my best friend? Jesus.

"Apparently Jay decided to claim that I assaulted him and has substantial enough injuries to put me in her with the hogs," she sighed. I could tell she was running her fingers nervously though her hair. That's what she always did when she was stressed. "But don't worry, I've got a plan."

"You have a plan on how to get out of the charges or get back at Jay?" I gaped, taking a cigarette out of my purse and walking out the front door. Matt and Brian followed in suit, whispering behind me.

Dice sighed and I could tell she was frustrated with my lack of understand. I've had a lot go on this morning, I'm sorry if I'm not as up to speed as I normally am. Not that I’m always on the same page, but whatever, I try my best for being what Dice calls a ‘dumb blonde’. Hell, this morning alone I've been sexiled, spanked, berated, and not to mention sleep deprived. I'm running on fumes here!

"Both, now just come get me out of this hell hole before I actually murder someone and deserve to be here," and I wouldn't put that past her. Remember when I said she wouldn't hurt a fly? Well, I take that back because in my stupor I forgot about her temper. Dice could definitely kill someone, or at least I think she could if provoked and this seemed like the right track for that.

"What’s bail?" I'm afraid to ask, but I need to see if I have enough to spring her.

Dice groaned and I could have sworn I heard her head hit something. "Fifteen grand..."

The phone dropped from my hand as my jaw hung open. I blinked and gaped at the street, knowing I didn't have anywhere close to that. My face must have been pale white because seconds later Brian was at my side looking me over.

"MJ, what's wrong?" He asked, concern written all over his face. I gaped, trying to get the words to come but honestly I was still shocked. How could Dice's bail be so high when Malcolm's was so low? The confusion hit me all over again.

"Dice?" Matt called into my phone after picking it off the ground. "What's going on?"

"MJ, talk to me? What happened?" Brian's hands were suddenly touching my face and bringing me back. I swallowed thickly as I looked back at him. "What did Red say?"

"Th-they want--"

"Fifteen thousand dollars? Are you fucking kidding me?" Matt yelled, throwing his hands up in the air. "What the fuck is this judges problem?"

"For bail?" Brian looked just as confused as I did. Yeah, welcome to my life buddy. I nodded and wrapped my arms around his neck.

"What are we going to do? I only three grand...." I whispered, embarrassed about my financial state. I hid my face in his chest, not wanting him to see the pink pattern across my cheeks.

"Don't worry, we'll get her out of there," Brian assured me as he pulled me towards the car that Matt was already revving the engine in.

Matt’s POV

“What the hell do you mean she isn’t allowed to be released yet?!” I yelled at the desk clerk as she ran my credit card through the machine. Dice was getting to be pretty pricey to run with, but I couldn’t say no and just leave her sitting here, or let Gates and MJ pay. That wasn’t going to happen. She was my girlfriend and I would provide for her, even if it meant not getting those Angels season tickets I wanted so badly. Hell, first the Mustang, that she sold by the way, and now this? Who the hell was going to pay for this Steve guy anyway?

I ran my hand over my face as I looked down at the mousy old woman. She just pursed her lips at me and gave me a disapproving look. What? She didn’t like my tattoos or my ripped off plaid shirt? Well, fuck her then.

“You watch your mouth, sonny,” she snapped, slamming the pen down in front of me. I couldn’t believe I was doing this and I hoped that Dice could get herself out of whatever mess this was. God, she wouldn’t even tell me what the charges were.

“Relax, she’s okay,” I looked down to my left to see MJ standing next to me with a small smile and her hand on my arm. She had just gotten back from the meeting with Dice and Steve. She snuck in with him, pretending to be his secretary, and she did it so easily I could have sworn this wasn’t her first rodeo. There was definitely something interesting about the whole MJ and Dice duo and I wanted to get to the bottom of it eventually. “She’s going to get out of this and she has a plan…just…you have to promise something…and keep a secret.” her voice was now low so that the woman behind the counter didn’t hear her.

I didn’t know how much more of this I could take. I was so confused and frustrated throughout this because everyone was keeping me in the dark. Hell, I didn’t even know why Dice was in here in the first place. Apparently it was keep secrets from Matt Sanders Day because everyone and their brother knew something except for me! What the hell did they want from me now? Well, if I was going to do anything, someone better start fucking talking.

“What?” I snapped at little too harshly, causing MJ to flinch. I forgot how sensitive she was. I quickly signed my name on the line and put my credit card back in my wallet, not at all thrilled to see my next bank statement.

“You’re not going to like it,” she said softly, twisting her hands in front of her. “Besides, I think we should go somewhere more…private to talk about this.”

“Talk about what?” I looked up from MJ to see Brian wrapping his arms around her waist and kissing the top of her head. Oh, please, not now you two. “How’s Dice? She getting out?”

“Yes, but after some more questioning bullshit,” MJ frowned but her eyes looked up at me. They almost looked like they were pleading with me for some reason. “But listen, love, I have to talk to Matt for a minute. I’ll see you outside in five for a smoke?” Did she seriously just wink? Please, like I don’t know that they’ve been torturing each other all day by not giving into their teenage sex drives. Brian fucking interrupted my sexcapade this morning in his underwear, I know what is going on.

“Yeah, sure,” he sighed, running his fingers through his hair before MJ pulled me down the hall into the courthouse section of the building. I couldn’t help but notice the look he gave me as Blondie grabbed my and yanked me down the hall. Was he worried that I was going to make a move on her? Please, I wasn’t Vengeance for Christ sake.

“So what is this big secret that not even Brian can here?” I asked, crossing my arms as I looked down at Blondie. She frowned and bit her lips, pacing in front of me in the empty courtroom we now resided in.

“You’re not going to like it,” her voice was quiet and she was avoiding my eyes. I don’t know how this could get any worse.

I sighed, and pinched the bridge of my nose. “Just spit it out, MJ. I cant take this shit anymore. What the hell are the charges?”

MJ took in a shaky breath as she looked down the floor. “They’ve got her in here with assault and maybe…. possibly attempted homicide…I didn’t understand that part…” her voice was so soft now that I could barely hear her.

“What do you mean attempted homicide? When would she have had time to do that between now and last night?” I raged, throwing my hands up in the air and putting them behind my head. Those fearful blue eyes looked up as me as she took a step backwards, her lower lip quivering slight. Fuck, I didn’t mean to scare the girl, I’m just fucking pissed.

“Jay…he-he said she tried to kill him last night after I told him I didn’t know where Lucy was….and truthfully I don’t. I haven’t seen Lucy since middle school,” A small smirk came over her face. “She’s been Dice since then, but anyway…Dice came up with a plan to get back at him and spin this all around on him…and you…erm…kind of helped her with that.”

“What the fuck are you talking about, Blondie?” I raged, trying to control myself so I didn’t scare her again. God, what the actual fuck?

MJ exhaled sharply before she looked back up at me. “She’s-she’s going to counter him with a-a….” MJ stopped, her mouth opening and closing like a fish as she tried to find the words.

“Spit. It. Out. MJ or so help me God!” I said with a clenched jaw. I narrowed my eyes down at her, willing the words to come out of her brain and into mine so we would have to play this little fucking game. No wonder why Brian was so pissed at her this morning, all she does is play games!

“She’s going to counter his assault charge with a rape charge,” she finally spit out and I swear the animal actually came out inside of me. A rape charge? That fucking asshole raped her? Oh, I was going to kill him and everyone that stepped in my way. I swear, no one will get away with this bullshit!

I turned on my heel to storm out the courtroom to find this Jay guy, only to have MJ grab my biceps and try and pull me back around. “Matt…wait….he didn’t actually do that….” She said breathlessly as she tried to pull me back. She was no match for my strength. “She is just saying he did…the bruises on her….I know they are from you last night..”

I froze in my tracks and turned back around to face Blondie. “You mean to tell me that Dice is going to claim that that asshole rapped her from the small marks we made last night?” I raised my brow at her and she just nodded with a frown and a crease between her brow. “This is so fucked up…”

I sank down into one of the seats and put my head in my hands. Who would have though and awesome night of making love to the woman of your dreams would turn out to be enough to get a rape charge filed. I just hoped they didn’t try to connect him to her with a sperm count because that would lead them right back to me.

“You have to say that you didn’t stay with her last night if anyone asks, okay Matt?” MJ’s hand was now on my shoulder, rubbing small circles as she tried to comfort me. “I know this sucks. It sucks for her too, but can you do this for her? Can you help her get back at that asshole?”

I sighed and lifted my head to meet those deep blues. “Yeah.”

“Good, because hopefully she will be out in the next ten minutes.” MJ’s demeanor totally changed as she adjusted her purse on her shoulder. “If you’ll excuse me, I believe I have a cigarette and a very handsome tattooed man waiting for me behind one of the pillars,” she said, a blush falling over her face.

“Just don’t make me have to bail you two out of jail for indecent exposure, please?” I begged as she raced towards the door. I shook my head as I watched her go, relieved to see Gates finally looking happy after all these years. “Those two…”

Now I just had to get my woman out of here.

Notes