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“I WANT TO help as much as I can,” Casper said earnestly, as he spoke to Bryce over the phone. “I need to be involved in this process.” Although he felt a deep conflict about what his brother truly deserved as punishment, Casper was acutely aware that sending his brother to rehab was the most viable solution to help him achieve sobriety. The thought of Nettie advocating for the maximum sentence filled him with dread. He couldn’t let that happen. Casper believed his brother needed a chance to heal and was determined to intervene before it was too late.

Furthermore, the maximum sentence that could be handed down would plunge his mother into a state of emotional turmoil that he felt utterly ill-equipped to manage, mainly while he lived in Baltimore. The weight of the situation would create a significant burden on her, as she would have to navigate through her distress alone, leaving him feeling helpless and deeply concerned for her well-being.

Casper let out a deep, almost invisible sigh as frustration washed over him.

“I think it might be wise to include JD and Cassie in this,” Bryce proposed. “We’ll need investigators along the way, so let’s start with them immediately.”

This suggestion resonated with Casper. He felt a sense of relief at the prospect of involving JD and his fiancée, Cassie, in the unfolding situation. The more hands they had on deck, the better equipped they would be to tackle the challenges ahead. It was true that JD and Cassie were not legal experts, but Casper believed their unique perspectives and skills could contribute to gathering vital intelligence that would aid their investigation. Despite the uncertainty of what information they might uncover, he felt it was a risk worth taking. Deep down, Casper knew that when it came to matters like these, he couldn’t afford to dismiss any potential allies, mainly when Bryce agreed on this approach.

Together, they would forge ahead, each bringing their strengths to the table, united in pursuing what was best for his brother.

“I agree,” Casper responded thoughtfully, nodding slightly as he spoke. “Can they meet today? I want to tackle this before we get a new arraignment date for Aaron. Time is of the essence, and I want us to be ahead of the game.”

“Let me get back to you,” Bryce replied, his tone steady and professional. “I’ll contact JD and let you know when.”

Casper felt a tug at his instinct to step in and contact JD himself. However, he reminded himself that this was Bryce’s responsibility and needed to respect the chain of command. He took a deep breath, acknowledging the tension in his chest, but ultimately decided it was best to let Bryce handle the reins for now, at least until the urgency required a different course of action.

When Bryce contacted him, JD proposed they meet aboard his sailboat. The thought of being back on the water, with the boat’s gentle rocking and the soothing, rhythmic sound of the waves lapping against the hull, conjured images of a tranquil oasis amidst the impending storm for their discussion. The mixture of the idyllic setting, with the scent of salt in the air and the distant cries of seabirds, contrasted with the severe nature of their gathering, creating a vivid juxtaposition that intrigued Casper deeply as he anticipated the day ahead.

He imagined the sun setting on the horizon, casting golden hues across the water. He wondered if such beauty could soften the weight of their conversation or merely heighten the gravity of their deliberations. This encounter promised to be unlike any other, stirring excitement and apprehension in him as he prepared for the complexities that awaited them.

As they glided through the calm waters, the sea’s serene beauty enveloped them, providing a stunning backdrop while they prepared to navigate the intricate details of the case. Casper closed his eyes, surrendering to the soothing embrace of the ocean breeze that gently caressed his skin. The salty air filled his lungs, bringing back a wave of nostalgia. It had been far too long since he’d felt the thrill of being out on a boat in the vast expanse of the Gulf of Mexico, with its shimmering waves and endless horizon.

Growing up on the sun-drenched coast, he’d spent most of his carefree days on the golden sandy beach, swimming in the ocean’s refreshing embrace or riding the waves behind a speedboat. Those days felt like a blissful eternity, filled with laughter and the salty breeze. However, his circle of friends gradually dispersed. They had all enlisted in the military straight after high school. He often pondered about their lives, where they might be stationed, and how far apart they had drifted, significantly since their once-tight bond faded after the first few years of separation.

Yet, amidst these profound reflections on life and the choices that led him here, he continuously reminded himself of the importance of living in the present moment. While he longed for happiness, he understood that this personal joy must be temporarily set aside. His primary objective was to liberate Aaron from the burdens of his creation, a complex web of challenges and entanglements. This realization drove him to prioritize Aaron’s freedom, knowing that only by helping his brother untangle himself from this self-imposed coil could he hope to find peace and fulfillment in his life and with his family.

Casper took a turn diligently assisting JD in managing the sails of their boat. The sun glinted off the water, casting a shimmer that added a sense of magic to the moment. As they worked together, the sturdy fabric of the sails billowed in the breeze, filling the air with a sense of adventure. Casper had found solace in handling the sails himself. The ropes’ rhythmic pull and the boat’s gentle sway helped clear his mind, allowing him to reflect on what truly mattered.

Family. No matter the complexities of his relationships with them—joy or frustration—one truth remained unwavering: he loved them deeply because they were bound by blood, shared history, and a lifetime of memories. Each interaction, whether tender or tumultuous, strengthened that unbreakable bond, reminding him that at the core of it all was love, pure and simple.

As he took a break, Cassie approached him. “I heard you drew Nettie instead of David for Aaron’s case,” she said. “That’s going to be challenging. Nettie has an impressive track record that sets a high bar for anyone she faces. It’ll be particularly tough for Bryce to contend with her.”

“JD recommended him for the case. Do you think he isn’t strong enough to handle it?” Casper asked, raising an eyebrow, intrigued by her apprehension.

“You’re misunderstanding the situation,” she replied, carefully plucking hair from her face as the sharp gusts of wind whipped it back. “It’s not just about strength or skill. Anyone stepping into that ring with Nettie will face a monumental challenge. She’s relentless and has built a reputation for never losing her cases.”

“Not yet,” Casper interjected, a hint of optimism in his voice.

Cassie’s expression softened as she smiled, her earlier seriousness momentarily lifting. “You’re right. Not yet.”

JD expertly dropped the anchor, causing the boat to sway gently, its hull creaking slightly as it settled amidst the vibrant waves.

Bryce waved his arm to beckon Casper to where he stood amid leather-clad benches at the stern of the boat.

“I guess it’s time to find out if this will be her first loss,” Casper called out. Excitedly, he gently guided Cassie to where Bryce and JD waited.

Seated, Casper observed Bryce extract a legal pad and a sleek pen from his well-worn leather briefcase, his movements deliberate and methodical.

The attorney looked around the group purposefully before announcing, “Let’s get started.” Then he turned to Casper with a severe expression, his brow slightly furrowed. “I have both good news and bad news for you. Which would you like to hear first?”

Casper’s stomach twisted at the question, a familiar irritation bubbling up within him. It was a cliché that he had grown to despise, yet he knew the importance of managing expectations, especially given what lay ahead. After a moment of contemplation, he looked back at Bryce, his eyes brimming with apprehension and anticipation. “Let’s start with the good news first. That way, we can face the bad news with a more positive mindset,” he replied, his tone resolute despite the nervous flutter in his chest.

Bryce nodded, his expression a mix of relief and concern. “The good news is that the couple whose car Aaron collided with is being released from the hospital today. Thankfully, their injuries are relatively minor.”

Casper, however, struggled to categorize a broken arm and a concussion as minor injuries. He nodded, compelled to keep the conversation flowing despite his reservations. “Is that all the good news?” he asked, his tone filled with a hint of apprehension.

“Unfortunately, yes,” Bryce replied.

Casper took a deep breath, feeling the air fill his lungs before slowly exhaling. He needed to center himself…clear his mind of distractions…and prepare for the inevitable waves of bad news he sensed were about to crash over him. A nagging feeling dictated Bryce’s upcoming reveal would not be pleasant, but he was determined to stay mentally present for whatever lay ahead.

Bryce cleared his throat as he leaned forward intently, resting his elbows on his knees. “Your brother’s insurance was canceled a year ago,” he explained, his tone serious. “He never acquired new coverage for his car. Since the vehicle wasn’t financed, he was only required to keep basic coverage, but he failed to do that.”

Confusion washed over Casper’s face as he processed this alarming news. He scrunched his brow, trying to make sense of the situation. “Why was the insurance canceled?” he pressed, his mind racing with thoughts. If his brother had squandered his insurance money on gambling instead of paying the bills, there would certainly be a heated conversation ahead. Then, like a sudden flash of clarity, it dawned on him, connecting the dots. “Was it suspended due to the DUI arrest? I thought all he got from that was probation.”

Bryce nodded, his eyes dropping to his notes. “That’s correct. Although he received probation for the DUI, his license was also suspended. He’s been driving around without a valid license or insurance coverage.”

Casper grappled with the implications of his brother’s reckless choices. He hadn’t been in the country when his brother had experienced his first DUI. He had been deployed on a military operation overseas. Although his mother had kept him updated on family matters, the details surrounding the incident were still somewhat unclear, leaving a lingering confusion and concern.

Frustration bubbled up inside him. Why, of all things, would his brother jeopardize his life and future in such a reckless manner?

Casper couldn’t shake the thought that Aaron had been incredibly fortunate that the couple he had struck in the accident hadn’t suffered fatal injuries or been left with life-altering trauma. The injuries they sustained, which Bryce described as “minor,” were enough to instill fear in Casper’s heart. He feared the impending repercussions, as it seemed almost inevitable that the couple would pursue legal action against Aaron, potentially draining their family’s finances and peace of mind. This reckless act could spiral into a disaster that would affect them all, and the weight of that possibility pressed heavily on Casper’s shoulders.

Bryce continued. “We’ll ignore the couple’s legal action for now. The arraignment is impending and must be our primary focus.”

“Do you think you’ll get him out?” Casper inquired, desperation creeping into his tone.

Bryce looked thoughtful, furrowing his brow. “I’m not entirely sure. There are a lot of obstacles stacked against Aaron. He’s already facing the consequences from his first DUI, has previous speeding tickets on his record, and now this latest incident involves another DUI—plus the fact that he’s driving without a license and insurance….”

Understanding dawned on Casper like a heavy weight settling in his chest. Bryce was preparing him for the grim possibility of a loss, an outcome that felt unacceptable to him. “Find a way. If it weren’t my baby brother caught in this mess, I’d say let him deal with the consequences because he dug his grave. But this is my brother, and my mom is counting on me to take care of this and set him free.”

He felt a brief relief, knowing that he would free Aaron for now, at least until Casper intervened and got him into rehab. However, he was acutely aware that this reprieve was only temporary. The real battle awaited him—the inevitable confrontation with his mother, a struggle he intentionally postponed until he deemed it necessary. It was a delicate situation, fraught with the emotional weight of past grievances and unspoken concerns, demanding careful consideration before directly engaging her about his addiction and the need for recovery.

“Oh, I’m going to dedicate everything I have to this case,” Bryce assured him firmly. “I just wanted to prepare you for the possibility that things may not go as we hope. Miss Broussard is notoriously tough on DUI cases. She lost her parents to a drunk driver and has made it her life’s mission to ensure that all drunk drivers face serious repercussions for their actions.”

Before Casper could process Nettie’s loss, JD cleared his throat, a subtle act that signaled the gravity of what he was about to say. “Speaking of Nettie,” he began, his voice steady, “I received a call before we left that Sheriff Necaise was putting her into protective custody.”

Casper felt his heart lurch violently at the mention of protective custody. His mind raced as he processed the implications. Protective custody. What. The. Fuck? “Was the shooter after her ?” he asked, desperation creeping into his voice. That had to be the reason for such drastic measures. Yet, a nagging thought lingered in his mind—there could undoubtedly be more he wasn’t privy to, details that could paint a clearer picture.

“Yeah,” JD confirmed with a grave nod, his expression betraying the weight of the situation. “She’s been receiving threatening notes for weeks now, and they can’t ascertain if the shooter was acting alone or if this is part of something larger.”

The air felt heavy with unsaid words, and Casper’s mind spun with the potential dangers looming over Nettie, helpless in this chaotic moment.

Cassie bit her lip, her brow furrowing with concern. “Do you think they’ll transfer her cases or just put them on hold?”

Casper was lost in thought. He wondered what that would mean for his brother’s ongoing case, feeling a knot tighten in his stomach as the situation’s implications settled in.

“I was hoping to speak with her later today about Aaron,” Bryce said, mentioning his brother’s name like a lifeline. “If I could just get a moment to chat with her, maybe we could reach some sort of agreement.” His gaze darted over to Casper.

Casper finally lifted his gaze from the endless expanse of the ocean, recognizing the depth of their dilemma. “I’ll do it,” he declared firmly, determination etched across his features.

“But you aren’t an attorney. You can’t just get an agreement from her,” Bryce interjected.

Standing tall and adjusting his stance to counterbalance the boat swaying with the rhythmic waves, Casper met their gazes with unwavering resolve. “I’ll do it,” he insisted, the weight of the world on his shoulders but still willing to take on the challenge. His determination burned bright amid the uncertainty surrounding them.

No one uttered a word as he gracefully moved to the side of the boat, taking a deep breath before diving into the water with a fluid motion that seemed almost artistic. Beneath the surface, as the saltwater burned his wound, he thought of Nettie and the urgent conversation that awaited them. He needed to convince her to consider Aaron’s situation more empathetically and urge her to show leniency, which might allow Casper a shot at rehabilitation for Aaron. He felt a flicker of hope, believing she might agree to an arrangement that would benefit them all.

As he swam back to the boat, a troubling thought crept into his mind: would the sheriff permit him to visit Nettie if she were placed in protective custody? The likelihood seemed grim, casting a shadow over his plans.

Reaching the boat, he effortlessly hoisted himself back on board, his heart racing with determination. “We need to head back now so I can catch her before they take her away,” he said urgently, glancing at JD, who nodded.

JD stood and retrieved the anchor—urgency palpable as the sailboat shifted with the movement of the water.

In the depths of his mind, he steeled himself— Hello, Miss Nettie. I’m not going away without a fight, not when it’s for my brother’s sake. So watch out because the battle lines have been drawn, and I’m ready to face whatever comes next .