Ezra looked over to Trina. "I need to see some identification."
Trina reached into her purse and dug out her passport and residency visa.
"Catriona Danielle MacKinnon of Glasgow. You've come a long way to get in a lot of trouble," Ezra smiled to her. "How did you get involved with my sister?"
"I met her on the plane."
"Probably regretting that now, aren't you?"
"No," Trina said, shaking her head. "Drew is the best friend I've ever had."
"And she just got you arrested, how do you feel about that?"
Trina looked at him for a moment, then looked down before she buried her face in her hands.
Drew looked around the station suddenly realizing how deep of trouble she was in. She glanced over to Trina then looked to Buck. "She didn't have anything to do with this. She told me to slow down. She told me to stop. I was the one driving. You should let her go."
He looked to her a moment, then motioned Larabee over. "Tell him."
"My friend asked me to slow down several times. She even asked me to stop the car. This isn't her fault at all. Please don't send her back to Scotland." Drew tried to reason.
Given the way her friend was acting, as subdued as she was, Larabee believed Drew. He nodded. "We'll drop the charges on her. But your arraignment, young lady, is tomorrow at noon."
"Arraignment?" she looked at Buck then Chris. "We don't need one. I'll pay the ticket. No problem. What's the fine?"
Chris shook his head. "You weren't arrested for speeding, Miss Standish. You were arrested for reckless endangerment. You'll be going to an arraignment. Buck, take her statement and get your brain out of your pants for once."
Drew looked down.
"All right, darlin', why don't you tell me what happened?" Buck put his hand under her chin and tilted her face to his.
Chris walked over to Ezra. "We're dropping the charges against this one. Get her statement for use at your sister's arraignment tomorrow. I'm going to release Drew into your custody for tonight, unless you'd rather she stayed in one of the holding cells."
"No, Mr. Larabee. Thank you. I'll make sure she gets here on time."
"Should we contact your mother?"
Drew heard Chris and looked over. "Well, gee, why don't you just lock me up now? She'd be thrilled."
Rafe walked in and heard Drew. "Miss Standish, this is serious."
"I know that, and I said I was sorry. But contacting my mother," she shot Chris a glare, "is not an option. I know my rights and I know I'm an adult so there's no need to contact Mommy Dearest."
Ezra shook his head. "Drew, please don't say anymore."
Chris pointed to Drew. "You, young lady, have an attitude problem."
"Yeah well so do you, Mr. Larabee." She looked to Ezra. "You're right about him."
Rafe moved in front of Chris. "I'll handle this, okay?"
"Damn it, Rafe, she sent you on a high speed chase."
Rafe reasoned, "Yes, I know and she'll have her day in court, but this isn't helping matters any."
Ezra stood up and looked to Chris. "Mr. Larabee. I apologize for my sister's rude behavior."
"Save it, Ezra." Chris walked back into his office and slammed the door.
The phone rang, and JD picked it up. "Hey Ezra, you got a phone call."
Drew sat back and looked to Buck. "Now what?"
"Now you can chill out and finishing telling me what happened." Buck flashed her a smile. "Then later maybe I can show you around town?"
Okay." Drew smiled.
Buck looked to Rafe who was standing and listening. "I can handle this."
Rafe rolled his eyes and walked away.
"Excuse me a moment, Miss MacKinnon," Ezra said as he picked up the receiver. He looked over to Drew and saw her flirting with Buck Wilmington, the absolute last person in this office he'd like to see dating his sister.
"Standish."
"Mr. Standish, this is Providian. We've noticed some unusual activity on your account and wanted to verify."
"Thank you," he said, listening.
"There have been charges in Cancun over the past couple weeks, but we figured you were on vacation. It wasn't until over $7,000 were charged in Tucson over the past two days that we grew concerned. Are these your charges?"
As the representative was speaking, Ezra had been looking at Drew, his expression darkening and his scowl deepening. By the time she finished, Ezra looked ready to explode. Trina was almost terrified of him. Drew was completely oblivious to her brother's nearing combustion.
"Thank you. I appreciate it. No, I know where the card is. Yes." Ezra hung up the phone and looked to Trina.
He walked over to Drew. "Your purse."
She handed it to him almost without thinking as she continued to flirt with Buck. Ezra dug around until he found her wallet.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Drew asked. "I gave you my driver's license already."
Ezra didn't reply. He pulled out her credit card and saw another identification right behind it. He took that too.
"What is this? A fake ID?" Ezra glared at her.
"Give me that back," she protested. "I need that."
"For what? To get into bars?" Ezra picked the scissors off of Buck's desk and started methodically cutting up Drew's credit card.
Drew cried out in obvious distress.
"Ez, she was just arrested for her driving, not her shopping," Buck commented.
"How the hell did you spend $7,000 in three days?" Ezra looked to Drew.
Buck's eyes widened. JD turned over to look. Trina didn't even bat an eye, though she was confused about Ezra's attitude.
"I don't know."
He continued cutting up the card. "I'm no longer funding these incessant shopping sprees. You want to shop, get a job. This was for emergency use only, young lady." Then he cut the fake ID.
"Do you know how much that cost me Ezra?" Drew protested.
Ezra just looked at her, and she backed into her chair.
"I want to go home," Drew said.
"And where might that be? Los Angeles? Do you even have a residence, sister dear? You got kicked out of UCLA, so you won't be living in the dorm. Just where exactly is home? I'll tell you where. Tonight, it is my house. After the arraignment tomorrow, we'll see."
"I moved in with Brad."
Buck's face fell.
"Brad?" Ezra questioned then laughed. "Ooooo, Brad! Well, sister dear, he will just have to get one of his boyfriends to move in with him."
Buck smiled again then winked to Drew. "It's not so bad here. Especially now." His gaze roamed over her appreciatively.
Drew shrugged. "What about Trina?"
"She is free to go."
"Ezra, she can't drive."
"It is her vehicle and she is incapable of driving it?" He looked at the two girls again, just starting to realize how young the both were. Trina was older than his sister by a mere three months, and she had seemed more responsible to him. . . not protesting anything once they were out of the car, not attempting to flirt her way out of the charges. But she bought a car without being able to operate it.
"She can stay with me also, until we figure out what to do. I don't suppose either of you can afford to pay the tow bill or impound fee on the mustang."
Trina looked at him. "How much is it?"
"It is $60 for the two and $35 for impound."
She nodded and opened up her purse and took out a 100-dollar bill and handed it to JD.
"Buck, have you completed my sister's paperwork?"
Buck nodded.
"Come along, Drew. We'll take your friend's car and park it at my house. Mr. Dunne, kindly come by tomorrow and pick us up, if you would."
"I'll do it, Ezra," Buck offered.
"Oh no, Mr. Wilmington. I do not want you any where near my sister," Ezra stated.
"I'll be there, Ezra," JD said.
"Thank you." He picked up the keys to the mustang and looked to Drew. "I cannot believe you did this."
Drew looked down. Trina got up and went over to her, giving her a hug.
"Oh hey, don't forget to use that aloe, Miss MacKinnon," JD said.
Trina smiled at him, "Thank you, Mr. Dunne. You were most kind this afternoon. I won't forget it."
JD smiled and nodded as the three left the building and went to the parking lot.
Buck looked down on his desk at the few shards of Drew's credit card and fake ID that had not fallen into the trash. He was amazed to find that her photo was intact. He picked it up and smiled, then he stuck it in his pocket.
"I'm gonna go get a pizza and take it over there. I bet them girls are hungry."
"Buck. . ." JD warned.
Buck just grinned and headed out of the office, leaving JD to finish all the paperwork.
Ezra pulled up to the house. He'd instructed Drew to sit in the back of the mustang, and Trina had climbed into the back as well. He wished she had stayed up front with him. Ezra kicked himself a moment for that thought. This was his sister's friend. He had never stooped to flirting with Drew's friends before. Besides which, the young Scottish lass was also obviously still very upset.
Granted, before Drew was a lot younger. And she'd never brought home a friend like Catriona MacKinnon before. Ezra parked the car and looked back to both young women. Drew was pouting. Trina was trying to cheer her up some. Ezra instantly regretted turning around and looking at them. Trina's hair was a brilliant red in the darkest light, but in the direct sunlight, it was the most amazing color he had ever seen. Mere words could not describe the green of her eyes without paling in comparison. Trina looked up to him and offered a slight smile.
"Thank you for putting me up this evening," she said softly.
Even her accent was music to his ears. Ezra just nodded and smiled. "Let's get the car unloaded." He got out and opened the door for Drew and Trina.
The three walked to the back of the trunk and Ezra opened it. Then he looked at the two. "Why on earth would you need this much?"
"Ezra, some of it is my luggage. Besides, Trina had to go shopping. Most of the new stuff is hers."
Ezra nodded. "And most of what you just purchased will be returned Drew." He looked to her when she frowned. "It isn't that I don't want you to have the best of everything, sis. I just cannot afford a $10,000 credit card bill. Surely you understand that. I'm not doing this to be mean. I'm upset. Very. Don't get me wrong, but that is not why I'm going to insist that most of what you bought is returned."
Drew tried not to pout. She could understand his reasoning, and she had to admit she'd gone overboard. It was hard not to when shopping with someone for whom price was no object. Granted, not everything could be returned. She'd worn one of the swimsuits at the hotel, and used some of the make up. Instead she just nodded.
Ezra looked to Drew. "Drew, I know you don't believe me. You're my sister and I do care a great deal about you. My life would not be the same without you. But I am incredibly upset and embarrassed right now." He handed her several shopping bags. "Your room is the first one on the left at the top of the stairs. " Ezra then handed Trina a couple bags and smiled. "Drew will show you where these go."
Trina nodded and followed her friend.
Ezra looked at the trunk and shook his head. How could two people spend so much money in so little time? He grinned wryly. "At least Drew gets it honest. I'm sure mother could have put them both to shame, given the opportunity." Then he carried some of the bags into the foyer before going out and getting more. It took him ten minutes to unload the car.
Drew and Trina carried the bags up to Drew's room at Ezra's place. Trina smiled when she walked in. "This is a nice room."
Drew laughed. "Ezra must think I'm a little girl. It isn't me anymore, but when I was eight, I wanted a room of my own almost just like this one."
"Didn't you have one?" Trina asked.
"No. I was at the first of many boarding schools. I don't know how I'd decorate a room if I had it to do now. It wouldn't be a pink canopy bed with ruffles though." Drew smiled slightly.
"Are you all right?"
"I'm scared. I don't want to go to jail. Jail is for people named 'Big Bertha' not me."
"You won't."
"How can you be so sure, Trina? I got you in a terrible mess. I know they dropped the charges, but I could have gotten you deported."
"But you didn't. Besides, you're a good person."
"Tell that to Ezra."
"I will." Trina smiled.
"When will you head to Los Angeles?"
"When you do. I'm not going there without you."
Drew looked to her. "You shouldn't let me keep you away."
"I've never been to LA. I won't miss it. But you are my friend, and I'd miss you. I've lost enough important people in my life already to give one up willingly. I'm staying," Trina stated. "Besides, LA will still be there later." She smiled at Drew. "We need to get that film developed."
"Yeah. Trina?"
"Aye?"
"Thanks. I really am glad you're gonna stay."
Buck shot a game of pool with Dwayne while waiting of the pizza. The Standish Grille was rather empty at the moment; otherwise the bartender would not have been able to play. Dwayne shot the last of his balls into a pocket. He looked at Buck. "Eight ball, left side pocket." Then he took the shot and made it. "That's ten bucks you owe me Wilmington."
"Yeah yeah," Buck grumbled good-naturedly as he handed the money over. "When's that pizza gonna be done?"
"Hot date?"
"She's hot all right."
The cook called out Buck's name. "That's me Dwayne, you have a good one."
"You too Buck. Let me know how the date went," Dwayne said as Buck paid for the pizza.
"Always do, Dwayne. I always do."
Dwayne smiled. "Yeah. But one of these days, I'd like you to tell me what really happened instead of these fantasies you like to weave."
Buck laughed and left. He unlocked the car and put the pizza on the passenger seat. Buck reached into his pocket for the picture of Drew and looked at it. Then he put it in his wallet and drove over to Ezra's.
"Who the hell could that be?" Ezra muttered when the doorbell rang. He looked up the stairs and frowned. Neither his sister nor her friend had come back downstairs. Ezra walked over to the door and opened it.
"Hey there Ezra. Figured you and the gals might be hungry, so I brought a pizza." Buck grinned at him.
Ezra glared at him. "How many times do I have to tell you to stay away from my sister? Five? Ten? Stay away from Drew. I don't want you to come near her. I do not want to have to pick up the pieces after you have broken her heart. Get out. Go home. Watch a movie. I don't care, just stay away from my sister!" By the time he was done, Ezra was shouting.
Buck just looked at him with a hurt expression and frowned. "That's her decision. Not yours."
Ezra shook his head and slammed the door in Buck's face.
Buck shrugged. "He's just saying that." He looked up and saw Drew looking out of the window to her room. Buck winked at her.
She blew him a kiss back.
"And I'd say she has made her decision, partner," Buck mumbled under his breath as he walked to his car and got in.
"I can't believe he did that!" Drew fumed, looking out the window.
Trina rubbed her arms and winced. She dug through one of the bags and got out some lotion and put it on. It didn't help. "Are you hot, Drew?"
"Not really." Drew watched Buck drive away.
Trina watched Drew and thought her friend needed a little time by herself. She had not had much of that over the past couple of days, and Trina knew how she'd be feeling in Drew's place. "I'm going to go downstairs. Will you be all right?"
"Yeah."
"You want me to bring you up something to eat?"
"No thanks. I have the junk food."
Trina smiled and nodded. She walked out of the room and down the stairs. She almost went back up as she saw Ezra pacing and talking to himself, but he looked at her.
"I'm sorry I disturbed you."
He shook his head. "Not at all, Catriona."
"You can call me, Trina."
"I like Catriona better, but if you insist. And you must call me Ezra."
"Aye." Trina smiled to him.
"Can I get you something to drink? Tea perhaps?"
"It is a bit warm for tea, but something cool would be nice."
Ezra looked at her a moment. "Oh, I meant iced tea."
"I've never tried that."
"Have a seat and I'll get you a glass."
Trina nodded and sat down on one of the chairs. Ezra went into the kitchen and Trina looked around the living room. She could hardly believe that the same man who had done Drew's room in pink ruffles had selected this furniture. It was incredibly tasteful. Masculine without being overbearing. Strong yet subtle. The furniture was of good quality. Trina felt almost at home in the room.
"Here you go, Trina," Ezra said, entering the room. He handed her the glass.
"Thank you." She took a sip of the tea and raised an eyebrow then smiled.
"Trina, mind if I ask you a couple questions?"
Trina shrugged.
"How did you get involved with my sister?"
Trina smiled. "Fate. She had the seat next to mine in first class. She is a kind-hearted woman."
Ezra nodded. "Are you attending UCLA?"
Trina shook her head and sipped at the tea. "No." She looked back at the stairs. "What will happen to her?"
Ezra sighed. "If we're lucky, she'll be remanded to my custody and be sentenced to community service for a period of time. It depends. Hopefully, she'll let me do the talking." He frowned. "Why didn't she just pull over when he first turned on the siren?"
Trina looked down. "I should go check on her." She stood up and walked to the stairs..
"I should too." Ezra stood up and followed her.
.