The Truth about Mary

Mary walked into the kitchen later the next morning and had just enough time to start a pot of coffee when her phone began to ring. She pulled it out of her pocket and answered.

“Hello?”

“Mary, it’s Marshall.”

“What’s up?”

“We just got a call from the US Attorney. We’ve got to prepare a new witness to be transported.” Mary let out a breath as she let the machine begin to percolate.

“Where do we have to go?” Marshall gave her the address and Mary nearly dropped her phone.

“Mary, you there?” She tried to form words but nothing came out. She waited a minute or two and tried again.

“Yeah uh…you do know that’s my address.”

“I did actually. You going to tell me what your sister did now?”

“No. Look, I’ll be here. I can handle this.”

“I think it would be easier for everyone if I was there.” Mary let out a breath.

“Fine.” She hung up the phone and sunk into a chair. She couldn’t believe this. Brandi was going into the programs. But…wasn’t that what she’d been hoping for. Despite Brandi’s massive screw up, Mary wanted her sister to be safe and out of danger. Moments later, Jinx walked in, looking tired.

“Mom, did you sleep at all last night?” She shook her head.

“I’m so worried about Brandi. It must have been awful being in jail last night.”

“Yeah well…I thin she’ll be home soon enough.” Jinx just nodded and sat down at the center island. Mother and daughter sat in silence while coffee brewed. By the time it had finished, a knock came on the front door.

“I’ll get it.” Mary left her cup at her seat and went to answer the door. Without a word, she let Marshall in.

“She here yet?”

“No. Uh…why don’t you wait in here?”

“Why? I’ve met your mom before.”

“I don’t want to have to explain everything twice. So just…sit down. You want some coffee?” Marshall sat down on the couch.

“Sure.”

Mary returned to kitchen to find Jinx standing in front of the toaster. She didn’t seem to notice that they had a guest. Mary didn’t say anything either. The longer she didn’t have to explain her job to her family, the better. She quietly poured Marshall a cup of coffee and brought it back to him.

“So…”

“No. Ask me one more time and I’ll smack you.” He held his hands up defensively but said nothing.

On the highway, Liv and Brandi weaved through the mid morning traffic. Brandi fiddled with her purse straps. She wasn’t sure what she was going to tell Mary and Jinx. She new Mary already knew that she’d been arrested. But had she told their mother? In the driver seat, Liv looked over and reached to pat Brandi on the shoulder.

“Don’t worry, it will be ok.”

“But…what do I tell them?”

“You tell them the truth. There will be US Marshals there to help you explain everything.” Brandi let out a sigh as they pulled into the driveway. Mary’s car was still there as well as a car she didn’t recognize. Liv cut the engine and they climbed out in silence. Brandi felt as if she were waling to her death as she walked up the stairs and through the front door.

“Mom? Mary?” Jinx raced from the kitchen and threw her arms around Brandi.

“You had me so worried, sweetie.”

“I’m ok, Mom.” She looked over to see Mary sitting next to Marshall on the couch.

“Where are the US Marshals?” she asked. Marshall shared a look with Mary and stood up.

“That’d be us.” Brandi couldn’t help but laugh.

“No, seriously…where are they?”

“He’s telling the truth, Brandi.” Mary pulled her badge from her pocket and handed it to her sister. Brandi just stood shaking her head in disbelief.

“I don’t…” Liv cleared her throat, drawing the attention of the room.

“I think we’d better sit down.” Mary perched on the arm of the couch, ready to begin pacing if she had to. Marshall moved over so Brandi and Jinx could sit down as well.

“I take it you didn’t know your sister worked with Marshal Service?”

“Well we knew she did something with the government but…” Jinx began but Brandi cut her off.

“So…you knew all about this…program thing?”

“Yeah, Brandi. I know all about it.”

“Program? What program? A drug program?”

“God, no Mom. And I don’t have a drug problem.” She glared at Mary.

“I didn’t say you did, Squish.”

“But what’s this program?” Jinx persisted. Mary let out a breath.

“The Federal Witness Protection Program.”

“What does that mean?” Mary was on her feet, pacing the living room.

“It means that Brandi packs up her stuff and gets moved to a new city. She gets a new identity, a new life in exchange for a plea with the government. I’m guessing you agreed to testify against Chuck?” Brandi nodded.