Meryl and Don: An Unforeseen Journey

Chapter 73

"For what?" Don was in shock.

Larry took a deep breath. "Adam Shafer has pressed charges against you for assault. The police are downstairs. I was able to pull some strings and they are waiting down there to arrest you. I didn't want Henry to see you being arrested if he was awake."

"Oh, Don." Meryl said grabbing his hand. "It's my fault. You didn't want me to go back; I know you were protecting me but I insisted and all of this happened."

Don immediately took his crying wife in his arms. "This is NOT your fault. He crossed a line; and you aren't the only one he's done it with. Larry, there wasn't a scratch on him! I just shoved him against the wall. I didn't strike that little son of a bitch."

"I know, Don." Larry sighed. "I'm going to get the charges dropped; I'm working on it. They have to follow the steps and arrest you and take you down to the station."

Don nodded as he pulled Meryl to him, placing a long and needy kiss on her lips then a kiss on her forehead and another one on her lips before pulling her into his arms and he saw Liz walk back in. "Hopefully this won't take long; stay inside, don't answer the door. You and Liz can have a girls night."

"I'm going down there, Don." Meryl said pulling away.

Don shook his head as he stroked her cheek. "Mer, I don't want you to see them arrest me. I don't want you to see them finger print me. I don't want you down there."

"I don't care." Meryl choked. "Don, you are NOT going through this without me. These charges are fucking ridiculous. If it weren't for me..."

Don shook his head as he placed his fingers on her lips. "Don't you DARE say what I think you are going to say. Sweetheart, it will be okay."

"I can't let you go without me, Don." Meryl said as he wiped her tears. "I'm going."

Don sighed knowing that was what she needed; and if he was honest with himself then it was what he needed as well. He nodded and placed a kiss on her forehead and then looked at his best friend. "I know you will need to be with me at some point but will you stay with her? You won't let her out of your sight?"

"I promise." Larry nodded. "She can be in there with us when you're questioned; she was there as well so I can make it work."

Don nodded as Meryl looked over at Liz. "You don't mind staying with Henry?"

"That's why I'm here." Liz nodded. 

Larry finally smiled. "I knew you wouldn't be going anywhere without her."

***

"Sweetheart." Don sighed as he held Meryl close as they rode the elevator down to the lobby. "We BOTH will be home soon."

Meryl shook her head against his chest. "I'm so sorry."

"You look at me, Mary Louise." Don said as he lifted her head. "This is NOT your fault; that fucker deserved it. This is bogus. It won't stand up. I wouldn't have done anything ANY differently."

The doors opened and Don stepped out with Meryl by his side followed by Larry. "Baby, I have to go. I will see you there and Larry will be with you the entire time."

"No, Don." Meryl cried not letting go of him. "Please don't go."

Don didn't know what to do but looked at Larry as the cops came over to him. Don hated what he was about to say but he had no other option. "Larry, take her."

"Come on, M." Larry said pulling her off Don. "He'll be okay. We'll see him soon; I promise."

Meryl sobbed as she reached her hands out to him. "Don, please, don't go."