Buckingham Nicks-Part II of Fritz Series

Truth and Consequences

***A/N smut ahead***

"So, you don't want to press charges?" the detective, one of Wonsley's contacts, scratches the back of his head with his pencil There's a pause and once again he doesn't seem to be tracking what Wonsley's laying down "So, Henley assaults Stevie then assaults Lindsey, and breaks a glass door. And all you want him charged with is the door?"

Stevie looks away seething, Robin holds Sara to her. She's ashamed her face covered with dry tears. Stevie of course doesn't blame her for what Don did but she's not happy with Wonsley's plan. Him and Warner brothers had a long chat and they've concluded that it would be career suicide to have Don arrested for attacking Stevie while drunk. Instead they've promised to send him to rehab and ban him from recording in L.A. so long as we only press charges for him breaking Mom's glass door. That's the story they sold to the press when it was leaked that he was arrested. That's the story I've been forced to repeat to every reporter who's asked me. That's the story that Glenn and the rest of Don's band begged us to go along with.

Jess and Greg came to my defense after I was carted away, and after they interviewed Stevie; it was decided that I was not under arrest and Don was rightfully charged. He was unconscious at that point but it was amusing to hear about him waking up with a handcuff on his wrist and freaking out.

My injuries include broken ribs, broken knuckles, sever lacerations to my face and back, and a cracked vertebra. All our concerts have been canceled, and Warner's given everyone a full refund. According to their PR machine, Don and I got a little rowdy at family get together and ended up falling into a sliding glass door, due to "Horseplay". My mother and brothers were not happy with that story, but if we fight it we lose our contract, our sponsorship, and our career. No other label will pick us up if we don't play ball. That's how the industry works.

Meanwhile, I can't lay on my back, I can't play guitar, I can't get out of bed, I can't even pick up Sara who looks scared every time she sees me. Stevie has been at my side twenty-four hours a day since the fight happened five days ago. Don had a walkthrough at the county jail, or rather a wheel through since he can't walk either, essentially, he surrendered himself and was bonded out of the jail the same day, by Wonsley no less.

Justice...

"Can I talk to Stevie alone please?" The harsh light of the hospital room burns my swollen eyes so I'm keeping them closed, but I'm fully conscious whether the assembled group knows it or not. Wonsley ushers everyone out of the room except for him and Stevie. I play opossum, keeping my breathing even as if I'm asleep. I've just had a shot of morphine so it's conceivable for them that I'm not awake.

"Stephanie, I know you've been through a lot. I mean a hell of a lot, but we should think about this from a business perspective as well as a personal one. Sara's so little, and you're going to have to testify as to what happened. What do you think his lawyers are going to ask you? They'll ask if you've done drugs, if Don's ever seen you drunk, if you've ever flirted with him- "

"You know God damn well I never did anything to encourage Don! " I cough, my voice hoarse as I decide to speak up. Stevie runs to me, her hands running over my face her lips finding my forehead "Baby, you should be asleep." I shake my head, rather I tilt it from side to side gently "I don't want you to feel pressured into dropping the charges babe, what he did to you makes me sick. If I ever see his face again, I can't promise I won't choke the life out of him..." Stevie kisses my lips.

"Honey-" Al walks over "Lindsey, you have to see this from the executives perspective. They have two commodities at odds with each other. They know major scandal will sink both of you. This way the two of you will both stay on board, continue to make money and Don will get some help." Don doesn't need help, Don needs a shock collar. "That's the way this industry is kids, it's the part I hate the most...they'll sell your contract if you don't play along. And they'll back Don up".