I got to the hospital just in time to see my sister being discharged. There was a uniformed policewoman with her and two detectives waiting to talk to her. Her blouse was torn and her makeup streaked down her face from the tears, but she wasn’t crying now, she was mad.
“Are you Allison Brumfield?” asked the male detective.
“Yes sir,” my sister replied just as she took me by the arm.
“Are you okay, Allie?” I asked.
She started to sob again so I wrapped my arms around her. She was shaking all over and holding tightly to me. I kept repeating that she was safe now and how it would be ok. Truth was, I was mad as hell. I wanted to find the asshole that had assaulted my sister. I wanted to make him regret ever touching her.
”Ma’am,” called the female detective, ”I know it’s hard, but the sooner we can get a statement, the sooner we can get this guy.”
”Yes, ma’am,” Allie, replied through the sobs, ”I’m ready.”
I watched as she pulled herself together. I watched the tears turn back to anger and determination. It ran in our family, we are tough, and never give up. We never backed down from a fight. Win, lose or draw, if you were going to beat anyone of us, it would be a fight.
”You want me to come with you, Sis?” I asked as she followed the detectives,” I can drive you to the police station and then home.”
”Thanks, Terry,” she answered, ”that would be great.”
We said little during the drive to the police department. She basically sat in silence. Every once in a while I noticed a tear fall from her cheek. I opened the center console and handed her a napkin. She looked at me and shook her head in defeat. My heart broke but I wanted to be strong for her. I took her hand and squeezed it, not letting go till we parked.
I helped her from the truck and across the parking lot, finally into the building. The same detectives led us from the front desk to a small room to give a statement. There was a video camera on one side of the table. I looked around as they directed her to the chair in front of the camera.
I was looking at the two way mirror when they offered me a seat. It was just like all the TV shows. I could see a metal ring attached to the wooden tabletop. I figured it was used to cuff criminals to the table.
The lady detective asked if we wanted a coke or coffee.
”No,” said Allie, ” I just want to get this behind me so I can go home.”
”Good,” said the male detective. He reached into his jacket pocket and retrieved a handkerchief and handed it to my sister. ” Let’s get started.”
”Ok,” Allie said as she wiped her nose.
”I’m going to ask you some questions,” said the detective as he turned the camera on. ”Are you comfortable?”
”Yes sir,” Allie answered.
”Ok,” the detective began, ”In as much detail as possible, tell me what happened. Please, in detail, it’s often the smallest things that catch these guys.”
My sister told how she had been walking to her car from a friend’s house. She had parked two blocks away because of construction. She told how the man had pulled her into an ally between two old buildings. How he had torn her blouse and slapped her around. I was becoming enraged as she told me how he pushed her to the ground and tore her underwear off. How she was saved by a black man who was working across the street and saw what was happening.
In my mind, I was incensed. I wanted to find the guy and tear his head off. I was brought to reality when the detectives started asking for details. How tall was he, how much did he weigh, how old was he? So many questions.
They brought out the books of mugshots. We sat there for two hours looking at pictures of the worst of society. Allie sensed my anger and put her hand on the back of my wrist.
”I’m ok, Terry, ” she whispered, ”They will find him.”
I swallowed hard and shook my head in agreement. I knew she was right. I let her continue looking through the pictures. My eyes roamed the pages of thugs and criminals. I was surprised to see several guys that I actually knew.
”That’s him,” Allie exclaimed, bringing me out of a trance. “That’s the guy that tried to rape me.”
The detectives jumped up and asked if she was sure. They looked closely at the picture. ”Go pull his sheet, Anne,” the detective ordered his partner.
She quickly memorized the file number and left. After a few minutes, she returned with a thick folder and barked out a name, ”Willie Peterson, sexual assault, aggravated assault, rape, petty theft.”
The detectives thanked us and said they would be in touch for a lineup identification if she didn’t mind. I could see the confidence in her eyes when she agreed. I knew my sister was strong and could handle this. I knew she would testify.
I drove her home and told her I would stay if she wanted.
”Please,” she nearly begged, ”I just don’t want to be alone tonight.”
”Sure thing, Sis, I’ll stay as long as you need me.”
She sat on the sofa and I went to her fridge for a beer. When I returned to the living room she was curled up on the sofa. I offered her a beer and sat down behind her. She leaned back on me and I put my arm around her shoulder. We sat in silence for a while and sipped our beers.
Sitting up, Allie put her empty bottle on the coffee table and finally spoke. ”Terry,” she began, ”Thank you so much for everything. If you can stay, I want to take a shower.”
”I told you, Sis,” I said as I stood with her, ”I will stay as long as you need me.”
We were always close as kids. I’ve always been protective, may be overly protective of my baby sister. I can’t remember how many would-be boyfriends who’s ass I kicked because they looked at her wrong or took the liberty of touching her inappropriately.
She gave me a big hug and said she would be quick. I watched her as she walked to the master bedroom. I felt like breaking something, instead, I took the empties to the kitchen and got a couple more. I was watching a ninja competition when she returned. I smiled and held up her fresh beer. She took it and fell back on the couch beside me.
”Feel better?” I asked.
”Much,” she replied with a smile.
”Allie, I’ve been thinking,” I told her, ”Why don’t you come down to the gym? I mean take a couple of weeks to get yourself together then come on down and let me teach you a few self-defense techniques.”
”I’ve been thinking about that too, Bro,” she mumbled, ”But do you think someone as small as me could defend myself against a guy like that asshole today?”
”Look, Sis, ” I said, ”I teach Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. It’s self-defense designed to help a smaller person to defend against a much bigger opponent. A weaker person to defend against a much stronger opponent.”
”I’ll think about it, Bro,” she smiled.
Allie was startled when her phone rang. ”Hello,” she answered, ”Really? That was fast. Ok. No, it’s no problem. Nine o’clock. I’ll be there.” She hung up the phone and sat it on the coffee table. ”They got him. I have to be there in the morning to identify him.”
”Really?” I asked, ”That was quick. I’m going to drive you.”
”Thanks, Terry,” she smiled, ”I really appreciate your help.”
”I’m going to stay here tonight too,” I told her, ”I don’t think you need to be alone yet.”
”Want another beer?” she asked with a smile, ”I’m going to get drunk.”
”I think that’s a great idea,” I laughed.
She stood and took the empties and walked to the kitchen. I watched her with a smile. She had put on the shirt and a pair of panties after her shower. That wasn’t unusual, I mean that’s how we grew up. We weren’t shy around each other.
She plopped beside me with two more beers when she returned. We drank and watched TV till late. Every now and then she would wrap her arms around mine and give me a squeeze. I think we fell asleep after about five beers. The television was still on when we woke the next morning.
”Shit,” she exclaimed,” We need to get going, it’s eight-fifteen.”
She stood and stretched before walking to the bedroom. A few minutes later she returned in a pair of jeans and a white polo. She looked at me through slightly bloodshot eyes and gave me a weary smile.
”We can get a coffee on the way,” I suggested.
With that, we headed out the door and to my truck. It was a short drive to the police department so we had time to stop by the coffee house drive-through. I’m a breakfast person so I ordered a couple of croissants, which she refused.
We arrived at the station and finished our coffee in the truck. ”Are you ready?” I asked,
”Yes,” she breathed, ” Let’s get this over with.”
”You don’t have to, you know.” I told her.
She looked at me and nodded with confidence. ”I’m not going to be weak. He fucked up when he messed with me.”
”Alright,” I said, ”That’s my baby sister. Let’s do this.”
We walked through the front door five minutes before nine. The detectives met us and directed us to the room behind that two-way mirror where we stood in the darkness as they brought six guys into the lineup. Allie watched them stand at profile. The detective informed her that she shouldn’t worry and that they couldn’t see her.
”I don’t care,” she said, ”He will see me in the courtroom.”
”Face the mirror,” the detective said into the intercom.”
The men turned at once to face us. My sister didn’t flinch.
”Look carefully at all of them, ma’am,” said the detective, ”Take your time and be sure.”
”Number three,” Allie said.
”Your sure,” asked the detective.
”Yes,” she answered, ”Number three. Are we done?”
”Yes ma’am, ” the detective answered, ”Thank you, ma’am. We will inform you of the dates that will concern you.”
Allie ignored the detective and watched as the men filed back out of the door that they came in. She looked at me and I knew she wanted out of there. I took her by the hand and walked past the detectives and out the door. We didn’t stop till we sat in the truck.
I tried to open the door but she caught me in a hug. She started crying with big breathless sobs.
”You did good, honey,” I comforted, ”He can’t hurt you anymore.”
We stood there in each other’s arms for several minutes. Finally, we got in the truck and headed to her house. Once there she asked me to stay. I agreed, anything she needed. She just sat on the couch next to me and eventually fell asleep. Emotionally exhausted.
I waited until I knew she was sound asleep and picked her up. I carried her to her bed and laid her under the covers. I watched her sleep for a few minutes then left her alone. I too fell asleep on the sofa.
Three weeks had passed since that day. I was at my gym helping a friend get ready for a fight. Not a street fight. I trained MMA fighters. That’s was what my gym was geared for. I had instructors for wrestling, karate, boxing and I instructed a jiu-jitsu class.
Brazilian jiu-jitsu incorporated techniques in chokes and joint manipulation. There was a counter for any hold or move that you could be caught in. I had been working on a schedule for Allie over the past weeks, in case she decided to accept my offer. I was surprised to see her when she arrived that first day.
”Ok, Terry,” she said, ”I want to learn to defend myself.”
”Great,” I shouted, ”I knew you would, I’ve been working out a schedule for you. Strength, cardio, and jiu-jitsu.”
”Alright then, I’m ready when you are,” she declared.
In the first weeks, we’re spent on cardio and strength. Strength training prepares you for larger opponents and cardio helps stamina. Techniques would come later. We did train some boxing for reflex sharpening. The day finally came to start self-defense training. We talked for a while about what techniques would be useful for what circumstances. You never knew what to expect in a fight so you train for every possible scenario. Fighting while on your back is key in jiu-jitsu.
We trained separately from my group classes. I wanted to be her personal trainer. Make sure she understood what she was doing.
”Ok, Sis,” I instructed, ”rear naked choke. Show me.”
We stood facing each other I assumed the attitude of the attacker. I lunged at her, grabbing at her shoulders. She defended correctly, taking a half step back, and to the side. She quickly ducked and skipped behind me where she wrapped an arm around my neck, and she leaped onto my back.
Wrapping her legs around my hips, she secured her toes behind my knees. Secured her arm under my neck with the same hand over the bend of her other arm which pushed the back of my head forward. Tensing her biceps, she effectively cut off my air supply.
I was forced to tap out, which is a signal that I have given up.
”Great job, Sis,” I complimented, ”Arm triangle, show me.”
Again we assumed offensive and defensive postures. On my attack, she again correctly maneuvered the technique to the point that I tapped out. Same with the key lock and the kimura which are both arm locks that are designed to separate the shoulder.
“Okay, Allie,” I instructed, ”We need to work on the arm locks a little. You really need to keep my elbow closer to my body for maximum effect. So from the mounted position first, okay?”
“Okay, Terry,” she answered, “I’m trying.”
As I was assuming the position on my back I encouraged her, “You’re doing great, Allie. We just need to work on technique. Ok, take the mounted position.”
Allie straddled my body and sat on my stomach.
“Okay, what’s the first rule of mounted position?”
She thought for a second then answered, “Don’t put my hands on the floor.”
“Right,” I said, “Rule number two?”
“Get my hooks in,” she answered correctly, referring to keeping her feet tucked under my legs, preventing me from bucking her off.
“Exactly, girl,” I encouraged, “Now what?”
“I know I’m not going to knock him out but I throw a few punches at his face to get him to guard his face with his hands.”
She was getting it perfect. She threw a few punches which I blocked with my hands.
“Why do you want me to guard with my hands?” I shouted.
Instead of telling me, she demonstrated the technique of getting hold of my left arm. At which point I pulled away. She then threw an elbow at my nose, again to distract me from her goal. When I flinched from the elbow, she locked her wrist with her other hand around my arm, then twisting my arm under my shoulder. It was painful but not what it should have been.
“Ok, you notice I’m not tapping?” I asked.
“Yes,” she answered, “What am I doing wrong?”
“Ok, Allie,” I instructed, ‘Your butt should be on my hips. That will give you twice the leverage. Also, keep my elbow close to my body. Remember, when you do this for real, he ain’t going to tap. You have to hurt him.”
“Okay,” Allie said, “Can we try again?”
Grabbing her shoulders, I tried to shake her off. She realized that I had started and she quickly shifted her butt backward to my lap. Her weight was in the right place now. I grabbed her wrist, pulling her hand to the floor. She quickly countered with a few punches to my face with her other hand. I tried to buck her from atop myself but her hooks were in. She quickly secured my left wrist and dropped an elbow to my nose. Her movements were fast and efficient. I was tapping as soon as my arm was behind my shoulder.
She threw her arms up in victory. Her weight was directly on my lap, shifting with every celebration. I noticed the feel of her butt on me more than I should have. I also noticed a slight stirring in my groin.
Allie fell forward giving me a hug of celebration. “Was that better, Terry?”
“That’s how it’s done, Sis,” I answered, “Just pay attention to details and you have it.”
I felt my cock growing under her weight. She released me from her hug and stood over me, offering a hand up. I stood with her help and immediately turned away to hide my bulging erection. I turned and waved with a smile as I walked to the showers.
“Great job, Sis,” I called over my shoulder, “We will start leg techniques tomorrow.”
“Ok, Bro,” she answered, “Hey, don’t be embarrassed. It happens.”
I looked back at her in disbelief. She was grinning from ear to ear. “Uh,” I stammered, “You felt that?”
I thought she would fall over laughing. I couldn’t help but laugh at myself. We laughed till it hurt.
“Yeah, Terry,” she laughed, ”I felt it. Oh hey, are you still coming over for dinner?”
”Oh, yeah, Sis,” I answered, ”I’m glad you reminded me.”
”Get a shower, Bro,” she joked, ”You stink.”
I shook my head and waved. We went our separate ways, me to the gym floor, her to the locker room. I had about an hour till closing time so I watched one of my students work on the heavy bag. Eventually, everyone had left and I locked up.
It was a quiet ride home and I…
