Craig was astonished people could act like this. He could not imagine ever using his children to punish Chrissie. He wasn’t so sure about her.
Dr. Dorothy concluded her remarks, and the chairman adjourned the meeting. He invited everyone to stay for coffee.
Craig met a guy at the coffee urn. “Hi, Craig. I’m Garth. Garth Hodgson. You must be new. I haven’t seen you here before.”
Craig wondered how this guy knew his name. Then he remembered his name badge. “Hi, Garth. As you noticed, I’m Craig Andrews. Great to meet ya and yeah, this is my first meeting.”
Craig and Garth quickly became friends. Garth was an interesting guy. What he lacked in education, he made up for with street smarts. He had a quick smile and a good sense of humor.
Craig noticed right away Garth had a clever knack of deflecting the conversation away from himself. He figured Garth knew people liked talking about themselves more than anything else. He did seem, however, more genuinely interested in learning about Craig than spouting about his own life. Craig managed to learn that before Garth was divorced, he lived in Botsford Downs.
Craig left the meeting that night feeling more optimistic than he had in a long, long time. This was a group of people he could relate to. They had survived divorce and its aftermath. The best part was they were more than willing to share their knowledge and experience. He particularly enjoyed meeting Garth. Craig hoped to spend more time with him and hear his story. His ex-wife Loretta sounds like a knockout. Wonder why they split up?
* * *
Lorne Davis was in his office preparing for an impending default hearing. He was reading an affidavit filed by the father. He was explaining why he was in arrears on the order. Obvious whining by another deadbeat, Lorne thought. I’m taking him down. Smiling, he closed the file. Lorne loved his job.
Doug Anderson buzzed and told Lorne the Director wanted to see him immediately.
“Do you know what it’s about?”
“Nope,” Doug said. “But apparently he’s very angry.” Doug could scarcely mask the joy in his voice. He knew Charles Talbot was upset with Lorne about something important. Talbot’s secretary had told him. He hoped this was Lorne Davis’ day of reckoning.
The Justice Department usually appointed the Director of the Office for Support Order Enforcement from within the organization. Charles Talbot was no exception. From his law school days at Harvard to his fifteen years at Justice, Charles had proven to be an exceptional litigator with a keen legal insight, a sharp mind and an amazing ability to quickly recall minutiae from every case. He was an excellent administrator who abhorred disorganization, unprofessional behavior and unresolved conflict. A summons to his office was never trivial.
Lorne waited outside Director Talbot’s office like a schoolboy waiting to see the principal.
“The Director will see you now, Mr. Davis,” Talbot’s secretary said. “Would you like a coffee?”
“No thanks, darlin’. Won’t be a coffee kind of meeting.”
The Director didn’t like Lorne Davis. On Talbot’s first day on the job, Lorne made the mistake of calling him Charlie. No one called him Charlie. Not even his own mother called him Charlie. Anyone who called him Charlie was immediately corrected and placed on an imaginary black list—forever.
Lorne said hello when he entered, and Talbot silenced him by raising his hand in a gesture indicating, for the moment, what he was writing was more important than Lorne. Nice move. Put me at a disadvantage right off the bat, Lorne thought, as he sat down in one of two chairs facing Charles Talbot’s enormous oak desk. Gotta remember that one. Won’t work on me though. This bozo has no idea who he’s dealing with.
Charles finally looked up at Lorne. “Davis, we’ve received a complaint against you from a client you represented in a default case last year.”
“Who is she?” Lorne hoped the name would help him to quickly fabricate a defense. “I’ve acted on behalf of so—”
Charles cut him off. “Let me finish, Davis. You’ll get a chance for a rebuttal.” Lorne knew this guy was way ahead of him. He is also very devious—using my last name to put me in an inferior position. He hated feeling inferior and anyone who treated him that way.
Charles continued. “She claims you had an intimate relationship with her. When she ended it, you threatened her.”
“That’s a lie!”
“How can you say that? You don’t even know her name.”
“I don’t care what her name is! I would never and have never, done anything remotely like that. No way she can prove it.”
Charles thought for a moment. I’m almost positive Davis did this. But he’s sure convincing. He’s either a good actor or a helluva lot smarter than I thought. Charles had no concrete proof Davis was lying. All he had was a statement from this woman. “Her name is Grace Myers.” Charles carefully watched Lorne for his reaction. “Ring a bell?”
“Myers … let me see … Myers. Oh yeah, I remember her. Husband was a real deadbeat. I got a lot of money out of him, if I recall.”
“What about the relationship?”
“Never happened.”
“So you’re denying this whole thing? Your word against hers?”
“Absolutely! I would never jeopardize my career for a piece of—” Lorne hesitated, recalling how straight-laced Talbot was. Better not say that. The old fart might have a heart attack.
Charles glared at Lorne for a moment before replying. “Okay, Davis. I’ll put this matter asidefor now. But rest assured, this is not over. If I can ever prove this or any other similar accusation against you, you’ll be gone. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, sir.” Before Lorne could say another word, Charles dropped his eyes to his paper work, summarily dismissing him.
Lorne lay awake that night thinking about the Myers’ complaint. Talbot was no fool. Lorne knew he would have to be more discreet. He did not want to risk termination. He loved his job too much.
Lorne felt her move across the bed and snuggle up beside him. Her hair smelled nice, and her body was soft and warm. Lorne smiled a wicked little smile. So little time, he thought, so many divorcees.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Brothers and Sisters
The airport was usually about a twenty-minute drive from Towercrest. Depending on the time of day, the interstate moved quickly, and the airport parkway was rarely over-crowded. Today was different, however. The traffic would have to be insane today, Chrissie thought, today—of all days. I want to be waiting for her when she arrives.
The traffic reporter on the radio said the police had cleared a fatal rollover on the interstate near the airport. All lanes were now open. In spite of that, traffic was still stop and go. And rush hour was about to start. The traffic inched along for a few minutes and then stopped, inched again, then stopped again, inched yet again and stopped yet again.
Chrissie was growing more and more impatient. The only saving grace was a handsome forty-something man in the next lane. He was driving a brand new silver Porsche. They made eye contact several times. The game made the time go much easier. Chrissie was almost disappointed when the airport parkway exit sign appeared. She smiled at him and then shoulder checked and changed lanes. What a hunk he is. Chrissie pulled into the short-term parking lot and checked the dashboard clock. Right on time. Her plane probably just landed.
Chrissie was meeting Julie Helmer, her best friend from college. She was coming into town on a business trip. Chrissie could hardly wait to see her. Julie had always been a close friend. After all, it was Julie who delivered the note to Craig that night in the campus bar. She insisted. That was Julie to a tee. She always tried her best to make everyone happy. Chrissie needed that right about now.
She spotted Julie walking out of the baggage hall into the arrivals area. “Jules! Over here!”
Julie was
already heading straight for her. They hugged like old friends do after a long absence. The energy flowing between them for those few seconds seemed to instantly recharge their friendship. It’s like that with true friends. In an instant, the time spent apart melts away. They can pick up right where they left off. It seems like they were never away from each other. It’s magic.
Chrissie and Julie talked nonstop on the way to the restaurant. They interrupted each other, even talked at the same time and still heard everything. Julie would check into her hotel later. Right now was their time. They sipped on their drinks; too busy talking to look at the menu and order entrees. Chrissie told Julie she had something to tell her but didn’t know how.
“I know a good way, Chris. Just tell me.”
Chrissie said she and Craig had separated and would be divorcing soon. Julie reacted exactly the way Chrissie thought she would. Julie was caring, compassionate and understanding. Chrissie loved her for that.
Chrissie explained the troubled times before she and Craig separated: how she felt so alone after both her parents died, how she worried Craig was next and pushed him away emotionally, how he stopped caring about her, how she totally lost interest in him and finally asked him to leave. Chrissie failed to mention their fights about her drinking, her refusal to communicate and, of course, her infidelity.
Chrissie pulled a tissue out of her purse and dabbed her eyes. “I don’t love him anymore, Jules. He changed. He’s not the same understanding guy you knew in college. He criticized and belittled me whenever he could.”
“I can hardly believe it. When will the divorce be finalized?”
“We haven’t been to court yet. My lawyer advised me to hold off on a settlement until Craig gets a job. He’s still looking. I don’t think he has much money right now.”
“How are the kids? Bet they miss their dad.”
“Robbie and Heather are fine.” Chrissie was clearly upset by the question. “They’re happy to be with me.”
Julie realized she had put her foot in her mouth. Now was obviously not the time to mention the ex-husband and especially his relationship with his children. She quickly changed the subject. “Let’s order. I’m starved.”
“Sure,” Chrissie said. Then she felt bad for getting upset. “Sorry I snapped at you, Jules. I’m a little touchy these days when it comes to the kids. This week, Craig’s lawyer said they would be pursuing custody.”
“What? How could Craig believe a court would take those kids away from you and just hand them over to him? That’s absolutely ridiculous!”
“I know. My lawyer thinks it’s a ploy. I really don’t care what it is. Craig will regret the day he even considered trying to take my children away from me.” Julie knew Chrissie could be ruthless and vindictive but never thought she could treat Craig in such a manner. They had been so happy and seemed to be the perfect couple.
Chrissie changed the subject, and Julie was glad. The rest of their dinner together was filled with gossip and talk about college, mutual acquaintances and shoes. For a while, it seemed they were back in college being silly and having fun. They vowed to always stay in touch and see each other again soon.
Later at her hotel, Julie lay in bed staring out at the lights of the city. She replayed their fun evening and the memories it brought back. Then, she had a troubling thought. How could Chrissie drink so much and not be drunk? She out drank me three to one tonight. Back in college, she could always drink, but why is she drinking so much now? Maybe losing her parents? The divorce? Yeah, probably the stress of the divorce.
All things considered, Julie figured Chrissie would manage to get through it and handle the life of a single working mom. Chrissie’s strong. She’ll be okay. But what about Craig? Yeah—what about Craig? I wonder how long I should wait before I hit on him? He’s always been a hunk. Chrissie doesn’t know what she’s giving up.
* * *
Craig had finally landed a new job. He was managing the sales office at Victoria Crossing. He accepted immediately when Jim Roberts called to offer him the position. Craig hung up and jumped into the air. He hit his head on the acoustic tile ceiling in his basement room. Even the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders seemed excited.
A week later, he moved out of Barry and Mona’s and into an apartment. It was a small two-bedroom and perfect for Craig; clean, in a good area of Botsford Downs and most importantly, inexpensive. Barry offered to help him move. Craig kidded Barry he would do anything to get rid of him.
“It’s not me,” Barry said. “It’s Mona.”
“Mona?” Craig was surprised. “Mona wants me to leave?”
“No. Mona wants you to stay. That’s why I’m helping you move out.”
“You’re sooooo funny, Uncle Barry. Oh, look—I forgot to laugh.” Craig couldn’t help chuckling. No wonder he loved Barry. He was like a brother. Brothers instinctively understand each other. You share jokes, innuendos and just plain silliness. You both laugh, and then something amazing happens. It’s like a wavelength thing. You know exactly the right moment to take the riff to the next level and zing the other guy with an obscure reference. No one else understands what you’re laughing at. They think you’re a couple of lunatics. They’re probably right.
* * *
After Craig dropped Robbie and Heather off at home, his Tercel wended its way through the quiet streets of Botsford Downs. He had enjoyed this past weekend with his kids. They were all adjusting to his role as a weekend dad. He had done his best over the past few months to help them understand they were not to blame for the separation. Heather seemed to accept this, but Robbie was having a problem. He couldn’t understand why his dad couldn’t live at home.
Robbie told Craig something this past Saturday that augured problems to come. “Mom says you don’t love us, Dad. That’s why you left.”
“It’s not true, Robbie. I don’t know why she would say that.”
“I think it was because I told her I missed you. Mom doesn’t like me to say that.”
“Then, I wouldn’t say that, Robbie. I love you—you know I love you. I’ve explained to you why I had to leave. Your mom and I were fighting all the time. We couldn’t live together any more.”
“I know. But I really, really miss you.”
“I miss you too. But everything will be okay, Robbie. I’ll talk to your mother about this.”
“No, Dad! Please don’t talk to mom. She’ll know I told. Then, I’ll be in big trouble.” Craig promised Robbie he wouldn’t say anything.
Poor kid, Craig thought, she’s using him—once again.
Craig was not impressed with Chrissie. He had called several times telling her to stop lying to Robbie and Heather. Craig wanted her to know; he knew exactly what she was doing. He told Chrissie her scheme to turn their kids against him would backfire on her one day. He warned her once Robbie and Heather realized she was lying to them, they would never believe her again. Chrissie got mad, swore at him and hung up. She also hung up on him the day he told her to stop using the children as carrier pigeons to send messages to him.
Chrissie’s behavior didn’t surprise Craig. He knew what she was like. Trying to change her mind was a losing battle, and her problems were always somebody else’s fault. This divorce was no exception. She always had to be right and would use anyone or anything to prove it—even her own children. She spread lies about Craig all over town, to anyone who would listen. Craig had not said one bad thing about Chrissie and vowed he never would, especially to his children. He didn’t have to. People like Chrissie do themselves in by their own deceit. It always comes back to haunt them. You just have to be patient.
* * *
Back at his apartment building, Craig stopped in the lobby to check his mailbox. He found a plain brown paper envelope addressed to him with no return address. He opened it in the elevator. Inside the envelope was a solitary
piece of paper—a photocopy of a newspaper article. He froze when he read the headline: “Local Father Accused of Child Molestation.”
The article was about a father suing for custody of his daughter. His ex-wife went to the local police and swore out a complaint of child molestation against him. He was forced to drop the custody case. By the time the accusations were proven to be false, it was too late. His life and reputation were ruined. He lost his job, his friends and his visitation rights.
Looks like Chrissie has taken off the gloves. As usual, she’ll do anything to win.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Enlightenment
When the Men’s Group meeting ended, the coffee klatch at the back of the room began. Craig enjoyed this part of the meetings. It was an opportunity not only to share his misery with others but also to learn. He ran into Greg and Lester. Both these guys had been divorced for quite some time. Craig mentioned the plain brown envelope he had received and told them about the newspaper article. They were not the least bit surprised.
“If a guy goes for custody,” Greg said, “he runs the risk of being accused of child abuse. It’s a common tactic these days. Happened to that guy you knew at work, didn’t it, Les?”
Lester agreed. “Yeah, the guy wanted custody for the sake of his kids. Claimed his ex-wife was an unfit mother. It was a real mess. The whole story was in the paper and ruined the poor guy’s life. He had to move away. No accounting firm in the city would have anything to do with him.”
Craig couldn’t believe his ears! Was this the same guy in the article?
“The newspaper article I got is from five years ago,” Craig said. “The man’s ex-wife accused him of molesting their little girl. His name was Johnson I think. The case never went to court.”
“Probably him,” Lester said. “Bob Johnson. He was a good guy and always put his family first. The cops couldn’t find any evidence he was guilty, and the charges were eventually dropped. I still can’t imagine anyone lying like that. His ex-wife is one sorry excuse for a human being.”