The Dragon Lady of Hamilton High

  * * *

  16

  A thousand thoughts, most of them questions, swirled through my mind at that moment. Years of training forced them all into the background. I said nothing but stood watching him, waiting to see how he would respond to my indifference. Observing the first few moments of an opponent’s response can be the difference between life and death in a critical situation. Fusan had once pointed out a spider web to me. We had watched the various insects that were trapped by the sticky fibers. Those who stayed still and took their time were the ones who survived.

  He seemed calm and confident at first glance but as I studied him, I could see the nervous twitch as he tightened his jaw. Diana recovered beside me. She obviously hadn’t been expecting this direct approach. She cleared her throat. My grandfather moved his attention to her. “Good morning, councilor. I see you’re punctual. It seems a shame to waste the court’s time with this matter.”

  Diana shifted beside me. “I don’t believe my client agrees.” There was a slight tremor to her voice and her breathing was still fast but she was attempting a firm pose.

  Mr. Hart shook his head. “Surely you must realize that Erin is ignorant of the situation. Claire wouldn’t have told her the truth. Perhaps she believed her own lie by now. It’s a sad case.”

  I watched my grandfather’s face when my mother’s name was mentioned. There was no flicker of emotion. Didn’t he care that his actions had caused the death of his own daughter? “I actually understand my mother much better now.” I looked at Diana. “You said there was a room?”

  Diana was trembling slightly. She pointed down the hall. “This way.” She moved past the men.

  I gave a final glance at my grandfather and followed her. We entered a small conference room that had an oval table at the center surrounded by several chairs. I shut the door behind us and watch Diana drop her briefcase on the table. She leaned on the polished surface and struggled to breathe. I stood quietly, waiting for her to gather her composure. She took a deep breath and opened her briefcase. I watched her lay the papers out in neat stacks. “If my grandfather didn’t look so much like my mother, I’d wonder if he was even related.”

  She paused. Our eyes met. “You mean the fact that he doesn’t even show remorse about his own daughter’s death?” She refocused on her work. “What kind of man is this guy?”

  I came forward to the table and stared at the pages. “When one is facing an opponent, the most important question to consider is what does he stand to lose or gain?” The questions began assailing me again.

  There was a knock on the door. Diana answered it. Captain Hagen stood there. “May I join you?”

  Diana motioned for him to enter. She glanced down the hall before shutting the door. “Did you find anything that might help us, Al?”

  The captain pulled out a stack of pages. “Here are all the reports from the investigation so far. The private investigator gave a full statement. He’s legit.” He separated some of the pages. “This is what Harmond gave him when he hired him.”

  Diana took the pages. I leaned closer to study them as she paged through them. She shook her head. “This is what he’s basing his entire argument on.” She held up a certificate. “He claims that Erin is actually Teresa Ann Gordon.” She pulled another page from one of her stacks. “But we have Erin’s original birth certificate, signed in ink, with her footprint. That’s been verified. She was born at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. I’ve got a certified confirmation of that on the way.”

  Captain Hagen took the two forms and studied them. “It would be impossible to fake this one with the footprint, especially since Nick confirmed the match.”

  I stood back and watched them go over the papers, listening to their comments, and trying to keep the questions from strangling me. All too soon a man came and told us we were expected in court. I followed Diana out of the room and down the hall.

  My grandfather and Mr. Hart were already standing by a table at the front of the courtroom. There was an older man in a black robe seated at the front and a younger man seated below him at a desk. Officers in uniform stood at all the doors.

  We took our places at the other table across the aisle and the judge looked up. “Ms. Kinslow, Ms. Dawson. Thank you for joining us. Mr. Davis, will you please call the court to order?”

  The younger man stood up. “This session of the Pierce County Family Court is now in session, honorable Judge Adam Hadlock presiding.”

  We sat down. The Judge shuffled through the papers on his desk for a moment before looking up at us. He folded his hands in front of him. “First off, my condolences on the death of Claire Dawson, your mother,” he nodded at me, “And your daughter.” His gaze lingered on my grandfather. “The nature of her death is still under investigation. But that is not why we are here today.” He picked up a piece of paper and studied it. “Mr. Harmond, you have made a petition to the court for guardianship of Erin Dawson, as a minor, but Ms. Dawson has rejected that offer based on conflict of interest. According to the statement filed with the court,” he looked back up at my grandfather, “she believes you are connected to those responsible for her mother’s death.”

  Mr. Hart cleared his throat. “If I may, your honor?” The judge nodded and Mr. Hart stood up. “My client is not the biological grandparent of this young lady. She is not actually Erin Dawson. Her name is Teresa Gordon. Mr. Harmond is here on behalf of her parents, Rachel and Thomas Gordon, because he feels responsible in this matter. His daughter, Claire, kidnapped this young lady from a hospital nursery in Los Angeles when she was less than an hour old. He’s spent considerable funds in attempting to find and safely retrieve this young lady. Unfortunately, Claire Harmond, in her unstable mental condition, has escaped pursuit numerous times, constantly moving around the country. I have provided the full financial record to the court.”

  The judge picked up a document and studied it. He took another stack and looked at me. “Ms. Dawson?” Diana nodded and I stood up. The judge held up a stack of papers. “I believe these are your school transcripts. This is quite a list of schools. Did you and your mother constantly move all over the country?”

  “Yes, we did.”

  He leaned forward slightly. “Did your mother tell you why she was constantly moving you all over the country?”

  I forced the bubble of stillness around myself and let the calm contain me. “Yes, sir. She was being intimidated by strangers who were following us, using my school records to track our movements.”

  I caught the movement from my grandfather out of the corner of my eye. He had shifted slightly in his chair. The judge was focused down at the stacks of papers. He shook his head then looked up. “It seems a matter of perspective depending on who is chasing and who is being followed.”

  Diana stood up beside me and waited for the judge to acknowledge her. He nodded. “It’s also a matter of who is actually right. I have Erin’s legal birth certificate. She was not born in Los Angeles. She was born at Valley Hospital in Las Vegas, Nevada. She was not kidnaped as Mr. Harmond would have the court believe.”

  I noticed Mr. Hart was grinning. That made me nervous. He stood and the judge recognized him. “Our investigation into this forged birth certificate has been presented to the court. This same doctor has a record of such forgeries. We believe that Claire went to Las Vegas from LA and convinced hospital staff that the baby had been born at home. For insurance purposes, the doctor forged the document to claim state medical funds. I’ve included a report of the investigation as well as an extensive report of the investigation into the kidnapping of Teresa Gordon.”

  My stomach tightened. A man came over and handed Diana a stack of papers. She glanced at them and looked up at the judge. “Council for the respondent wishes to know why these documents were withheld in the first place.”

  The judge frowned and looked over at the men. “That is a reasonable question.”

  Mr. Hart lost some of his smugness. He cleared his throat. “Due to
the history of disappearances, we were concerned that if this young lady was made aware of this information, she might decide to run.”

  One of the heaviest questions that had been rolling around in my mind finally surfaced. I stood up and looked at the judge. “May I ask a question, sir?” He nodded. I turned to my grandfather. “If you are not my biological grandparent, then why are you seeking custody of me instead of my parents?”

  The judge’s brows raised slightly. He leaned on his desk and looked at my grandfather. “That is a good question.”

  Mr. Harmond slowly rose. “I have been doing penance for my daughter’s transgression for over seventeen years. I was devastated by what my daughter did to the Gordon’s. I made them a personal promise to do everything in my power to bring their daughter home. They made me a legal guardian to enable me to continue my search for Teresa. They would be here today if it weren’t for Rachel’s serious health condition. She was scheduled for a heart bypass yesterday evening and Thomas wanted to be with her. I promised them I would proceed in their best interest.”

  I listened carefully to the words, not just to what he was saying but how he was saying it. I wondered if he’d been an actor at one time, or at least had lessons. His use of tone and pitch at just the right moments gave an air of drama to his declaration. I watched the expression on the judge’s face. It had obviously worked. His face sagged a little with sympathy. He looked over at me. “I realize you are an unfortunate pawn in this crazy match. Ms. Dawson, you must consider that Claire Harmond would not have told you the truth.”

  So, the emotional play had swayed the judge. I considered all of the variables. Something Max had said clicked. They had been trying to make my mother look crazy but I knew better. I knew her. I glanced over at my grandfather. “My mother must have been very smart to have eluded all of the people you spent your money on to find us for the past seventeen years.” I had purposefully kept my voice soft and level.

  The judge got a strange look on his face. I could see the brief flicker of annoyance from my grandfather. Diana cleared her throat and stood up. “With all due respect, your honor. I believe this issue is resolvable if the court can have a little patience. A DNA test has been requested by the investigators working the case of Claire Dawson’s death. If the Gordon’s wish to supply a certified sample, that will also be considered. Based on the fact that Mr. Harmond is currently under investigation involving a case in the state of California concerning a money laundering charge, I don’t feel he is a proper guardian for Ms. Dawson at this time. I request a full hearing on behalf of my client no earlier than two weeks from the current date to provide time for evidence to be processed. Perhaps by then, at least Mr. Gordon, if he is indeed Erin’s biological father, will be able to join us.”

  Her matter of fact manner calmed me. The judge frowned. “According to the records provided, Ms. Dawson is currently a ward of the state, residing at a state funded institution. She obviously has no funds of her own which means she is also using state funds to pay her retainer fees.”

  Diana scowled. “That doesn’t mean she has any less right to a fair and equal hearing.”

  The judge sighed. “Very well. The date for the trial will be based on the return of findings of the DNA test. Mr. Hart, if you could notify the Gordons that they may provide a state certified DNA analysis.” He stood. “Court is in recess.” He tapped a small wooden hammer on his desk.

  I was studying the emotions on both my grandfather’s and Mr. Hart’s faces. Neither looked happy. That was enough proof for me. I got up and followed Diana from the room. I glanced at my watch. Fourth period would just be beginning at school.

  We went out to Diana’s car. The rain had let up but it felt cold. I pulled up the zipper on my coat. She hadn’t said anything yet. She unlocked the doors and got in. “We need to get you to the hospital so they can do the DNA sample.” Her voice was even.

  I wondered if she was beginning to doubt. I watched the city pass by. “If he had really been after me in the first place, why would he have sent the people he hired to intimidate my mom? She told me a police officer warned the guy in Omaha to stop bugging my mom.”

  Diana pulled into the hospital parking lot. “Do you have any idea who this officer was?”

  “Mom said he was a regular at the diner. I bet her previous boss would know. Her name was April Franks. She ran the Last Drop Diner on Randal Avenue.”

  Diana parked and turned off the car. She made a note of the name. “I have to agree with you. Seventeen years is a long time to hire incompetent people.”

  We got out of the car. “Eleven, actually. We were in New York until then.” I thought about that. “I wonder what changed eleven years ago.”

  We got to the front desk and Diana explained what she needed. We were directed to the lab and the technician took a swab from my mouth.

  Dr. Leski stepped into the room as I was pulling my coat back on. “Erin. I heard you were here. How are you feeling?”

  “At the moment, a little lost. I just hope this will clear everything up. One way or the other. The only thing I know for sure, is that I don’t want to go anywhere with Mr. Harmond. If the Gordons really are my biological parents, then I’ll have to adjust. But I don’t think that’s the case.”

  He looked confused and Diana and I did our best to fill him in. Dr. Leski insisted we eat lunch with him. “I’d rather know you’re eating. The last thing you need is to crash again.”

  By the time we left the hospital, sixth period had already started at school. Diana sighed. “Sorry. More missed classes. I just hope we can resolve this soon so you can get back to some sort of regular schedule.”

  But where would I be? “Could you drop me off at the dojo?”

  “Sure.”

  I was early. Max was in an afternoon class with a group of older people. I had seen several of them at the open house. This class was usually over by the time I got here. I stood in the doorway and watched. They were doing Tai Chi. Everyone in the room was obviously very advanced.

  I backed off and went to change. The group had finished by the time I came out of the locker room. An elderly couple were talking to Max by the classroom door. The man was grinning. “Rose and I will be celebrating our fiftieth wedding anniversary this weekend. We’ve been doing Tai Chi together for over half of those years.”

  Max smiled at him. “Mr. Anderson, you and your wife are so amazing. I would never guess you are both almost seventy. You are in wonderful health.”

  The woman took her husband’s arm. “Dennis keeps me young.” She glanced over at me. “And here is the young lady I was so impressed with this weekend. Your name is Erin, right?”

  I bowed to her. “Yes, ma’am.”

  “I watched your Tai Chi demonstration. You have splendid form for one so young.”

  I felt my cheeks getting warm. “Thank you.” I heard the door open and glanced behind me. Tony was standing in the doorway. Our eyes met and the tension eased out of his body. He gave me a look. I grinned and excused myself.

  Tony hugged me. “Diana called me to let me know what happened. It sounds like court was hell.”

  “Well, he definitely threw us a curve ball. He claims my birth certificate is a forgery and that I’m really someone else. But I don’t believe it. There’s just too much that doesn’t add up with his story.” I glanced at my watch. “Did you run all the way here?”

  He grinned. “I ducked out a little early. It’s part of my image. Have to maintain it, you know. You’ve tamed so much of me.”

  The Anderson’s paused next to us. Rose put a hand on my arm. She winked at me. “This one looks like a keeper.” She chuckled softly and walked out with her husband.

  The quizzical look on Tony’s face was too much. I started to laugh. He crossed his arms. “What was that all about?”

  Max joined us. “Have you decided to take a class? We have several interesting ones tonight.”

  “I don’t know. What is Erin teaching?”
r />   I got myself under control. “I’m afraid you’re too old for any of the classes I teach tonight. Max has a class for older students this evening. I believe it’s an Aikido class.”

  “Yes, and Steven has an Eskrima class with older students as well.”

  Tony put an arm around my shoulder and gave me a hug. “I don’t know what those are. I’m afraid I’ll have to take a rain check. Davy and I have a list to go through. We’ve been trying to figure out how many kids are involved with Professor Marsh’s little enterprise. We have to go through and compare our notes.”

  I saw Steven and Amy coming toward the dojo. “You’d better slip out now. Some of the others know you from other places.” I nodded toward the door.

  Tony looked at Max. “You got her covered, right?”

  Max nodded. “I’ll take her home tonight and pick her up on my way in the morning. She’ll be safe here.”

  “Good.” Tony watched the others come in. He put on a swagger and kissed my neck. “I’ll see you on Monday, girlfriend.” The slur was heavy in his voice. He sauntered out around the surprised couple.

  Linda came up to me. Her expression was obvious shock. “That’s your boyfriend?”

  I didn’t want to explain that to everyone. I looked over at Max. He was grinning. “A diamond in the rough. He calls me a King Cobra trainer.”

  Max laughed. “Well, some believe snakes are related to dragons.”

  Some of my students came in and I excused myself and went to the classroom. My afternoon classes went well. I had a parent stay after my last afternoon class to ask a question and I was late joining the others for dinner. I picked up a plate in the kitchen and turned toward the library. Amy and Yan were talking. Amy mentioned Philip. “I saw him in the hallway today at school. He looks so out of it.”

  Yan frowned. “I can’t believe his parents made him come back already. He’s in my math class. He couldn’t really concentrate on the lesson. I mean, what’s the point?”

  I didn’t really want to go in but Linda noticed me. She motioned to the chair next to her. “I was starting to worry about you.”

  I reluctantly came in and sat down. I dished out some food and quietly began to eat. Yan turned to Ryan and began talking about the Eskrima application they had studied the night before. I finished the food on my plate and took it to the kitchen.

  Max came in and handed me a bottle of water. “Make sure and take that with you.” I stacked my plate and picked up the bottle. Max put his hand on my shoulder. “Do you want to talk about it?”

  I glanced at the others in the library. “I’m not sure I can.” I slipped away from him and went into my classroom.

  Max followed. “I didn’t get a chance to ask you how things went in court.”

  I sat zazen on the mat at the front of the classroom. I did my best to explain the arguments my grandfather had used.

  Max sank down next to me. “What do you believe?”

  I studied his face. It was sincere. “I believe my mother was my mother.” I sighed. “Even if she wasn’t my biological mother, as Mr. Harmond claims, she was always my mother.” I thought about it a moment. “There’s just too much that doesn’t add up in his explanation. He claims he started looking for me right away but we didn’t start moving around until I was six. And there are the men who were intimidating my mom. If I was what they were after, why didn’t they try to grab me?”

  “Both excellent questions. What was the outcome?”

  “Diana told them about the DNA test that Captain Hagen requested. I went to the hospital after court and got my mouth swabbed.” I looked over at Max. “They couldn’t fake a certified DNA test, could they?”

  “I’m afraid I don’t know much about those so I don’t know. I wouldn’t think so.”

  “Diana offered the Gordons, supposedly my family, a chance to submit a certified DNA sample. But what if my grandfather did it for them. Would his DNA be close enough to mine?”

  Some of the students walked in. Max rose. “I don’t know but I have a friend who might. I’ll see if I can get an answer for you.” He greeted the parents and students politely then left the room.

  I got up and watched the students with their parents. Everyone in this class was from the military base so the parents tended to stay and watch the class. The kids started moving toward the mat. I called the class to order.

  Rebecca and Shelly were in my next class. It was women’s self-defense. Shelly brought a shirt to me after we finished the lesson. “Will this work?”

  It was a basic light yellow tee-shirt. “Yes but I don’t know how much time I’ll have tonight. I may have to bring it to school for you on Monday. I have a curfew at the center.”

  She nodded. “I understand. A couple of my friends are there right now. They are sisters. Their parents got into trouble and went to jail.”

  I had no idea why the other kids were there. I hadn’t asked. “I’m sorry for them. That must be hard.”

  The students for my last class began coming in. Robert came up and pointed at the shirt. “Are you going to draw another dragon?”

  I put the shirt down next to my water bottle and remembered to take a drink. “I’ll at least start it after class.”

  Robert turned to one of the other students. “Miss Erin is the best artist ever. She’s so cool!”

  The students all worked very hard and finished a little early. They all begged me to show them how I drew the dragons. I looked over at Shelly. “Is it okay with you?”

  “Absolutely.”

  I went and got my backpack from Max’s office. I set up the shirt and studied Shelly’s face. It was round and slightly plump. She had a warm smile. I could see the dragon in her face. I began to lay out the design. I had the basic shapes laid in by the time Max came in to check on me. I had a sizable audience by then. Many parents had allowed their kids to stay and watch. They had joined the cluster around me.

  Max paused in the doorway. “Maybe I should have you teach a Sumi-e class.”

  Robert looked up. “What kind of martial art is that?”

  I laughed. “One in which the pen really is mightier than the sword.” I showed my progress to Shelly and promised to have it finished by Monday morning. “I come in for breakfast and then usually go to the library to study.”

  “I’ll find you.” She hugged me. “Thanks, Erin.” She went out with Robert and Rebecca.

  I glanced at my watch. “I guess I’d better hurry and change.” I rushed into the locker room.

  Linda and Amy were pulling on their clothes. Linda smiled at me. “Did you get your dragon finished?”

  I pulled on my jeans. “No. I have to get back to the center by eleven or I’ll get in trouble. Shelly goes to my school so I can give it to her on Monday.” I slipped into my shirt.

  Amy grinned. “That is so cool. That dragon looks like he’s wrapped around you.”

  I tucked my gee into my backpack. “I’ll see you tomorrow.” I rushed out the door and just managed to stop before colliding with Yan.

  He frowned. “Steven said you’re going out with Burns. That didn’t take you very long. Philip obviously didn’t mean very much to you anyway.”

  My eyes burned and my throat felt tight. I didn’t trust myself to say anything. I turned and ran toward the door. Max saw me coming. His expression changed. “Erin, what’s wrong?”

  All I could do was shake my head. I pushed out the door of the dojo and turned into the alley where Max parked. I could hear him following. My vision was blurring. I took a couple of shaky breaths.

  A shadow near the car moved. My senses responded without thought. I shouted a warning. A hand reached out and clamped over my face.