Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish chapters 23 & 24 of my novel, RAPE. After reading the chapters, I hope you will comment. As you know, your comments and suggestions influence my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find, the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH STYLE.

          These novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. In fact, Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach Style have been reduced, combined they cost less than a movie. You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY: RAPE

Prosperous executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters who publish stories favoring the actress surround Gary’s home and office. His children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children back to Boston.

A January court date is set. Bail is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going to Boston to live with her parents.

One of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel’s editor helps him find an address for Consuela. She has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Now, Miriam is forcing her to help destroy him.

Carol’s parents make an appointment for her to meet with the family lawyer about a divorce.

Bosley meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a job running his office.

During lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam has too much to drink and thinks about how she advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert strikes a classmate and is suspended.

Gary and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his children.

P.I. Jim Bosley finds an address in San Antonio where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

 

 

CHAPTER 23

 

 

Erica crumpled her cloth napkin and placed it on the table; “Boy that salad hit the spot; how is your cheeseburger?”

Gary looked down at the half-eaten burger; “Excellent, unfortunately I don’t seem to have much of an appetite lately.”

She gave the back of his hand a light pat; “I understand. Listen, I know this is going to kill you, but you promised to let me pick up the tab.”

“Okay, but remind me never to let you do it again.”

He waited patiently as she put the change in her purse and then opened the front door allowing her to step out into the bright sunshine. He reached for her arm and looked up just in time to stare into the lens of a waiting photographer’s camera. Gary stuck his palm in front of the lens preventing the man from taking more.

“What’s your name, Miss?” a reporter called.

He tried telling her not to answer, but she blurted out her name. “Come on guys, give us a break. We were business associates. We’re good friends. We simply met for lunch. Don’t make this into something it’s not.” He tugged on her arm and steered her away, but the reporters followed.

“Hey, Sanders,” one called, “how do you feel about the upcoming trial?”

Gary started to answer, thought better of it, instead urged Erica to move faster. At the corner, she turned right.

He said, “I’ll call you,” before trotting to the lot where he’d parked. “Damn it!” he cursed, slamming a hand against the steering wheel. He shook his head, and thought, it’s my own damn fault for picking a place so near the police station with all those stupid flies buzzing around. I sure hope that picture doesn’t make the front page. With my luck, it will, someone is sure to send it to Carol, and true to form, she’ll assume the worst.

The mid-December sun slipped over the western horizon as Gary parked the Maserati in his garage and began unloading the cartons from his office. He carried them into the house and stacked them against a wall in the guest bedroom. No sense unpacking, he thought, as he carried in the last two boxes, if I sell this place, I’ll only have to repack them. Maybe I ought to start thinking about a storage unit.

With a large plastic lawn bag in hand he put on his work gloves and walked out the front door to begin cleaning up the garbage that someone had dumped on the front lawn. I’ll bet they know exactly what time the cops leave. Maybe I ought to get one of those surveillance cameras and catch them in the act. Ah! What good will that do? I need to sell this place.

While working at the office he had called Ned Staudt, the realtor. Ned reminded him that he had only had the listing for a day and that Gary had opted not to put a ‘For Sale’ sign on the front lawn. Gary had argued that the only ones it attracted were nosy neighbors wanting to know his asking price, and others who wanted a tour of the property. He hadn’t mentioned the Standards Committee or those who wanted to see where the alleged rapist lived.

Staudt had said; “I understand your feelings, but we do find that a lot of people drive around and when they see a desirable house for sale they call a real estate office. A sign gives them a convenient number to call. There is an old saying: ‘It Pays to Advertise’. And don’t forget, we’re at the height of the season. There’s no better time to list the property, a number of our winter visitors use this time to shop. They’re looking for an upscale home in a prestige community like Palm Beach.”

He relented and Staudt said, “Excellent, I’ll come by tomorrow and put up one of our attractive signs. By the way, I may have a firm interested in subleasing your office space. I’ll let you know in the next day or two.”

“Thanks Ned, I really appreciate that. I’d hate to pay another month on that space. The sooner I get out from under that lease the better.”

After cleaning up the garbage on the lawn, he felt better about letting Staudt talk him into the sign. Got to sell and move on, he decided. He glanced at his new Timex, six-o-clock, time for the news. Gary entered the kitchen, turned on the small Television set, and watched as he made himself a ham and cheese sandwich to go with the cold bottle of beer he found in the refrigerator. He breathed a sigh of relief when the local news ended without a single mention of his case. The absence of news reminded him that he hadn’t heard any news from the man now wearing his Rolex. He reached for his cell and speed dialed Flaherty’s number; “Hi Joe, it’s Gary, just thought I’d give you a call to see how things were going.”

 

“I’m glad you did, I had planned on calling you in a bit to let you know that my investigator is on his way to Texas to follow-up on a lead. There may have been an eye- witness to your visit after all. My investigator tells me that Julia fired a maid right after the incident. We think she may have seen something and that’s why they fired her. He has tracked her to the Lone Star State. My investigator will call me in a day or two.”

“Gee, Joe, that sounds terrific.”

 “Yes, Laddie, this may be the break we’ve been hoping for. Now whatever you do, don’t breathe a word of this to anyone, not even your wife. Speaking of yer woman, how are things between you.”

“To be honest, Joe, I’m not real sure. She took the kids to stay with her folks up in Boston. She says that she’ll come back for the trial, but my son, Robert is having some emotional problems.”

“I’m sorry to hear about the boy’s problem.”

“Thanks; Carol is going to take him to see a psychologist.”

“And how are you getting along?”

“Okay, I guess. I just cleaned out my office. I have a real estate agent trying to find someone to sublease the space and I put the house up for sale. With my primary source of income gone, my expenses are devouring my available cash. Any chance you’re interested in re-locating your office?”

“I’m afraid not. In my kind of practice it’s best to be near the courthouse, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for any prospects. Now Gary, listen carefully; I understand that this trial is nasty business, but you hang in there! If my investigator finds this witness and she has the evidence we need maybe we’ll get the case thrown out. That’ll help to put things right with Carol, but like I said, mum’s the word until I give you the okay.”

“You have my word on it, Joe.”

 

CHAPTER 24

 

 

 

 

Gary snapped the lid of his cell phone shut and thought, that Flaherty, he must think I’m a child, telling me not once but twice, with whom I can discuss my situation. We both know my marriage is shaky. If that detective finds a witness to clear me, Carol will have to come back. I’ll have my family back again. I’ll get my contracts back and maybe even some of my clients. I can reopen my agency and give Carol the kind of life we had before all this happened. The heck with Flaherty, it’s my family and my future; he told himself as he reached for the phone.

 

 

The big grandfather clock in the vestibule struck seven as Carol put down her tee-cup, blotted her lips with the linen, dinner napkin from her lap and looked into her father’s expectant eyes. She knew the poor dear felt compelled to bring up the subject but she really didn’t want to get into the whole divorce filing debacle right now. Robert’s recent behavior weighed heavily on her mind.

Jenny Howe must have guessed her mind-set because she asked, “Carol dear, how is Robert reacting to his suspension?”

“I don’t believe it’s registered yet. Maybe it will tomorrow when Janet goes to school and he stays here. I’d hoped that his conversation with his father might make a positive impression, maybe it will, it’s too soon to tell.”

Randolph put his napkin on the table, rose from his chair, and suggested that they adjourn to the living room. Once the women settled into comfortable chairs and he poured everyone a little after dinner anisette, he raised his glass and said, “To better days!”

“I’ll certainly drink to that,” Carol said. “This has been a day I’d like to rip from the calendar.

 Jenny Howe stared at her daughter, “Yes, I’m sure it’s been stressful. Are you going to schedule an appointment with one of those child behavior experts?”

“Yes, Mother, as soon as possible. I doubt they’ll let him back in school if he doesn’t see one. It’s what’s best for Robert.”

“I suppose so, Dear. You know I never interfere, but I have to say, Carol, that under the circumstances, I don’t think it’s good for our grandson to have these contacts with his father. I know you thought it necessary, but I shouldn’t encourage that if I were you. The sooner he makes the emotional break with Gary, the sooner he’ll get over the anger he’s expressing. I don’t care what any of these people with their fancy degrees and titles may say; I’m convinced that it’s all about the betrayal he feels at his father’s behavior. He’s learned that his father is made of clay and it makes him angry.”

“You may be right, Mother. I just don’t know. I’ll have to discuss that with the psychologist. Robert always worshiped his father. I don’t see how, in good conscience, I can keep Gary from talking to his son?”

“Perhaps by getting a divorce, her father said, as he put down his empty glass. A divorce decree usually spells out each parent’s rightful contacts with their children. And while we’re on that subject, what did you tell Henry Castle today?”

Oh God, Carol thought, I just knew he’d find a way to bring the conversation around to that. She put down her cordial glass; “Henry seems very nice, I liked him and I feel he is competent to represent me, if and when I’m ready to proceed, but I haven’t decided when that will be. And really, Father, I won’t be rushed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to look in on my children.”

“Yes of course,” her mother replied.

Once upstairs, she knocked and then opened Janet’s door. She found her daughter reading a history book. She looked up; “Mother, did you know that the battle of Bunker Hill took place right here in Boston?”

“Yes dear, and if you like we can go to Bunker and Breed’s Hill this weekend and see right where it took place.”

“I thought we won the battle but according to this book, the British won.”

“Yes, Janet, technically that’s true, but for the first time they learned that colonists were serious about fighting for their liberty,” she said as her cell phone rang. She recognized his voice right away, asked him to hold while she went to her own bedroom where she closed the door.

“Gary—what’s going on?”

“I’ve got some great news, for a change. The private investigator my lawyer uses has reported that there may have been a witness to my visit at Julia Walsh’s home after all. Right now, he’s trying to locate her. If she saw what happened she might be able to clear me.

“Gee, that’s great news, Gary. When will you know?”

“It’ll probably take a couple of days. Listen Hon, Flaherty wants to keep this real quiet until we’re sure she can help, so don’t say anything to the kids or your folks just yet. I don’t want to get their hopes up until we’re sure. Okay?”

“Yes, I suppose so. I guess it’ll keep for a couple of days, but I think it’s exactly the medicine we need to correct Robert’s thinking and snap him out of the state he’s in.”

“Has he calmed down yet?”

“He’s okay for now. Tomorrow I’ll call around for a good child psychologist.”

“And what about Janet; how’s she doing?”

“She’s fine. She’s in her room studying American history.”

“Let me talk to them?”

“Gary, I don’t think that’s a very good idea right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, at the moment, Janet is okay, she’s settling into a new school but she is angry with you for causing her to give up her home and her friends. And you spoke to Robert earlier today so you know about his behavior and his hostile attitude.”

“Come on, Carol, let me talk with Robert.”

“Oh, okay. Hold on, I’ll get him.”

She left the phone on her bed and walked out into the hallway, counted to fifty and returned. “Gary, he says he doesn’t want to talk to you; give him some time, he’ll come around. Don’t worry; I have things under control. I can deal with him.” She hung up, as she did so, she thought; Well Mother, I hope you’re happy. I just lied to my husband and deliberately kept him from talking with his own children.

 

 

Gary heard the buzzing sound from the broken connection and thought; I don’t get it. Robert talked to me this afternoon. What the heck just happened? I call with good news and . . . damn it, now that I think about it; Carol sure didn’t seem excited about the witness. Is it possible she’d rather I not be cleared? Maybe she’d like to see me go to jail. Yeah, that will make it easier for her to get custody. Why didn’t I follow Joe’s advice? Yeah, I never learn, I never know when to keep my big trap shut.

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish chapters 23 & 24 of my novel, RAPE. After reading the chapters, I hope you will comment. As you know, your comments and suggestions influence my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find, the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH STYLE.

          These novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. In fact, Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach Style have been reduced, combined they cost less than a movie. You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY: RAPE

Prosperous executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters who publish stories favoring the actress surround Gary’s home and office. His children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children back to Boston.

A January court date is set. Bail is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going to Boston to live with her parents.

One of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel’s editor helps him find an address for Consuela. She has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Now, Miriam is forcing her to help destroy him.

Carol’s parents make an appointment for her to meet with the family lawyer about a divorce.

Bosley meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a job running his office.

During lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam has too much to drink and thinks about how she advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert strikes a classmate and is suspended.

Gary and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his children.

P.I. Jim Bosley finds an address in San Antonio where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

 

 

CHAPTER 23

 

 

Erica crumpled her cloth napkin and placed it on the table; “Boy that salad hit the spot; how is your cheeseburger?”

Gary looked down at the half-eaten burger; “Excellent, unfortunately I don’t seem to have much of an appetite lately.”

She gave the back of his hand a light pat; “I understand. Listen, I know this is going to kill you, but you promised to let me pick up the tab.”

“Okay, but remind me never to let you do it again.”

He waited patiently as she put the change in her purse and then opened the front door allowing her to step out into the bright sunshine. He reached for her arm and looked up just in time to stare into the lens of a waiting photographer’s camera. Gary stuck his palm in front of the lens preventing the man from taking more.

“What’s your name, Miss?” a reporter called.

He tried telling her not to answer, but she blurted out her name. “Come on guys, give us a break. We were business associates. We’re good friends. We simply met for lunch. Don’t make this into something it’s not.” He tugged on her arm and steered her away, but the reporters followed.

“Hey, Sanders,” one called, “how do you feel about the upcoming trial?”

Gary started to answer, thought better of it, instead urged Erica to move faster. At the corner, she turned right.

He said, “I’ll call you,” before trotting to the lot where he’d parked. “Damn it!” he cursed, slamming a hand against the steering wheel. He shook his head, and thought, it’s my own damn fault for picking a place so near the police station with all those stupid flies buzzing around. I sure hope that picture doesn’t make the front page. With my luck, it will, someone is sure to send it to Carol, and true to form, she’ll assume the worst.

The mid-December sun slipped over the western horizon as Gary parked the Maserati in his garage and began unloading the cartons from his office. He carried them into the house and stacked them against a wall in the guest bedroom. No sense unpacking, he thought, as he carried in the last two boxes, if I sell this place, I’ll only have to repack them. Maybe I ought to start thinking about a storage unit.

With a large plastic lawn bag in hand he put on his work gloves and walked out the front door to begin cleaning up the garbage that someone had dumped on the front lawn. I’ll bet they know exactly what time the cops leave. Maybe I ought to get one of those surveillance cameras and catch them in the act. Ah! What good will that do? I need to sell this place.

While working at the office he had called Ned Staudt, the realtor. Ned reminded him that he had only had the listing for a day and that Gary had opted not to put a ‘For Sale’ sign on the front lawn. Gary had argued that the only ones it attracted were nosy neighbors wanting to know his asking price, and others who wanted a tour of the property. He hadn’t mentioned the Standards Committee or those who wanted to see where the alleged rapist lived.

Staudt had said; “I understand your feelings, but we do find that a lot of people drive around and when they see a desirable house for sale they call a real estate office. A sign gives them a convenient number to call. There is an old saying: ‘It Pays to Advertise’. And don’t forget, we’re at the height of the season. There’s no better time to list the property, a number of our winter visitors use this time to shop. They’re looking for an upscale home in a prestige community like Palm Beach.”

He relented and Staudt said, “Excellent, I’ll come by tomorrow and put up one of our attractive signs. By the way, I may have a firm interested in subleasing your office space. I’ll let you know in the next day or two.”

“Thanks Ned, I really appreciate that. I’d hate to pay another month on that space. The sooner I get out from under that lease the better.”

After cleaning up the garbage on the lawn, he felt better about letting Staudt talk him into the sign. Got to sell and move on, he decided. He glanced at his new Timex, six-o-clock, time for the news. Gary entered the kitchen, turned on the small Television set, and watched as he made himself a ham and cheese sandwich to go with the cold bottle of beer he found in the refrigerator. He breathed a sigh of relief when the local news ended without a single mention of his case. The absence of news reminded him that he hadn’t heard any news from the man now wearing his Rolex. He reached for his cell and speed dialed Flaherty’s number; “Hi Joe, it’s Gary, just thought I’d give you a call to see how things were going.”

 

“I’m glad you did, I had planned on calling you in a bit to let you know that my investigator is on his way to Texas to follow-up on a lead. There may have been an eye- witness to your visit after all. My investigator tells me that Julia fired a maid right after the incident. We think she may have seen something and that’s why they fired her. He has tracked her to the Lone Star State. My investigator will call me in a day or two.”

“Gee, Joe, that sounds terrific.”

 “Yes, Laddie, this may be the break we’ve been hoping for. Now whatever you do, don’t breathe a word of this to anyone, not even your wife. Speaking of yer woman, how are things between you.”

“To be honest, Joe, I’m not real sure. She took the kids to stay with her folks up in Boston. She says that she’ll come back for the trial, but my son, Robert is having some emotional problems.”

“I’m sorry to hear about the boy’s problem.”

“Thanks; Carol is going to take him to see a psychologist.”

“And how are you getting along?”

“Okay, I guess. I just cleaned out my office. I have a real estate agent trying to find someone to sublease the space and I put the house up for sale. With my primary source of income gone, my expenses are devouring my available cash. Any chance you’re interested in re-locating your office?”

“I’m afraid not. In my kind of practice it’s best to be near the courthouse, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for any prospects. Now Gary, listen carefully; I understand that this trial is nasty business, but you hang in there! If my investigator finds this witness and she has the evidence we need maybe we’ll get the case thrown out. That’ll help to put things right with Carol, but like I said, mum’s the word until I give you the okay.”

“You have my word on it, Joe.”

 

CHAPTER 24

 

 

 

 

Gary snapped the lid of his cell phone shut and thought, that Flaherty, he must think I’m a child, telling me not once but twice, with whom I can discuss my situation. We both know my marriage is shaky. If that detective finds a witness to clear me, Carol will have to come back. I’ll have my family back again. I’ll get my contracts back and maybe even some of my clients. I can reopen my agency and give Carol the kind of life we had before all this happened. The heck with Flaherty, it’s my family and my future; he told himself as he reached for the phone.

 

 

The big grandfather clock in the vestibule struck seven as Carol put down her tee-cup, blotted her lips with the linen, dinner napkin from her lap and looked into her father’s expectant eyes. She knew the poor dear felt compelled to bring up the subject but she really didn’t want to get into the whole divorce filing debacle right now. Robert’s recent behavior weighed heavily on her mind.

Jenny Howe must have guessed her mind-set because she asked, “Carol dear, how is Robert reacting to his suspension?”

“I don’t believe it’s registered yet. Maybe it will tomorrow when Janet goes to school and he stays here. I’d hoped that his conversation with his father might make a positive impression, maybe it will, it’s too soon to tell.”

Randolph put his napkin on the table, rose from his chair, and suggested that they adjourn to the living room. Once the women settled into comfortable chairs and he poured everyone a little after dinner anisette, he raised his glass and said, “To better days!”

“I’ll certainly drink to that,” Carol said. “This has been a day I’d like to rip from the calendar.

 Jenny Howe stared at her daughter, “Yes, I’m sure it’s been stressful. Are you going to schedule an appointment with one of those child behavior experts?”

“Yes, Mother, as soon as possible. I doubt they’ll let him back in school if he doesn’t see one. It’s what’s best for Robert.”

“I suppose so, Dear. You know I never interfere, but I have to say, Carol, that under the circumstances, I don’t think it’s good for our grandson to have these contacts with his father. I know you thought it necessary, but I shouldn’t encourage that if I were you. The sooner he makes the emotional break with Gary, the sooner he’ll get over the anger he’s expressing. I don’t care what any of these people with their fancy degrees and titles may say; I’m convinced that it’s all about the betrayal he feels at his father’s behavior. He’s learned that his father is made of clay and it makes him angry.”

“You may be right, Mother. I just don’t know. I’ll have to discuss that with the psychologist. Robert always worshiped his father. I don’t see how, in good conscience, I can keep Gary from talking to his son?”

“Perhaps by getting a divorce, her father said, as he put down his empty glass. A divorce decree usually spells out each parent’s rightful contacts with their children. And while we’re on that subject, what did you tell Henry Castle today?”

Oh God, Carol thought, I just knew he’d find a way to bring the conversation around to that. She put down her cordial glass; “Henry seems very nice, I liked him and I feel he is competent to represent me, if and when I’m ready to proceed, but I haven’t decided when that will be. And really, Father, I won’t be rushed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to look in on my children.”

“Yes of course,” her mother replied.

Once upstairs, she knocked and then opened Janet’s door. She found her daughter reading a history book. She looked up; “Mother, did you know that the battle of Bunker Hill took place right here in Boston?”

“Yes dear, and if you like we can go to Bunker and Breed’s Hill this weekend and see right where it took place.”

“I thought we won the battle but according to this book, the British won.”

“Yes, Janet, technically that’s true, but for the first time they learned that colonists were serious about fighting for their liberty,” she said as her cell phone rang. She recognized his voice right away, asked him to hold while she went to her own bedroom where she closed the door.

“Gary—what’s going on?”

“I’ve got some great news, for a change. The private investigator my lawyer uses has reported that there may have been a witness to my visit at Julia Walsh’s home after all. Right now, he’s trying to locate her. If she saw what happened she might be able to clear me.

“Gee, that’s great news, Gary. When will you know?”

“It’ll probably take a couple of days. Listen Hon, Flaherty wants to keep this real quiet until we’re sure she can help, so don’t say anything to the kids or your folks just yet. I don’t want to get their hopes up until we’re sure. Okay?”

“Yes, I suppose so. I guess it’ll keep for a couple of days, but I think it’s exactly the medicine we need to correct Robert’s thinking and snap him out of the state he’s in.”

“Has he calmed down yet?”

“He’s okay for now. Tomorrow I’ll call around for a good child psychologist.”

“And what about Janet; how’s she doing?”

“She’s fine. She’s in her room studying American history.”

“Let me talk to them?”

“Gary, I don’t think that’s a very good idea right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, at the moment, Janet is okay, she’s settling into a new school but she is angry with you for causing her to give up her home and her friends. And you spoke to Robert earlier today so you know about his behavior and his hostile attitude.”

“Come on, Carol, let me talk with Robert.”

“Oh, okay. Hold on, I’ll get him.”

She left the phone on her bed and walked out into the hallway, counted to fifty and returned. “Gary, he says he doesn’t want to talk to you; give him some time, he’ll come around. Don’t worry; I have things under control. I can deal with him.” She hung up, as she did so, she thought; Well Mother, I hope you’re happy. I just lied to my husband and deliberately kept him from talking with his own children.

 

 

Gary heard the buzzing sound from the broken connection and thought; I don’t get it. Robert talked to me this afternoon. What the heck just happened? I call with good news and . . . damn it, now that I think about it; Carol sure didn’t seem excited about the witness. Is it possible she’d rather I not be cleared? Maybe she’d like to see me go to jail. Yeah, that will make it easier for her to get custody. Why didn’t I follow Joe’s advice? Yeah, I never learn, I never know when to keep my big trap shut.

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish chapters 23 & 24 of my novel, RAPE. After reading the chapters, I hope you will comment. As you know, your comments and suggestions influence my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find, the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH STYLE.

          These novels deliver hours of reading pleasure. In fact, Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach Style have been reduced, combined they cost less than a movie. You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY: RAPE

Prosperous executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters who publish stories favoring the actress surround Gary’s home and office. His children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children back to Boston.

A January court date is set. Bail is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going to Boston to live with her parents.

One of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel’s editor helps him find an address for Consuela. She has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Now, Miriam is forcing her to help destroy him.

Carol’s parents make an appointment for her to meet with the family lawyer about a divorce.

Bosley meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a job running his office.

During lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam has too much to drink and thinks about how she advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert strikes a classmate and is suspended.

Gary and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his children.

P.I. Jim Bosley finds an address in San Antonio where Miriam West’s maid may be staying.

 

 

CHAPTER 23

 

 

Erica crumpled her cloth napkin and placed it on the table; “Boy that salad hit the spot; how is your cheeseburger?”

Gary looked down at the half-eaten burger; “Excellent, unfortunately I don’t seem to have much of an appetite lately.”

She gave the back of his hand a light pat; “I understand. Listen, I know this is going to kill you, but you promised to let me pick up the tab.”

“Okay, but remind me never to let you do it again.”

He waited patiently as she put the change in her purse and then opened the front door allowing her to step out into the bright sunshine. He reached for her arm and looked up just in time to stare into the lens of a waiting photographer’s camera. Gary stuck his palm in front of the lens preventing the man from taking more.

“What’s your name, Miss?” a reporter called.

He tried telling her not to answer, but she blurted out her name. “Come on guys, give us a break. We were business associates. We’re good friends. We simply met for lunch. Don’t make this into something it’s not.” He tugged on her arm and steered her away, but the reporters followed.

“Hey, Sanders,” one called, “how do you feel about the upcoming trial?”

Gary started to answer, thought better of it, instead urged Erica to move faster. At the corner, she turned right.

He said, “I’ll call you,” before trotting to the lot where he’d parked. “Damn it!” he cursed, slamming a hand against the steering wheel. He shook his head, and thought, it’s my own damn fault for picking a place so near the police station with all those stupid flies buzzing around. I sure hope that picture doesn’t make the front page. With my luck, it will, someone is sure to send it to Carol, and true to form, she’ll assume the worst.

The mid-December sun slipped over the western horizon as Gary parked the Maserati in his garage and began unloading the cartons from his office. He carried them into the house and stacked them against a wall in the guest bedroom. No sense unpacking, he thought, as he carried in the last two boxes, if I sell this place, I’ll only have to repack them. Maybe I ought to start thinking about a storage unit.

With a large plastic lawn bag in hand he put on his work gloves and walked out the front door to begin cleaning up the garbage that someone had dumped on the front lawn. I’ll bet they know exactly what time the cops leave. Maybe I ought to get one of those surveillance cameras and catch them in the act. Ah! What good will that do? I need to sell this place.

While working at the office he had called Ned Staudt, the realtor. Ned reminded him that he had only had the listing for a day and that Gary had opted not to put a ‘For Sale’ sign on the front lawn. Gary had argued that the only ones it attracted were nosy neighbors wanting to know his asking price, and others who wanted a tour of the property. He hadn’t mentioned the Standards Committee or those who wanted to see where the alleged rapist lived.

Staudt had said; “I understand your feelings, but we do find that a lot of people drive around and when they see a desirable house for sale they call a real estate office. A sign gives them a convenient number to call. There is an old saying: ‘It Pays to Advertise’. And don’t forget, we’re at the height of the season. There’s no better time to list the property, a number of our winter visitors use this time to shop. They’re looking for an upscale home in a prestige community like Palm Beach.”

He relented and Staudt said, “Excellent, I’ll come by tomorrow and put up one of our attractive signs. By the way, I may have a firm interested in subleasing your office space. I’ll let you know in the next day or two.”

“Thanks Ned, I really appreciate that. I’d hate to pay another month on that space. The sooner I get out from under that lease the better.”

After cleaning up the garbage on the lawn, he felt better about letting Staudt talk him into the sign. Got to sell and move on, he decided. He glanced at his new Timex, six-o-clock, time for the news. Gary entered the kitchen, turned on the small Television set, and watched as he made himself a ham and cheese sandwich to go with the cold bottle of beer he found in the refrigerator. He breathed a sigh of relief when the local news ended without a single mention of his case. The absence of news reminded him that he hadn’t heard any news from the man now wearing his Rolex. He reached for his cell and speed dialed Flaherty’s number; “Hi Joe, it’s Gary, just thought I’d give you a call to see how things were going.”

 

“I’m glad you did, I had planned on calling you in a bit to let you know that my investigator is on his way to Texas to follow-up on a lead. There may have been an eye- witness to your visit after all. My investigator tells me that Julia fired a maid right after the incident. We think she may have seen something and that’s why they fired her. He has tracked her to the Lone Star State. My investigator will call me in a day or two.”

“Gee, Joe, that sounds terrific.”

 “Yes, Laddie, this may be the break we’ve been hoping for. Now whatever you do, don’t breathe a word of this to anyone, not even your wife. Speaking of yer woman, how are things between you.”

“To be honest, Joe, I’m not real sure. She took the kids to stay with her folks up in Boston. She says that she’ll come back for the trial, but my son, Robert is having some emotional problems.”

“I’m sorry to hear about the boy’s problem.”

“Thanks; Carol is going to take him to see a psychologist.”

“And how are you getting along?”

“Okay, I guess. I just cleaned out my office. I have a real estate agent trying to find someone to sublease the space and I put the house up for sale. With my primary source of income gone, my expenses are devouring my available cash. Any chance you’re interested in re-locating your office?”

“I’m afraid not. In my kind of practice it’s best to be near the courthouse, but I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for any prospects. Now Gary, listen carefully; I understand that this trial is nasty business, but you hang in there! If my investigator finds this witness and she has the evidence we need maybe we’ll get the case thrown out. That’ll help to put things right with Carol, but like I said, mum’s the word until I give you the okay.”

“You have my word on it, Joe.”

 

CHAPTER 24

 

 

 

 

Gary snapped the lid of his cell phone shut and thought, that Flaherty, he must think I’m a child, telling me not once but twice, with whom I can discuss my situation. We both know my marriage is shaky. If that detective finds a witness to clear me, Carol will have to come back. I’ll have my family back again. I’ll get my contracts back and maybe even some of my clients. I can reopen my agency and give Carol the kind of life we had before all this happened. The heck with Flaherty, it’s my family and my future; he told himself as he reached for the phone.

 

 

The big grandfather clock in the vestibule struck seven as Carol put down her tee-cup, blotted her lips with the linen, dinner napkin from her lap and looked into her father’s expectant eyes. She knew the poor dear felt compelled to bring up the subject but she really didn’t want to get into the whole divorce filing debacle right now. Robert’s recent behavior weighed heavily on her mind.

Jenny Howe must have guessed her mind-set because she asked, “Carol dear, how is Robert reacting to his suspension?”

“I don’t believe it’s registered yet. Maybe it will tomorrow when Janet goes to school and he stays here. I’d hoped that his conversation with his father might make a positive impression, maybe it will, it’s too soon to tell.”

Randolph put his napkin on the table, rose from his chair, and suggested that they adjourn to the living room. Once the women settled into comfortable chairs and he poured everyone a little after dinner anisette, he raised his glass and said, “To better days!”

“I’ll certainly drink to that,” Carol said. “This has been a day I’d like to rip from the calendar.

 Jenny Howe stared at her daughter, “Yes, I’m sure it’s been stressful. Are you going to schedule an appointment with one of those child behavior experts?”

“Yes, Mother, as soon as possible. I doubt they’ll let him back in school if he doesn’t see one. It’s what’s best for Robert.”

“I suppose so, Dear. You know I never interfere, but I have to say, Carol, that under the circumstances, I don’t think it’s good for our grandson to have these contacts with his father. I know you thought it necessary, but I shouldn’t encourage that if I were you. The sooner he makes the emotional break with Gary, the sooner he’ll get over the anger he’s expressing. I don’t care what any of these people with their fancy degrees and titles may say; I’m convinced that it’s all about the betrayal he feels at his father’s behavior. He’s learned that his father is made of clay and it makes him angry.”

“You may be right, Mother. I just don’t know. I’ll have to discuss that with the psychologist. Robert always worshiped his father. I don’t see how, in good conscience, I can keep Gary from talking to his son?”

“Perhaps by getting a divorce, her father said, as he put down his empty glass. A divorce decree usually spells out each parent’s rightful contacts with their children. And while we’re on that subject, what did you tell Henry Castle today?”

Oh God, Carol thought, I just knew he’d find a way to bring the conversation around to that. She put down her cordial glass; “Henry seems very nice, I liked him and I feel he is competent to represent me, if and when I’m ready to proceed, but I haven’t decided when that will be. And really, Father, I won’t be rushed. Now if you’ll excuse me, I want to look in on my children.”

“Yes of course,” her mother replied.

Once upstairs, she knocked and then opened Janet’s door. She found her daughter reading a history book. She looked up; “Mother, did you know that the battle of Bunker Hill took place right here in Boston?”

“Yes dear, and if you like we can go to Bunker and Breed’s Hill this weekend and see right where it took place.”

“I thought we won the battle but according to this book, the British won.”

“Yes, Janet, technically that’s true, but for the first time they learned that colonists were serious about fighting for their liberty,” she said as her cell phone rang. She recognized his voice right away, asked him to hold while she went to her own bedroom where she closed the door.

“Gary—what’s going on?”

“I’ve got some great news, for a change. The private investigator my lawyer uses has reported that there may have been a witness to my visit at Julia Walsh’s home after all. Right now, he’s trying to locate her. If she saw what happened she might be able to clear me.

“Gee, that’s great news, Gary. When will you know?”

“It’ll probably take a couple of days. Listen Hon, Flaherty wants to keep this real quiet until we’re sure she can help, so don’t say anything to the kids or your folks just yet. I don’t want to get their hopes up until we’re sure. Okay?”

“Yes, I suppose so. I guess it’ll keep for a couple of days, but I think it’s exactly the medicine we need to correct Robert’s thinking and snap him out of the state he’s in.”

“Has he calmed down yet?”

“He’s okay for now. Tomorrow I’ll call around for a good child psychologist.”

“And what about Janet; how’s she doing?”

“She’s fine. She’s in her room studying American history.”

“Let me talk to them?”

“Gary, I don’t think that’s a very good idea right now.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, at the moment, Janet is okay, she’s settling into a new school but she is angry with you for causing her to give up her home and her friends. And you spoke to Robert earlier today so you know about his behavior and his hostile attitude.”

“Come on, Carol, let me talk with Robert.”

“Oh, okay. Hold on, I’ll get him.”

She left the phone on her bed and walked out into the hallway, counted to fifty and returned. “Gary, he says he doesn’t want to talk to you; give him some time, he’ll come around. Don’t worry; I have things under control. I can deal with him.” She hung up, as she did so, she thought; Well Mother, I hope you’re happy. I just lied to my husband and deliberately kept him from talking with his own children.

 

 

Gary heard the buzzing sound from the broken connection and thought; I don’t get it. Robert talked to me this afternoon. What the heck just happened? I call with good news and . . . damn it, now that I think about it; Carol sure didn’t seem excited about the witness. Is it possible she’d rather I not be cleared? Maybe she’d like to see me go to jail. Yeah, that will make it easier for her to get custody. Why didn’t I follow Joe’s advice? Yeah, I never learn, I never know when to keep my big trap shut.

 

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish chapter 22 of my novel, RAPE. After reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. As you know, your comments and suggestions influence my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find, the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH STYLE.

          These novels deliver hours of reading pleasure and are modestly priced. In fact, Path to a Pardon & Palm Beach Style have been reduced in price. You can now purchase two books for what it once cost to read just one.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous chapter(s) are archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY: RAPE

Prosperous executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters who publish stories favoring the actress surround Gary’s home and office. His children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children back to Boston.

A January court date is set. Bail is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going to Boston to live with her parents.

One of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

Private Investigator, Bosley, learns of Consuela Arista’s termination following Gary’s visit. Reporter, Miguel Gonzales, is already looking for her.

Miguel’s editor helps him find an address for Consuela. She has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Now, Miriam is forcing her to help destroy him.

Carol’s parents make an appointment for her to meet with the family lawyer about a divorce.

Bosley meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a job running his office.

During lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam has too much to drink and thinks about how she advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol consults an attorney about a divorce. Robert strikes a classmate and is suspended.

Gary and his ex-secretary, Erica meet for lunch at Hamburger Heaven, where she tells him that she believes in him and he should do whatever he must to keep his children.

 

 

CHAPTER 22

 

 

 

 

 

For the first time in years, Jim Bosley looked around his little two-room office and acknowledged the shabbiness of its used, sagging reception-room furniture, the harsh light emitting fluorescent tubes, and the dusty look created by its lack of regular cleaning. Most of all, it forced him to realize how lonely he felt.

He’d been working alone ever since he left robbery-homicide. At first, he had enjoyed the feeling of not having to answer to anyone and over the years, he stayed motivated and busy, primarily because lawyers like Flaherty in West Palm and Lindstrom in Fort Lauderdale and Powell in Miami provided the clients and the deadlines to meet. He’d been well paid for his services, not that he needed the dough. He lived alone and he hadn’t overpaid for anything, including his office.

Maybe, he decided it’s time to unlock the vault and fix up the place, get it ready for Connie. This is no atmosphere for her. It’s time to spring for some new carpeting and furniture at least for the outer office where she’ll be greeting clients and spending her days. Having her around will make life more pleasant; take the lonely feeling away.

Would she like one of those fancy, glass-topped desks, or maybe a big L-shaped wood-desk? Hey! This fella, Sanders, he’s trying to rent out his office space. Hm. Wonder what a Palm Beach address might do for my image. He probably has more space than I need, unless of course, I take in an associate or two. Check, Koyle is coming up for retirement. I’ll bet we can pick up a lot of security work in Palm Beach. I think I’ll talk to Flaherty about this, can’t hurt to get his opinion. Maybe get Connie’s ideas too, he thought, putting his feet up on the corner of his beat up, old wood-desk.

With eyes closed, he conjured up a picture of her. He had always liked looking at her, those large, almond shaped blue-grey eyes, the little scar that ran almost straight down from her bottom lip to her chin, a reminder of the time she fell asleep at the wheel of her ancient Rambler and woke up with its steering wheel wrapped around her face. She laughs about that now, he thought, she’s lucky it didn’t kill her. He loved her low throaty laugh. And it didn’t hurt that she had a knockout body, just made for sex, although she had denied him that pleasure ever since they broke up eighteen-months and three days ago.

Bosley opened his eyes, put his feet on the worn carpet, and shook his head, forcing himself to get back to work. He turned on his computer and waited for it to go through its warm-up routine, before opening on the Internet. The P. I. clicked on Google and asked it to find the yellow pages for hotels and motels in the San Antonio area. He telephoned steadily for several hours without locating Miguel Gonzales. Is it possible the reporter registered under an alias? He dismissed the idea. It made no sense; Miguel has no reason to hide, unless of course, he thinks someone like me is following him. Maybe he got to San Antonio and found that Consuela already returned home. That might explain the absence of a hotel room. I had better check on that.

With a reservation secured on the next flight to San Antonio, Bosley drove to Lake Worth to be certain the house on Kirk Road remained empty. He spotted no sign of life when he looked in the window; he knocked hard several times trying to rouse someone, but nothing had changed since his previous visit. He wondered if any of the neighbors had heard from her. Turning away from the front door, he spotted her mailbox. He lifted the lid and spied several envelopes that looked as though they contained bills and a solitary Christmas Card. His eyes lit up as he discovered the return addressee, Mrs. R. Arista in San Antonio. Damn! I don’t know if this is good detective work or just good luck, either way, I feel a lot better about going to Texas now. He pulled out a cell and speed dialed Flaherty’s number.

The lawyer answered on the third ring. “Well it’s about time you called. Have you got good news, Laddie?” 

“Yes and No; According to my sources, Miguel Gonzales left yesterday for San Antonio, I suspect it’s to interview a potential eye-witness to our client’s visit with the West woman.”

“Did he fly or drive?”

 “I don’t know. I haven’t been able to find Miguel but I did locate an address in San Antonio where Miriam West’s personal maid may be staying and I’m flying out tonight. If Miguel is driving, I’ll beat him to the witness.”

“That’s good work, Jim. Listen, I’ve seen that reporter in action. He likes to use a tape recorder. If Miguel happens to get his interview before you get there, he’ll probably have it on tape. It’s not inconceivable that it will contain information detrimental to our client. If so, I don’t want to see it in print. If she can help, bring the witness back here.”

“What if she won’t come?” He heard the Irishman sigh followed by a brief pause while the attorney thought about that possibility.

“I’ll try to get a subpoena. Now listen, Jim, I’m not telling you to do anything to harm a reporter, but failing a taped interview of your own . . .”

“Check! I read you, loud and clear.”

“Have a nice flight.”

      

RAPE-Serialized version

 

Hi Everyone:

I am pleased to publish chapter 21 of my novel, RAPE. After reading the chapter, I hope you will comment. As you know, your comments and suggestions influence my revision. If you missed any of the previous chapters, check the archives.

          I encourage you to visit my website:  joshswritingroom.com/ where you will find, the current short story.

You can also check out my e-published novels. If you find one to your liking, you can purchase it from Amazon.com, or from Barnes and Noble. You’ll find links on the website taking you right to it.

PATH TO A PARDON,

THE EINDHOVEN STRATEGY,

& PALM BEACH STYLE.

          All three novels were written to deliver hours of reading pleasure and are modestly priced.

 

As I publish each new chapter, the previous chapter(s) should be archived, so you can easily catch up. For those who prefer, here is an encapsulated version of the previous action:

 

PREVIOUSLY: RAPE

Prosperous executive, Gary Sanders, has an appointment at the home of Julia Walsh, the reigning Empress of Palm Beach. Julia’s niece, Oscar winning actress, Miriam West, is visiting and has jewelry to insure.

Miriam accuses Gary of assault and rape. Chief Moore shows Gary a close-up of her facial cuts and bruises. They await the lab report.

Gary’s wife, Carol is furious. She moves him into the guest room.

Reporters who publish stories favoring the actress surround Gary’s home and office. His children are harassed at school and Gary loses his clients and his major companies. Neighbors and friends shun Gary and his family.

Gary’s lawyer, Joe Flaherty sends P.I. Jim Bosley to investigate, and then visits Carol. He finds her parents have arrived and plan to take her and the children back to Boston.

A January court date is set. Bail is set. Carol tells Gary that she and the children are going to Boston to live with her parents.

One of Miriam West’s fans assaults Gary. A neighborhood committee offers money to help Gary sell his home, if his family leaves Palm Beach within 60 days.

P.I. Bosley learns that Consuela Arista was fired after Gary’s visit & Reporter; Miguel Gonzales is already looking for her.

Miguel’s editor helps him find an address for Consuela. She has gone to visit her mother in San Antonio.

Consuela tells her mother that she was in the next room when Gary came to see Miriam about insuring her jewelry and she saw him leave. Now, Miriam is forcing her to help destroy him.

Carol’s parents make an appointment for her to meet with the family lawyer about a divorce.

Bosley meets with ex-girlfriend, Connie, who works for the same newspaper as Miguel and learns the reporter has gone to San Antonio. He offers & she accepts a job running his office.

During lunch at the Sailfish Club, Miriam has too much to drink and thinks about how she advanced her career and what she may yet have to do.

Carol consults the family attorney about a divorce. She is summoned to the children’s new school because Robert hit one of his classmates, and is suspended.

 

 

CHAPTER 21

 

 

 

 

 

       Gary shut the cover of his cell phone, let out his breath, and closed his eyes, oh my poor little, mixed-up son, he thought, in time all this will be behind us. You and your sister are going through a rough time right now. Lord, let it pass soon, bring us all together again.

He opened his eyes and looked around at the mess he had created in his office. Two boxes filled with files sat on his desk and two empty cartons waited for his pictures and other personal items. He thought about the phone call, at how distant Carol had been. She hadn’t mentioned missing him—did she? He sure missed her, but she hadn’t given him a chance to say so. She’s still angry about the disruption in our lives. He tried in vain to think of a way to convince her that they weren’t of his making.

One more box to fill before I break for lunch. His cell rang again. Hoping Carol had decided to call again, he fumbled with it, finally getting its lid open; “Hello.”

“Hi Gary; it’s Erica. How are you?”

“Oh, hi Erica, I’m okay. What’s up?

“I got the check you sent yesterday and I wanted you to know that I can’t accept

it. You don’t owe me severance. I’m not going to cash it.”

“That’s up to you. It’s what I feel I owe. Do with it what you wish.”

“You sound angry. Gary, are you angry with me?”

“No; of course not, I haven’t any reason to be angry with you. I’ll tell you what, why don’t you go ahead and cash the check on your way to meet me for lunch? I’ll let you pay if it will make you feel any better.”

“That’s a delicious idea, provided we make it casual. I don’t feel like getting all dressed up.”

“You’re on; how about meeting me at Hamburger Heaven on South County Road in about forty minutes?”

She laughed, “That sounds perfect; do we need to put on disguises?”

“I’ll wash my face so no one will recognize me. See you in forty,” he said snapping the cover of his cell shut.

 

 

It didn’t take Gary long to drive to the three hundred block of South County Road. Maybe this isn’t the smartest thing I’ve done; don’t know what made me pick a restaurant so close to the Police Station. Oh well, by now I should be old news. He arrived ahead of time but finding a parking place during the busy tourist season turned out to be a hassle. He found one in a side-street parking lot and walked back three blocks, arriving first, and managing to secure a table minutes before Erica showed up.

He stood and pulled out a chair for her. “Look at us,” she said planting a quick kiss on his cheek, “we’re twins, both wearing jeans.”

He grinned, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen you wear them.”

“That makes us even.”

The waiter arrived with menus, “You folks need a few minutes?”

Gary nodded and the waiter moved to a nearby table filled with laughing young women.

Erica opened her menu and with eyes busy scanning it said; “I saw the ad in the paper about the office space for rent. It made me cry.”

“Yeah, me too; I spent the morning at the office, packing up personal things I want to save. I have my house up for sale too. Without a source of income, if I don’t unload my real-estate, and do it soon, I’ll be in big financial trouble.”

“If you need any help packing up at the office, I’m available.”

“Thanks, Erica, but I’ve got nothing better to do. Carol and the kids are in Boston with her folks, so this helps pass the time. Besides, it beats sitting in front of the TV and hearing every news-caster talk about my upcoming trial.”

“Oh, I didn’t know about Boston.”

The waiter returned and they ordered a tossed salad for her and a Cheeseburger for him.

 As the waiter left, Erica asked, “Are the children in school there?”

He took a deep breath and exhaled, “That’s a long story.”

She looked puzzled, “I’ve got nothing but time, why don’t you tell me.” Then she became quiet until he related how Robert had said that when his classmate refused to give up her desert he did what he’d been told his dad did.”

“Oh my gosh!” she exclaimed. “What did you say to him?”

“I just told him that I didn’t hit anyone and whoever said I did lied. I think I also said something like hitting is wrong, especially hitting girls. He’s only seven, he’s confused and we’ve yanked his whole world out from under him. He wants me to come to see him, but I had to tell him that I can’t until this mess is cleared up.”

“Do you think you got through to him?”

“I don’t know. I hope so. I asked Carol to put Skype on the computer so I can see the kids and they can see me. Maybe then the family won’t feel so torn apart.”

“That’s a great idea. Is she going to do it?”

“Beats me, she wasn’t enthused, just said that she’ll think about it.”

The waiter returned with their order and Erica took a bite of her salad. “That sounds like a brush-off. Gary, when this is over, are you going to stay in Palm Beach County?”

He had his cheeseburger ready for the first bite. “Only if I win. I need to get my reputation back. Until I do, I’m dead in this county.”

“If you do leave, where will you go?”

He put the burger down and blotted catsup from his mouth; “Erica, to be honest, I haven’t thought that far ahead. Right now, I’m focused on unloading my big expensive house and office space and getting through this trial. I want Carol and my kids to come back. I suspect she is being pressured by her parents to remain in Boston, so as of now, she either can’t or won’t commit to coming home any time soon. My attorney says it’s crucial that she’s in the courtroom at my trial.”  

She put her fork down and leaned forward. Lowering her voice to a decibel above a whisper she said, “I believe in you. If there is anything I can do to help with your business or your family just let me know.” Her warm hand covered his; “I’ll always be on your side. Do whatever you need to do to keep your children.”