Michelle’s brow furrowed. She shook her head not believing what she had heard. “Where did you leave it then?”
He turned the viewing screen towards Michelle. “On the dining room table.” Michelle’s mouth dropped as she watched footage of the camera moving from the dining room table. It rotated as it was transferred from its spot of origin to its place of rest. As the camera was set down, it showed Denise still sound asleep on the couch. As Dave looked over the footage, he believed it was not someone human moving the camera. Yet, the kitchen was not visible from where he had initially set up the camera. He decided he would try it again that night, and he would strap the camera down to where someone would have to undo the straps to move it.
That night he set up the camera to where all entrances into the room were visible. Dave placed a strap down over the camera holding it in place. He went to bed and awoke the next morning to find the camera still in place. He unstrapped the camera and took it into the kitchen. He took out the battery and placed it on the charger. He made a pot of coffee and fixed a cup when it was finished brewing. Dave took the battery out of the charger and placed it in the camera. He sat down at the island and turned on the camera to view the footage. Dave watched in awe as not one item over the course of the video was moved to the living room, but three. No one entered or exited the living room. The items seemed to hover in midair from one location to another. Strangely enough, all three items were stacked on top of one another on the entertainment center. Dave rushed into the living room and retrieved the items. The three items were: a DVD of Payback, a picture of a heart with the frame shattered, and a clock that had been hanging on the wall. He pondered as to why those three items were chosen to be moved. He set them down on the island, sat down, and drank his coffee while pondering the meaning of the message. The heart was easy, but why the other two? He couldn’t wrap his mind around it.
Michelle walked down the stairs in her bathrobe shortly after he sat down. She walked over and kissed him on the cheek. “Why do you have the stuff set out?”
Dave picked up the camera and showed her the footage. “These were the items that were moved?” Dave kept looking at the items trying to solve the puzzle.
She looked at the objects and then back at Dave. “What do they mean?”
“That’s what I can’t figure out. The heart, of course, means a broken heart, but the others…their meaning eludes me.”
She patted his shoulder. “You’ll figure it out.” She kissed his forehead. “You’re one of the smartest people I know.” She walked over and fixed her cup of coffee.
15
Dave, Michelle, Chaun, and Sam arrived at the courthouse 15 minutes early. Their hearing was at two o’clock in the afternoon. On the phone, Chris sounded hopeful that things would work out. He had said they had some things to discuss before the hearing. If they arrived five to ten minutes early, it should be enough time to talk things over. As they got onto the elevator, Dave said to Chaun, “You okay with all this?”
Chaun’s face looked exhausted and worn. He nodded. His voice sounded tired and worried. “Yeah, I’m just hoping they don’t run us through a lengthy court process. It is bad enough I have to remember that night over and over again. I don’t much like the idea of having to sit and talk about it in front of total strangers.”
Dave looked down towards the floor for a second, then back up at Chaun. He reached out and laid his hand on Chaun’s shoulder. “I understand son. It will all be over soon enough.”
When the doors opened, they saw Chris waiting outside the courtroom. His face brightened when he saw them. As he approached, he said, “You’re early.”
“I prefer to typically be punctual by at least a few minutes,” Dave said.
Chris quickly pursed his lips, shrugged his shoulders, and tilted his head. “That’s never a bad thing. If you follow me, we can talk things over in private.” Chris led the family down the hallway to an office that was just a small room of probably twelve foot by twelve foot in dimension. Chaun noticed Chris’ height for the first time. When Chris arrived when Chaun was in the hospital, Chaun could tell he was short, but now standing next to him he realized he had to be five foot tall at the most. Chris led the family into the room and motioned for all of them to have a seat. As they sat down, Chris looked concerned when he began to talk, “I’ve got good news and possibly bad news.” Chaun’s brow furrowed and his tone grew more worried, yet slightly angered. “The good news is that the company has decided to settle. The bad news is that the amount is not what I was hoping for.”
Chaun’s brow raised closer to normal once Chris told them the news. “The amount doesn’t matter. No amount will bring her back. At a minimum as long as they settle for enough to pay off the hospital bills and some of Sam’s care, that’s really all I care about. You were asking for what, five?”
Chris nodded. “That’s correct. Granted it’s more than what you really need but I was thinking of Sam’s college and cost of living for the rest of her life…and yours.” Chris looked down at his papers then back up at Chaun. “They’ve agreed to three million.”
Chaun’s eyes widened, and his mouth hung open. He thought when Chris negotiated with the company that the total would get hacked down to well below five million dollars. “Three million!?”
Chris smiled and nodded. “Yeah.”
Chaun shook his head. “That’s more than what we need, but like you said if it pays for Sam to go to a decent college and be taken care of the rest of her life then it should be sufficient. The Doctor bills are, at least, a couple hundred thousand. It’s not cheap being stuck in a hospital bed for two months.”
Chris’ brow furrowed. “I’m sure it isn’t. With what they’ve agreed to, you will have the choice of not going back to work and spending more time with Sam.”
Chaun nodded, “That is true. If you’re asking if I agree to the amount, I don’t. But, if it’s what they are offering, I’ll accept it.”
Chris smacked the table. “Good. If everyone would follow me, we can head down to the meeting room. Since the company has agreed to settle, we will not be meeting in the courtroom.” Chris rose from his seat, along with the family, and led them to a much larger room with a long conference table. The walls were lined with bookshelves packed with reference books and ledgers. At the head of the table sat a man with blonde hair who looked to be about 50. To his right sat a man who looked 45. He had black hair, and he was constantly looking down at the table. To his right sat a woman who appeared to be in her mid-thirties with blonde hair and blue eyes.
The man at the head of the table spoke with a deep voice that almost startled Chaun. “If everyone would please take a seat, so we can get started.” His voice seemed distant like he had a long day and was just going through the motions until he was able to go home. The family and Chris took their seats. As soon as everyone was seated the judge spoke again, “Well if we’re ready to begin. Ms. Springer, I believe your client has offered a settlement?”
The woman nodded and said flatly, “That’s correct your Honor.”
The Judge looked at Chris, “Mr. Hastings, have you spoken to your client about the offered settlement?”
Chris answered, “Yes I have your Honor. He agrees to the proposed settlement. Here is the paperwork. A copy was sent to Ms. Springer’s office.” Chris handed the paperwork to the Judge, who looked it over and then passed it on to the Defense Attorney.
The entire time, his shoulders remained hunched over the table. His voice stayed almost monotone. “Ms. Springer, did you receive and read over the paperwork?”
Her tone still mimicked the Judge’s, as if both were just going through the usual formalities. “Yes, your honor.”
As he slid the paperwork across the table, he said, “Are these the documents you received?”
Her expression remained bland as she reviewed the paperwork and nodded her approval. “Yes, your honor.”
The Judge gave a single nod then looked around the table as he
said, “Good if we can get all parties to sign the document then we can get it notarized and be done.” Everyone then signed the document one by one. The judge then handed it to the notary who then walked out for a few minutes, notarized the document, and returned. “Well, that is that. Now if everyone will excuse me, I have another case to preside over in about ten minutes.”
As they were leaving the company owner approached Chaun. “Mr. Hutchins.” Chaun turned and looked at the man as he approached. He was around 5’ 8” tall. “I just wanted to tell you, that I know no amount of money will bring back your wife. I can only give you my heartfelt apology and condolences. I can also tell you that the man driving that truck that night was fired for his carelessness.”
The man was surprised to see Chaun’s face portray understanding. Chaun’s tone was soft and contained, not with malice but gratitude. “Thank you for your condolences. You are right. No amount of money will bring Katrina back, but it will be helpful in paying off the doctor bills from the accident as well as give Sam a good education and future.” The two shook hands and went their separate ways.
Chris approached Chaun and the family. “Now all you have to do is wait. My office will handle all the details. If you don’t have an investment account, we can give you places that will accept monetary amounts as large as what you’ll be receiving. If you open an account with an investment company, just call or come by the office with the details of the account.”
Chaun said to Chris as he shook his hand, “Thank you. I actually am getting ready to go across the street to the investment company there and open an account.”
“You’re welcome. Just call or come by the office and give us the account information, so we know where to send the settlement.”
“I’ll do that, thanks again.” Chris nodded his head as he walked away.
16
Denise and Chaun sat on the outside patio with Dave and Michelle. The sun had nearly set, and the four sat at the table with a few candles and the dining room lights for illumination. Dave and Michelle stood up. “Well, I think we’re going to turn in for the night. It’s been a long day.” Dave said.
“Night mom and dad. Love you guys.”
“Goodnight Chaun, love you too.” They both said in unison.
Denise smiled at Dave and Michelle. “Goodnight guys,” Denise said.
“Goodnight sweetie,” Michelle said. She gave a slight grin. “Don’t keep him up too late.”
“I’ll try not to.” Denise smiled. After Dave and Michelle had gone into the house, she looked at Chaun. Her smile softened as she placed her hand on Chaun’s. “Haven’t had much time to talk with you one on one like this for a while. How are you doing?”
Chaun looked at her hand covering his. His brow raised. Chaun thought for a second and realized she was right. “Man, it has been a while. I’m doing okay. I still can’t believe it’s the middle of June already. One problem I’ve been having since the accident is trouble sleeping at night. I don’t know why, but I don’t sleep as well as I did before the accident.”
She rested her elbow on her knee. Her head she rested on her hand. “Is it due to your feelings about that night?”
Chaun shook his head. “No, actually it’s not. That’s what has been bugging me about it. I don’t think it’s due to the guilt.”
She squinted, looked down to her left, and then back at Chaun. “It might be the lack of having someone in the bed next to you. I’ve heard that people, after sleeping with someone else in the bed for so long, sometimes have problems sleeping without someone next to them.”
Chaun looked at Denise slack-jawed. Chaun’s eyes widened with the realization. “I’ll be damned. That’s exactly it. I have felt like something has been off, since the accident, which has been causing my poor sleep. It didn’t even dawn on me that it was not having someone next to me.” Chaun quieted. He looked at Denise with a hopeful look in his eyes. “Would you be willing to sleep with me tonight and see if it helps? I promise I won’t try anything more than just sleeping.”
Denise sat back, smiled, and chuckled. She nodded. “Sure, I’d love to crash in your room tonight. That couch is getting more uncomfortable with each passing night. I also want you to know that I won’t make any kind of moves on you as well. I want you to take things at your own pace.”
Chaun smiled reflectively, “Thank you for that.” He looked up at the stars. “They’re gorgeous. Don’t you think?”
Denise looked up. “That they are. I always love looking at them when I have time. Oh look, a shooting star. It’s strange, I’ve always wondered…how can a star fall?”
Chaun chuckled, “They don’t. Actually what people call shooting stars are just meteors entering Earth’s atmosphere.”
She looked at his surprised face. “Really? I never knew that. Interesting. Are you finally glad to be out of the wheelchair?”
Chaun smiled and looked down to reassure himself that he was finally out of the chair. “Very. I was getting sick of having to have someone push me around or wheel myself around.” Chaun inspected his chest and arms. “On the other hand, it did help me get a little more tone on my upper body.” He started laughing. “Maybe I should keep it and use it for regular workouts.”
Denise laughed. “That or you could always just start lifting and working out.” Denise smiled. “How are you adjusting to not having to work ever again?”
“Decently, I guess. I don’t have to worry about punching a clock, and I get to spend all the time I want with Sam, my family, and the few friends I do have.” His expression and tone softened. “I have to thank you.”
Her eyes narrowed. “Thank me? For what?”
“For being such a good friend and always going out of your way to help me and make sure I’m doing all right.”
Denise smiled, “You don’t have to thank me for anything. I do it because I care.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Like I told you before there was something special about you that I wanted to know on a personal level. A level I wouldn’t have gotten to know just in the short time you were at the hospital.” Chaun’s eyes started growing heavy. Denise could tell he was fighting sleep. “You wanting to head up to bed?”
Chaun nodded his head. His eyes widened as he inhaled deeply. “Yeah, that would be good. I’m not too bashful so just sleep however you’re comfortable.”
Denise grinned. “I’m not entirely comfortable enough to sleep how I generally sleep. I also don’t think your parents would appreciate it if I slept how I normally do.”
Chaun smiled. “And how’s that?”
She blushed and looked at the ground. “In the nude.”
Chaun’s eyes widened, he blushed, and laughed. “I can see where that would be a problem. I also know if you slept like that I may try and rush things. It has been a while.”
Denise blushed and smiled. “And that’s why I’m going to sleep in a t-shirt and my underwear.” The two got up, walked inside, and climbed the stairs to bed.
17
The next morning, as usual, Dave and Michelle were in the kitchen drinking coffee. Dave sat at the island and Michelle stood by the counter. “Did Denise go home last night?” Michelle asked then sipped her coffee.
Michelle saw one side of his mouth raise to form a proud half-smile. “No, she slept in Chaun’s room last night.”
Michelle smiled, “That’s good. I have to admit I really do like her. She seems so caring and genuine.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Dave smiled. He looked at Michelle over the rim of his coffee cup. “I really hope it’s the start of something between them.” He set his cup down on the island. Dave stared at it for a moment. When he looked back at Michelle, his face portrayed sincerity. “I loved Katrina, but Chaun seems more like himself around Denise. He always seemed different around Kat.”
Michelle had noticed Chaun’s adjusted behavior years before while he was with Katrina. She looked down at the coffee in her cup. Dave knew by her expression that she was reliving the
painful reality of Chaun choosing to be someone else to please Kat. She had internally struggled with this issue for years. “It was like he had to be someone else around her to keep her happy. I think Denise is a good match for him…and they would make a cute couple.” They both turned to look towards the staircase as footsteps rang out in the foyer. Dave gave Michelle a questioning look when they realized that the walking noise sounded slow as if the person was walking with a limp. Denise came into view. As she walked down the stairs, they noticed she was favoring her left leg. Michelle walked to the foot of the staircase. She looked up at Denise through furrowed brow and squinted eye. “You okay sweetie?”
“Yeah. My leg got scratched somehow.” Denise finally made it to the foot of the stairs, and Michelle walked with her into the kitchen and had her sit down next to Dave. “It may have been Chaun scratching me with his foot.” She lifted her left leg back for Michelle to inspect it. She winced. Michelle’s mouth fell open at the sight of four scratch marks, side by side, that were at least six inches long.
Michelle looked at her calf. “Chaun couldn’t have, he is meticulous about his nails. He always keeps them clipped and filed. It doesn’t look like the skin is broken. I’ll get some ice for it.”
Denise looked up just as Michelle began walking towards the refrigerator. “Thanks, Michelle.”
“You’re welcome.” Michelle went to the freezer and retrieved an ice pack. She then pulled a dishtowel from a drawer next to the sink and handed the ice pack to Denise. “How’d you sleep last night?” Her face was set with a slight grin.
Denise gave a short, uncomfortable laugh. “It’s not as it appears. Chaun said he hasn’t been sleeping well since the accident and asked if I’d stay in his room to see if it would help him sleep.” Denise shifted her gaze between Michelle and Dave. She held up her hands, the icepack still clutched in her left. “Nothing happened other than sleeping. I told him last night that I would take things at his pace. I wouldn’t make any advances if he was not ready.”
Second Chances Page 7