Hanna bristled at the challenge for a moment, then said, "You're right, it's not your business..."
Molly stepped back, clearly regretting bringing it up.
"Molly, I'm sorry," Hanna said, quickly. "I didn't mean..."
"It's okay," her assistant said. "Let me know if you need anything else. She walked out of the office quickly before Hanna could respond.
Hanna stood when Molly showed Calley Barbour into her office. She walked over and took the girl's hand. "Hello, dear. Come in."
Molly closed the door as she left.
They sat across from each other at the small conference table. Calley was dressed less casually this time, like she was prepared for a day in court. She had pressed white slacks and a blue buttoned top on with nice leather sandals. Her hair was let down and curled slightly. Just a trace of make-up on her eyes and face gave her the appearance of a young woman, certainly older than sixteen. Her expression was bright and full of expectation.
"So, what have you learned, Hanna?"
Hanna looked down at the file in front of her and thought again about what she had read and confirmed about a Judicial Bypass to avoid specific written approval from her parents to proceed with an abortion. She had given all of this a lot of thought and was now convinced this young girl should have the right not to carry a child to term who was the result of rape and could perhaps alienate her from her parents forever. But, she still had some issues she felt Calley needed to think through very carefully.
"Calley, the laws of South Carolina state that a woman under the age of seventeen needs the consent of at least one parent or grandparent to have an abortion."
The girl was clearly growing impatient and upset with her methodical approach. "But, what about..."
"Calley, please. Let me continue."
"I'm not going to tell my parents!" she insisted. "All they would think about is what their church would say. Those people all have their head in the sand about what's really happening in the world today. They would disown me, I swear."
"Before we go into the other options that may be available," Hanna began, trying to remain calm and supportive, "there are counselors available we can work with to help you think through terminating this pregnancy. I know your parents will not be supportive of any solution, but adoption is certainly an option I think you should seriously consider before we move forward with any waivers or releases to receive an abortion."
"Hanna, I've told you, they'll throw me out on the streets! They'll be so ashamed they'll never let me back in their house."
"Calley, I understand all of that." She paused for a moment to gather her thoughts. "I want to share something with you. I'm not trying to convince you of anything, but I want you to consider everything here."
Calley put her face in her hands in desperation. "I thought you would help me!"
"Please, just listen to me for a moment and then we can walk through all the possible scenarios."
The girl didn't look up and just kept shaking her head.
Hanna proceeded anyway. "When I was away at college, I became pregnant with a boy who I had been dating. I was on birth control, but somehow it didn't work. By the time I knew I was pregnant the boy had left school for a job in Europe. I knew he would never come back, and I was right."
"He didn't know about the baby?" Calley asked, looking up.
"I never had a chance to tell him. He had already gone." Hanna walked over to her desk and brought back her cup of coffee before sitting again. "I was so upset about his leaving and the prospect of being a single mother. It was all too much, and I elected to have an abortion."
"So, he never knew."
"I've seen him since, but I couldn't bring myself to tell him," Hanna said. "Obviously, I've lived with this decision for a long time now and I have deep emotions on both sides of my decision. Honestly, I try to convince myself I didn't do it in anger over his leaving me. I thought we were in love."
Calley sighed and then said, "I'm sorry, Hanna, but..."
Hanna interrupted, "I continue to support Pro-choice to allow women to deal with these situations as best they can, but there are very few days when I don't think back about having that baby and where it would be in my life today."
"Hanna, he raped me!"
"I know, dear," she said and then took a deep breath. I know this is a very different situation. I want to work through this with you and help you make the best decision."
"I've made up my mind and I can't have this baby! I couldn't live with it knowing the circumstances and I can't go through with the pregnancy for an adoption if I want any chance to stay with my family, at least until I'm old enough to go out on my own."
"There is counseling available for both you and your parents to work through this."
Calley stood and was shaking in anger. "You're not listening to me! I thought you would help me!"
Hanna tried to speak calmly. "Please, Calley. Sit down. Let me explain all of this to you." She opened the file folder in front of her and looked through her notes. Calley sat back in her chair. "As I said, the age of consent for abortion in our state is seventeen. There are waivers for special circumstances including a medical emergency or a pregnancy resulting from incest. Neither is the case here."
"But what about a judge's bypass or whatever it's called?"
"Yes, I've confirmed there is a process for a minor to seek a Judicial Bypass to proceed with an abortion without parental consent. The judge has to consider several factors including the maturity of the minor, any threat of violence in the home, or a pregnancy that is the result of rape or incest."
Calley's eyes grew wide in expectation. "Hanna, I didn't go to the police about this rape because I was afraid of what my parents would do, but that is exactly what happened on the beach that night."
"Yes, I understand," Hanna said. "We can file a request with the local courts to schedule a confidential hearing with a judge."
Calley jumped up and came over and leaned down to wrap her arms around Hanna. "Thank you! I knew you would help me."
Hanna returned the girl's embrace and closed her eyes, trying to convince herself she was doing the right thing.
Hanna had left the office downstairs and was looking through her refrigerator for something to eat. Alex still wasn't answering his phone and she was mad enough at him, she vowed she wouldn't try again. She knew he was dealing with an impossible situation, but... answer your damn phone!
She was just sitting down at her small kitchen table when her phone rang. Thinking it was Alex, she didn't even look at the call screen. "Where in hell are you?"
There was no response for a moment, then, "Hanna? It's Allen, your father."
"Allen! Oh, I'm sorry, I thought you were Alex."
"How are you, daughter?"
"Fine," she said, lying. She took a bite of her frozen whatever meal just out of the microwave. She burned her mouth and spit it back on the plate. "Damn!"
"What?" she heard her father say in surprise.
"Sorry, I just burned my mouth. I swear this microwave cooks to 5000 degrees sometimes."
"Eating fancy again, I see."
She didn't take his ribbing. "What's up, father?"
"I'm seeing all this about the Charleston Police Department on the television. Please tell me Alex isn't in the middle of all that."
"He's smack in the middle of it," she said. "He was one of the officers shot yesterday, Daddy."
"I was afraid of that. How is he?"
"He was lucky, but his partner, Lonnie Smith... we've talked about him."
"Yes, I know who you mean."
"He was one of the officers killed. It's just horrible. Alex and I are very close to the family and Alex feels responsible." She went through Alex's story and lingering guilt.
"So, he's in the hospital. Is he the one who was almost killed last night?"
"Yes, this crazy man came back after him again."
"How
is he doing?"
"Well, he's out of the hospital already, but I can't seem to get in touch with him. We were supposed to have dinner tonight."
"I'm sure he'll call. Give him my best." He paused, then, "Do you have a minute, Hanna?"
"Of course." She blew on another spoon-full of nuked pasta and tested it before taking another bite.
Her father said, "I wanted to let you know I've decided to sell the house."
"Okay..."
"Martha is furious, but it's my damn house and I'm tired of rattling around in that big old place and the traffic and drive downtown will kill me if my heart doesn't give out first."
"Daddy!"
There was silence on the line for a moment and Hanna took another bite and sipped at the wine she had poured.
"I also wanted you to know Martha and I have been having some issues and she's moved out, just for a while, anyway."
Hanna put her spoon down. "Allen, Martha called me about your concerns about an affair. Are you sure?"
"She called you?"
"You know Martha, always playing both sides of the aisle. Where did she go?"
"Staying with a friend."
"Not the other man?"
"No... no, one of her many girlfriends... lives nearby here in Buckhead."
"I'm sorry, Daddy," Hanna said, trying to be sympathetic. "I know how much she means to you."
"We'll work this out," he said. "I just wanted you to know. I'm really sorry to hear about Alex and your friend. Terrible! Give Alex my best."
"I will," she replied, then without really thinking it through, said, "You and Martha should get away. You need a break. The firm will be just fine."
"I may just do that, thank you," she heard her father say. "I love you, dear."
"I love you too, Allen."
Chapter Sixteen
Asa Dellahousaye was a surprisingly quiet and private man. His reputation for flamboyance and opulence was well deserved, but he preferred privacy and seclusion. His extravagant parties were attended by notable names from industry, politics and particularly celebrities from film, television and music. His appearance at these gatherings was typically brief and usually at the end of the evening when most were quite inebriated or stoned and might later recall never having seen their host. An invitation to a Dellahousaye event was a badge of honor for those who wanted to run in the vaunted circles of the rich, powerful and famous. The fact that much of the man's wealth was earned from questionable and corrupt businesses seemed little deterrence.
Asa D, as he was most often referred to by friends, family and business associates, preferred to watch these lushly catered events from afar, often from the privacy of his study in whatever home he was residing in at the time, viewing the comings and goings and often coupling of his guests from the many security monitors on the wall. He was usually accompanied in these private sessions by his young fourth wife. She was a former South American beauty pageant winner who had captured his heart with her striking looks, sense of humor and other exceptional skills that kept him energized even in his later years.
Having just reached his 72nd birthday, Asa D still cut a fine and handsome figure when he did make public appearances. He traveled with a personal trainer and chef who both kept him fit and healthy with the best food and workout regimen. He had inherited his father's imposing stature, standing near 6 foot, four inches, with a barrel chest and thin waist. His deeply tanned face showed few wrinkles and was offset by striking silver hair kept long and combed straight back. His clothes were hand-tailored and always quite elegant.
His security detail was considerable and led for many years by a man named Etienne, an equally large and imposing man of Cajun heritage similar to his boss. He never spoke to guests or meeting attendees but was clearly present behind Asa D at all of these types of public affairs and other meetings. Several more men and women were discreetly staged throughout whatever venue was being used. All guests were welcomed through metal detectors as they arrived, but few seemed to care in this age of terrorists and deranged killers. No one appeared overly concerned their host had a reputation for extreme violence in his personal and business dealings, though no formal charges or indictments had ever been brought against him.
On this particular evening, the party was being held at Asa D's sprawling beach-front home on Isle of Palms, on the Atlantic coast just north of Charleston. It was one of numerous estates he kept in places like Miami, Malibu, Vail, Long Island and New Orleans. The invitation list was close to one hundred and clusters of finely dressed men and women could be seen, and were being watched, throughout the lower level of the house and out onto the lawn and terraces that featured a massive pool and entertainment area overlooking the dunes and ocean beyond. A jazz band played discreetly to the side of the pool and a few guests were dancing with drinks in hand. There was no official occasion being celebrated, just the latest opportunity to be seen at an Asa D party. The guests had flown and driven in from around the country and many nearby homes had been rented for the days leading up to and following the event for people to stay.
It was nearing midnight, and Asa D knew he had to make at least a brief stroll through the gathering. His wife had fallen asleep on the couch next to his desk and he decided not to wake her. She had earned a good night sleep, he thought with a smile. He took one last look at the high definition monitors on the wall of his study. A United States Senator and one of the many lawyers he had at his disposal were talking in the kitchen, away from the noise and gaiety beyond. He needed to have a word with the honorable Senator from South Carolina.
When he opened the door, Etienne was waiting for him and followed him down the dark and beautifully decorated hallway from the southern wing of the house toward the kitchen. He was dressed in a finely tailored white suit with a light blue silk shirt and kerchief stuck in the breast pocket. His shoes were freshly polished black Italian loafers that shined even in the low light.
Yes, he needed to have a word with the senator.
Phillip Holloway stood talking with Senator Jordan Hayes. They both held glasses of white wine, but neither had much to drink throughout the evening. This was about business and about keeping on the right side of their host, Asa D. Holloway was a partner in a prominent law firm based in Charleston. He and his firm were closely aligned with the political and business interests of both the senator and Mr. Dellahousaye, mostly with his legitimate businesses, but on occasion, those interests that were not particularly ethical.
Both the lawyer and the senator had attended the affair alone. Holloway's wife, Grace, was in a state penitentiary after being caught-up in land fraud and murder charges of his former partner, Ben Walsh, his dear Hanna's deceased spouse. He continued to lust after Hanna Walsh, but she had repeatedly rejected his flirtations; not surprising considering Mrs. Holloway had been having an affair with Ben Walsh and was held at least partially responsible for his murder. It was all such an ill-fated sequence of events as the land deal Ben got involved in with Dellahousaye had gone south and several of those involved became unfortunately dead victims of the whole affair. Phillip had managed to stay above the fray on that particular transaction but knew Asa D held him partially responsible. He had numerous sleepless nights thinking about the fragile and dangerous, yet highly profitable relationship he had with the charming gangster.
The senator's wife rarely left Washington. In fact, she rarely left their brownstone in Georgetown. Her debilitating depression and heavy drinking were not conducive to a public life, certainly not in the nation's capital. Senator Hayes had long ago given up on helping his wife battle her demons. He was too busy with his political career and outside business interests. He also had another woman in DC to help with other more personal needs.
Holloway was listening to the senator rattle on about the fundraiser being organized for next fall's campaign. He would be up for re-election for his fourth term in the U.S. Senate and was expected to win in a landslide. Regardless, m
oney needed to be raised and the right people and forces aligned to ensure victory. Phillip had been instrumental in each of the senator's previous campaigns. Asa Dellahousaye was a large contributor to the senator's re-election efforts over the years and both men hoped to have a few words with their host tonight to deliver the necessary show of appreciation.
The senator turned the conversation to the recent rash of violence in the nearby city of Charleston and Phillip's attention perked up. Four police officers had been killed and Hanna Walsh's detective boyfriend had nearly been taken out. How convenient it would have been, Holloway thought, to have his rival for Hanna Walsh's favors suddenly out of the picture.
Two other high-profile community leaders had also been found dead under mysterious circumstances in the past month. Holloway cringed every time he started connecting the dots. They all seemed to come back to the man who was hosting tonight's affair and his efforts to bring legalized gambling to the state. Just two days ago, a South Carolina state representative leading the efforts to bring the bill forward in the State House had gone missing. Authorities were investigating. Family members and friends were hoping the woman had just left on an unscheduled vacation, but most including the police, felt she had fallen prey to some sort of foul play. The investigation continued.
Senator Hayes and Phillip Holloway turned when they noticed a commotion and scurrying of guests behind them. Asa Dellahousaye came out through one of the large sliding glass doors along the front of the big beach house. He was, of course, followed closely by the towering bodyguard, Etienne. Asa D stopped briefly along the way to greet some of his guests. Others pushed in to voice their appreciation for the invitation. He tried to remain patient with the distractions as he scanned the crowd for the senator. He saw him by the pool with the idiot lawyer, Holloway, and began making his way in that direction.
After a final exchange with another guest, he walked up to the two men. "Good evening, gentleman."
DEATH ON THE NEW MOON (A Troubled Waters Suspense Thriller Book 6) Page 7