The judge's assistant took a call and then said, "Miss Walsh, you can go in."
"Thank you." She put her phone away, gathered her bag and went through into the judge's office. Judge Kraft was pulling a file from a drawer in her desk.
"Have a seat, Hanna."
"Thank you for seeing me."
"I only have a few minutes," the judge said, standing and reaching for her long black robe on a coat stand behind her desk. As she was putting it on, she said, "Clearly, with the charges brought against the father in this case, I will grant the waiver of parental permission for this abortion for Calley Barbour."
"Thank you, Judge."
"Are you certain Calley has really thought through the implications of this? Adoption is another option here."
Hanna leaned forward as the judge sat back behind her desk. "I've spoken with her about it several times. She's absolutely convinced she can't take this pregnancy to term and under the circumstances, I can sympathize with her decision."
Kraft said, "And are you completely sure the father is at fault here? Calley has already lied to us on her first version of the story."
"I've thought about that a lot, Judge. I'm more confident in Calley's story now that her sister has come forward and validated the years of abuse they've suffered with their father."
"Right."
"Reverend Barbour came to my office early this morning and threatened to knock down my door. He's understandably upset, but I also fear he's a danger to his daughters. I'd like to have a restraining order issued to keep him away. They're at the shelter now but can't stay there as long as it will take to bring their father to trial."
"I'll take care of it later today," Judge Kraft said. "I also have the necessary paperwork here to grant the waiver for the abortion. I'll have it sent over to your office later today."
"Thank you, Louise," Hanna said, both relieved and yet, still troubled at the path this young girl was taking.
Calley and Carolyn Barbour came into the conference room of the Women's Shelter. Hanna stood from behind the long table and came around to give each of the girls a hug. They all took a seat and Hanna said, "I met with the judge this morning, Calley. She's going to grant permission for you to have this procedure."
"Oh, thank God!" she said. Her sister, Carolyn, reached over and put her arm around her shoulders. Calley's eyes started to well up with tears. "I know this is the right thing, Hanna. Thank you for helping me."
Hanna looked back at the two sisters, thinking how sad it was they had endured a childhood with a father who had abused and betrayed them and a mother who for, whatever reason, had enabled the outrageous behavior of her husband. "I'll have the paperwork later today. We can meet with the clinic for an initial consultation whenever you're ready." Hanna thought again about the invitation to leave town with Sam. "I may be gone for a couple of days..."
"I want to get this over with, Hanna!" Calley said, wiping at her eyes. "I want this... I want this over with."
"I understand. I've already alerted the clinic to the situation. They want to review the court documents. It could take a few days."
Carolyn said, "Please do what you can to hurry this up."
Hanna nodded. "I don't want to upset either of you anymore, but your father tried to get into my offices before we opened today. As you can imagine, he was very angry. I've asked the judge to issue a restraining order to keep him away from both of you."
"Thank you," Carolyn said. "As soon as Calley can have this procedure, we're going to leave town. Calley's going to stay with me for a while until all of this is worked out."
"Okay, good," Hanna replied, thinking this was best. She looked over at the tear-stained and flushed face of Calley Barbour. She thought back to the days, so many years ago, when she had been facing the decision to abort her own pregnancy. Certainly, the circumstances were far different. She hoped that Calley would find peace with her decision and hopefully not live with the doubt and regret that she had endured for so many years.
Hanna stood and came around the table and opened her arms to Calley. The girl laid her face on Hanna's shoulder and held her tight.
She was driving back to her office when her phone buzzed. The call screen said, "Allen".
"Good morning, father." As she said it, she had a brief thought of how fortunate she had been to have such a loving father in her own life. They'd had their differences over the years. His idiotic decision to fly his plane in bad weather with his family on board, and the crash that had taken the lives of her mother and brother was still a barrier between them that would never be toppled, but she still loved the old fool.
"Oh, Hanna. So glad I caught you." His voice was typically hurried and official sounding. As usual, he couldn’t drop his senior law partner demeanor.
"What is it, Allen?"
"I wanted you to hear it from me first. I know Martha tends to call you before we've had a chance to catch up."
Thoughts of her stepmother didn't help to brighten Hanna's mood. "What's going on?"
"Martha and I had dinner last night. You know we've been apart..."
"Yes, is she really having a thing with this other man?"
"We talked about all that," Allen Moss said, hurriedly. "I've been such a fool."
"What!"
"It was nothing, Hanna. They're just friends. Martha has a lot of friends and I'm a jealous old fool."
"So, you're taking her back?"
"We're flying to Paris later tonight for a second honeymoon!"
Hanna was shaking her head while she was driving, thinking whether this woman had really betrayed her father or was it all just a misunderstanding. She had to admit she was happy for him not to be alone. He needed Martha to throttle his relentless work schedule and maybe get him a few more years before his fragile heart finally gives out. "I'm glad to hear that, Allen," she finally said.
"Life's too short, daughter."
Yes, indeed it is.
Chapter Forty-nine
Alex pulled up in front of his condo building and found a spot along the curb. He didn't plan to be there long, only stopping by to pick up enough clothes and items to be on the "loose" for a few days until he was able to sort through all that was happening to clear his name and get enough on Asa Dellahousaye to close that chapter. And then there was Caine. He was certain the man was still in town, though the body count had fortunately slowed down.
As he got out of his car, he was surprised to see two familiar faces walking toward him down the sidewalk. He hadn't seen Special Agents Foster and Fairfield since Hanna's case and the kidnapping of her son. There were no smiles or signs of recognition from the two of them, only looks of grim determination.
"To what do I owe this pleasure?" Alex started.
Neither agent offered their hand in greeting. "We need a few words with you, Detective Frank," Agent Will Foster said.
Alex had put on coffee and the three of them sat around his dining table. "We understand you're having some issues down at your department," Agent Sharron Fairfield started.
"They're calling the FBI in on this?" Alex said, shaking his head, astonished.
Foster replied, "No, but we're aware of the charges being filed for your role in the shooting the other day."
Alex tensed. "I did nothing wrong..." He stopped for a moment, then continued. "My only fault that day was letting my partner get killed when my gun got knocked away."
"Yes, we've read your account," Foster said.
"I didn't tip anyone off. I didn't call that guy. It's not my phone!"
"That's not why we're here," Fairfield said.
"Then what?"
"We're investigating a corruption case linked to the gambling bill currently under consideration by the State of South Carolina."
Alex was confused by the about-face, then quickly said, "And why are you talking to me?"
"We think the man who killed your partner and those other officers is working f
or a man named Asa Dellahousaye."
"Yes, I know who he is."
"We know that," Foster said. "We have a source who is cooperating in the case who has revealed a long list of names involved in bribes and other methods of persuasion to make this bill pass successfully."
"I'm not involved in any of that!" Alex protested.
"Only that Dellahousaye's hit man has already tried to kill you twice," Agent Foster said.
"I've seen his face," Alex responded. "I'm sure he's trying to clean up loose ends."
"We agree," Fairfield said. "You're a lucky man, Detective Frank. This shooter named Caine is very good at what he does. He doesn't leave many survivors. I hope you're still watching your back."
Alex nodded. The coffee pot beeped, and he went to fill three cups. When he sat back down, Foster said, "There were some interesting names on the list our source provided."
"Surely, you're not talking about me," Alex said. "I've had nothing to do with any gambling bill and..."
"No, it isn't you," Foster continued.
Alex was relieved but still on guard about the intent of the two FBI agents. He was also thinking about the thumb drives Amelia Richards had given him with damning evidence on Asa Dellahousaye and the drug ring he and Beau Richards had been involved with.
Fairfield said, "We were very surprised to see the name of your boss on this list, Alex."
He was stunned. "Captain Guinness?"
"Yes, he's been receiving money from Dellahousaye for some time, apparently providing access to police information that could be helpful not only with this gambling affair but going back several years. You know Dellahousaye is linked to drugs, prostitution and a number of other niceties."
"Yes, I'm aware." Alex was thinking fast now about the investigation down at his department, the phone planted in his desk, the fake picture of him and Caine, Beatty's response earlier this morning. "Captain Guinness?" he said again, still struggling to link his boss being on the pad to this gangster.
Foster said, "So you've had no reason to believe Guinness had any role in the tip-off to the shooter the other day?"
Fairfield continued, "Or any connection Guinness might have to Dellahousaye?"
"Not a clue," Alex said, both angry and relieved at the same time. "I do have some new information I just received that is related, though."
"What is that?" Foster asked.
Alex got up and went to get his bag laying on the counter. He reached in and pulled out the small thumb drives Amelia Richards had given him. "There are recordings here of Asa Dellahousaye and a man named Beau Richards who was convicted of attempted murder and drug charges last year."
"Yes, we're aware of Mr. Richards," Foster said. "Again, you were a lucky man."
"These recorded discussions reveal both men's involvement in the drug ring along the coast as well as their plans to have me taken off the board."
Foster reached over to take the thumb drives.
Alex said, "My source needs to be protected. She would be in grave danger if Asa D finds out she's provided this information."
"You're talking about Amelia Richards then," Fairfield asked.
Alex wasn't surprised. These two seemed to know much more than he would have thought. "Yes, she's making arrangements as we speak to get out of the country. That's why I was waiting to turn this information in."
Foster said, "I'm not sure we want her leaving the country, but we'll make sure she's safe."
"There's nothing about the gambling bill on the recordings..." Alex started.
Fairfield jumped in, "This will all help to build our case."
Foster was examining one of the thumb drives, obviously thinking about next steps. He said, "Have you had any further contact or heard from this man named Caine? We need to get this asshole off the street."
"No, not since the night at the hospital when he came back for me. The department had a detail watching my back and my girlfriend... you know Hanna Walsh?"
"Of course," Fairfield said. "We are aware the two of you are a couple now."
"Well, I'm not so sure anymore," Alex responded, "but I'm still concerned for her safety. This lunatic, Caine, is obviously capable of anything."
Foster said, "Our next stop this morning is the office of Captain James Guinness down at the Charleston Police Department. There will be a series of raids and arrests today."
"So, you have enough to arrest Guinness?" Alex asked.
"Absolutely," Foster replied. "Don't be surprised when you hear some significant names being brought up on charges later today, including a prominent U. S. Senator from the State of South Carolina."
"Jordan Hayes!" Alex asked, completely surprised.
"We will speak with your Internal Affairs Department when we're down there this afternoon," Foster said. "I think this will clear things up with the charges they're considering against you."
Alex suddenly realized a tremendous weight had been lifted, but the thought triggered a rush of anger at his boss and the deadly betrayal he had perpetrated. "I want to be there when this goes down this afternoon," he insisted.
"I think that can be arranged," Special Agent Sharron Fairfield said.
Hanna's assistant, Molly, had shown Alex back to her office and told him to expect her within the next fifteen minutes. He stood looking out the back window across the row of cars along one side of the property and the thick foliage of trees and shrubs across the back. His mind was full with thoughts of the treachery of Captain James Guinness, a man he had known and trusted and respected for many years. Apparently, the money from the mobster, Asa Dellahousaye, was enough to get Guinness to risk his career and betray all who worked for him. He needs to rot in hell, Alex thought.
He thought of Lonnie Smith's wife, Ginny, and his now deceased partner. He would need to go see Ginny and tell her about Guinness and his role in tipping off the killer. It certainly wouldn't bring any comfort or closure, but she needed to know.
He had been trying to think who the informant was who provided the damning information on Guinness and apparently, a number of other influential people including U.S. Senator Jordan Hayes. The two FBI agents had refused to reveal their source. He had to trust the agent's word they would look out for the safety of Amelia Richards. He was certain she would have been unable to get out of the country yet, but when this all goes down, he thought, Asa D won't take long to piece everything together and start going after anyone he felt had betrayed him.
There were some bottled waters on the conference table. He reached for one and took a long drink. His head was pounding with a dull ache, likely from not taking the pain meds for over twelve hours. He knew the dependency was swift and that coming off the damn things was going to be hell as he'd found in the past. He walked back over to the window feeling a little light-headed and dizzy. His bouts with similar pain meds after wounds in Afghanistan and a gunshot wound he had taken several years ago had both resulted in serious addictions that had required professional intervention to get clean. He knew he should have been more careful after this latest episode with the neck wound.
And what was he going to say to Hanna? His behavior the past few days had been clouded with his grief and guilt over Lonnie's death and his failure to back his partner up. The damn meds had made him crazy and whatever Hanna thought she saw with him and Amelia Richards up in Dugganville was going to be hard to explain. He thought about seeing Hanna the night before with the man in the car out in front of this office. He thought, it certainly didn't take her long to get over me.
Chapter Fifty
Molly stood when Hanna walked into the office. She walked over to Molly's desk and took the phone messages from her.
"Alex is waiting for you in your office. I hope you don't mind. I didn't want him to have to wait out here."
Hanna knew Molly was more concerned about a possible scene between Hanna and Alex in front of all the clients waiting for their appointments. "Thank you, that's
fine." She felt a chill of apprehension; still not clear how she felt, what she was going to say... how this day could possibly end.
Alex was standing at the window in her office overlooking the back of the old house. He didn't hear her come through the door. She saw that he was dressed in jeans and an old t-shirt, his hair was a mess and the bandage on his neck stood out as a stark reminder of the gruesome events of the past few days.
"Good morning," she said softly as she went around behind her desk. He turned suddenly and she was stunned to see how tired and gaunt he looked. His face was pale and dark circles under his eyes looked like he'd been hit in the face. He started toward her and she thought he was going to come behind her desk to hug her, but then he obviously thought better of the idea and stopped across the desk from her. "Alex, I don't know..."
"Hanna, please. Let me start. I need to apologize."
She was in no mood for excuses, but offered, "Alex, I know you've been going through the worst. I can't imagine how hard this has been for you, losing Lonnie and everything else."
"It doesn't make it right for how I've treated you, Hanna, and I'm sorry. I'm sure you think I've been trying to push you away."
"You have been!" she jumped in and then watched as he looked like he'd been slapped. He stepped back and looked around for a chair. He sat across from her and she pulled her chair over beneath her.
"I was hoping you would give me a chance to explain," he said.
"First, how are you feeling? I'm sorry to say it, but you look like hell." She saw a thin smile spread across his face.
"You noticed?" Alex reflexively reached up and touched the fresh dressing he'd put on his neck that morning. "I've felt better, but I'm not complaining."
"Alex, I'm still so sorry about Lonnie. I feel badly, I haven't been back over to see Ginny and the kids."
"I'm going to see them later this afternoon. There have been some new developments."
"What?"
"I'll tell you later. It's a long story, but first, I need to explain about what was going on up in Dugganville the other night."
DEATH ON THE NEW MOON (A Troubled Waters Suspense Thriller Book 6) Page 19