The Country Guesthouse

by Robyn Carr

  “Ms. Russell,” the judge summoned, “does Mrs. Addison’s story match what you’ve understood to be true?”

  “Not exactly, no,” Hannah said. “Erin didn’t describe it as one falling-out that caused them to be estranged. Erin told us her mother was emotionally abusive and her brother was sometimes physically abusive. Before her death, even before her will was written, she was adamant that she would never be in the same town much less same house as her mother and brother. That’s the main reason she made her home in Madison and not Minneapolis, where we all grew up. And it wasn’t as though Roger was in a little trouble—he’s been arrested and convicted on felonies and imprisoned multiple times. He’s scary and dangerous. Erin didn’t trust her mother to keep Noah safe.”

  “We?” the judge asked. “You said where ‘we’ all grew up.”

  “Yes, sir. There were four of us from Minneapolis in college together. Best friends and confidantes. We were very close. We all shared stories of our growing-up years. Erin’s sounded especially hard.” She took a breath. “We’ve been best friends for seventeen years, Your Honor. Our friend Kate came to Colorado to help with this hearing if she could, but Sharon is about to have a baby and can’t be here. I believe you have her deposition. We were all together a lot. I’ve been close to Noah since the day he was born.”

  “You know Mrs. Addison, then?” the judge asked.

  “No, sir. I think I met her once in college but since I don’t recognize her now, I’m not sure I remember accurately. Even if we did meet once, I can’t say I know anything but what Erin told us. She didn’t come to the funeral.”

  “And you, young woman—Kate. Did you know Mrs. Addison?”

  “I met her once when we were in college,” Kate said. “We were all at the funeral, of course. We were pretty disappointed that Mrs. Addison didn’t even come.”

  The judge frowned and looked at Mrs. Addison.

  “I wasn’t even informed until the day before the event. I was completely devastated, Your Honor,” the woman said. “I couldn’t get out of bed for days.”

  “My deepest sympathy, ma’am,” he said. Then he looked at Hannah. “Since her next of kin didn’t even attend, who made the arrangements? You?”

  “Of course,” she said. “We—the three of us—planned it according to Erin’s wishes, took care of the details and took care of Noah. Your Honor, Noah is doing well. He’s in physical therapy for his cerebral palsy and in grief counseling and he misses his mother but he’s coping very well. We’re managing better every day. He didn’t even know he had a grandmother.”

  “Oh, Your Honor, I would give anything for a second chance,” Victoria Addison said tearfully. “Any kind of second chance! Please!”

  “Mrs. Addison, it doesn’t comfort me much to know you were so distraught over your daughter’s death that you couldn’t even attend her funeral. I would be concerned about a child in your care if your constitution is fragile.”

  “I was afraid to go,” she whimpered. “They all hate me! My daughter told her friends that I was a horrible mother and I couldn’t face them in a public setting. I admit, I made mistakes, but I loved my daughter. You can’t imagine the pain of not having made amends and getting to know Noah before she was gone!”

  “I’m sure you have many regrets,” he said. “I have grandchildren and great-grandchildren and I couldn’t bear it if they weren’t in my life.” He looked at Hannah. “Family is important. It’s also complicated and sometimes difficult. I’ve seen some impossible situations in this court. Since none of you actually witnessed firsthand the relationship Ms. Waters had with her mother, my scope is limited. Would you consider visitation? Let little Noah have a chance to meet and visit with his maternal grandmother?”

  Hannah shook her head and said, “No, Your Honor. Erin was explicit. She didn’t want her son mixed up with her family. She didn’t trust her mother or half brother.”

  “That’s understandable, given the experience she described,” the judge said. “She wrote a very detailed account of the difficulties she had with her mother and half brother. But I would suggest a couple of supervised visits. I can assure you, neither his safety nor custody are at risk, but he should meet his grandmother and she should meet her grandson. For all we know, that could be the end of it. Or they could form some kind of bond of friendship. Maybe something more positive than what we have.”

  “Oh, Your Honor!” Victoria said, clasping her hands in front of her. “Oh God!”

  “The court can arrange for someone from Social Services to supervise, or if you have family or friends who—”

  “I’d be happy to supervise,” Cal said. “Mr. Renwick is welcome to join us if he’d like.”

  “Mrs. Addison, I’m going out on a limb here. I’m not sure exactly what kind of relationship you’ve had with your kids but it sounds as if it has been very troubled. I think everyone deserves a chance, however. A very limited chance. Not a reversal of verdicts, but a chance to get acquainted. Briefly acquainted...”

  “Your Honor, I was praying for at least joint custody,” Victoria blurted.

  “Madam, I would appreciate it if you would not interrupt. There is one thing I will insist upon—this brief visitation is only for you. Your son isn’t invited, is that clear? Your daughter was afraid of him and it sounds like she had good reason. He is not accorded visitation and you are not allowed to take the minor child out of this county. In fact, you can’t take him anywhere without Ms. Russell’s and my permission. You can visit with him at a location chosen by his guardian and her attorney. Let’s say two visits, not to exceed two hours each. Then we’ll meet again.”

  “But, Your Honor, I live in Minneapolis! And Noah is here at some rented lake house with Hannah!”

  “Very well,” he said. “No visitation it is.” He raised his gavel.

  “No!” she said. “I’ll stay. I’ll stay as long as I can at least see Noah.”

  “There you go,” the judge said. “Wasn’t that easy?”

  * * *

  It didn’t feel easy to Hannah. It was not her desired outcome. She wanted Mrs. Addison and her son to just go away and leave them alone.

  The judge picked a date in two weeks and a second date in three weeks, a next court date in a month. Mrs. Addison tried to convince him to get it all done in a week and Judge Vincente said that wouldn’t work for him. He stuck stubbornly to his dates. And he was firm.

  Cal suggested a cup of coffee before everyone headed home. He whispered to Hannah that she could have anyone she felt comfortable discussing the court appearance with to join them. Hannah invited Helen and, of course, Owen and Kate were there, as well. Cal directed them into a coffee shop on the main street.

  “Kate, I’m so sorry,” Hannah said. “You came all this way for a hearing and it might’ve been a waste of your time. You were barely allowed to speak.”

  “I didn’t have much to offer, but I think it’s clear to the judge that we were all very close for years, that Erin’s wishes are being followed and that Erin knew her son would be safe with you.”

  “But why did he order visitation?” she said.

  “Two supervised visits,” Cal said. “I don’t have the court order yet—I’ll pick it up on Monday. But it’s a couple of short visits. Do you think a woman who couldn’t even be bothered to go to her own daughter’s funeral is going to hang around in a town where she has no job and no friends to have a few hours of supervised visits with the grandson she’s never known? Judge Vincente might be making the idea of having a second chance with her grandson so difficult that she gives up. He was very straightforward—it will be brief, it will be supervised and it will not change the custody arrangement. On the other hand, he might be testing her—maybe she’s seen the light and just wants a relationship with the boy and will make personal sacrifices to have that. The judge is crafty—I wouldn’t underestimate him. I’m telling
you, this judge’s decisions stand. He might look like a sweet little old grandpa but he’s tough. Respected. Beloved.”

  “Do you think it’s possible Victoria really does have regrets?” Hannah asked. “What if she has turned herself around and has become loving?”

  “Leigh and I are best friends and we are devoted to each other,” Helen said. “But we’ve had a standoff or two. If I’d lost my niece before I had a chance to work things out with her, I’d be devastated. But that being said, it would never have taken me five years to work through a problem. Even if Victoria has somehow become a sweet and caring grandmother, you will still be Noah’s guardian. I’m afraid the woman has given up her rights by staying away too long.”

  “That’s right,” Cal said. “You’re a good parent and this arrangement was decided by Erin. It’s very cooperative of you to put up with Victoria’s visit, giving her a chance to know Noah. But that’s all. We won’t let you be coerced or bullied. You’re going to be surrounded by people, including me, who watch every second of the visit. And I’m going to deepen my background check on her. Something is missing.”

  “She’s a little too slick,” Helen said, stirring cream into her coffee. “She doesn’t have the look of a woman who wants to be a cuddly grandmother.”

  “She looks so young and beautiful,” Kate said.

  “That’s not the look I’m referring to. Beautiful and youthful women can be loving and devoted grandmothers, fun grandmothers. I didn’t buy the tears or the pleas of regret and I absolutely don’t believe she was afraid to come to the funeral because she had a notion everyone hated her. Where would she get an idea like that? She didn’t know you. You weren’t in touch with her at all. If she wanted to know her grandson, why didn’t she show up the moment she heard of her daughter’s death and beg for a chance to see him, get to know him? She should have been at her daughter’s house before the funeral. I would have been in the car and driving inside thirty minutes! What’s the drive? Four hours or less? Yet she wasn’t even heard from. I’ll tell you why—because Erin’s death was completely unexpected and I’d bet my next royalty check that when she heard Erin had died she was terrified she’d get stuck with a kid and that’s why she hid out. A kid on crutches, yet. I bet she was worried about what Erin’s death might’ve cost her. Then something changed. Could she have found out there was an inheritance?”

  “The custody is a matter of public record but not details like that,” Cal said. “For example, it is not accessible public record how much was inherited or how much insurance was paid. We can’t look up each other’s bank balances. But can that information be found out? When people talk, it can.”

  “None of us would.”

  “You told me there was a trust,” Helen said.

  “But I never said how much,” Hannah said. “I just said it seemed generous unless Noah wanted to go to medical school or something.”

  “No worries, I haven’t mentioned its existence to anyone,” Helen said. “But we should all stretch our brains. Find out what the connections are between Victoria and Noah’s future. The babysitter? Someone in Erin’s legal practice? A neighbor? Because the one thing that is undeniable—Victoria Addison didn’t come out of the woodwork until weeks after her daughter’s death. Something changed. It’s possible what changed is she found out there was money.”

  Cal looked at her and gave a sly smile. “Helen, would you like to work for me?”

  “My mind just works that way,” Helen said. “It frightens Sully to death.”

  * * *

  Hannah knew all about Roger Addison’s record in the criminal justice system but she knew next to nothing about Victoria. Cal thought it might be good for all of them to know more—like how she earned her money, spent her time and entertained herself—some of the minor details that wouldn’t make it into legal documents that were a matter of public record. He and one of the freelance investigators who served his law practice were right on it, hoping to pull together a better profile before visitation began.

  Hannah thought it would be a good idea to talk with Noah. As usual he was extremely mature and accepting. “I have a grandma, then?” he asked. “I thought so.”

  “And she wants to meet you,” Hannah said. “In a couple of weeks we’re inviting her over. You can spend an hour or two with her.”

  “Is she nice?” he asked.

  “I don’t know,” Hannah said. “I guess we’ll find out. It’s for a short time, just because you don’t know each other and she wants to know you. I’ll be with you and Owen will be near. Maybe you can introduce her to Romeo and show her how to fish.”

  “What if Romeo knocks her in the lake?” he said, showing Hannah a devilish grin.

  “Do you remember your mom saying anything about your grandma?” Hannah asked.

  “I think they didn’t like each other that much,” he said. “But is she mean?”

  “I only met her for a few minutes, Noah, and she seemed nice. But don’t worry—we’re all going to visit with her together. She’ll be perfectly nice because if she’s not, she won’t be asked to stay for lunch. How’s that?”

  “Probably a good idea,” he said. “Owen better show her how to fish. Maybe I can show her how I can swim.”

  “Your swimming is impressive, that’s for sure,” Hannah said. “Since she lives in Minneapolis, I don’t think there will be many visits.”

  “But, Hannah, you live in Minneapolis,” he said. “Hey, maybe we should just stay here!”

  “Clever, Noah. I just haven’t figured out how I’m going to support us if I don’t go back to my job. If I don’t work, how do I pay the bills and buy groceries? How much do you like food?”

  “Not that much,” he said, grinning.

  * * *

  Just a few days before their first meeting, the last week in July, Owen surprised them with news of visitors. “I hope this doesn’t complicate an already complicated situation. Sheila, her husband, Lucas, and their daughters want to come for quick visit.”

  “That’s great, Owen. I’ll welcome the distraction, won’t you?”

  “I won’t let it distract me,” he said.

  “This is new territory for me,” she said. “I’ve never met an ex-wife before.”

  “No? Well, there’s a chance you’re going to like her more than you like me,” Owen said.

  “I promise I won’t,” she said.

  But as the visit approached she found herself feverish with excitement. When they pulled up to the house, Owen and Noah were on the dock. Owen secured their lines and poles and followed Noah safely off the dock. Romeo was barking at the car and dancing around in excitement because he believed anyone who was coming to the house was coming to see him.

  It was Sheila who jumped out of the car first and ran to Owen, throwing her arms around his neck and hugging him closely. She was so beautiful. Hannah wasn’t surprised by her appearance—she’d googled the heck out of Sheila Abrams and had watched a couple of YouTube videos of her on talk shows so she already knew she was breathtaking and extremely well-spoken. The sight of her in the flesh did bring a few surprises—like her height. She was probably six feet tall. Her hair was strawberry blond, her skin pale and freckled, and even from a distance Hannah could see Sheila’s green eyes dance. Owen whirled her around, apparently not the least intimidated by Sheila’s husband getting out of the car. Nor by Hannah standing nearby.

  Then Sheila looked him over. She put her hands on his trim waist, measuring. She said something that made him roar with laughter. Then she bent at the waist to look at Noah.

  “Well, hello there,” she said. “You must be Noah.”

  “I am. Owen said it’s okay to call you Sheila.”

  “Indeed it is, that’s my name. And may I call you just Noah? Or should it be Mr. Noah? Or Sir Noah?”

  He giggled. “Just Noah. I haven’t been knighted yet.”r />
  “A real smarty-pants, aren’t you?” she said. “I’m sure if being a knight is your goal, you will have no trouble achieving it. And where’s Hannah?”

  “I’m right here,” Hannah said, coming up behind her. “It’s so nice to meet you, Sheila.”

  “Oh, sweetheart, it’s so nice to meet you!” And she opened her arms and enfolded Hannah in an embrace. Even though Sheila was tall and slim, her embrace was warm, soft and filled with affection. Hannah didn’t want her to let go. It was hard to reconcile, this brilliant attorney who could live in the cold world of fighting human trafficking and yet be so gentle and filled with love.

  “Well, old man, looks like you’re surviving,” Lucas said, stretching out a hand to Owen.

  Hannah peeked to find Owen and Lucas were shaking hands and grinning like old friends. They each clapped the other’s upper arm, making it almost a man hug. She realized she’d never seen any pictures of Lucas. He was Latino with thick black hair and the slightest touch of gray over his ears. His complexion was tan and showed the evidence of earlier acne, yet he was ferociously handsome. Unlike the slim Owen and Sheila, he was a man with muscles—broad across his chest, strong in the shoulders, legs like tree trunks and big hands.

  “And you’re Hannah,” he said, taking her hand and giving it a squeeze.

  “Oh! You must have sisters!” Hannah exclaimed, letting him hold on to her hand. His handshake was firm but gentle.

  “Four,” he said, grinning. He had a lot of large straight white teeth. “They made sure I was educated in how to never crush a woman’s hand!”

  The little girls, occupied with Romeo, slowly made their way over. Introductions were made. Jenny was six and Amber was seven and both of them had their father’s dark good looks and black hair. After having seen pictures of Brayden, it was obvious that he had inherited a lot of his mother’s fairness. But these girls favored their father. They had an exotic beauty.

  There were suddenly a million things Hannah wanted to know about these people. How had they managed to keep their relationships in the right spaces and remain close after all they’d endured? How had this couple managed to divorce and recouple on such lovely terms? They carried on without jealousy or misery, without longing or anger, yet they’d been through so much hardship. Hannah had never seen the like.