Anointed (Urban Books)

by Patricia Haley

  “Great, you’re here,” she said, tossing her autumn jacket onto the back of a chair. “I plan to make this quick,” she told him. “I have not changed my mind. I don’t want the children at your cramped place. You’ll have to keep taking them to the theater, park, or somewhere.” His suite wasn’t their estate, but he didn’t consider 3,000 square feet cramped. He had several bedrooms, three and a half baths, a study, gourmet kitchen, living room, den, family room, and plenty of space for the kids to play, but Dave opted not to correct her. Letting her vent had become the routine. “They’re familiar with their home, and I didn’t sacrifice my career to stay at home with them just so you could cart them around like little gypsies.”

  “Okay, then you’re saying that you prefer for me to visit the kids at the house?”

  “No, I’m not.”

  “Then what are you saying?” he asked.

  “I’m not ready to make any kind of decision. After all, we’re talking about the welfare of our children. They come first here.”

  “I agree, no argument here. As long as I get to see the kids, where we meet is not a problem for me.”

  “Right now they’re confused and hurt. We have to give them a chance to adjust to what’s going on.”

  “But I want to see my kids, Madeline. That’s a reasonable request.”

  “I’m not trying to keep you from your children,” she yelled. “But if you think they’re going to be around that woman, you got another think coming,” she said, locking her hand against her hip.

  Frank walked in, closing the door behind him. “Hey, you guys, I can hear you in the hallway. Hello, Madeline.” She gave a half-hearted response. “What’s going on in here?”

  “Ask your brother,” Madeline barked.

  “I could say this is none of my business, but that’s a lie. Look here, both of you are family. You have to pull this nonsense together. You have a team of employees watching every move, and the two of you are in here arguing like high school students. Get a grip, for goodness’ sake,” he said, leaning on the table.

  “We wouldn’t have to argue if your brother would do the right thing.”

  “And what is that?” Frank asked.

  “Kicking Sherry’s behind out of here. We can’t begin to talk about the future or the past until she’s out of my company.”

  “I’m jumping in the middle, and I don’t know all the details, but that sounds reasonable to me, Dave. Is there something I’m missing? Because this right here has to stop,” Frank said, waving both index fingers at Dave and Madeline.

  “Humph,” Madeline responded.

  “I kept her on board because, legally, you don’t want to fire a pregnant woman.”

  “Why not? And don’t get me some lame excuse that you’re afraid she’ll sue.” Madeline clapped her hands together and in a single motion latched them to her hips. “Because I say let her sue. We’ll treat her the same way we have the other dogs who are out for our money.”

  “Do you think she’ll go that far?” Frank asked.

  “She’s never mentioned suing, but why take the chance?” Dave said.

  “Why can’t you ask her? Obviously you’ve had pillow talk at least once, maybe more,” Madeline said.

  Dave sighed.

  “Come on, Madeline, this isn’t helping us get to a solution. Is it me?” Frank asked drilling his index finger into his chest. “Am I the only one who sees this company going into the dumps because the two of you are constantly fighting?”

  “Tell that to him,” Madeline said, flicking her hand toward Dave. “He has to get his crap fixed; otherwise, I’m not listening. You might as well let us fight to the finish.”

  “I’m not butting out,” Frank said, raising his voice to match Madeline’s but not pushing too hard. She was mad, and getting loud, but he knew it was from hurt. “I was with the two of you when we cut the red ribbon at DMI. I didn’t hesitate to invest every dollar Pops left me to help you get DMI going, and you both know it’s the truth. The way I see it, you owe me five minutes to hear what I have to say.”

  Madeline moaned but didn’t refute him.

  “You’re right, Frank, have your say,” Dave said.

  “Okay, then here it is. If you let this thing with Sherry end up separating you, then DMI is as good as dead. The reputation of this company is built partially on your image, Dave. The public sees you as a strong, honorable man of integrity.”

  “Humph,” Madeline interjected again, twiddling her fingers.

  “Unless you survive this, you’ll be just another man out there with flaws too big to be overlooked. You have to hear me. Both of you, please, work this out and let’s get back to business. That’s it,” he said, flailing his hands in the air, “my whole two-minute spiel.”

  “No offense, Frank. You mean well, but there’s only one question I need answered. Dave, are you willing to fire that woman, Sherry Henderson, right now?”

  “I’ll work it out.”

  Madeline stepped up to Dave, stood within six inches of him, and said, “Are you going to fire her right now?”

  “I will handle it.”

  Madeline snatched her jacket from the chair. “Well then, Frank, there you go. Your brother can’t get any plainer than that. The answer is no. He’s not going to fire her. So, let me cut this party short. Dave, don’t fire her. It’s fine, but I want a divorce.”

  “Madeline, don’t do this,” Dave pleaded, reaching out to her.

  “Ah, sis, come on, Madeline,” Frank said.

  “Don’t bother trying to change my mind. I’m finally seeing you for who you are, Mr. Dave Mitchell. You basically want to have your cake and eat it too—not going to happen. I’ve put up with you placing God first. I can accept that. I’m no dummy. I can’t compete with Him. I even sat quietly and let you put DMI in front of me, but there’s no way on earth I’m playing runner-up to another woman.”

  “Geez, I’ll fire her and deal with the ramifications afterward.”

  “I personally don’t care what you do. It’s too late, Dave, much too little, way too late,” she said, reaching the door. “Once upon a time you were the man, seriously, the one who had it all. Now, you’re just plain,” Madeline said and left.

  Frank stood baffled. Should he go after her or stay and press Dave to fire Sherry? They could give Sherry a hefty severance package to keep her mouth shut. Frank chose to go after his sister-in-law. When he got into the hallway, Sherry and Madeline were both standing near the elevators. He rushed over. “Ladies, we’re okay?”

  Madeline burst into laughter. “Nothing will ever be okay again, thanks to missy.” Frank eased between them. “Don’t worry, Frank. I’m not wasting my breath with this woman. She isn’t in my league. She is my employee, and I don’t fraternize with the help.” The elevator door opened. Madeline got on and the door closed.

  Sherry looked terrified to Frank. Knowing Madeline as well as he did, she’d better be.

  Chapter 63

  Dave came into the hallway and saw Sherry. “What are you doing up here?” he asked, realizing Madeline had just left. If she’d seen Sherry there would have been fireworks. He was careful to keep distance between the two women. As much as he regretted firing Sherry, he had no choice. “Can you step into my office please, we have to talk,” he told her.

  Sherry took a few steps and winced. “Dave, I’m in pain. I think it’s the baby,” she cried out.

  Dave didn’t panic. “Do you want to sit down?” he asked, ushering her to a seat nearby.

  “Yes,” she moaned, doubling over and clutching her side.

  Dave reached for her, fearing she was going to fall. “Sherry, here, sit,” he said, pulling the chair to her.

  “I need to get to the hospital. Can you take me?” she asked.

  He didn’t hesitate. “Let’s go.” Dave didn’t think about Madeline or Sherry. The baby’s health was foremost. The adults could squabble some other time.

  Dave rushed her to the nearest emergency room.
Sherry was immediately wheeled to an examination room. “Dave, can you come in with me?” She must have interpreted the no coming forth and pressed further. “Please, I’m scared and don’t want to do this alone,” she said, caressing her stomach. He followed the wheelchair. In the room, Dave stood off to the side. He wanted to support the baby without showing false indicators to its mother. A nurse came in to take Sherry’s blood pressure and temperature.

  The doctor came in, reviewing Sherry’s chart. “Mrs. Henderson, I see that you’re about twenty-two weeks pregnant,” he said, flipping several papers. “And what brings you in today?”

  “I’m feeling sharp pains down here,” she said, rubbing along the top edge of her skirt.

  “Any spotting?”

  “No,” she said, sounding alarmed.

  The doctor jotted notes. “Have you been pregnant before?”

  Sherry stared straight at Dave. “No, this is our first baby together.”

  “I see that your blood pressure is elevated to 150 over 97, much higher than I’d like to see at this stage in your pregnancy. Are you under any stress?”

  Dave and Sherry’s glances met, both screaming yes. But she answered, “No more than usual.” There was an element of honesty in her response, but the full truth was yes. She was at odds with Madeline and from every indication would continue to be for years to come, even after the baby was born. Sherry’s stress level at 150 over 97 was only the beginning. She was confident her stress meter would eventually explode, taking her health with it.

  “If you can’t pinpoint any contributing factors to the elevated blood pressure, then let me order a few tests so we can see what’s going on with you,” the doctor said, stuffing a pen into the pocket of his white lab coat. “The nurse will be in to draw blood. Think you can give me a urine sample, too?”

  “I think so.”

  “Good.” It almost seemed like the doctor was flirting with Sherry. Dave wasn’t certain. Oddly he felt jealousy stirring, while at the same time relieved not to be asked any questions. He wanted to be supportive but invisible. The doctor hadn’t acknowledged his presence. Apparently receding into the corner and staying in the background was working.

  “You want me to step out while they do the tests?” Dave asked.

  “Stay, please. I feel so much better with you here.” She seemed desperate, causing him to worry. Dave didn’t talk to her when they were alone. He was concerned that each glance her way, and the slightest word, would toss a log onto her budding crush. Dave couldn’t get caught up again.

  The nurse came in to complete the tests. Sherry went to the bathroom for the urine test and was wheeled back in afterward. Dave stayed and waited. Several times, he’d wondered about Madeline. She wasn’t his first thought. The baby was, but she was close behind.

  When the doctor returned he said, “Well, Mrs. Henderson, I have good news and even better news for you,” he said, touching Sherry’s hand. “We didn’t see any problems from the lab work.”

  “Ah, that’s great,” Sherry said, beaming.

  “Yes, that’s the good news. The even better news is that you’ll have a long vacation. I’m recommending that you be put on bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy. I can give you a note for your job or you can discuss this with your own doctor and get a note.”

  “I’ll take your note, and follow up with my doctor, too.”

  Dave was her boss, and he didn’t need the note. He’d see to her having the time off without objection.

  “Other than your blood pressure, everything else looks perfect from what I can see. You’ll definitely want to follow up with your doctor this week. My suggestion is to stay away from stressful situations. Take care of yourself and that will be the best gift you can give to your baby. Good luck,” the doctor told her.

  “Mr. Henderson, you’ll need to take care of this young lady,” the doctor said on the way out. Dave didn’t bother acknowledging the mistake with his name, didn’t matter.

  Dave replayed the doctor’s suggestion. As long as Madeline was around, there was no way Sherry could be stress-free. Unexpectedly, Dave felt a connection with the baby more than he’d realized. It was as pure as the one he’d felt for his other kids when they were born. Standing in the corner, Dave vowed that no matter what happened with him, Sherry, and Madeline, he’d always provide for his baby and ensure that the child had the best shot at life. Madeline wasn’t going to like his next move, but he’d have to provide for the mother, too. If that meant taking care of Sherry until the baby was born, then so be it.

  “Let’s go get your things from the apartment,” he told her.

  “Why, where am I going?”

  “You’re coming to the Westin with me.”

  “I am?” she said, wide-eyed and grinning.

  “I’ll get a suite for you until the baby is born.”

  “You don’t have to do this.”

  “I know. I want to. You can’t be alone. So, I figure if you’re going to be on bed rest, I’d prefer for you to be in a place with amenities and services that I can’t personally provide. Don’t you worry about a thing. I’ll handle the details. You concentrate on delivering a healthy, happy baby. Let’s go,” he said, pushing the wheelchair out of the confines of the room and into the open, visible to everyone.

  Chapter 64

  Dave was forcing her hand. Madeline was a little surprised that he hadn’t taken care of the problem as soon as she made him move out four months ago. It wouldn’t have taken her nearly as long. Madeline entered her attorney’s office, prepared to wage war. Dave would one day regret not meeting her simple demands, especially after paying with his money and credibility.

  “Madeline,” her attorney said once the receptionist had escorted her into a conference room. “To what do I owe the pleasure?”

  “I’m here to file for divorce,” she said, suppressing any visible sign of how she actually felt. This was business and she’d act accordingly.

  “I didn’t expect you to say divorce.”

  “Me either, but that’s why I’m here.”

  “I’m sorry to hear it, but I’m willing to help you in whatever way I can.”

  Madeline set her Chanel purse on the table. “I want my share and then some,” she said. Madeline was determined to leave Dave the least amount of money she could. He could run off with his new family, but they weren’t going to live well, not on money that she had helped earn. Let Sherry grovel in the trenches and work her way up like Madeline had. Nobody had given her a million dollars for being young and loose.

  “Where do you want to start?” the attorney asked, adjusting the frames of his eyeglasses. “What do you want to walk away with?”

  “Majority ownership in DMI, full custody of the children, possession of the estate, and seventy-five percent of our liquid assets and other properties,” she said straight out. Madeline wanted Dave where he was in the beginning, before her hard work, loyalty, and sacrifice helped him become a millionaire. She figured he had God and his anointing. She’d settle for the cash.

  Chapter 65

  Dave laced his shoes. He heard the phone and went to answer, straightening his tie along the way. The size of his suite automatically came with a butler but he’d declined the service. Except for the few times Madeline had let the kids come over, he was there alone and quite capable of taking care of his needs. Often he’d considered moving to a smaller place, but resorted to the notion that Madeline was going to let the kids come over and they’d need the room. He remained positive answering the phone, assuming it to be someone from housekeeping.

  “Excuse me, Mr. Mitchell,” the caller said.

  “There’s a gentleman in the lobby to see you.”

  “Me?” Dave responded.

  Other than Frank, no one knew he was there, or so he assumed. “What’s his name?”

  “He won’t say. Would you like for me to ask him to leave?”

  “No, that’s no problem. I’ll be right down.”

  �
��Thank you, sir. He’ll wait for you at the concierge desk. Please let me know if I can be of further assistance to you.”

  Dave took the private elevator to the lobby. Speculations jockeyed. Definitely wasn’t Frank. He’d have given his name. The only other person it could possibly be was Edward. Maybe Sherry told him she was staying at the Westin. Maybe he knew about Dave and the baby. A pack of maybes had his head spinning. If it was Edward, he’d face the fire. Dave saw the man standing at the concierge and approached him.

  “I’m Dave Mitchell. Are you looking for me?”

  “Yes,” the gentleman said, handing Dave a folded pack of papers. “You’ve been served.” The gentleman left.

  Dave opened the papers and read. “Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. Madeline Mitchell vs. Dave Mitchell.” He stood, paralyzed. He’d prepared for a visit from Edward. He would have accepted that feud over a divorce request. He was crushed taking the elevator upstairs. Besides the sting of divorce, the terms were outrageous. He sat down and contemplated, finally deciding to call Madeline.

  When she answered, he hesitated before saying, “Madeline, I got the divorce papers. We have to talk. What if I stop by the house on my way into the office?”

  “I don’t want you coming here and disrupting the children. They’re not doing very well with our separation as it is,” she said flat out with no extra discussion. “I’ll meet you at the office.”

  “No good there. I don’t want the staff to see any more than they have already,” he told her.

  “Fine, I’ll come to your hotel around nine-thirty, after the boys are off to school.”

  Chapter 66

  Madeline didn’t want to go see Dave. He wasn’t going to change her mind. She’d grown weary from fighting. She preferred to let the attorneys fight the rest of the way.

  It was after nine. Madeline got her coat and gulped a last swallow of coffee. She called Dave to let him know she was running late.

  “Good morning, how may I help?” the hotel attendant said.