Facades

by Alex Marcoux

  “What happened?”

  “He beat me.”

  “And?”

  “And … he raped me.”

  “After he beat you and raped you, did he take you to the hospital?”

  “No. He went to a political dinner. I managed to get to the lobby and into a cab. The driver took me to the hospital.”

  “Did you go back to him?”

  “Yes. I didn’t have a choice. I had tried to leave him previously, on two other occasions. But each time, his…subordinates would find me and bring me back to him.”

  “What made you aggressively push for a divorce when you did?”

  “I found out I was pregnant, and I knew I needed a quick divorce before Michael found out about the baby. The last thing I wanted was for the baby to grow up in a violent household. I also believed if Michael knew I was pregnant, he would never grant the divorce.”

  “So you concealed the pregnancy from your husband and your attorney?”

  “Yes.”

  “After you were divorced, and Justin was born, you contacted Michael to let him know he was a father. Correct?”

  “That’s correct.”

  Jennifer turned to the judge. “Your honor, I have an affidavit executed by Charlotte Gray. This document was executed about ten years ago. It explains how the ER report was generated and controlled by Dr. Gray, until which time, she turned the affidavit and report over to me. It supports all the assertions made concerning Mr. Whitman, including the rape.”

  “Objection, your honor.”

  “Counsel, side bar now,” the judge instructed.

  Both Jennifer and Clancy moved to the judge’s bench. Sidney remained on the witness stand. As she gazed out into the courtroom, she realized that Justin and Anastasia were gone. She never saw Anastasia take Justin from the room when the attorneys went off the record. Sidney was shaken. All she could think about was her son. God, he didn’t need to learn this.

  The sidebar conversation got louder.

  “Go settle this,” the judge instructed.

  “Excuse me?” Clancy interrupted. “We want full custody.”

  “Mr. Clancy, if the two parties can’t reach a mutually agreed upon settlement, and I have to continue this hearing tomorrow, Whitman will be lucky to keep visitation rights. I haven’t read this ER report, nor this affidavit, because they haven’t been introduced as evidence yet. Do you want me to read them now and rule on their admissibility? Don’t you think this is a good time to get this thing settled? Go settle this! Neither of you can leave until it’s done!

  “Court will be in recess the remainder of the day,” the judge announced.

  Jennifer walked to the stand where Sidney sat. “I’m so sorry.”

  Sidney was shaken. “I need to find JP,” she said as she stepped down from the stand.

  Natalie entered the courtroom and approached Sidney. Although she had not listened to Sidney’s testimony, she recognized that her friend was upset and responded. “JP is sitting with Anastasia outside the courtroom, down the hall. Are you okay, Sid?”

  Jennifer grabbed Sidney’s arm. “I know this is hard, Sidney, but I need five minutes of your time, then you can take JP and go home.” She turned to Natalie. “Would you check on JP? If he’s not okay, we’ll be in the witness room. Otherwise, tell him that Sidney will be out in five or ten minutes.”

  “Okay,” Natalie agreed and left.

  Still holding Sidney’s arm, Jennifer brushed up against Clancy. “You find a conference room. I’ll be available in fifteen minutes.”

  Michael was fuming. “What the hell is going on?”

  Jennifer guided Sidney into an empty room where sequestered witnesses waited during proceedings. She sat Sidney down and poured her a glass of water. Jennifer knew that Sidney was shocked by the turn of events. “Sidney, the judge has made it clear that we need to settle this today. He’s instructed that we stay until it’s worked out.”

  “Why?”

  “It happens. It’s an easier way out for the judge. We have the upper hand. Sid, I need to know what would be acceptable to you, and you can go. Just keep yourself available by phone.”

  “I want primary custody.”

  “Anything else?”

  “I don’t want to live the rest of my life looking over my shoulder, worrying about who I’m socializing with,” Sidney said.

  “Michael’s visitation?”

  “Every other weekend, no holidays. I won’t settle this unless I have primary custody, Jennifer. Do you understand?”

  She nodded, then smiled and took Sidney’s hand. “I’m so sorry about what happened in there. I didn’t want to go this way, but I didn’t feel I had a choice.”

  “I didn’t know Charlie made an affidavit.”

  “She didn’t want you to know.” Jennifer squeezed Sidney’s hand. “Go get your son, and let me do what you pay me for.”

  “Thank you, Jennifer, for everything.”

  When Sidney left the witness room, she found Scott waiting for her. He escorted her down the hall to where Justin waited with Anastasia and Natalie. When Justin heard the footsteps approaching, he looked up to see Sidney and ran to her. His eyes were red; it was obvious that he had been crying. The two hugged. Sidney was afraid to let go of her son, until he spoke. “I love you, Mom.”

  “I love you too, Justin.” She pulled away so she could look into his eyes. “Let’s go home.” Sidney held Justin’s hand as they turned toward the others. She hugged her two friends. Anastasia was noticeably absent. “Thank you for all your support. Where did Anastasia go?”

  “I don’t know, she was just here,” Natalie replied.

  Anastasia left the building in tears. She realized that it was the compromising photographs taken of the two of them that had threatened Sidney. Sid could have lost JP. How can I ever forgive myself?

  Sidney did not talk to Justin until they reached New Jersey. “Justin, I’m sorry. I never meant for you to learn what you did this way.”

  “I knew about you and Charlie, Mom.” Justin seemed older than his years.

  “You did?”

  “Yeah, I’m not stupid. To be honest though, I thought you and Anastasia were lovers.”

  “You did?”

  “Yeah.”

  “How did you find out about Charlie and me?”

  “When I was younger, Dad used to ask questions about Charlie. I never thought much about it. Then as I got older, I figured it out. It’s okay Mom; some people actually consider being a lesbian-cool.” Justin hesitated. “Mom, when you found out you were pregnant, did you consider aborting? I mean after all, I wouldn’t have blamed you. You must have hated me.”

  Sidney reached for her son’s hand. “Never once did I consider aborting. And I never once hated you. You’re the best thing that has ever happened to me.” She paused. “JP, it was you who gave me the strength to leave your father. Who knows? If I never got pregnant, I may have never left him.”

  “I hate him for what he did to you. I never want to see him again.”

  “Sweetheart, the judge has strongly suggested that we settle this.”

  “What does that mean?”

  “It means nobody is going to be one hundred percent happy. Your father will still have some visitation rights, and I hope to have primary custody. I won’t settle for anything less.”

  “But what if I don’t want to see him again?”

  “You’re feeling a lot of bitterness right now. What happened between your father and me was a lifetime ago. What he did to me was wrong, but if he didn’t…hurt me, I never would have met Charlie; I never would have gotten pregnant; and I may never have left him. He may not be the man you thought you knew, but don’t exclude him from your life. Okay?”

  “Why did you tell him about me, anyway?”

  “I don’t think I could have, if it wasn’t for Charlie. That was harder than leaving your father. But she helped me see that you are his son, and he had every right to know.”

  Mo
ther and son talked openly all the way home. During their conversation Sidney realized Justin was no longer a boy, but a young man.

  Chapter 30

  When Justin and Sidney arrived home, there was a message from Jennifer on the answering machine. “Hi Sid, it’s me. I’m leaving court now and heading home. It’s two o’clock, give me a call. It’s good news.”

  Sidney immediately called Jennifer’s house. “Hello,” Jennifer answered.

  “Give me some good news.”

  “Michael gets JP one weekend a month and no holidays,” Jennifer started. “You maintain primary custody. We promise not to initiate a civil or criminal action against him regarding the rape. We won’t disclose the information about the rape, but we’ll control the evidence. This way the press won’t destroy him.”

  “What about looking over my shoulder?” Sidney asked.

  “He’s aware that we control the hospital report and affidavit, and if he starts anything again, he knows we’ll use them next time. I’ll keep the evidence in a safe place, and it will be your insurance policy. Trust me, Sid, he’s not going to give you any more trouble.”

  “How do you feel about it?”

  “I feel good. I think it’s a good settlement for you.”

  As Sidney smiled, she felt the tension leave her body. “Thank you Jennifer, we owe you big time. Do you need me in the morning?”

  “No, I can take it from here. How’s JP?”

  “I think he’s okay. We’re going away for ten days. I’ve already made the arrangements. If you need me, leave a message at my office.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “I’m not telling anyone,” Sidney said.

  “Well, have a wonderful time, Sid. God knows you deserve it.”

  Sidney seemed to be her old self as she explained to Justin the new custody agreement. “Now, go to your room and pack a bag for warm weather. The two of us are going away for about ten days.” Although Sidney did not like the idea of taking Justin out of school, she did not want him around for the press fallout. “I have your school assignments for the rest of the week, and next week. So pack your books.”

  “Where are we going?” JP asked.

  “It’s a surprise. If we hurry, we’ll be able to make the last flight this evening. So go pack, and let’s try to get out of here by seven, okay?”

  Sidney retreated to her room and quickly packed a bag for herself. She carried her bag downstairs and put it in the Jeep. When she returned to the house, she flicked on the television, for the news, then went to the kitchen to prepare a couple of sandwiches. She realized she had not eaten anything that day.

  As she prepared the sandwiches, she listened to the anchorman discuss world events for the day. Then, “In local news, what do billionaire Michael Whitman and Anastasia have in common? Find out next.”

  Sidney’s heart skipped a beat. She left the kitchen and settled in front of the TV. The commercial seemed to last forever, then the news returned.

  “Beginning yesterday in family court, testimony was taken in the custody battle initiated by Michael Whitman against his former wife, Sidney Marcum, over their son Justin. We have Blake Stewart at the courthouse to give us an update regarding how the custody hearing is going. Blake, would you tell us what you’ve learned so far?”

  A field reporter was shown standing on the steps of the courthouse. “Yes, Steve, as you’re aware, yesterday Michael Whitman pulled his wife into court demanding full custody of their child. Whitman claimed that his ex-wife, Sidney Marcum, is a lesbian and an unfit mother. Yesterday Whitman subpoenaed Anastasia, who admitted under oath that she had been engaged in a long-time lesbian relationship.”

  “Blake, what is the business relationship between Ms. Marcum and Anastasia?”

  “What I know is this-Sidney Marcum is the owner of MPI, an artist management company. The same management company that represented Anastasia.” Pictures of Sidney and Anastasia were flashed on the screen. “Ironically, Anastasia hired Sidney Marcum a couple of years ago when her career plummeted because of rumors that she was gay. From what I hear, Steve, Ms. Marcum is one of the best managers in the industry and was responsible for Anastasia’s remarkable comeback over the last two years.

  “This morning, day two of the trial, Judge Hastings cleared the press from the courtroom. We have not been allowed in court today. We do know that Anastasia returned to court today, but we don’t know if she was called to testify again. Hours ago, the judge instructed both sides to come to a settlement and since that time, information is hard to get. Nobody is talking.”

  “I understand Anastasia is to be married to Brett Pillar in less than two weeks,” said the anchorman “Have your sources heard anything about what impact this information can have on that?”

  “No, Steve. We have not been able to reach Brett for comment.”

  “Any speculations regarding what this is going to do to Anastasia’s career?”

  “We contacted Dale Peterson, Anastasia’s current manager, but he would not comment. My guess is that this is not going to be a career booster.”

  “Do you know where the child Justin is?”

  “Yes, sources have indicated that Ms. Marcum has taken him to their Brielle, New Jersey home, but that is all I have right now. I’ll keep you posted as things develop. This is Blake Stewart reporting for WABS.”

  Shit. It’s already begun.

  As Sidney turned off the television, she heard Justin behind her. “Anastasia’s going to be hurt by this, isn’t she?”

  Sidney had not realized that Justin was listening to the broadcast. “I hope not, JP, but it doesn’t look good.” She went to the phone, then turned to Justin. “Honey, could you put your bag in the Jeep? I’d like to be out of here in ten minutes.”

  “Sure.”

  Sidney hesitated, then called Anastasia. The answering machine came on, and she almost hung up. She didn’t want to leave a message but looked at her watch and realized she was running out of time. “Anastasia, this is Sid. It’s going on seven o’clock. I just saw the news…I’m so sorry. JP and I are leaving tonight; we won’t be back until late next week. I’m picking up messages at the office. Please call if there’s anything I can do … or if you just want to talk.”

  On the other end of the line, Brett sat listening to Sidney’s voice being recorded. He listened to the message again, then pressed the erase button.

  Sidney and Justin had barely enough time to get to Newark Airport, park the Jeep, and make it to the terminal to catch the nine o’clock flight to Miami. In Miami, they spent the night at the Hotel Intercontinental, and in the morning they boarded a cruise ship.

  It was Friday by the time they were settled in a hotel room in Bermuda. Sidney called her office for the first time since Tuesday. “Hi Michelle, it’s Sid.”

  “How are you? How’s JP?”

  “He’s doing well. How’s it going there? Do I have any messages that need my attention?”

  “You have eleven messages from the press. Do you want them?”

  “No. But what are you telling them?”

  “Just that you’re out of the office and we can’t reach you. That’s what I’m telling everyone.”

  “Good.”

  “Where are you?”

  “It’s better that you not know. That way you don’t have to lie, right?”

  “Sure.”

  “Any other messages?”

  “Two. Jennifer called, she said, ‘Everything is good. Call when you get back to town.’ And…Anastasia called also.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She asked you to call her. Do you have her number?”

  “Yes. I have my address book with me. I’ll call you on Monday.”

  “When are you coming back?”

  “I don’t know,” Sidney lied. “See you later. Bye.”

  Sidney hung up the phone, then picked it up again, hesitated and placed the call. A male voice answered on the third ring.

  “Hi.
I’m trying to reach Anastasia. Do I have the wrong number?”

  “Well it depends. Who’s this?”

  Sidney recognized his voice. “Hi Brett. This is Sidney Marcum, how are you?”

  “Fine.”

  “Brett, is Anastasia there? I’m returning her call.”

  “No, she’s out right now. She’s with her new manager. They’re brainstorming what to do about all this bad press. Hey, I never knew you were Whitman’s old lady. Then again, I guess there are a lot of things about you I didn’t know.”

  “How’s the press treating her?” Sidney asked.

  Brett laughed sarcastically. “Are you kidding?”

  “Brett, I’m…away. I want to keep JP away from the press. I’m kind of out of touch right now. I haven’t seen the news since Tuesday night.”

  “Oh. The press is digging her another asshole. And you know in her condition, she really doesn’t need this stress.”

  “What condition?”

  “She’s pregnant. She doesn’t need to put up with this shit.” He sounded angry. “We saw you at the fundraiser a couple days before the hearing. Why didn’t you warn her?”

  “Brett, I’m sorry. I didn’t think Michael would pull her into this.” Sidney knew how much Anastasia wanted to have children. “Congratulations.” She knew she should have been happy for them, but there was a part of her that ached.

  “Right.”

  Sidney could hear the bitterness in Brett’s voice. She knew he loved Anastasia and could not blame him. “MPI will do whatever she needs to help her out, assuming she’ll let us.”

  “Sidney, I think you’ve done enough. She’ll be fine after the wedding, then people will realize she’s not…you know, one of you.”

  “Brett, let her know that I returned her call. Have her call and leave a message at my office when I can call her back. That’s if she still wants to talk. I’ll be checking messages daily, starting Monday. Okay?”

  Don’t worry Sidney, I’ll make sure she gets the message, he thought as he tore the sheet from the message pad, crumpled it and tossed it in the trash basket.

  After her telephone conversation with Brett, Sidney felt terrible. Her mood was visibly affected. Later that afternoon Justin asked, “Is everything okay, Mom?”