by Patricia Kay
“Two boys.”
“I’ll bet they can be a handful.”
The nurse grinned. “Two handfuls.”
Austin chuckled. “And I’ll bet they can get into things in a second. Even when you’re in the room.”
“You can say that again. I’ve gotta have eyes in the back of my head.”
“Have you ever left them playing outside while you ran into the house to get something?”
“Of course. Who hasn’t?”
Austin nodded. “That’s right. Who hasn’t?” He looked at the judge as if to say, And I’ll bet you have, too. Because a parent can’t be with a child every second. And even if they are, accidents will still happen, won’t they?
“Have one of your boys ever had an accident at home?” Austin said, turning his attention back to the nurse.
“Objection, Your Honor,” Jackson Moyer said. “We aren’t here to investigate Ms. Rosen’s parenting skills.”
“Sustained,” the judge said. “Move on, Mr. Crenshaw.”
“One last question, Mrs. Rosen,” Austin said. “Did the attending physician note anything unusual about the circumstances of Thea Britton’s accident that day? Did he feel it was caused by neglect? Recommend that CPS be called?”
“No. Nothing like that.”
“Thank you. Nothing further.”
Matt relaxed a bit after that. Austin obviously knew what he was doing. He’d made the witness comfortable, been friendly, and hadn’t tried to intimidate her with his questions.
The next witness was Phyllis Grimm, who lived next door to Olivia’s mother. She testified about an incident that had taken place on Thea’s third birthday when Thea had darted toward the street. “Her mother’s whole family were standing right there and nobody was holding that child’s hand! She could have been killed.”
Jackson Moyer nodded sagely when she’d finished. “Thank you, Mrs. Grimm,” he said. “We appreciate your taking the time to come here today and tell us about this truly frightening incident.”
Austin greeted Phyllis Grimm respectfully as he approached and echoed Jackson Moyer’s thanks for her appearance in court. Then he said, “Isn’t it true, Mrs. Grimm, that in addition to her mother’s family, both of Thea’s Britton grandparents were also present during the stated incident?”
Phyllis Grimm visibly stiffened in her seat. “I don’t know who all was there. I just know it was a noisy party they were having and I happened to be looking out the window when I saw the little girl run into the street.”
“A noisy party? But it was held inside, wasn’t it?” Austin consulted his notes. “And the party was actually over, I believe. Mr. and Mrs. Britton were leaving and the others had walked outside to say goodbye to them.”
The Grimm woman, whose sour look hadn’t changed, shrugged. “Whatever.”
Matt knew the woman had an ax to grind with Norma Dubrovnik because of a broken fence that separated their property. She had demanded that Norma replace the fence. Norma had tried to reason with her because the fence was on the dividing line of the property, and each owner traditionally paid half when the fence was a common one. The dispute had gone on for months now.
“Did you also see that Thea was chasing a baby rabbit? And that before she reached the street her mother ran after her and caught her and that no harm came to her?”
“No, I didn’t,” the woman said angrily. “Do you think I spend all day looking out my window? I just know the mother wasn’t watching her child properly.”
“Your Honor,” Austin said, “we will be calling a rebuttal witness later who will verify that Thea’s mother was, indeed, watching her child and that Thea was caught before she ever went into the street.” He then turned to Phyllis Grimm, saying, “No more questions for this witness.”
The next witness was a young woman who testified she’d seen Thea falling off a swing at the park because Olivia’s mother’s attention was elsewhere.
“She got very upset, too,” the woman said.
“Thea?”
“No, the older woman, the grandmother. She was so shook up I had to take care of the little girl myself. Luckily she wasn’t hurt badly. Just a knee scrape.”
“So the child’s grandmother wasn’t able to manage a child as lively as Thea Britton,” Moyer said.
“Objection, Your Honor,” Austin said. “Leading the witness.”
“Sustained.”
“Withdrawn, Your Honor.” Moyer turned to Austin. “Your witness, Counselor.”
Austin did his best, but he was unable to shake the woman’s staunch belief that Norma Dubrovnik hadn’t been capable of the kind of vigilance and energy necessary to provide adequate child care.
“The grandmother told me she felt dizzy herself,” the woman insisted. “And now I’ve learned she’s a diabetic! My sister’s a diabetic, and I know how careful she has to be to eat the right things at the right time. I’ll bet that was the problem. She was probably having low blood sugar.”
Matt grimaced. Austin quickly protested that Norma’s diabetes had no bearing on the issue at hand, and the judge concurred, so Matt relaxed. Still, personally, he hated hearing anything negative about Olivia’s mother, because she was a wonderful person. The last witness before Vivienne herself would appear was Officer Tom Nicholls. Matt was surprised. He’d expected a bystander or two from the festival; what he hadn’t expected was one of the police officers.
Officer Nicholls spoke unemotionally, just gave the facts of what had happened at the festival when Thea disappeared. Without accusation, he admitted that dozens of officers were involved in the subsequent search, as well as many others not involved in law enforcement.
Jackson Moyer cleverly continued questioning him about specifics of that day and managed to elicit the information that the reason Olivia and her family had been distracted and not realized Thea had wandered off was because her grandmother Dubrovnik had collapsed from a diabetic blood sugar low.
As the afternoon wore on, Matt could see that Norma’s condition was going to play a big part in his parents’ case against Olivia and her judgment as a mother. He could only imagine what his mother would have to say when she had her turn to testify. Poor Norma. She was going to be the scapegoat here, and if Olivia lost custody of Thea, Norma would always feel guilty.
“But isn’t it true, Officer Nicholls,” Austin asked when it was his turn to question the man, “that the petitioner, Vivienne Britton, was ultimately the person responsible for Thea’s disappearance from the festival? That if she hadn’t interfered, or had at least notified Thea’s mother, that she had found the child, none of the hundreds of people involved in the search would have been necessary?”
“That’s one interpretation of what happened,” the officer said, “but it’s my understanding that Mrs. Britton—the elder Mrs. Britton—found Thea Britton wandering alone and took her home with her for safety reasons.”
Matt’s jaw hardened. Obviously, his parents—his mother, more exactly—had been at work here and influenced the officer’s thinking.
It was almost five o’clock before Nicholls had finished testifying. Judge Lawrence looked at the clock, then said, “It’s too late for more testimony today. We will resume hearing this case Monday morning at nine o’clock. All parties should plan to be here for most of the day.”
Jackson Moyer and Matt’s parents immediately stood and, without looking in Olivia’s direction, walked out of the courtroom. Neither parent acknowledged Matt as they passed by.
“I think things went well,” Matt said when he joined Olivia’s group. His eyes sought Olivia’s and he could see how exhausted she was. The strain of the proceedings had already taken a toll.
“I agree,” Austin said. “We refuted every claim they made, and Monday, when our witnesses testify, it’s going to make an even bigger differen
ce.”
Olivia tried to smile, but Matt could see how hard the afternoon had been for her. He knew the testimony about her mother had been difficult to hear. He was thankful Norma hadn’t been in the courtroom herself and was actually surprised Jackson Moyer hadn’t somehow been able to get that information in. Then he realized the disclosure would probably come when his mother got her day in court.
“Olivia looks tired,” he said in an aside to Stella. “Did she drive here today?”
“No, she and Thea rode with me and Mom.”
“Why don’t you let me take her home?”
Stella smiled in understanding. “That’s fine with me. I’ll take Mom to dinner somewhere before we go back.”
Olivia didn’t protest when Matt told her the plan. When the two of them went to collect Thea, they found she’d fallen asleep. Norma herself sat quietly crocheting. She rose when they entered the room.
Olivia explained and she and her mother kissed goodbye. Norma smiled at Matt and he bent down and kissed her cheek before she left to join Stella. “Don’t worry,” he said quietly. “It’ll go much better on Monday.” Then he picked up Thea and, accompanied by Olivia, left the room.
As they walked out of the courthouse together, Matt saw his parents standing on the sidewalk in front, talking to Jackson Moyer.
“Matt...” Olivia said faintly.
“Don’t look at them,” he said. “Hold your head up high and keep walking.”
She only hesitated a moment, then did as he’d instructed. His heart felt full to bursting.
He had never been prouder of her.
Chapter Fourteen
“Would you mind getting the mail for me?” Olivia asked after Matt had brought Thea into the house. Because she’d missed her nap, she hadn’t awakened on the drive home and was even now sleeping soundly on the daybed in the study.
Olivia wondered what Matt had thought when he’d deposited her there. Was he remembering the Monday night they’d made love on that very same bed? She knew she was. Every time she looked at that bed she remembered that night.
“Sure,” he said.
While Matt went outside to the mailbox, Olivia walked back to the kitchen to figure out what she would feed Thea for supper. Maybe it was a grilled cheese and tomato soup kind of night. Or maybe she’d call for Chinese takeout. Thea loved the honey-glazed shrimp that was a specialty of their favorite restaurant.
“Here you go,” Matt said, walking into the kitchen. He handed her the mail: a bill from the water department, an L.L. Bean catalog, two other pieces of junk mail and a large Priority Mail envelope.
Olivia looked at the envelope curiously. The return address was that of a law firm in Austin. “What in the world?” she said, pulling at the tape that would open the envelope.
She stared at the letter that had been inside. As she read, her mouth fell open. The law firm—Standish, Davis, and Standish—were pleased to inform her that she and her daughter, Dorothea Lynn Britton, were the main heirs to the estate of the late Jonathan Pierce Kendrick, who had died the previous week. The estate was worth an estimated twelve million dollars. Olivia or her lawyer were instructed to call their law office as soon as possible for more information and details on claiming the estate. Stunned, Olivia handed the letter to Matt.
He read it quickly, then looked at her. He looked as bewildered as she felt. “Who is this Jonathan Kendrick?” he asked.
“I have no idea.”
“Twelve million dollars?” he said softly. “And you don’t know who he is?”
“No. I’ve never heard of him.” Olivia frowned. “Could this be some kind of hoax? A scam, maybe?”
“No, I don’t think so. Standish, Davis, and Standish is a well-known and very reputable Austin law firm. In fact, I know the younger Standish. Kenny and I went to law school together.”
“It says to call them.” Olivia looked at the clock. It was almost six o’clock. “Do you think they’d still be there?”
“Let me try,” Matt said. He pulled his cell out of his pocket. A moment later he said, “Yes, may I speak to Ken Standish? Tell him it’s Matt Britton.” He smiled at Olivia, mouthing, “We’re in luck. He’s still there.”
Olivia sat down at the kitchen table and motioned for Matt to do so, too. She listened as he began to talk to Ken Standish, explaining that he was her brother-in-law and had been with her when she’d received their letter about Jonathan Kendrick’s estate.
“Of course. I understand,” Matt said. “Here. I’ll let you talk to her yourself.” He handed her his phone.
“Hello?” she said.
“Hello, Mrs. Britton. This is Kenneth Standish. I’m guessing you’re shocked by our letter.”
“That’s a good description. I can’t really wrap my head around what you said. I mean, why would a perfect stranger leave me and my daughter so much money?”
“Yes, well, I can understand your confusion. Look, Mrs. Britton, I’d love to explain everything to you now, but I don’t think it’s a good idea to discuss this over the phone. Or in the presence of your brother-in-law.”
“But...why not? I don’t understand.”
“I know you don’t. But it would just be better if you and your attorney come to my office Monday morning. Wait. Is Matt your attorney?”
Olivia swallowed. Looked at Matt. He was frowning. “Um, no. Not really.”
“Good. I think it’s best your attorney is a neutral party.”
A neutral party?
“Um, I actually do have an attorney. Austin Crenshaw.”
“Really? I know Austin. For something like this, he’s a great choice. I’ll give him a call. Set up something for Monday.”
“Monday won’t work, Mr. Standish. I have to be in court in San Marcos on Monday. Which is actually why I have an attorney.”
Ken Standish was silent for a moment. Then he said, “What about tomorrow? Would that work?”
Olivia wet her lips. “Yes. That would work.”
“Okay, I’ll call Austin and he’ll call you and let you know what time. I’m looking forward to meeting you.”
“M-me, too,” Olivia said.
“Well?” Matt said when she disconnected the call.
“He...wouldn’t tell me anything. He said I should bring my attorney and come to his office and then he’d explain. He...he said it would be best not to say anything over the phone.”
Matt’s frown intensified. “I don’t understand this.”
“I don’t, either.” A neutral party. What had Standish meant?
“I think I should go with you tomorrow.”
“Um, Mr. Standish said just to bring Austin.”
Now Matt’s expression turned to bewilderment. “What? No one else can come? Not even me?”
Since Olivia couldn’t say “particularly not you,” she simply said, “He stressed that I should only bring my attorney.”
“But Olivia, I don’t—” He broke off whatever else he’d meant to say because at that moment, Thea walked into the room. She was rubbing her eyes and yawning.
“Hey, sweetheart,” Matt said, smiling down at her. “Did you have a good nap?”
“I’m hungry, Mommy,” Thea said.
Olivia knew, just from the tone of Thea’s voice, that she was cranky and would remain out of sorts until Olivia managed to get her in bed for the night. “How about some tomato soup and grilled cheese?”
“I want a chocolate milk shake!” Her lower lip protruded.
A tantrum seemed imminent. “I can do chocolate milk. But I don’t have any ice cream to make a milk shake,” Olivia said in her most persuasive voice.
The look on Thea’s face would have been comical if the atmosphere hadn’t already been so tense. When thwarted, Thea could be impossible. “I want
a milk shake!” she shouted. For good measure, she stamped her foot.
Olivia’s eyes met Matt’s. “Sorry,” she said, preparing herself for the coming full-fledged thunderstorm.
“Why don’t I run over to the store and pick up some Blue Bell?” Matt said. He gave Thea an even bigger smile. “Then you can have your milk shake.”
Thea looked at him, her face a road map of her thoughts.
“Would you?” Olivia said gratefully. She knew she shouldn’t give in to Thea, but she was too worn out to be the perfect parent tonight.
By the time Matt returned, Thea was settled into her booster chair and more or less happily eating a grilled cheese sandwich, accompanied by a big daub of ketchup—she’d passed on the tomato soup—and Olivia was tiredly drinking a glass of wine while trying not to think about the tense day in court or the shocking news she’d received less than an hour ago or who Jonathan Kendrick was or why Ken Standish had not wanted Matt to accompany her tomorrow.
“Thank you,” she said to Matt, getting up and putting the ice cream in the freezer until Thea was finished with the sandwich. “Would you like a grilled cheese sandwich, too?”
“I’m not hungry,” he said. His eyes were troubled. “When do you think she’ll be ready for bed?”
He wants to continue our earlier discussion. “I think she’s ready now, but getting her there will be a problem.”
“How about if I help and after she’s down we can talk?”
Olivia fought her exhaustion. None of the stress she felt was Matt’s fault. She had to remember that. “Matt, please don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m so tired. I just want to go to bed myself. And really, what is there to talk about?” She dropped her voice to almost a whisper, even though Thea didn’t seem to be paying any attention to them. “I don’t want to talk about the custody hearing and there’s nothing more to say about that letter until after I meet with Mr. Standish tomorrow.”
“So you want me to leave?”
He’s hurt. “Please don’t be mad. I promise I’ll tell you everything after tomorrow’s meeting.”
His shoulders slumped. “I’m not mad. I’m disappointed.”