by Bella Juarez
“The case of McGill vs. Thompson is now in session. I see this is to decide the division of property. Mr. Ramirez, I have received your responses to the petitions for property division. Mr. Aarons, do you have any response?” the judge asked.
McGill? Apparently, Maggie had dropped Thompson like a bad habit. Reese now understood how really over his marriage was and had been for some time.
“Yes, Your Honor. My client finds it abhorrent and reprehensible that her husband of ten years would not even grant her proper military spousal rights. We wish to go forward to trial by a jury. Furthermore, the plaintiff wishes to submit medical records into evidence to support her claims of disability,” Aarons said.
“Need I remind you that the defendant gets to select the type of trial they have. I have documentation regarding Ms. McGill’s illness, Mr. Aarons, and because of federal law cited in this case, she is not eligible for military spousal rights,” the judge said.
“Records? How is that, Your Honor?” Maggie’s attorney asked with surprise.
“The defendant submitted medical and financial records with his petition to dismiss all request for property and military spousal rights, and I must say it is very compelling evidence,” the judge said.
“I knew nothing of this, and because the defendant and the plaintiff were married for ten years, she’s entitled to full military spousal benefits, Your Honor, under USC—” Mr. Aarons said, turning to Reese and Mr. Ramirez.
“Mr. Aarons, it is not up to the court to educate you in family law. The defendant has cited current federal law that denies benefits unless the defendant chooses to be benevolent, and in this case the defendant has chosen not to be that generous. I am not compelled, in this case, to consider overturning federal law. Mr. Ramirez, will the defendant reconsider?” the judge asked.
“No, Your Honor, he will not reconsider,” Mr. Ramirez said firmly.
“Reese! I can’t believe you can be so heartless!” Maggie cried.
“Mr. Aarons, the plaintiff is out of order, and I will not tolerate theatrics in my courtroom. Either restrain yourself, Ms. McGill, or I’ll hold you in contempt and have you removed,” the judge said sternly.
“But, judge, I’m so ill and I have no means of supporting myself,” Maggie whined.
Figure it out, like the rest of us have to! The fucking joy ride is over! Reese wanted to scream in Maggie’s face and read her the riot act in front of God and everyone. He considered it was a good thing that Mr. Ramirez had gone over what his role would be in all of this. He wanted the judge to throw Maggie’s ass in jail.
“Mr. Aarons, this is my last warning. Restrain the plaintiff or I will do it for you,” the judge said, unmoved.
It took Maggie’s mother and lawyer several minutes to calm her down and get back to the business of the court.
“I know nothing about medical records being in the hands of the defendant. I wish to move for charges against the defendant for violating my client’s privacy—” Maggie’s lawyer started.
“Are you telling me that Mr. Ramirez did not notify you with his responses? Mr. Ramirez, is this so?” the judge asked.
“No, Your Honor, they were notified. Here is the documentation regarding the registered mail that was sent to and signed for by plaintiff’s counsel,” Ramirez said.
Mr. Ramirez stepped forward and both attorneys went to the bench. While they were up discussing the proceedings, Maggie was holding her head in her hands and crying quietly. Reese was glad he hadn’t eaten anything because he wanted to throw up. Both attorneys went back to their respective tables and started again.
“Your Honor, I have documentation of medical illness that’s a correction to the diagnoses made by a military doctor,” Aarons said.
“If I may, Your Honor, the question of military spousal medical benefits is the argument, and it is crucial what a military doctor has determined because the plaintiff is asking the defendant to continue paying her TRICARE benefits. Either way, my client was intentionally and continually misled by the plaintiff, and based on that reason my client is invoking federal law to deny these benefits. My client was done an injustice by the plaintiff while he was serving his country in a war zone, where he was unable to respond to the charges brought forth by the plaintiff when she filed for divorce. We are therefore invoking federal divorce law that protects military service members while they are away. Because there are no minor children involved, there is no need for spousal support in the form of alimony and because the plaintiff has dreamed up all these supposed illnesses—” Mr. Ramirez said.
“What! Do you think I like being like this?” Maggie shrieked
“Bailiff, detain the plaintiff in a holding cell until this proceeding is completed. Ms. McGill, you will be held in contempt of court,” the judge ordered.
“You can’t let them do this!” Maggie’s mother exclaimed to Aarons.
Maggie was wheeled away by the bailiff as she became more hysterical and out of control. Her mother tried to follow. It was hard not to laugh at the whole spectacle, but Reese managed to contain himself. He was happy thus far with Victoria’s recommendation. Ramirez was brilliant and worth every dime he was being paid. Ramirez had managed to get Maggie to do all the dirty work.
“Mrs. McGill, your daughter is an adult and was warned about the consequences of her actions. If you interfere in this, you will be held in contempt and I will charge you with obstruction. Now take your seat or leave my courtroom. This court has other cases to hear. Continue, Mr. Ramirez,” the judge said.
This had turned into a real circus. Reese realized just how lucky he was not to be living it anymore. He figured in her own way Maggie really did love him because she was letting him go and live a normal life.
“Yes, Your Honor, because the plaintiff has yet to prove she is truly incapacitated, there is no compelling reason that my client should support her. The plaintiff has yet to show that she’s unable to support herself. But because the plaintiff claims to have no means and has not ever tried to work, she cannot buy out my client’s interest in the home she wants and is unwilling to make the $1,550 house payment that’s required monthly. My client is simply asking to keep what he has worked for in the last ten years,” Mr. Ramirez said.
“Mr. Aarons, give me a compelling argument here, something with some proof this time,” the judge said.
“You Honor, I am requesting a continuance in order to gain the necessary documentation to prove that my client is truly incapacitated and disabled and requires support from her ex-husband,” Aarons said.
“Mr. Ramirez?” the judge asked.
“Judge Mansfield, why did she leave if she needed my client to support her in this manner? My client did not ask for a divorce, and there are no allegations of abuse in any way against the defendant. In fact, this was all conveniently done while he was away in a foreign land, risking his life fighting terrorists to keep this country safe. Again, all he’s asking for is to keep what he has worked for. He’s not asking the plaintiff for assets that, according to common law, are rightfully his as well. Such as the large inheritance the plaintiff was given when she turned twenty-five. Or the properties that she gained along with that inheritance,” Mr. Ramirez said.
“That’s a family homestead! It’s been in our family for over a hundred years!” Mrs. McGill interjected.
“This is your last warning!” the judge directed at Mrs. McGill.
“The defendant did not sign a prenuptial agreement, and therefore he is entitled to half of that money and property. Major Thompson is asking to leave with what he has, no more. The plaintiff never worked while they were married. Major Thompson was the sole earner in the household and all he wants is to leave with what is rightfully his. We’re requesting that the court make a decision on the property today or schedule a trial—by judge, not jury,” Ramirez said.
What inheritance? What property? That was something new to Reese. When Maggie turned twenty-five they were struggling in California in a house she ha
d to have, with a house payment that Reese could barely make on his pay. This bitch had money squirreled away that could’ve helped us? What the fuck! Reese thought with certain humiliation how stupid he had been. He turned and looked at Maggie’s father. Mr. McGill quickly turned away.
“Your motion, Mr. Aarons, for continuance is denied. I see no compelling reason not to make a decision today, especially in light of the fact that the defendant is comfortable allowing the bench rather than a jury to render a decision. I’ll deliberate on the evidence I have received and heard and will make a decision today. Court stands in recess,” the judge said as he banged the gavel and stood.
Everyone in the courtroom stood as the judge exited the room. Mr. Ramirez turned and smiled at Reese.
“What does this mean?” Reese asked quietly.
“It means that this will all be settled today. I feel really good about this. Now do you see why I wanted you in uniform?” Ramirez smiled patting his arm.
All Reese could manage was a nod. Out of the corner of his eye he could see Maggie’s parents arguing quietly. He studied Maggie’s mother a little more carefully. He knew if she had the chance Maggie’s mother would try to scratch out his eyes. Hell, if looks could kill, I’d be dead right now. George McGill knew how to keep his wife in line. Maggie, on the other hand, was her mother’s handiwork, and she was a little harder to control.
The judge returned in what seemed like five minutes. It had really been an hour. The occupants in the courtroom stood. Maggie was brought back into the courtroom and warned that if she had another outburst she would spend the night in jail. Her mother stood behind her and placed her hand on Maggie’s shoulder reassuringly.
“The court has reviewed the evidence and arguments presented before it and can find no compelling reason to grant the requests of the plaintiff. The court therefore finds in favor of the defendant. Ms. McGill, I am fining you five hundred dollars for contempt of court. You may pay the court on your way out.” The judge banged the gavel. “Next item on the docket, bailiff.”
As they turned to leave, Maggie began to sob. She checked every now and again to see if Reese was looking. Mr. Ramirez wanted to stop by the secretary’s office to pick up the documents for the judgment of the court. Reese was rather stunned and couldn’t believe it was all finally over. While Mr. Ramirez was packing his papers, the bailiff walked over to him.
“Major Thompson, the judge, staff of the court, and I wish to thank you for your service and your commitment to the security of this great nation. Semper Fi,” the bailiff said as he shook Reese’s hand.
“Ooh-rah. Are you a Marine?” Reese replied.
“Yes, I served in the 2nd Division, rifle company,” the bailiff said with a wide grin.
“Recon,” Reese said.
“Good luck, Marine,” the bailiff said as he turned away.
“No such thing as a former Marine,” Mr. Ramirez said.
“Nope,” Reese replied.
Reese and Mr. Ramirez waited around for his papers. Maggie and her crew had long gone. He had never felt so relieved in his life. It was all finally over and fast. He considered all the advice Victoria had given him through this whole ordeal and she had been right. The best advice had been the day she had given him Mr. Ramirez’s card. Mr. Ramirez was good, very good.
* * * *
Reese was in a fog for a couple of days. He couldn’t believe that he was really free of Maggie and was an unmarried man. He didn’t know how to act. He had ten days of leave left, so he decided to go and see his mom and sister in Philadelphia. Victoria encouraged him to go and relax. He left her in charge and drove the three and a half hours to Philly. He got back with a couple of days to spare, refreshed and ready to go back to work.
Victoria and Reese had fallen into the same routine they had before he left, minus the headache of Maggie’s antics. It was comfortable and consistent, something he desperately needed after everything he had been through. He managed to get back to work and get focused. What happened about a month later though unbalanced him and changed his world forever.
Reese could hear the doorbell ring just as he was coming in from work on a Wednesday evening. He was on his way up the stairs when it rang, catching him midway. He was already a little irritated because Victoria had been gone all afternoon and he was on his own for supper. He retreated back down the stairs and walked to the door. The occupant in the doorway was an unpleasant surprise.
What the fuck?
Chapter Five
“What can I do for you, George?” Reese asked.
“Reese, good to see you, son,” George McGill said as he extended his hand.
Reese didn’t want to be rude, so he let his ex-father-in-law into the living room. Now I know what The Twilight Zone feels like. What the hell is going on?
“I need to talk to you about Maggie, Reese,” George said as he sat.
Maggie was not a subject Reese wanted to talk about ever again. Reese and Victoria had settled into a very comfortable routine and it was amazing how stress-free his life had become. Not to mention how much money he suddenly had available. And the questions were starting to slow down when people asked him about Maggie and the divorce.
Work was going better than ever for Reese. He had just been recommended and accepted into Marine Corps War College. Completion of the college meant a master’s degree and a promotion to lieutenant colonel after he finished his two-year term. Attending War College meant he didn’t need to move for a couple more years. The college was at Quantico and he knew he would probably move to the Pentagon when he made rank.
Victoria and her friendship as well as her help and support had done wonders for Reese’s transition after so many disruptions and changes in his life. He could travel without worry. When he came home things were in order, and he was able to have minimal interruption in his schedule. She was finishing up school and he was happy to help her complete her education.
Victoria’s friendship helped keep Reese focused and heal him. His life was stable and good, and Maggie had no place in it anymore. George McGill’s visit was a very unpleasant surprise, to say the least. He was trying to be as cordial as he could with someone who was coddling his enemy.
“What’s up?” Reese asked.
“I’ll get right to the point. Maggie has realized what a mistake she’s made leaving you and wants to put this whole foolish divorce thing behind you two. She wants to patch things up and go back to the way things were,” George said.
Are you serious? There is no fucking way I would ever go back to the way things were! I am pretty damn fine with things now.
“What do you mean?” Reese asked instead.
“Get remarried and start anew,” George said with a smile.
“Okay,” Reese said slowly.
“Good. I knew you’d understand and I know you miss her. So when can we expect you for a visit?” George asked with a smile.
“No, I didn’t mean it that way. What I meant by okay was I heard you,” Reese said.
“Come on, Reese. You two are a match made in heaven. I know you miss her. This whole divorce thing was a stupid outburst on her part, and she realizes it was a huge mistake. Believe me, she’ll never do it again,” George said.
“Yeah, well, here’s the thing, George. I’m fine with the divorce. In fact, I don’t want Maggie back,” Reese said.
“What?” George asked as his face dropped in shock.
“I’m fine. Sorry you wasted your time coming all the way over here,” Reese said.
“Reese, this has gone far enough, you two need each other,” George said.
“No, I don’t think so. Maggie made a big-girl decision when she walked into that lawyer’s office and filed papers. I gave her what she asked for,” Reese said.
“Don’t you think cutting off her benefits was cruel and uncalled for?” George demanded.
“Is this what this visit’s about? She needs money?” Reese asked sharply.
“Of course not. Maggie h
as been depressed and beside herself since the divorce. She can’t believe you would treat her this way. I can’t believe you’re being this harsh,” George said.
Reese couldn’t take anymore. He could feel the anger rise and this time there was no reason to hold back. Reese didn’t owe these people, or Maggie, a damn thing.
“I’ll tell you what was harsh, coming home to an empty house and divorce papers when I got back from that hellhole they call Fallujah! I needed my wife! What the hell was I supposed to do with that, George?” Reese retorted.
“Reese, look—”
“No! You have no idea what I’ve put up for the last ten years,” Reese said.
“Look here, son—”
“With all due respect, sir, your daughter left me, I did not leave her. She went out and sought an attorney, filed divorce papers, and finalized them. She did this while I was away and had no way to defend myself. Even if I had wanted to work things out with her, I couldn’t because she never gave me the chance. She got what she asked for and I am not interested in going back to how things were, ever,” Reese said in his most respectful military tone.
“You’re making a huge mistake, Thompson,” George said as he turned to leave.
“We’ll see,” Reese said evenly.
Reese let him out and was really annoyed with this entire evening. What the hell! he raged. Why can’t these people just leave me the hell alone? Maggie had tried calling him several times after the court thing. He never answered her or returned her calls. In fact, he got a new cell phone just so she wouldn’t be able to get ahold of him. He had nothing to say to Maggie after all the hell she had put him through. He walked into the kitchen and a grabbed a beer from the fridge just as Victoria was walking in. He looked at her and thought how much she looked like a college student wearing blue jeans, T-shirt, a hoodie, and sneakers.
“What’s up?” Victoria asked with a slight frown. She could always tell when something was amiss.