The Charlton Affair

by MJ Doherty

  Charlie sighed, examining the assets sheet. “I see his wife has an almost equal earning capacity to him, now and potentially in the future. She also brought some assets to the marriage. Except for his past, I’d say he was in a good position.” Looking at Amanda she said, “What a mess! But thanks. Without your work, we would never have known. Well done.”

  Amanda packed up the information and quietly left Charlie’s office, letting her think about the advice she had to draft.

  *****

  Phoebe drove the hired Mazda sedan Roman had organized for her to the shops to pick up some groceries. Michael was at home supervising the tradesmen fixing the windows and the contract cleaning service.

  He had been so kind and caring, taking her to the police station and staying with her. Now he was making sure the house was safe again, even beefing up the security system. The security company was going to do regular drive by checks during the night.

  She did love him, she realized, but she didn’t feel as though she was in love with him. She didn’t have brothers, only one older sister, but she thought her relationship with Michael was almost brotherly. She felt protected when he was around and she trusted him.

  Pushing her trolley absently around the store, she wondered if she should give the relationship another chance. After all, she reasoned, why throw it all away on a stupid compulsion to meet a woman I don’t even know? A woman who has no idea I think about her? Phoebe decided the sensible thing to do was to forget about her feelings for Charlie and concentrate on her marriage.

  *****

  Phoebe parked in the driveway, unable to drive into the garage under the wrecked roller door. She hoped she would not feel the stabbing sensations of fear and revulsion she had felt earlier when she came home. Carrying her groceries, she ducked carefully under the damaged door and entered the hall from the garage. Suddenly seized by a horrible memory of the sound of the man running to attack her, she paused, trying to catch her breath. It felt so real, like it was happening again. After struggling for a moment, she shrugged it off and continued to the kitchen, trying very hard to not to feel terrified in her own home.

  Michael was on the telephone. His normally even voice sounded stressed and irritable as he organized more tradesmen. After he got off the phone, he came to help her put the groceries away.

  “Are you OK, honey?”

  She looked at him, trying not to cry. Lips trembling, she said, “I keep remembering. I can’t seem to stop it.”

  He pulled her into his arms and held her comfortingly. He was quiet for a moment, and then said softly into her hair, “I know exactly what you mean. It just grabs you. You feel like you’re right back there. Right back in that horrible moment. You can hear, see and smell it. It’s awful.”

  She nodded against his shoulder, tears streaming down her cheeks.

  “It gets better. I promise. It just takes time,” He said soothingly as he rocked her gently.

  She felt safe in his arms, amazed that he seemed to understand exactly what she felt.

  *****

  Detective Sergeant Sally Middleton sifted through the Scenes of Crimes results on the Rawlins burglary. The file was allocated to her when Linden’s long awaited transfer to the Water Police finally came through.

  Sally Middleton had been in the police service for more than ten years. In her mid-thirties, she was of average height and build with pleasant features. Her slightly olive skin was offset by dark mid-length curly hair that she never managed to control very well. Her husband loved her wayward hair. She always thought that was lucky, as her children had both inherited her hair.

  She examined the photographs, analyzing the crime. It’s an odd one. Such a persistent and motivated attack, but also a lot of valuable items missing. Simple burglars don’t normally act so violently. The man actually went out of his way to attack her. He could have just retreated out the rear door with the goods when he heard her come home. Sounds like a big guy. Maybe he was in a rage from steroid abuse?

  The husband had given the police an accurate list of missing items including some expensive jewelry, electronics, and even a couple of small artworks. Not a typical drug user then. Most druggies wouldn’t recognize valuable art pieces if they fell over them. Was he surprised in the act? Or was he waiting for her, only making it look like a burglary? No fingerprints, no hair, no blood, only some fiber caught on a window frame. And that could come from anything, she thought. A very professional job.

  The uniformed officers had done the standard door knock in the street without any results. Hamilton was not the sort of neighborhood where people were home all day watching what goes on in the street. Even if they were, the homes were often so secluded they wouldn’t see much. She would have to wait and see if any of the stolen goods surfaced in the pawnshops or elsewhere. After closing the file, she replaced it in her drawer and moved onto the next job.

  *****

  Marita paced up and down in her Spring Hill apartment. She only lived a few suburbs away from him and it had been a week since she had spent time with Michael. Am I losing control of him, she wondered? She knew his wife was upset and needed comforting, the silly woman. That shouldn’t have stopped him from popping out for an afternoon or an evening. Furiously, she thought, is he sleeping with her again?

  Michael had never gone for a whole week without seeing her before, unless he was away for work. Even then, sometimes he took her with him and installed her in a nearby hotel. He had been close to leaving the stupid woman. This could be a major set back.

  As she pondered what to do, she tried to think of ways to draw him back to her. She couldn’t nag him or make demands. Men were very quickly turned off by that.

  Growling in frustration, she picked up a book and threw it against the wall. Now that her anger was assuaged a little, she was able to think. An idea came to her. Yes, she thought, smug in self-satisfaction. I must use what the wife doesn’t have. After going into her bedroom and emerging in the most provocative underwear she possessed, she artfully arranged herself on the lounge. The camera she had set up took several auto shots. Examining the images, she picked the one most likely to succeed and sent it to his mobile telephone. If that doesn’t work, nothing will, she thought smugly, setting up some nice things to eat and mood music for his arrival. Sure enough, the door buzzed within twenty minutes.

  *****

  Phoebe had been hard at work all morning. Taking a break for a moment, she smiled, remembering how excited Michael had been when she arrived home after work the previous evening. The roller door had been fixed but she was still parking her hire car in the driveway, preferring to come in through the front door.

  Michael had taken her hand and tenderly coaxed her into the garage, where a brand new Volvo wagon was waiting for her. He had smiled at her in triumph. She had been shocked, asking, “But, how? The assessor said it would be weeks…”

  “I leaned on the insurance company until they gave up and just told me to go pick a new one for you!” Michael had said with a huge grin. She remembered how cute and boyishly pleased he looked.

  “Thank you so much, honey,” she had said, throwing her arms around him. Just as they started kissing, his phone had beeped with a message tone. After reading the message his whole demeanor changed and he left, telling her a colleague needed him urgently.

  She hadn’t minded, after all, he had been home for a whole week straight just to look after her. He came home a couple of hours later, showered and then cuddled her close in bed. She had felt safe in his embrace and was able to sleep soundly for the first time since she was attacked.

  She reflected that as horrible as it was, at least the attack had brought them closer together. Sighing, she placed her attention back on her work. The client expected an answer to his problem by the close of business. Then she could go home and make them a lovely dinner. Maybe I should arrange a candlelit dinner, she thought, contentedly. An image of Charlie stole into her mind. She ruthlessly pushed it away, but it was too la
te. Her contentment had evaporated.

  *****

  “Hi Darren,” Amanda said cheerfully, recognizing his number when it came up.

  “Hello, cheeky one,” Darren replied merrily, “Where’s that equally cheeky boss of yours, eh? I’ve been trying to catch her for a couple of days now.”

  “She’s in a trial this week. That’s why she hasn’t been back to you. She asked me to call you, but you’ve beaten me to it.”

  “Ooh, anything interesting?” Darren said, fishing for gossip as usual.

  Amanda laughed, “No, just the usual. Charlie’s defending a young fellow in an assault matter. It should be over today or Monday morning at the latest. Hopefully today. She’s finished the advice for Michael Rawlins, but she wants to see you about it first.”

  Darren replied, curiosity tingeing his vibrant baritone, “Is there a problem?”

  Amanda tried to keep her voice neutral. Charlie wouldn’t want her to give anything away before she had a chance to speak to Darren herself.

  “No problem, just something she wants to discuss. Can I schedule you in for Monday afternoon? Do you have time?”

  “Sure, lovie. I have a meeting in George St Monday afternoon. I’ll swing by afterwards. It shouldn’t go any later than three.”

  “Great. See you at about quarter past three, Monday,” Amanda ended the call.

  *****

  “Sweets, you must come tonight. And bring Michael too. It’ll be just what you need to cheer you up. A night with me and my favorite odds and sods!” Roman exclaimed from his customary position of leaning against her office doorway.

  Phoebe laughed at his hopeful expression.

  “Michael went back to work this morning. He just couldn’t put them off any longer.” Phoebe looked sad for a moment before adding, “They’ve sent him to Timor. I’ll be alone for at least a week. He said he’ll be out of phone range so I can’t even call him.”

  “Sweets, are you ready to be alone in that big house?” Roman said, walking into her office, his expression concerned.

  Phoebe’s brows furrowed in uncertainty, “I should be. I’ll see how it goes, I guess.”

  “Well, you don’t have to be alone tonight!”

  “I’ll come.” She smiled at Roman’s happy expression. She didn’t feel like a dinner party but it was better than being by herself.

  Roman rubbed his hands together in glee. “Wonderful, now I have a full complement. You’ll stay over, of course. Then you can have a few champagnes without having to worry.”

  *****

  Charlie sat in an interview room outside the courtroom with her client and his friends and family, explaining, “We just have to wait. His Honor’s associate will let us know when the jury come back.”

  “For how long?” Her client’s mother complained. It was past 6 PM and it had been a long day for everybody.

  “For as long as it takes. It’s in the hands of the jury now. His Honor wants to wrap it up tonight if possible, but if they’re not back with a verdict in a couple of hours, he’ll probably send them off to deliberate at a hotel for the weekend and we’ll have to come back Monday morning.”

  The client’s mother groaned. The anticipation was clearly getting to her. Charlie sympathized, knowing it had been a tough week for her, having to worry if her son would be sent to prison or not.

  “I’ll let you know the moment I hear anything. Don’t go too far from here. There are a couple of places to eat nearby and you can get coffee across the road, OK?” Charlie rose to leave.

  After making her way to the ground floor of the courts complex, she found a quiet spot and called Amanda.

  “Hi Charlie, everything OK?”

  “Yeah, just waiting for the jury to come back with a verdict. That always seems to happen on Friday nights!”

  “Poor you! I though that was what was happening when you weren’t back by five thirty.”

  “Any calls?”

  Amanda laughed, “Lots. Nothing urgent. They can wait until Monday. Oh, I’ve set up a meeting with Darren for Monday afternoon. He’ll come to chambers at around three fifteen.”

  “Great, thanks for that. Have a good weekend,” Charlie replied.

  “You too, see you Monday.” Amanda hung up.

  Charlie called Roman, “Guess what?”

  “Hmm, it’s not a tough guess. Stuck at court, right?”

  “Got it in one!” Charlie uttered with amused sarcasm.

  “You legal types are all the same. Get here when you can.” Roman replied breezily.

  “Might not be until after nine.”

  “I’ll save some dinner for you.”

  “OK. See you later.” Charlie hung up.

  Her telephone rang, “Charlie Moss,” she answered.

  “Ms. Moss, the jury are ready to come back,” the judge’s associate informed her.

  “Coming now,” Charlie hung up. She quickly called her instructing solicitor to let her know, asking her to tell the client. She stood and straightened her robes and headed back into the courtroom.

  It took about ten minutes before everybody was in place. The bailiff sang out as the judge entered the courtroom, “All rise. This honorable court has now resumed.”

  Everybody stood and bowed towards the bench. Once he was seated, the judge looked at the jury foreman, and intoned, “Have the members of the jury come to a verdict, Mr. Foreman?”

  The foreman of the jury nodded, saying, “Yes, Your Honor.”

  “What say you, Mr. Foreman? Guilty or not guilty?”

  The jury foreman remained standing. The courtroom was deathly silent, all eyes on him in intense anticipation.

  “Not guilty, Your Honor.”

  The courtroom broke out into excited chatter, momentarily falling silent again when His Honor thanked the jury for their deliberations and dismissed them. He told the defendant he was free to go. Everyone stood and bowed as the judge rose and made his exit.

  Her client hugged his mother as she cried in relief. Charlie packed up her things. Smiling at her instructing solicitor, Charlie said, “I’ll leave the client to you, I have to head off.”

  “Sure, Charlie.” The solicitor was beaming, “Fantastic job!”

  “You too,” Charlie beamed back.

  Charlie shook hands with the disappointed Crown Prosecutor before leaving the court. Her step was light as she strolled back to her chambers through the gorgeous Brisbane autumn evening.

  She hadn’t been looking forward to Roman’s party, but now she had something to celebrate. Glancing at her phone, she saw it was not quite seven. She should be able to get home and then to New Farm before nine.

  Chapter Five

  Roman looked handsomely distinguished in an understated Italian suit, sans tie. His partner, Mark, was equally dashing. As usual, Roman had hired caterers. The guests were gathered around the swimming pool for aperitifs. The privately situated pool and surrounding lush gardens were tastefully lit, like an image from an upmarket magazine. Mellow music played lightly in the background. The guests seemed to be enjoying themselves and Roman was pleased. Most of his guests were single or, like Phoebe, temporarily alone for one reason or another. He had tried to gather like-minded individuals without partners, but it had been harder than he initially thought it would be. Relieved it seemed to be working, he smiled at Mark and said, “Time to start moving them in for dinner.”

  Mark returned his smile and nodded before heading inside to make sure the table was ready.

  *****

  Phoebe was having a pleasant evening. She was sitting next to another accountancy professional and was enjoying chatting with someone who understood her industry. Jessica was a congenial woman who had bravely struck out on her own as a consultant after a long career with a top tier firm. They debated the pros and cons of working for the larger firms, sharing stories about leading personalities in their profession.

  The main course of stuffed spatchcock with couscous salad had been delicious. Phoebe couldn’t rem
ember the last time she had enjoyed a meal so much. Roman was in his element, entertaining his friends in style. She enjoyed watching him work the room while Mark quietly organized everything. The staff cleared the plates away and Roman invited his guests to follow him to the outdoor room for cheeses and a selection of port wines. Phoebe was about to rise when, gob-smacked, she fell back into her chair. Luckily, her shock went unnoticed as all eyes turned to the late arrival.

  Charlie’s lissome body was stunning in a simple black dress. She wore low heels, light make up and just one item of jewelry, a striking pair of sapphire earrings. The blue of the twin gems contrasted with her pixie-like white-blond crop, accenting her eyes. Phoebe was completely entranced.

  *****

  Roman introduced Charlie to everyone en masse before leading her away to the kitchen to get her a dinner plate. The guests shuffled as they left the dining room. Phoebe swallowed reflexively, feeling like a rabbit transfixed by the headlights of the vehicle about to hit her. Still in her seat, she felt a gentle hand touch her shoulder. She looked around and saw Mark offering his arm to her in his usual quiet, gentlemanly way.

  Grateful for his silent warmth, she allowed him to escort her outside to join the other guests. Eschewing the cheeses, she went straight to the bar and poured her second champagne for the evening. Downing it in short order she poured a third, which was one more than she ever usually imbibed.

  *****

  Charlie didn’t realize how hungry she was until she tasted the spatchcock. Delicious, she thought. Roman was chatting away to her as she ate. Paying little attention to what he was saying, she thought, I wish he’d told me he invited Phoebe Rawlins. I’ll have to be extra careful not to get too close to her. Despite the need for caution, Charlie couldn’t help noticing again what a beautiful woman she was. Her delicately pale skin and large green eyes were extremely alluring.