Billionaire's Retreat

by Eddie Johnson

  Bridget walked into the room, “How are you, Sarah? I didn’t expect to see you today.”

  I’m good. How are you? I wanted to let you know that I am still doing fine.

  “I’m good too. I figured you were okay. You’re a strong woman. As I stated previously you should be commended for being able to hold up so well.”

  “Did Woodrow offer you anything to drink?”

  “I told him, I’m not thirsty.”

  “Wake up Woodrow. How could you fall asleep when we have a guest?

  “I’m sorry Sarah for being such a lousy host. When a man gets my age it doesn’t take much for him to fall asleep.”

  “Don’t believe that Sarah, he hardly ever does anything. He has become too sedentary. If he were more active then he would not be so prone to sleep so much.”

  Woodrow followed her remark by saying, “Again Bridget, you are right.”

  Sarah said, “You are smart. A woman always has the need to feel in control.”

  “Sarah, I checked out a new clothing boutique today.”

  “Woodrow mentioned how you love shopping. I think we should go shopping this weekend.”

  “Sarah, I’ll call you later in the week to confirm.”

  “We should have a great time together. You can show me some of the stores were you buy your fashions.”

  Jokingly she said, “I guest an older woman can show a younger woman a thing or two.”

  Sarah telephoned Lucinda after returning home. “Hi Lucinda, this is Sarah. How is everything in Dallas?”

  “Everything is fine.”

  “I wish that I could say the same. My mother in law thinks I had something to do with the murder of her son. She has a private investigator looking into his death.”

  “Sarah, she should know you would have never conspired to kill your husband.”

  “I used to love my mother in law. However, I’m not sure anymore. I was always faithful to Jared when he was alive, since then my perception of men has changed.”

  “That’s a really harsh statement. You are still a good person. You have to get on with your life.”

  “Thanks Lucinda. You were always there for us and for that I’m grateful.”

  “The private Investigator you were referring to stopped by my house. He asked me several questions about the day Jared disappeared trying to piece together how he died. At this point, he probably considers everybody a suspect.”

  “I know. I hope he finds his man so I can get closure. How is Vincent? Has he been helping you with your studies?”

  “He is a godsend. And I have to thank my dear friend for our introduction.”

  “You sound really appreciative. I know how he feels about you. I have to admit my intentions for bringing you two together were not pure. You have a sweet husband. I have reexamined my initial thinking. I hope Vincent never comes between you and David.”

  “You should not worry about that Sarah. I am too intelligent to let that happen. I cannot be tempted by Vincent’s wealth. I hate to cut our conversation short but I have work around the house to do. A woman’s work is never done.”

  “You have got that right. Our work is never done. Let David know that I called.”

  “I will let him know.”

  “Bye Lucinda, I will talk with you later.”

  “Have a goodnight, Bye.”

  Chapter 27

  The sound of the alarm clock radio awakened Sarah to the voice of a news reporter. “Today Sarah Giltry is expected to take the stand under oath to tell what she knows about the alleged bribery involving businessman Harry Brisband. We expect her to be drilled intensely by the defense and prosecuting attorneys. Speculation has been mounting that maybe her husband’s death, which is still under investigation might also be related this case. We’ll be the first to let you know if there is a connection.” Sarah reached over to the nightstand, still lying in bed, turned off the radio while falling back to sleep. When she finally reawakened, she realized she was about to run late.

  She spoke to herself aloud, “Got damn, I’m going to be held in contempt of court.” Hurriedly, she cleaned herself up, dressed, and then rushed out of the house.

  When Sarah arrived, she took a moment to pray and to ask for forgiveness. After exiting her vehicle en route to the courthouse, several reporters solicited comments from her regarding the case. “Is it true that you plan to take a plea deal today in exchange for a lesser sentence?”

  “I have no comment.”

  Another reporter shoved his microphone into her face, “Our viewers would like to know whether your deceased husband death is linked to this case.”

  “I loved my husband. This has nothing to do with his death.” She appeared to wipe tears from her eyes. “I have no further remarks.”

  Sarah had declined a plea deal sighting her innocence and that she doesn’t have any information to implicate anyone in the case.

  Judge Carla Griffin seated her Jury then called her court to order. Opening statements were presented by the defense and prosecuting attorneys.

  After taking the stand, the defense had Sarah to explain her relationship with Harry Brisband and her separate friendship with Councilman Johnny Davis. The defense contention was even though she knew both men, she still did not have any knowledge of the alleged bribe.

  The Prosecution called to the stand Dallas Police Detective Fred Thompson to refute the Defense stance regarding Sarah.

  Prosecuting attorney Clint Woodard stated, “Mr. Thompson. It’s my understanding you have information to share with the jury regarding Mrs. Giltry’s whereabouts on the days following the awarding of the government contract.”

  “I had been investigating Mrs. Giltry every since the disappearance of her husband. The night in question, I observed her entering the local Sylvester Johnston Deluxe Hotel with a briefcase. She left alone a few hours later just as she had arrived.”

  “During her stay at the hotel did you notice any one else in attendance connected with this case.”

  “Yes Council. I have proof that she wasn’t there alone.”

  “Would you share that information with the jury?”

  “Mr. Harry Brisband had checked into a room he had reserved in the hotel. There is a surveillance video of Mrs. Giltry and Mr. Brisband on the stairway exiting onto the hallway leading to the room. She met with Johnny Davis the next day while his wife was out of town.”

  “Mr. Thompson, explain to the Jury why you believe a payoff was done.”

  “The next day, I continued with the aforementioned investigation. I followed Sarah to Johnny Davis home. When she arrived at the house, she was toting the same briefcase she had the night before. According to a neighbor, his wife was out of town visiting relatives. I observed Sarah at his house several times while his wife was away.”

  “Subsequently, when she frequented his house in the absence of his wife, was she carrying the briefcase?”

  “No sir, she was only carrying it the day after meeting Brisband.”

  The defense attorney stated, “Your honor I would like to call Mrs. Giltry back to the stand.”

  Judge Griffin replied, “Mrs. Giltry, you may take the Stand.”

  “Mrs. Giltry, tell Judge Griffin why you met with Brisband on the night in question.”

  “We had dinner at the hotel.”

  “What was in your briefcase?”

  “Brisband had been thinking of remolding a structure he had recently purchased. I merely had renderings of difference themes and suggestions for him to consider.”

  “Wasn’t Brisband already knowledgeable about your work?”

  “Each project I do is different. I try to layout details that will make each one unique.”

  “So, I can conclude after dinner you adjourned to the bedroom he had reserved to make your presentation.”

  “Yes, Counselor that is correct.

  The prosecution objected, “Your Honor, the defense attorney is leading the witness in her testimony.”

  Th
e Judge taped her gavel and said, “The objection is denied. The witness has already established what she said was in the briefcase and that it was used to make a business presentation. The Defense can continue with their questioning.”

  “Your Honor, I have no further questions.”

  “Mrs. Giltry, you may step down.

  The first full day of the grueling case finally ended.

  After nightfall, there was a knock at Sarah Giltry’s cottage; she had acquired the secluded dwelling on a short term lease for the time she would be in town for the court case. Opening the door, Sarah greeted Vera. Once inside, Vera slowly removed a hand from behind her back revealing a large handgun. When the weapon was pointed at Sarah, she stated, “You stank whore, I am going to kill you! My hunch was right all along! While we were vacationing in Malibu Beach, you fucked my husband! Then you had the audacity while I was out of town to walk up into my house on several occasions fucking his brains out in my bed! You were supposed to be my friend! How could you? You crawled into my bed and then fucked my husband?”

  Sarah took several step backwards in haste, while saying, “I am sorry baby, Johnny kept coming on to me, and I finally gave into his advances.”

  “Bitch, be still! Quit moving! Do not try to place the blame on Johnny. It all had to do with you being whorish.

  Vera was not skilled in the use of a firearm. She pulled the trigger as Sarah ducked. The unexpected jolt from firing the gun resulted in Vera dropping the weapon on the floor. Sarah dived to the floor snatched it up and then pointed it at Vera. “I have heard enough about my affair with your husband. Now turn your butt around and get the hell out of my house!”

  She tried to rush Sarah in an attempt to wrestle the gun from her hand. Sarah fired a warning shot. “The next time, I’m not going to miss. Go on! Get now! Get out of my house!

  When Vera arrived home, she noticed Johnny packing his bags. She was still crying from the confrontation with Sarah.

  “I have hurt you,” Johnny stated.

  “Please Johnny, I don’t feel like hearing about your infidelity. Finish packing so you can go live with your whore.”

  “I was going to see if I could find a hotel room. But if you are going to run me into the arms of another woman, damn it, I’ll do it.”

  “I only wanted to know how you would respond.”

  “If you should need me, you know where to find me. I am going to be staying with Sarah. She will not turn me away.”

  Vera rushed back out the house, got into her car, and then peeled off down the road. Within a few minutes of her leaving the house a police officer pulled her over for speeding. He noticed her crying. “Are you okay ma’am.”

  “My marriage is over and you are going to give me a ticket. What else could possibly go wrong? Write my ticket so I can be on my way.”

  “Maybe, you should go home. You don’t appear to be in the right frame of mind to be driving.”

  “Thanks for the ticket. I am going to be on my way. I’ll be sure to obey the speed limit.” She drove around in her car for an hour before heading home. However, getting back home did not occur without incident. She blew through a red light plowing into a car being driven by an elderly man.”

  In the mean time, Johnny arrived at Sarah’s. She asked, “Why are you here? Don’t tell me, Vera kicked your ass out? You did not put up with her shit.”

  “I was packing when she got home. She was noticeably upset with me. I say that because she was crying.”

  “I bet she was upset. She stopped by to visit me before going home. I’m not going to bother telling you all the details. However, she left here really freaked out.”

  “I was going to check into a hotel. But she told me, I should go live with my whore.”

  “Did she think I would turn you away?”

  “I don’t know what she was thinking. However, I am here now. You seem to be a little tipsy.”

  “I had a few drinks.”

  Sarah without warning slapped Johnny as she let out a capricious laugh. He returned the slap. The unlit kindling in the fireplace began to smolder as they unabashedly engaged in sex. Sarah’s uninhibited sexual promiscuity was something he could not get from his wife.

  The next morning, he awoke to the sound of Sarah’s voice, “Johnny, breakfast is almost ready. We’ll have to hurry so we can be in court by 10:00.”

  Johnny took a quick shower prior to joining her at the breakfast table.

  “What would the people in court think about you, if they were to find out that you moved in with me?”

  “It doesn’t matter. We are not on trial for shacking.”

  “It may come up in court if Vera decides to divorce you. What would your constituents think of our relationship Councilman?”

  “Vera should not be your concern. However, my constituents would consider our living arrangement unethical. Have you seen my cell phone?”

  “I don’t recall seeing it.”

  “In a hurry to pack last night, I must have left it behind.”

  The second day of court started with Johnny being questioned. The Prosecuting Attorney stated, “Shortly after you took the bribe, you took your girlfriend along with your wife Vera to vacation in Mali Beach.”

  “Your Honor I object, the Prosecution is attempting to prejudice the jury. It hasn’t been established that the defendant took a bribe. He is also badgering my client.”

  “The objection is sustained. The jury should make their decision as to bribery on evidence brought out during the proceedings. The Prosecution should refrain from badgering the witness and should stick to a line of questioning as it relates to the case.”

  “Councilman Davis, you took Sarah Giltry to Malibu Beach as an in kind payment for setting you up with Brisband.”

  “Your Honor, I object again.”

  “Mr. Woodard, this is a warning. You must stick to facts and not merely recite allegations.”

  “How would you describe your relationship to Mrs. Giltry?”

  “My wife Vera, Sarah and I have been friends since college.”

  “Do you recall the day when Sarah showed up to your house with her briefcase?”

  “I do.”

  “Did she open the briefcase in your presence?”

  “Yes.”

  “Would you briefly describe its contents?”

  “Sarah and I talked for a long time. While conversing, she appeared to be reviewing drawings and jotted down notes. The briefcase also appeared to have audio and video aids used to make presentations.”

  The Prosecution called Marcia De Boise to the stand. She was Johnny Davis’ next door neighbor. When asked she testified, “I remember the day very well. I was power walking as Mrs. Giltry was exiting her car. She almost knocked me over with her car door. She didn’t even say excuse me. I told her that if I wasn’t lucky she could have injured me. Mrs. Giltry upset me so much; I asked her why she was frequenting the Councilman’s house in the absence of his wife.”

  “Do you remember if she was carrying anything in her hand when she exited the vehicle?”

  “She was carrying a light blue briefcase.”

  “Do you recall anything else about that day?”

  “I remember the curtains to the Councilman’s bedroom were open and the blinds were raised when I noticed Mrs. Giltry disrobing. Mr. Davis was in the room. ”

  The Judge stated, “Mrs. Giltry’s sexual indiscretions are not on trial. I am instructing the jury to disregard the remarks about Mrs. Giltry disrobing in the Councilman’s bedroom.”

  “Did you observe Mrs. Giltry leaving?”

  “Yes, I was sitting on my front porch.”

  “Did you notice anything different when she was leaving?”

  “I noticed she did not have the briefcase.”

  “I have no further questions.”

  Ms. De Boise was excused from the stand.

  After court, Johnny headed back to his house. After retrieving his cell phone he listened to his voice mail, while
exiting the house, walking back to his car. He was taken aback, when he played a message saying Vera had been involved in a car accident. The message had been left the night before while he was in the impassioned sexual throes of Sarah. He drove to the nearby hospital. The on call doctor informed him that Vera was resting in intensive care. “Vera may have a little difficulty walking for awhile if she recovers. She experienced some trauma to her head. Also, she has a bruised leg and a few facial abrasions.”

  “I would like to see her.”

  “You can go in to be by her side. You won’t be able to communicate with her due to her being heavily medicated.”

  The doctor pointed to the nurses station and stated, “Nurse Johnson will direct you to her room.”

  Once by her side, Johnny noticed her heavily bandaged head. She seemed to be resting. He prayed to God asking for Vera’s life to be spared and for forgiveness. At that moment, she briefly flexed her fingers on her right hand. He spent most of the night at the hospital.

  Court had been recessed for the weekend.

  After he left the hospital, Johnny tried to explain to Sarah about Vera’s accident.

  She said, “I’m sorry dear. I heard about it on the news. Vera ran through a red light and then broadsided a vehicle driven by an elderly gentleman. He did not survive.”

  “It’s my fault, Sarah. I caused it to happen.”

  “You should not blame yourself. You were not driving the car. She was the one that caused the accident. It was not your fault.”

  “Sarah, I’m going to lie down. I need time to think.”

  “I understand.”

  The next day, Johnny spent more time at the hospital visiting Vera.

  While he was away, Sarah received a phone call from Mr. Titanimum. She answered, “Hello, Sarah Giltry speaking.”

  “Hi Sarah. This is Woodrow. I have some bad news.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Mrs. Titanimum has been diagnosed with terminal cancer.”

  “Oh no, I know you must be devastated.”