“Sam, do you realize it's 6:00 A.M.?”
“Turn your television on. They found Craig.”
“Who found Craig?”
“Tourists; they came out of the casino at 3:30 this morning and found him slumped over like a giant blob of Silly Putty bearing the vivid colors of the Sunday morning comic strip. From what I’ve heard, he’s in terrible shape. He has two broken legs with compound fractures a broken arm and crushed cheekbones. He’s in critical care at the hospital. Someone already planted the feds and the blues outside his door.”
“Let me wash my face, catch my bearings and I’ll call you back. I’d better call Angie and let her know. Sam we need to prepare for a press conference at the office. Let’s say 9:00 A.M. You put those wheels in motion. Angie and I will meet you there.”
“Okay I’ll do that. See you then.” Sam said.
Jaid grasped the television remote and tuned into a welcome sight where instant replays displayed Martin and Hattie handcuffed and escorted into the back of two squad cars. These vivid images delivered justice for parents.
“Channel 4 News Andrea Ariel reporting live from high atop police headquarters as alleged accomplices, Martin Freeman and Hattie Depuke, dubbed The Fugitive Family, arrives at police headquarters. The fugitives took turns going into town for supplies. At dawn, hidden deep beneath a disguise of sunglasses and dark tinted hair, a tourist recognized one of the fugitives while inside a Kroger grocery store, and phoned the police. Police followed them to their hideout in the woods and swarmed their trailer ending the search for these fugitives.”
Jaid had heard enough to confirm her brother’s announcement this morning. Jaid depressed a sequence of seven digits with hints of graceful elegance in her demeanor.
Responding half dazed to her morning wake-up call Angie said, “Hello who’s this?”
“Angelina, its Jaid, they found Craig. Get yourself ready we meet with the press at 9:00 A.M. Prepare yourself as this meeting and photo op may serve as the poster child for the proposed changes.”
Angie’s annoyance at the morning wake-up-call subsided as nervousness set in. The familiar twitching resumed its trump position.
“Where did they find him?” Angie asked.
“I understand you have a million questions, but not right now. We need to get ready and prepare for the firestorm ahead of us. I will answer all your questions when I see you.” Jaid said.
“I’ll meet you there at 9:00. Heels and a skirt morning?”
“Yes a clear-cut heels and skirt morning. I’ll see you at 9:00 sharp. Wear your hair up, and eat a large breakfast. First we’ll make a statement to the press. Then we’ll face the feds and blues questions. What’s your alibi for last night?”
“Anthony and I caught the latest Cirque De` Sole show at the Novi Expo center and then went dancing at the Smooth Jazz club across the street.”
“Good they’re all verifiable alibis. What time did you get home?”
“2 A.M.” Angie said.
“Well it’s an alibi. You know they’re going to point the finger at you because of the significant damage he’s done to your life. In many respects he altered your path in life due to his selfishness all these years.” Jaid said.
“With a firm resolve I believe that we seek what we want in life; positive or negative; as in your two wolf story; whatever one we feed.”
“Welcome to my world dear. I see this daily as an attorney. People choose to do wrong when choosing to do right remains just as easy. Lives altered, dreams shattered and off to the slammer they go.” Jaid said.
“I’m going to finish getting ready and I’ll see you at 9:00 in your office.” Angie said.
“See you then.”
Angie’s thoughts fell on jail as she depressed the numerals corresponding to Anthony’s phone number.
“Anthony. I need you to go to the Novi Expo Center and purchase us two tickets from last night’s performance. Also we went to the Smooth Jazz Club last night and got in around two.” Angie said in a rushed tone.
“I understand. I’ll have my nephew bring the tickets right over. The jazz club, no worries my Uncle Vito owns it; but you knew that didn’t you?” Anthony said.
“I’ve done my homework the same as you. A date last night between us encompassed these two locations. They found Craig and I have to go to Jaid’s office and answer questions now for the press.” Angie said.
“Take the bottle I gave you and drink it right before you go out there.” Anthony said.
Angie depressed the power button on the remote and saw pandemonium breaking out before her eyes. Angry mobs of picketers appeared on television jeering in anger over the futile attempt on behalf of our government at collecting child support.
“I will, I have to go.” Angie said.
Angie’s thoughts focused on the angry mob in the streets appearing on the television as Anthony’s words trailed off.
“Call me later or stop by the bistro.” Anthony said.
Angie folded her phone in half and watched in amazement as a circus played out on national television.
“Tammy come feast your eyes! That looks like Candy’s friend Linn Phelps. She’s holding a picket sign that reads lock up the deadbeats and throw away the key.”
“Angie my god, it's a mob scene out there!” Tammy said.
Candy’s longtime high school friend had learned about Candy and Martin’s dual-roles in this elaborate cover-up so Craig could avoid paying support.
“I know Linn divorced. I wonder if she’s trying to collect child support as well.” Angie said.
Linn’s collection attempts proved futile as well. This did not sit well in the recess of her heart. Candy may have used up all of her get out of jail free cards as Linn remained her sole friend. Candy would now join the rest of the thieves on skid row for her negligence.
Chapter 53
Pulling up to Jaid’s office revealed a buzz of the media’s satellites. A flurry of activity lit up the street that morning as husky reporters rehearsed their story by-lines until tight and camera ready. Who would have guessed a spicy media circus, awaited Angie’s appearance.
I can’t believe all this; you’d think a high-ranking official flew in from overseas.
Angie’s phone rattled on the seat next to her.
“Hello.”
“I’m Sylvester from Met Life. I’m looking for Angelina Steadfast.”
“I’m Angelina Steadfast how can I help you?”
Angie and Sylvester engaged in a productive conversation before Angie faced the glare of the reporters.
“Ms. Steadfast it has come to our knowledge, through a will left by a Mark Freeman, you’re named as sole beneficiary of a large sum of money.”
Angie’s body quivered through equal parts of angst and relief.
“Please just skip all the details, I’ve waited a long time for this, hit me; how much?” Angie said.
“Take a breath ma'am, $1,000,000.” Sylvester from MetLife Insurance said.
“Thank you! Sylvester I’ll have to call you later to find out where I collect my money.”
“Okay ma'am. Does your phone have caller ID?” Sylvester asked.
“Yes it does.”
“Okay that’s the best number to reach me at.”
“Thank you. I’ll talk with you later.” Angie said.
I can do this. First face the reporters then the door.
With flashbulbs blinking like fourth-of-July fireworks Angie tried to shield her eyes with her forearm. With no clear path to the back door, she decided to run the gauntlet. I want to end this circus quickly. As she slowed the car down the cameras begin to swarm like angry hornets. A multitude of questions canvassed the air.
“Did you have anything to do with your ex-husband’s disappearance? Have you seen him in the hospital yet?” a reporter asked.
Through the open car window begging for answers Angie questioned, “He’s in the hospital? Tell me the extent of his injuries! Do you know what his inju
ries he sustained? Can anyone tell me what’s going on?” she asked in a screeching voice.
No response emanated from the circus acts just more bright flashes blinding her eyes. I want some damn answers; Jaid will have them.
Reporters thrust cameras and microphones about five inches from Angie’s left cheek as she opened the car door. Just getting out of the car door proved a struggle. She needed to push aside the reporter’s hands so she didn’t slam them in the door. Bombarded with questions and flashbulbs she again tried to shield her eyes by holding her left arm out over her forehead. However, the white lights blinded Angie while trying to make her way through the crowd without pushing.
“Please let me through I’m concerned about Craig. I need to speak with my attorney and then we will make a statement.”
“Ms. Steadfast you seem stunned? Your ex-husbands hospitalization caught you off guard. Did you have prior knowledge of this or of his critical condition?”
“He’s what? Tell me he’s alive? No, I wasn’t aware of his hospitalization. Can anyone tell me what hospital they took him to?”
“Ms. Steadfast do you know the extent of Craig’s injuries?”
“I know nothing!” Angie said.
The budding reporters in search of answers appear like worker-bees loyal to their queen. Extracting information, capturing the essence of the moment coupled with a great picture for today’s edition rests on the tip of their tongues, Angie’s mind rests on Craig’s condition. Flickering in the back of her mind like a fluorescent light reaching its full life expectancy sat the notion that questions came from the wrong direction.
Walking to the door mirrored participation in an Iron Man triathlon. At last, the door handle and behind it Jaid, looking a bit wiry.
“Morning.” Jaid said.
“Morning. They said Craig’s in the hospital, in critical care. What’s the prognosis?”
“Let’s go to my office and talk.”
Jaid appeared that morning looking like Liberace with rings adorning almost every finger.
“Angie we have but one chance to make a great first impression during the interview with reporters. I’m glad you dressed on the conservative side.”
Her traditional black pencil skirt fit like a glove, her loose fitting blouse exuded a meek look of a conservative mother.
“I dressed as your first-year law professor advised void acres of cleavage.”
“She’s right you know, modest dress prompts them to listen to your logic and reasoning.” Jaid said.
Angie’s mood turned dismal as her lip quivered saying, “Jaid they said he’s in the hospital; I’d like to see him.”
“The police aren’t going to allow anyone to see him until they question him. Let me see if I can pull a couple strings.” Jaid said casting glances on Angie then Sam.
“Your date with the police officer; you can get me access.”
Jaid’s pupils dilated at Angie’s statement.
“I will try.” Jaid said.
“She’ll get you in. Since their date her phone rings off the hook from him.” Sam interjected.
“Interesting.” Angie said.
In a spirited tone Jaid said, “I’m smitten with him!” Jaid clasped her hands around Angie’s and said, “I feel like the stars and moon have aligned and our Native American animal spirits have meshed.” Jaid said.
“I’m happy for you Jaid!” Angie said.
“Angie we’ll discuss that later. First, let's deal with the mob scene!”
“I know I had trouble getting out of my door let alone up to your door. Why does everyone want these answers from me? I don’t know the answers. Why aren’t they asking the police?” Angie said.
“They believe since you’re the ex-wife you’ll know something. Remember what I told you about first impressions. They’ve already judged you. You left a positive image on their minds. We’ll stay in here a little longer while they send out that initial report to the public; it’s a good clean wholesome image of you. What the public first sees they will remember. We don’t want you appearing rough around the edges. Not that you’ve done anything wrong. You said you had nothing to do with his disappearance and I believe you. We don’t need the public standing with pitchforks awaiting your arrival. Public outcry has an impact on jurors in high-profile cases. Casey Anthony – need I say more?” Jaid said.
“How long will we wait until we go out there and make a statement?”
“We’re going to give them another ten minutes to slosh around rumors. That way they’ve all have had time to make their first live report with the photos of you coming out of your car dressed like June Cleaver’s sister. After that marinades in the public’s opinion a bit we’ll go in.” Jaid said.
Angie’s timid mind-set prompted her to withhold a bit when she asked, “Do you want to go over any questions with me? Do you know what happened to him?”
“I do, but I’m opting not to. I want your unharnessed emotions to soar before the glaring eyes of the public. This lends to your credibility.” Jaid said.
“I’m going out there blind? I’m not comfortable like that!” Angie said.
“Completely blind. Trust me it will benefit you.” Jaid said with confidence.
“I feel uneasy about that but I respect your advice. I’m going to go use the restroom first.”
“Okay.”
Walking down the hallway Angie’s legs twitched full of emotion. Jaid’s words spoken with resounding clarity, ‘it will benefit you’ echoed loud and clear in Angie’s head as a looming question presented; how will it benefit me? The sharp edgy trust me that Jaid said held semblance.
My stomach feels like a twisted pretzel. Don’t people know curiosity killed the cat? Craig’s missing for days and the reporters swoon in over me like vultures on road kill. I’d appreciate answers before I speak to the press but I trust Jaid. All those reporters vying for my attention this morning, in particular, the thin one with the reddish hair, directing questions at me about motive has irked me. She held her microphone so close I could draw an exact replica of the gray honeycomb windsock covering it.
Angie powdered her stout nose and gave one last look in the mirror. Standing up taller, she straightened the bow clip in the back of her hair and winked at herself. Walking on her mother’s shoulders that morning gave Angie all the reassurance necessary to keep a stoic look upon her face. Exiting the restroom her gait seemed like Jaid’s days earlier.
Approaching Jaid, Angie said, “I’m ready.”
Smiling Jaid said, “Let’s do this.”
Their thunderous footsteps carried them to the podium Sam set up earlier that morning.
Noticing Angie couldn’t stop staring at it Sam said, “It gives a commanding performance and relieves the question of what to do with your hands while questioned.”
“Okay. You two know what you’re doing. I trust you both.” Angie said.
Angie approached the wooden podium and took her rightful place. Looking out into a sea of stark faces feelings of comfort and control swept over her like a fast moving virus. The reporters’ faces held curious looks, not condescending ones; the June Cleaver garb melted their hearts.
“First question. John from WDIF.” Angie said.
“Angelina. When did you first learn that your husband went missing?”
“I learned about his disappearance while at a court appearance.”
“Have you spoken with him?” a reporter asked.
“No.”
“Next question. Phil at WDRT.” Angie said.
“Have the doctors given word of the severity of his injuries?”
“Injuries!” Angie exclaimed raising her voice many octaves higher. “What injuries has Craig sustained?”
“You’re not aware of his injuries?” said the reporter from WDRT.
“No I’m not aware of anything, please tell me! Can someone tell me what’s going on with him?” Angie said.
“You have no knowledge of this?” the reporter stated with em
phasis.
“No! Someone please tell me what’s going on?”
Vertigo took over and everything began to spin around Angie. With a tight grip, Angie grasped the podium so she did not fall. Her world shook around her like a dingy tossed about in a violent hurricane until she felt a hand embrace her gelatin like back. Jaid upheld Angie that morning as shock and dismay set in. Listening as many nameless faces shouted information at her while others took hand-held recording devices and spoke into them, one voice stood out above the rest. The press conference seemed surreal and now began to play out in slow motion. She still had no idea about Craig’s condition and demanded answers. Angie grasped the podium and dug her heels into the carpet as she regained composure at a turtle’s pace. She commanded attention from the crowd with a howling statement, “One person, you, from WDRT tell me about his injuries.”
A quiet solitude overtook the scene and Phil from WDRT spoke out, “The doctors at Mercy General said he has multiple fractures in his both legs, arm, face and multiple broken ribs. They’re awaiting test results to see if there’s an internal injury. Something ground down the flesh off his fingers.”
“His fingertips!” Angie gasped.
“Debridement of the skin, clean down to the bone, occurred on his fingertips, leaving the bone exposed and riddled his hands with infections. Widespread infection set in. They are waiting to see if he’ll lose any digits or not.”
Angie’s stomach turned like a fishing vessel tossed about in a storm. Tears flowed from her thin slits doubling as eyes. She hated all that Craig stood for and despised the way he treated people as insignificant weeds, but squirmed at watching pain inflicted on anyone; such as she’d gone through.
Turning to Jaid and cupping her hand over the microphone Angie said, “I want to go see him right now! Take me or I’ll take myself.”
“Sorry folks the press conference just ended.” Jaid said as she took Angie by the arm and with a stoic expression led her to the car.
Angie sat dazed, not sure if she’d even walked to Jaid’s white Mercedes. None the wiser, Anthony and Sam could have held her up under her arms while the toes of her shoes dragged on the ground. As a kid Angie broke in new sneakers on her bike like this.
ISOLATION: Child Support 911 Page 24