Catalyst

by Ross Richdale

  Lem stared at the man with ice-cold eyes. "I am not impressed by your attitude…" He dropped his gaze to the man's nametag… "Mr. Buenom, I do not have time to worry about your dress code. Either show me where this Games Room is or direct me to the manager's office where I will file a complaint about your lack of courtesy."

  Two minutes later he was standing beside a pool table where Hank had finished playing a game.

  "Lem," Hank said. "What a pleasant surprise."

  "We need to talk," Lem replied in a monotone. "About Courtney."

  Hank was about to say something but hesitated. "She told you about my offer, I guess. Come to the bar. The Blue Room is private and we won't be disturbed."

  After a minimal amount of small talk Lem stared into Hank's eyes. "Have you any idea what your daughter has gone though in the last year?"

  Hank frowned but his attempt to look angry or be in command of the conversation failed dismally. "I know she ran away, got lost in a cave and was taken under your wing. I appreciate the help you have given her but…"

  "She was violently raped and on the verge of suicide when we, as you put it, took her under our wing," Lem replied in a curt voice.

  "Rubbish," Howlett retorted but his eyes avoided Lem's. "Courtney always did have a vivid imagination."

  Lem glared at his adversary, reached for the briefcase he had with him and brought out a pile of documents. He found one and placed it on the small coffee table in front of their armchairs. "A patient report from the clinic Courtney visited in Florida."

  Hank picked up the document and read it silently for several moments. "Oh Jesus. I didn't know."

  "The only family member who came to her assistance was your mother-in-law. We have cared for your daughter and your wife's partner paid her college fees."

  "Thank you for that," Hank replied. "If you need any financial reimbursement for Courtney's care…"

  "That will not be necessary."

  "But that does not change the offer I made to Courtney. I am giving her a chance that will help make up for the terrible things she suffered."

  "You weren't there when she needed you the most, Hank," Lem said. "When two complete strangers provide the love and care her parents neglected to give her…"

  "Now see here," Howlett interrupted.

  Whether the anger was genuine or feigned, Lem didn't know but he was too annoyed to care. "We know about your affair with a Lady Jane Hunter-Browne, your application for a new British work permit and the fact that Courtney is already enrolled at Cambridge."

  Howlett's face darkened. "How?"

  "Renee is a lawyer with considerable means at her disposal." Lem held up another document. "A private investigator's report."

  "How dare you. I've a good mind to…"

  "This is confidential and known to nobody except Renee, me and now, you. I believe the contents are true but if you wish to file a complaint with the proper authorities, you are within your rights."

  "That isn't necessary," Hank replied in a quiet voice. "Okay, I neglected seeing Courtney but I was in Britain, Lem. I didn't know where she was until Amy contacted me."

  "When was that?"

  Hank looked as if he was about to make another angry retort but stopped. "Okay but the offer to Courtney was genuine. It still stands."

  "Tell me," Lem continued. "How did you enroll Courtney without her signature? She is legally an adult now, in England as well as here, so she would need to sign the form."

  Howlett glowered but said nothing.

  "We have told Courtney nothing about this, Hank, nor do we want to. However, if you continue to push her to go back with you, we shall have to reconsider our position. I'm sure the university wouldn't be too pleased to hear the circumstances involving her enrollment."

  "That's blackmail."

  "Is it?" Lem replied. "I call it helping a young woman beginning to cope with her life. She has a bright future, Hank. Don't spoil it for her."

  "I wasn't going to."

  "For God's sake, man." Lem retorted with his anger rising. "Think of your daughter for a change and not some social standing you may aspire to in a foreign country." He stood and placed his glass down. "Thank you for the drink." Without a backward glance, he stalked out.

  ****

  Courtney looked across the Mustang at Ken, who stared straight ahead even though the vehicle was parked at the curb of a city street.

  "Well, aren't you glad for me?" she asked.

  Ken turned toward her. "I don't want you to go, Courtney," he said and stared out the windshield again. "I know it's mean but that's how I feel."

  Courtney pouted. It was turning out wrong. First Renee and Lem were cold on the idea, Linda went further and told her she was a stupid idiot giving up everything and now Ken.

  "It's not definite," she said and placed a hand on Ken's leg.

  Ken turned, placed both hands on her cheeks and kissed her on the lips. Then, without another word he climbed out of the car and walked up the sidewalk.

  Courtney followed but it took several moments before she caught up with him. She grabbed his arm and stopped him. He turned and Courtney saw his face was awash with tears.

  "I love you, Courtney," he said. "Without you, I am a nobody but you won't be interested in a big cry baby will you?"

  Courtney felt a pang of emotion grip her as she stared at the silent tears running down her friend's cheeks. He was crying for her. He needed her. She realized the reverse was also true and the idea of going across the world and leaving him, Renee, Lem and even Jack, Diane and Linda, lost its appeal. She had more friends now than anytime in her life. She couldn't leave them.

  She tucked her arms through Ken's and hugged him close. "Oh Ken. I feel so proud that you care." She kissed him softly on the lips. "Come on. Let's go home. Perhaps the letters from Washington State have arrived."

  They drove home and into the drive to find Linda waiting for them. "They're here," the girl screamed. "I got in."

  She held two large yellow envelopes out to her friends and Courtney could see the Washington State University's icon printed across the top left corner.

  She felt another rush of adrenaline. Her nervous fingers could barely open the envelope but she managed and withdrew a thick wad of literature. The slim white front page grabbed her attention.

  "Dear Miss Howlett," it began. "We have great pleasure in advising you…"

  "I got in!"

  "Me too," Ken replied. A slow grin swept across his face, he tucked his arms around both girls and kissed them each on the cheek.

  Linda chuckled, then turned serious. "But what about your father's offer?"

  "Oh that," Courtney said with a casual shrug. "Who wants to go to England, anyway?"

  ****

  Renee never heard what was said but Cambridge wasn't mentioned again and Hank returned to England early. Courtney was on a new high but this time it was about how her friends and her were going to fit into the huge Washington State campus. On Saturday afternoon, Renee, Lem and Courtney drove Hank to SeaTac International Airport, said all the correct things and watched as he walked out of their lives.

  "We have an hour and a half wait," Lem said. "Let's go and have a meal together. It's on me."

  Courtney blew her nose and turned away from the departure doors where her father had disappeared. "Why are we waiting?"

  "I agreed to pick up a colleague," Lem replied. "You aren't in a hurry, are you?"

  "No," Courtney said and smiled. "You know, when I was about twelve I had screaming sessions with Daddy all the time. I think that's why he sent me off to Miss Shelton's Academy. Mind you, Mom and him weren't getting on too well at the time."

  "Nobody's perfect," Renee replied, caught Lem's eye and glanced at an overhead monitor that showed the flight they were waiting for had arrived.

  Mere seconds later a familiar voice called out. "Hi there, Honey. Are you going to give your Grandma a welcoming kiss?"

  Courtney, who had her head engrossed in a gl
ossy magazine, jumped in fright. "Grandma!" she exclaimed and leapt to her feet.

  She ran towards her grandmother but stopped mid-stride and gasped. A slim brunette woman in her late thirties stood beside Amy with an apprehensive smile.

  "Mom," Courtney whispered.

  Her hesitant step turned into a run.

  "Oh Mom," the girl cried in delight. "Come and meet Renee and Lem. I'm so thrilled to see you." She turned. "You too, Grandma."

  "Courtney," Lizzie Howlett replied as she held her daughter. "I swear you've grown two inches and I love the way you've got your hair. When Renee phoned Mom and invited her over, I had to come too. I hope you don't mind."

  "Mind," Courtney screamed. "My God, Mom, of course not. I've got so much to tell you. Wait until you see Lem and Renee's house. It's so cool and…"

  Renee squeezed Lem's hand. Everything was working out.

  Unlike Hank, Lizzie and Amy stayed at Lem's place. Amy appeared no different and even asked about Jack and Diane, while Lizzie became as popular with Linda and Ken as she was with Courtney. They visited the university together, looked through Lem's factory, took in some markets on the waterfront, visited the Seattle Needle Tower, went on a night ferry cruise and even took a seaplane flight over the city.

  Five days later, the pair departed with a promise never to stay out of touch again and an assurance by Courtney she would visit her mother before the summer was over.

  "Well, one of our extended family is sorted out," Renee said to Lem that evening. "Two actually. Ken seems content. There's only Linda now."

  "She's a resourceful young lady," Lem replied. "And with her top notch lawyer, I'm sure she'll come out a winner."

  "I hope so."

  Lem smiled. "Oh, I forgot to tell you that Pat McQuilkin wrote me a letter. It seems he is still trying to find that necklace and is offering a reward if we can find it for him."

  "Is he now?" Renee grinned. "But what can we do about it?"

  "Go and look for my jacket."

  Renee chuckled but looked into Lem's eyes and realized he was serious.

  ****

  CHAPTER 23

  Clarence Squartrili, the plaintiff's lawyer, pulled his jacket around his oversized stomach, glanced sideways at Renee and addressed the bench. "We believe Miss Bonnett should disqualify herself from this hearing since she is fostering Linda Wycherley and has a vested interest in the outcome, Your Honor."

  Judge Johan Koberstein scratched his chin and looked down from his bench over small circular glasses like a principal at a school assembly. He glanced briefly at a report in his hand and across the room at Renee.

  "Your response, Miss Bonnett."

  "It is true Linda has been placed under our care but I fail to see how this can prejudice this sitting, Your Honor," Renee began. "This is not a civil trial but a hearing to ascertain whether or not my client should be returned to her parents' care. Our position is that she should not be but whether she continues to be placed in our care is a different issue."

  "I don't entirely agree, Miss Bonnett," Judge Koberstein commented, "However, I'll make a note of your comment."

  He turned to the nervous girl sitting beside Renee. Linda was dressed in a modest navy blue skirt and jacket with a white blouse that made her look younger than her years. "Miss Bonnett is the person you want to represent you, Linda?"

  "Yes, Your Honor," Linda replied in a clear voice. "I want nobody else."

  "What is your age, Linda?"

  "I was seventeen two days ago, Your Honor."

  "Indeed," the man replied. "And I guess you received gifts for your birthday?"

  "Yes."

  "What did you receive?"

  "I object to this question." Clarence Squartrili stood and shouted. "It is entirely irrelevant."

  The judge turned. "You will sit down Mr. Squartrili. May I remind you this is not a trial but a hearing. You do not have to impress a jury here, young man."

  Renee suppressed a grin. Squartrili was forty-five if he was a day and was known throughout the profession as Slimy Clarie for his devious methods.

  The judge turned back to Linda and raised his eyebrows for her to continue.

  "Mainly clothes, Your Honor," she said. "Renee and Lem bought me a portable CD player and three CDs. My boyfriend gave me a prepay cellphone."

  "What did your parents buy you, Linda?"

  "Nothing."

  "Nothing?" the judge repeated.

  He turned his gaze across the room to where the Wycherleys stood. Linda's father was a small insignificant looking man with receding hair. He wore a conservative black suit with a white shirt and dark tie. The cut of his clothes, though crisp and tidy, looked quaintly old-fashioned with wide lapels from a bygone era. Lydia Wycherley was a large woman, dressed in a calf-length skirt, while a light blue scarf covered her hair.

  "My clients don't believe in birthdays or Christmas gifts, Your Honor," Clarence Squartrili interrupted. "It is against their religious beliefs."

  "But you do?" the judge asked Linda.

  The girl flushed. "Yes, Your Honor. I have rejected my parents' narrow-minded religious views."

  "Object." Clarence Squartrili interrupted. "Miss Wycherley is giving an opinion, not stating a fact."

  "Mr Squartrili," the judge replied in an ice-cold voice. "I have allowed half a day for this hearing, not a week. Your constant interruptions before the opening statements have been made are irritating." He turned to the nervous girl. "He does have a valid point, Linda. You should not give an opinion in your answer unless specifically asked for one."

  Linda nodded and cast her gaze at the floor.

  "Thank you," Judge Koberstein said. "You can make your opening statement Mr. Squartrili."

  The lawyer stood and waited a moment before starting. "This is a continuance of the original court order, Your Honor. The court made Linda Wycherley a state ward and allowed her to have an abortion against her parents' wishes. That happened and though they strongly disagreed to this taking place, Vadimere and Lydia Wycherley believe in forgiveness. They have forgiven Linda and want her to return to the family home under their care."

  The lawyer's deep voice continued with explanations for the Wycherley's religious and social beliefs and he noted that Linda's pregnancy was not the result of her promiscuous habits, something not known in the original hearing.

  Renee glanced at Suzanne Norwood who was assisting her. The man had done his research well. When her turn came to make a statement, she stood so she could see and be seen by Linda's parents.

  "In our country, Your Honor, we pride ourselves on freedom and the right of individuals to observe their religious beliefs without discrimination. The Wycherley family has every right to practice their faith in any way they wish and that is how it should be." She stopped and her blue eyes bore into Vadimere Wycherley until the man glanced away. "We also believe that minors need to be cared for and protected. Their parents or caregivers have the right to pass their values and believes onto their children. When these children reach adulthood they can continue or reject these beliefs as they wish. Linda is seventeen, so is still a minor. She, therefore, still has to be cared for by an adult. We do not contest any of these points. We do not contest her parents' religious beliefs. We do not contest their right to pass these beliefs onto their children…"

  She stopped again and gazed around the silent room before continuing in almost a whisper. "However, parents do not have the right to break the state's and country's laws when they are caring for their children. We will show that Vadimere and Lydia Wycherley overstepped these rights and therefore, should not be allowed to have their daughter returned to their custody. We shall further present evidence of how Linda has blossomed since being removed from their influence. One example." Renee stopped again and smiled at the girl. "She is just seventeen but has graduated from high school in the equivalent of her junior year. Not only that but she topped her graduating class and has been accepted into Washington State University in the acad
emic year commencing in September."

  ****

  Two hours later, Clarence had completed his case. Linda had been reduced to tears and made to look like a wayward slut who had run wild and rejected her parents, slept with any boy available and indeed, didn't know who the youth was who impregnated her.

  Renee was equally ruthless in her cross-examination. However, Clarence Squartrili emerged from a sordid and harrowing experience with a confident smirk on his face. "So, Your Honor," he concluded. "Even after that and the abortion, Vadimere and Lydia are prepared to forgive their daughter and take her back into the family home with her three younger brothers."

  Renee began by calling Linda to the stand. "You are wearing suitable attire beneath your blouse, I believe, Linda?"

  "Yes," the girl replied. She had been briefed on what would be asked and was ready.

  Clarence Squartrili half rose but saw Judge Koberstein's frown and refrained from making an objection.

  "Please remove your jacket and hold up your blouse, so the judge can see your back, Linda," Renee said in a kind voice.

  The girl exposed her tanned back to show three faded welts across it. "Where did the scars come from Linda?"

  "My father thrashed me with a switch," Linda answered. Tears appeared again in her eyes.

  "How old were you at the time?"

  "Nine or ten. I don't quite remember."

  "Was this for flirting with boys, Linda?"

  "No," Linda whispered. "It was before I knew anything about boys and sex."

  "What was it for, Linda?"

  "I went to the local park and played on a swing with Daniel, my brother."

  In spite of himself, Johan Koberstein jerked up, asked Linda to explain the circumstances in minute detail and examined the girl's wounds with renewed interest.

  "That was six years ago, Linda?" he asked in a hushed voice.

  "Yes, Your Honor."

  "And you still have the scars?" It was a rhetorical question but Renee could see she had gained sympathy from the judge.

  "Did you do this, Mr. Wycherley?" the judge asked Linda' s father in a harsh voice.

  "It is possible, Your Honor," Vadimere Wycherley muttered. "We did have to discipline Linda at times."