by Andrew Grey
“Should we be talking?” Jonathon asked, turning to Marty.
“Jeana’s not a party to the lawsuit.”
The young woman scoffed loudly. “Of course I’m not. This whole thing is stupid.” Her comment gave Jonathon a boost of confidence that he could really do this.
“What was that about with your mother?”
Jeana’s face brightened into a wicked smile. “She’s just upset because I told her yesterday that I was a lesbian”—Jeana raised her voice—“and she can’t handle it.” She made sure her mother heard the last part. “I can’t take any more of that woman,” she added as she shot daggers at her mother. “After this is over, I have something I’d like to ask you.”
The doors to the courtroom opened, and further discussion died away as Jonathon followed Marty down the aisle and to a table at the front of the room. Marty set down his case and motioned Jonathon to his chair. Jeana sat in the gallery behind them. The lawyer for the boys took the table across the aisle with Adam and Eric.
The judge entered, and everyone stood. She took her place at the bench and motioned for them to sit. “I want to stress to all parties that this is not a trial, but a preliminary hearing to determine if this case should proceed.”
Jonathon felt himself shaking in the chair, his leg and foot bouncing. Marty leaned over to him, whispering, “There’s nothing to be nervous about. Just relax and you’ll do fine.” A soft, warm hand touched him on the shoulder, and Jonathon turned around, Jeana giving him a reassuring smile.
“Mr. Pfister, are you prepared?” She directed her gavel to their table.
“He is, Your Honor,” Marty answered, and Jonathon found himself nodding slightly.
“Very good.” She turned her attention to the other table. “Mr. Weatherby, I will only give you so much latitude here. This family has suffered a loss, so make any points you want, but do it quickly and with sensitivity.”
“Yes, Your Honor.”
“Good. I’ve read your briefs, and it’s your intention to prove that Mr. Pfister unduly influenced Mr. Mansfield when he made his will.” The bailiff stepped forward and administered the oath to all of them, and then Jonathon stepped forward, sitting in the witness box. The interrogation began smoothly enough, with seemingly innocent questions. Then the boys’ lawyer began asking Jonathon about his relationship with Adam and Eric’s father. He then read off a litany of gifts that Jonathon had supposedly received from Greg, including every birthday and Christmas present. The last items on the list were the Mercedes and the Raquette Lake cabin. “Not bad payment.”
Jonathon opened his mouth to respond, but the judge did it for him. “There’s no jury to play to, Mr. Weatherby, and I will not tolerate another outburst like that. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Your Honor, I apologize.”
“Then continue.”
Jonathon was asked about every disagreement, every fight he and Greg had had, with each and every one blown up to monster proportions. Jonathon clarified what he could. “We didn’t always agree, but that didn’t mean I didn’t love him.” Mr. Weatherby continued on, and after two hours, Jonathon felt himself tire.
“Your Honor, I’d like to request a recess,” Marty said, and Jonathon smiled at the man. He felt wrung out and could barely keep his eyes off his feet. At the cabin, he’d at least felt as though Greg was with him, but here, it seemed as though they were trying to take him away.
“We’ll break for fifteen minutes. Counselors, I’d like to speak with both of you.”
Jonathon walked down the aisle and out the back doors, seeing no one. In the hall, he got a drink and sat on one of the chairs. Jeana sat next to him, but they didn’t talk. I need you, Greg. More than anything, I need to feel that you’re here. Of course, no answer came, no brilliant revelations from heaven, so he tried to calm his nerves until they were called back inside.
Jonathon walked back to the stand.
“Mr. Weatherby, do you have further questions?”
“No, Your Honor.”
“Mr. Silver.” She motioned to Marty, and he stood up, walking to Jonathon.
“How long were you and Greg together?” Marty asked in a warm tone, instantly putting him at ease.
“Seventeen of the best years of my life. Greg was everything to me,” Jonathon answered, feeling what he was saying.
“What is it you do for a living?”
“I teach third grade at Lincoln Elementary.” Jonathon finally started to relax. Marty wasn’t going to steer him wrong; he just had to go with him. “I have for the last nineteen years.”
“So, you worked all during the time of your relationship with Greg?”
“Yes. Why wouldn’t I? Greg had his work, and I had mine. Greg always said I was teaching the lawyers and doctors of tomorrow. He was proud of what I did. Every February, he came into my class dressed as Abraham Lincoln, reciting the Gettysburg address and answering questions about the life of Abraham Lincoln. The kids all loved him.” Jonathon could feel Greg’s love around him as he remembered the smile on Greg’s face and the laughter of the children.
“Did you pay for things?”
“Of course.” Jonathon could feel the tightness in his chest ease a little. “I paid for the upkeep and taxes on the cabin.” Jonathon turned his head slightly, speaking to the boys. “Greg bought the cabin on Raquette Lake years ago and put it in my name, but I paid the taxes and upkeep afterwards, as well as part of the household expenses.”
“Did you influence or try to influence Greg when he wrote his will?”
Jonathon felt a chuckle start from deep inside and he could hear Greg’s voice in his mind. “Good Lord, no. When Greg decided he wanted to do something, he was stubborn enough to follow through. To put a fine point on this, I hadn’t even seen his will until after he died. We’d never discussed it. He tried a few times, but I didn’t want to think about Greg dying. The only thing I ever told him was that I trusted him.”
“Did you love Greg?”
Jonathon looked at the opposing lawyer, answering with conviction, “More than life itself. I’d have gladly given everything I have to have him back. I know that can’t happen, but I intend to make sure that Greg’s wishes are carried out.”
“Mr. Pfister, there’s just one more point I’d like to clarify. In his will, Greg asked you to scatter his ashes in Raquette Lake. Has this been done?” One of the bones of contention with the boys was that they felt their father’s ashes should be placed in the family plot, next to where their mother would eventually be buried.
“No.” Jonathon saw the boys look to their mother, relief plain on their faces. “I didn’t want to do something that couldn’t be undone.”
“Where are his ashes now?” Marty asked quietly, just loud enough to be heard.
“In the urn on the mantel in the cabin.” Jonathon wiped his eyes. “I’ll scatter them eventually as he asked, but I’m not ready to give him up yet.”
“Thank you, Jonathon, I have no further questions.” Marty stepped back and looked at the other attorney, who stood up, but the judge stopped him.
“Unless you have some earth-shattering revelation to make, I think I’ve heard enough.” The attorney sat down slowly as the judge turned to Jonathon. “You can be seated, Mr. Pfister.” Jonathon stood up and walked back to the table, sitting next to Marty, as the judge continued. “I see nothing here that leads me to believe that Gregory Mansfield wasn’t completely aware of what he was doing, and I see no evidence that Mr. Pfister tried to influence him in any way. Therefore, I am granting the motion to dismiss this case, but I’m doing so with prejudice.” Her gaze traveled to the other table. “I’m issuing an order granting Mr. Pfister the power to deduct all attorney and court costs he encountered from the trust funds set aside by Gregory Mansfield for his sons, Eric and Adam Mansfield. It is my feeling that this case should never have been brought, and is bordering on a frivolous use of court resources.” She banged her gavel twice, glaring at Adam and Eric before
turning her gaze on Doreen, who seemed to wither under her stare. Then she stood up and left the courtroom.
It was over. Jonathon could almost feel the lake calling to him as he stood up, hugging Marty before walking out through the back of the room. Jeana met them there, hugging him as well. “How about lunch?” Marty asked as he pulled out his cell phone. “I’ll get us a table.”
The courtroom door opened, with Adam and Eric exiting the court, followed by their lawyer and Doreen. “This isn’t over,” Doreen said dramatically.
“Actually,” their lawyer corrected, “it is. The judge basically admonished us for bringing a frivolous case before the court. You won’t get anyone to take the case after this or a judge to hear it.” Without another word, he walked down the hall, leaving the three of them standing alone, looking bewildered.
Adam approached him slowly, looking extremely contrite. “Would you please bury Dad in the family plot?”
Jonathon thought for a minute. “As I said in court, I intend to comply with his wishes. His ashes will be scattered on the lake, as he requested. However, I promise not to do it without telling you and allowing all three of you to be there if you like.” Jonathon looked at all of Greg’s children before stepping away, turning to where Marty was talking on the phone.
“Jeana, are you coming home?” Doreen asked snidely, her displeasure with her daughter extremely evident.
“No. I’m going to lunch with Jonathon.” She turned her back on Doreen and her brothers, walking to where Marty was just hanging up his phone.
“Jeana’s going to join us,” Jonathon informed his lawyer and old friend.
“Of course.” Marty smiled as he led the way out of the building to where he’d parked the car.
“What is it you wanted to ask me?” Jonathon inquired once they’d left the building.
“Mom and I are not exactly getting along, and I don’t think we ever will again. My classes at Columbia start again in the fall, and I was wondering if I could stay with you until I go back.”
“Of course. Our home is always open to you.” Jonathon swallowed hard when he realized what he’d said. There were times it still slipped his mind, usually only for a second, that Greg was gone. “Tomorrow Marty’s going to take me back to the lake, since that’s where we left my car.” Jonathon heard Marty groan, but he didn’t argue. “You’re welcome to stay at the house for as long as you like.”
“Jonathon, for Pete’s sake.” Marty stopped at his car but didn’t open the door. “Jeana can take you back to Raquette Lake.” He looked at Jeana. “Someone needs to babysit him, because if I see him sitting around moping, like he was yesterday, I’m going to slap him.” Marty rolled his eyes before unlocking the car.
“I’m leaving first thing in the morning, one way or another,” Jonathon warned. What else could he say to counter Marty’s argument? He had been moping, and he knew he probably would again.
“I’ll go back to Mom’s and get my things after lunch and meet you at the house.” Jeana practically vibrated with excitement.
“Fine.” Jonathon got in the car, waiting until all the doors closed. “But you better be prepared to bait your own hooks. Oh, and you get to clean the fish.”
Jeana grinned. “As long as you cook, it’s a deal.” Jonathon found himself smiling, truly smiling, for the first time since Greg’s heart attack.
Chapter 3
Present day
JONATHON walked into the dining room on a beautiful June Sunday morning, surprised to find the house quiet. At his usual place, he found an envelope with his name on it. Wondering what was going on, he opened the envelope, pulling out the card, and his breath caught. It was a Father’s Day card, the first one he’d ever received, and his hand shook a little. Opening it, he read the inside. It was simple and to the point.
Dad,
You fill spots in my heart my father left.
Love you,
Jeana
Sometime over the past year—Jonathon wasn’t sure quite when it happened—Jeana had started to call him “Dad,” and he hadn’t had the heart to stop her, even though he didn’t think it was right for him to be taking Greg’s place. It took him a while to realize he wasn’t taking his place—Jeana’s heart had just gotten bigger to encompass him as well.
“Dad, you up yet?” Jeana called as she walked in through the patio doors, covered by a thick robe, feet dripping water onto the mat.
“Yes.” Jonathon walked to the door and kissed her on the cheek. “Thank you for the card.” His throat suddenly felt dry, and he cleared it so he could talk again. “Did you have a good swim?”
“Yes. The water’s still a little cold, but it felt good.” Jeana was one active young lady, and Jonathon had no doubt she turned heads. He was sort of surprised that she had yet to bring someone special home, but Jonathon firmly felt that it was her business, and if she wanted to talk about it, he’d listen. “Are you going to the lake this weekend?”
“I was thinking about it,” Jonathon answered as Jeana stepped inside. “But I wasn’t sure if you wanted to do something before you leave for Europe. I’ll have plenty of time to spend at the lake after you’re gone.”
Jeana had won a prestigious scholarship to study at the Sorbonne in the fall. She and some friends were going to spend a few months traveling the continent before school started. “I was thinking about that….” A loud knock on the door interrupted her. “Go see who that is and I’ll get changed.”
Jonathon opened the door to see Marty and Ruthie standing on his doorstep. Opening the screen, he welcomed them inside. “We just stopped by to see how you’re doing. We haven’t heard from you in weeks,” Ruthie scolded lightly as she leaned in for a kiss on the cheek. Jonathon looked to Marty, who just rolled his eyes as if to say, “This was all her idea.”
“Aunt Ruthie, Uncle Marty, what are you doing here?”
Jonathon whipped his head around at Jeana’s innocent tone and knew he was being had. “What have you got up your sleeve, girl?” he quizzed with mock anger. “I know you’re up to something, and you’ve got Ruthie in on it.” He was willing for now to give Marty the benefit of the doubt.
Jeana motioned to the living room, and they all sat down. “Dad, you know I’m leaving for Europe soon, and… I thought you should come too.”
Jonathon tilted his head, looking at her like she was crazy—because the girl had gone completely nuts. “You want me to tag along with you?”
Jeana laughed. “Oh God, no.” She chuckled. “No offense, but you’ll cramp my style, Dad.” She even rolled her eyes for added effect. “One of the girls I’m going with, Inge—you met her two weeks ago—she has family in Vienna, and they have a small apartment that they rent, and it’s available for the next couple of months. So, I thought you could get away.”
Jonathon felt his mouth fall open. “You want me to move to Vienna?”
“Think of it as doing part of the grand tour,” Ruthie interjected. “Vienna’s one of the great cities of the world.”
He turned his attention away from Jeana, glaring at Ruthie and Marty. “You knew about this?” Jonathon saw the high-powered attorney sink into his chair. “And you’re here because?”
“Moral support,” Ruthie answered, completely unfazed.
“I think I’ll need it,” Jonathon replied, feeling a little ganged-up on.
“Not for you,” Ruthie clarified. “For Jeana.”
Now if that wasn’t the living end. “So in this grand scheme of yours, what is it I’m supposed to do?”
“Dad, you don’t have to go. I was just hoping you’d do something this summer except spend most of it at the cabin, wishing Daddy were still there. He’s gone, and you need to move on with your life.”
“Have you been watching Under the Tuscan Sun again? Because I swear I’m going to hunt down and destroy every copy of that movie in existence.”
“Dad,” she replied in that indulgent tone that he found impossible to argue with. Besides, Jonathon had
to admit the earnest concern in her voice was starting to wear him down.
“I don’t even know where my passport is.” There, that should shut things down.
Jeana reached into her purse, pulling out a small blue book and handing it to him. “I found it last week.” She sat back in the chair. “The apartment’s really nice, and it’s located between the inner and outer ring roads, so it’s easy to get around. Inge says it’s a quiet neighborhood, not too far from the opera house. It’ll be good for you to get away for a while, meet some new people.”
“Why Vienna?” Jonathon found his resolve crumbling.
“Well, if you want the honest truth, it’s one of the cities you never visited with Daddy.” Damn, the girl knew him so well. “You’ll at least think about it?”
“Yes,” Jonathon found himself sighing, “I’ll think about it.”
“Good. Here’s the number of Inge’s family in Vienna. They’re expecting you in ten days.” She handed him an envelope. “I got you a first-class ticket from Kennedy to Vienna.”
“I said I’d think about it,” Jonathon protested.
Jeana ignored the protest, standing up before giving him a kiss. “Happy Father’s Day.” She seemed so incredibly pleased with herself. Now how in the hell could he argue with that? Besides, she was definitely her father’s daughter.
IN THE end, Jonathon didn’t argue, at least not too much, and that was why he found himself cruising over the Atlantic, sitting alone in the plane’s first-class cabin, drinking champagne and eating filet mignon. Nervous excitement buzzed from his head to his toes. The day after Jeana had given him the tickets, she’d brought Inge over to the house, and he’d called her relatives. To Jonathon’s surprise, not only did they seem very nice, but they were welcoming, and an hour later he’d hung up feeling almost like he’d made new friends. They’d even asked him to call when he landed at the airport, and Hanna, Inge’s aunt, had said she’d have one of her boys pick him up. They’d sent him pictures of the apartment, their building, even themselves. It had almost seemed as though they were opening their family to him. The thought had overwhelmed Jonathon just a bit.
