by Sioux Dallas
“Mr Perkins?”
“Yes, who is this?”
“I’m sorry. This is Hannah Rutherford. I’ve just found some startling news that I need to discuss with you before I act upon it.”
“All right. Shoot.”
She proceeded to tell him all she had discovered. “Do you want me to talk to this woman and get her input?”
“Heavens above. Good and bad news. It’s good to know my client will be better off than she thought, but in the meantime, an innocent woman is going to be drug into this and hurt.”
“I thought of that. Do you want me to talk to her, and if so, how much should I tell her?”
“I trust you, Hannah. You’ve had excellent home training as well as job training. Tell her everything, but first ask her if she wants an attorney present. We don’t want to be sued or to have unnecessary problems.”
“I understand. My heart aches for both women. He’s a real slime ball and doesn’t deserve to be a military officer, nor does he deserve a good wife. Okay. I’ll do my best with a lot of prayer. Be praying on your end, also.”
“I will, darling girl. Just make sure you’re not placing yourself in a dangerous situation. I suggest that you take the attorney and the detective with you for your protection. Oh, I don’t mean physical protection, but if this ends up in court you don’t want to be floundering alone.”
Hannah dialed 2 3 and waited. Jim was soon back in his office. Hannah got up to give him his chair and walked around the desk to be seated in a visitor’s chair.
“Well?” Jim was curious.
“Attorney Perkins asked me to go ahead and talk to the woman, but he also suggested that I take you and Barry with me. I hope you’ll be willing and able to go. Do you think Barry will go with us?”
“I shall be glad to go with you. At this point I need to know the remainder of the story and the outcome. Let me ask Barry.” He called a number and asked the secretary to call Barry to the phone.
Barry had to juggle some appointments, but felt he could go because he was acquainted with the woman personally. Barry said he would ask his mother to be with the woman when they talked to her because they are friends.
Barry called his mother and explained the situation to her. She of course wanted to be with her friend.
“I’m shocked to hear this, son. I met the man once and thought he was off in the military this whole time. Anna Marie did , too. She’ll be devastated, but she needs to know. She’ll not only be hurt, but she’ll be embarrassed to be the second wife. but how could she know? Where do you want to met and when? She’s like a daughter to me.”
Barry turned to Hannah. “Where and when do you want to meet?”
Hannah looked at Jim. “Don’t you gentlemen think it would be better tomorrow morning rather than sending her to bed with such heartbreaking news?”
Jim and Barry looked at each other and nodded. “You’re a wise and compassionate woman, Hannah. She goes by the name of Mrs. Anna Marie Gable. Her maiden name was Falls. She’ll want to take it back as quickly as possible.” Barry looked uncomfortable.
Barry turned to the phone. “Mom, can you be at Anna Marie’s house tomorrow morning at” he turned to look at Hannah and Jim.
“Ten,” Jim suggested, and Hannah nodded.
“Mom, we’ll meet you there at ten. Tell her we’re coming and prepare her as much as you can without telling her the whole story or scaring her to death.”
Barry talked to his mother a few more minutes, thanked her and said, “I love you, Mom”, and then hung up.
Jim offered to take Hannah to dinner, but she politely refused. “I need to prepare for the meeting and I will feel like a dirty dog to tell her such awful news.”
The three of them shook hands as Hannah thanked them for their help. Each went their own way after Jim offered to pick Hannah up at the motel the next morning.
Hannah was so sorry for the young woman, whom she’d never met, that her feet felt like lead dragging her as she walked slowly back to La Quinta.
After a light supper she sat out on a small patio and breathed the clean, crisp air. She closed her eyes and prayed silently for guidance tomorrow.
Opening her eyes she gasped at the wonder of the sky. It looked as if an artist had slung a palate and threw a kaleidoscope of beautiful colors across the western sky. I’ve never seen such beauty. She enjoyed it until it got too dark, and cooled off. She went in, took a shower, put on night clothes, and called Herb’s cell phone.
“Hey, buddy, you should have seen the gorgeous sunset that I just saw. You sound down. What’s going on there?”
“Brian is ready to either commit suicide or murder. He’s so upset. I can’t make him understand that he has all the evidence on his side. Thomas Chandler and his dirty attorney are saying that Brian killed his own wife and planned the whole thing. Thankfully we have Allen’s testimony, the hatchet with Chandler’s fingerprints and the tapes from the phone calls.”
“Doesn’t he understand this is par for the course? Of course Chandler’s attorney is working for him and urging him to plead innocent.” Hannah exclaimed
“Allen and I both have tried to explain to him. By the way, he finally let me call his minister. I told him the whole story and so did Allen. He prayed with Brian and told him to listen to us. When the Sturgills called, Brian broke down and cried telling them all that had gone on. Now they’re upset and want to come down to testify for him. I had to convince them that it was even more important now for them to keep the children safe. No telling what Chandler would hire someone to do to them.”
“I shiver thinking about it, Herb. I’ll be through here in a couple of days and can come on back to help, but I still have cases to work on. Herb, we need more workers. Keep your ears and eyes open. We need qualified people with personalities that will work with us.”
“Finish what you have to do, Hannah and get home safely. We miss you, but the work does take us on crazy journeys sometimes.”
They talked a few more minutes and hung up. Hannah tossed and turned thinking of Brian’s problems, the meeting tomorrow morning and all her cases. Okay, this is the life you wanted so grin and bear it.
Chapter Fifteen
Hannah dragged herself out of bed wondering why she felt so down, then she remembered the meeting with the second wife. Seven o’clock. She showered, dressed carefully in a light blue suit with a pink blouse and dark blue heels. Her hair took longer than usual because she couldn’t decide whether to leave it down or put it up in a French twist. Finally leaving it down, she applied mascara, a light dusting of powder and coral lip gloss.
Ambling across to the lobby she was surprised to see Jim sitting there. He jumped up when he saw her.
“Good morning. I hope I’m not presuming too much, but I was hoping to take you out for breakfast.”
“That’s kind of you, but why don’t you join me here and we can talk. I do have to go back to my room and get my briefcase.”
“Won’t they mind me staying? I don’t live here.”
“If anything is said, I’ll put it on my expense account.”
They each took Raisin Bran and two percent milk; a plate of slices of fruit and decaf. Jim also took a bagel and cream cheese.
They discussed how they would present the horrible news to Anna Marie in such a manner that it would not cause her any additional grief. Hannah went back to her room, gave another quick brush to her teeth, picked up her briefcase and joined Jim in the lobby.
“Have you been here previous to this visit, Hannah?”
“No. This is my first time in Florida. What I’ve seen so far is delightful. I’m just sorry I can’t spend more time sightseeing. I’d love to go to Kissimmee and Orlando and all the other places where the wonderful attractions are. Have you been to our section of South Carolina?”
“Just driving through. Maybe I’ll come up some time and visit you. What kind of cases do you handle?”
“All kinds, although we have the option of not
accepting a case if it appears to be dangerous or untrue.”
“What do you mean, untrue?”
“Well, if someone wanted to get another person in trouble and ask us to find evidence against them, and we felt it was just a case of a clash of personalities, we’d say we’re too busy, or even tell them it doesn’t sound true. I do not approve of spying on a spouse to aid in a divorce. If I can find evidence, such as I’ve found here, then I’ll do that, but I refuse to be sleazy.”
Jim laughed. “I know what you mean. I don’t approve of spying, as you call it, either.”
“Jim, I like Tallahassee as much as I’ve seen. Do you know any of the history?”
“I sure do. My dad was a history buff and researched everything you can imagine. I do know that the Apalachee Indians lived here as long ago as ten thousand B.C.”
“Wow! I learned the Sewee Indians were where I now am, and that it was first established as a settlement on July 6, 1680. We’re no where near that old; at least we have no record of it yet. I’m sorry. Please go on.”
“Well it’s established that they lived there in peace through the 1600s and were farmers. They also developed great pottery which sold as far north as the Great Lakes are now. We know that in 1539 Herendo de Soto came through here. The Spanish explorer, Narvaez, celebrated the first Christmas here. The poor Indians were almost wiped out by the diseases the settlers brought. When the remaining Indians moved out they named this Tallahassee, which means abandoned. The few Indians who stayed accepted the Christian faith. Twenty missions were built. Both the Spanish and the few Indians fled for their lives in the early 1700s when Colonel James Monroe of South Carolina, leading a big band of Creek Indians, attacked. In the late 1700s General Andrew Jackson became governor and chased them out. In 1821 the Territory of Florida was established, but this area quickly became know as lawless with gun fights and knife duels. A group called the Tallahassee Police Department was formed to promote law and order.”
“My goodness, I’m impressed. I don’t know that much about our history, but I’ll correct that when I go back. Tell me more, please.”
“Okay. Indian attacks, yellow fever, hurricanes and a big city fire of all wooden buildings almost destroyed the area. By 1845 Tallahassee was declared the capital of Florida. In the late 1800s wealthy Northerners bought a lot of property and opened hunting retreats. Plantation owners objected and there were a lot of hard feelings. In 1920 Tall Timber Research Station moved in to study ecological issues. In 1929 Dale Mabry Air Field opened and commercial aviation began. In 1960 the dogwood tree was voted the symbol of Tallahassee, and an annual parade was celebrated. By 1960 the schools were integrated, and in 1999 Tallahassee was recognized as an All America City. Hey. I could go on forever, but we’re here now.”
“Oh, I wish we could just ride around and sightsee, but this is my job. Believe me, I truly hate to do this.”
Jim came around to open the door for Hannah. “I see Barry’s car, so that means he’s already inside. I hope he hasn’t given anything away.”
“I doubt that he has, Jim. He impressed me as being very professional.”
Hannah turned to see a beautifully kept lawn, lots of flower beds, bird feeders hanging from trees and even butterfly bushes. The house was a pink brick with big picture windows in the living room and a good-sized window in what Hannah thought might be the kitchen. A tall flag pole proudly waving the American flag was in the front.
With her heart beating so hard Hannah thought Jim might hear it, they walked to the front door. Jim knocked, but before he completed the knock, the door was opened by Barry.
“Boy, am I glad to see you. She suspects that it’s not good news, but I couldn’t tell her anything. She is afraid it might be that her husband is dead or missing.”
Stepping inside, Hannah was pleased to see white marble flooring with black swirls. To the right, against a wall was a red cedar table with a gilt-framed mirror above it. The room to the right was a large dining room and beyond that was the kitchen. Hannah remembered a driveway going around the side of the building and assumed the garage was near the back.
Barry led them to the left on a thick, white carpet. “Hannah Rutherford, this is my mother, Mrs. Martha Gladstone.” Hannah could tell by the pride in his voice that he dearly loved his mother. “And this is Mrs. Anna Marie Gable.” He then introduced Jim to Anna Marie.
Hannah greeted both women properly and accepted a seat near Anna Marie.
“Mom, you’ve met Jim, haven’t you?”
“Yes, son I have. Jim, how are you?”
“I’m fine, thank you ma’am. And you?”
“Oh, I’m fine, but, like Anna Marie, I’m anxious to hear what this is all about.”
“Yes, do you have bad news about my husband?” Anna Marie asked anxiously.
“You’re husband is alive and well. Let me tell you a little about why I’m here. First I want you to know that you’re free to request that you can call an attorney of your choice, although Jim is an attorney. Neither of us want to say or do anything to hurt you.”
Anna Marie looked anxiously at Martha. What do you think I should do?”
“I don’t know all that this is about, but I would suggest you just listen today and then call an attorney if you wish to do so.”
The younger woman chewed her bottom lip and thought a moment. “Okay. What is it you want to tell me?”
Hannah took a deep breath. “I want you to know that I hate this, but it is my job. I own an investigation agency in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.”
Here she held out her badge and identification for Anna Marie to see. The young woman took them and read carefully.
“All right, but what does that have to do with me?”
“Well, sometimes attorneys hire an investigator to search records for them in other areas where they don’t have the time or experience. The firm of Perkins, Greer and Hawkins. Mr. Jason Perkins is the senior partner and contacted me for this assignment.” She gave Anna Marie the letter from Mr. Perkins stating that she was working for them.
“One of their clients has been married to a military officer for twenty-five years. He has been physically, mentally and emotional abusive. Lately he has been beating her enough to be hospitalized. His family is quite wealthy and has a lot of influence. She has been afraid to oppose them, but now she wants a divorce and asked Mr. Perkins to determine if her husband has property, or bank accounts, in Tallahassee where his family is.”
Anna Marie gasped. “My husband is military and his family lives here. Are you trying to say her husband is my husband?”
“I’m afraid so. I could hardly believe my eyes when I discovered that he not only has property and money here, but has taken on a second wife.”
“Second wife!? Does that mean our marriage is not official?” She started crying so hard that both Martha and Barry went to comfort her.
After several minutes, she gained control and through her sobs asked, “What should I do now?”
Hannah leaned over to take her hand. “I would call an attorney now and get all the information you can before you let him know you’re aware of the situation. Of course, you realize that the first wife is entitled to half of his property and money, but I honestly don’t know where you stand. That’s why you need an attorney you can trust.”
“There’s one I trust that also attends the same church I do. Would you stay and tell him all of this?”
Hannah hesitated. “Oh, dear. I was hoping to head home, but I’m sure Mr. Perkins will not object to me staying one more day to talk to your attorney. When can you contact him?”
“Right now.” She jumped up and ran toward the kitchen.
“There’s a phone right there,” Hannah pointed out to the others.
“Dear, she needs privacy,” Martha explained.
“Of course.”
In a few minutes she was back stating, Arnold said he could be here in twenty minutes if you’re willing to wait. I’ll even fix lunch for
us.”
“Honey, you don’t have to feed us,” Hannah protested.
“Arnold was on his way to lunch. I bribed him to come now and I’d feed him. We need to eat.”
Hannah looked quizzically at Anna Marie, “You seem to be taking this a little easier. I was afraid you would be so devastated that I would feel guilty for putting you in the hospital,” she smiled.
“After the initial shock, and talking to Arnold, I settled down. To tell you the truth, I haven’t been happy about this marriage. We met at a church social when he attended once with his mother. We dated just a short time and were married four years ago. He was wonderful at first and then had to report back to the military. When he came for a quick visit he was abrasive, quick to find fault and very unhappy. I did not know that he was feeling pressured because of bigamy. I don’t hear from him often and he isn’t romantic at all. I meant to ask him, when he contacted me again, if he was unhappy in our marriage. Drat, there’s the phone. Excuse me.”
“Hello. Mike!” She turned to look at them and held out a hand as if to say, what do I do? They all shook their heads.
“When can you come home?” She listened for a few minutes. “Yes, I’ll be happy to take care of it. I love you.” She hung up and shook her head.
“He never says I love you or acts as if he hears me. He wants me to get an important piece of mail that will be coming to his parents’ home and not open it, but leave it with our attorney, who happens to be Arnold Jenkins,” she chortled.
Barry rushed to answer the knock at the door. A man of about sixty with white hair and wise blue eyes stood there. He, too, had to look up at Barry as he was only about five-nine. He had a medium build, but very good condition which showed either that he worked out in a gym or exercised on his own. As he smiled and came through the door he shook hands with Barry.
Hannah approved of his very professional grey suit, white shirt and grey and black tie with polished black shoes.
Barry escorted him in and Anna Marie introduced every one. “Let’s eat first and then get down to business. Arnold has to get back to his office and I don’t want to keep him too long.” She invited then into the dining room and seated them around a beautiful oval oak table with matching well-padded chairs. A six drawer, three on each side, furniture stood opposite an oak china cabinet with beautiful dishes and glasses. When asked about the furniture Anna Marie explained that her parents had given her this set where they bought it freshly made in North Carolina at a factory. The drawers held napkin, table cloths, candles, silver ware and needed accessories for dining.
