by Liv Morris
A grand presentation of polished attorneys in bespoke suits appeared before us as we stood staring into the conference room, one meant to intimidate and give them the upper hand.
The long side of the rectangular table faced us and on the other side was Joe, sitting tall, sporting a dominant air, surrounded by his legal team. They looked us over impassively with papers placed purposefully in front of them, their clasped hands on the tabletop. They put up a good front, appearing ready and prepared, but then again, so were we.
Kirsten was protected from their full view as she stood behind Jensen and me, but when she walked around to a chair, I noticed a couple attorneys across the aisle raise their brows. Yes, they saw Kirsten and the surprise she was carrying. The attorneys whispered something to Joe, and I watched him nod his head, then turn away from them.
Just as we thought, he’d not said a word about the baby. What a bastard. Jensen was smart to keep the baby’s existence a secret. But I still didn’t get it. How could Joe deny his own child? It was unfathomable to me. Evil, actually.
I pulled a chair out for Kirsten. Jensen sat between us, likely a good idea. I already wanted to give her a hug, hold her for a second, and let her know I was there for her. I had to say it silently instead. She glanced over at me after we were all seated, and I mouthed, “I love you.” She smiled weakly, and I hoped seeing all the feathers getting ruffled when she walked in proved we did indeed have Joe by the balls today.
“Good afternoon, gentlemen,” Jensen started. “I’m Vince Jensen with Thomas and Martin Law Offices, the representative council for Kirsten Parker Jefferies who is seated beside me. Also joining us is Colin Dawson, a lifelong friend of Kirsten’s. Lastly, I’d like to mention another person here on our side of the table today, Joe Jeffries’ and Kirsten’s unborn child.”
Joe raised up in his seat and gripped the edge of the table. He appeared ready to pounce at the mention of our baby. One of his lawyers put their hand on his arm and whispered into Joe’s ear. Joe took a couple deep breaths and the tension in his shoulders eased.
But the damage had been done. The frown on the faces of his attorneys told the story. They were pissed about being blindsided, and likely felt undermined, as they should have. Their well-laid plans for today might have been tumbling on the ground all around them. I quickly winked at Kirsten, feeling victory in the air.
“What the hell is he doing here, Kirsten?” Joe screamed as soon as Jensen finished his introduction. “Are you sleeping with him? I knew it. Leave me and run back to Dallas and him. Does he know what a whore you are?”
I was out of my chair instantly, ready to fly across the table. Who did he think he was to call Kirsten that? I wanted to pummel his face in, make him take back and regret every damn word he said.
“Colin,” Jensen leaned toward me and muttered sternly under his breath. “Sit down or leave the room. Don’t jeopardize this for Kirsten.”
I took a deep breath and sat down. I knew Jensen was right, but it took all my strength to control my anger. This time when I turned to her, she was the one doing the encouraging.
“Colin, please. Do what Jensen says.” Her voice shook, and I knew she was upset no matter what she was trying to tell me. “Please. It’s all right.”
“It’s not all right,” I answered back loudly. “But I’ll keep my shit together for now. If there’s anymore name calling, all bets are off.”
One of Joe’s attorneys stood and cleared his throat. “Would you mind if we had a few minutes with our client? We have a comfortable lounge I can have Mindy escort you to.”
“Certainly,” Jensen replied.
The attorney who spoke came around to our side and shook Jensen’s hand. “Matt Byers. I believe we spoke on the phone yesterday. I’d like to speak to my client alone for a few minutes if you don’t mind.”
“I understand,” Jensen said. “The situation with your client has changed since Mrs. Jefferies walked into the room.”
Byers leaned over the table and pushed a couple buttons on the phone in front of him. He spoke to Mindy, who I assumed was the receptionist. I guessed correctly when the doors opened and Mindy reappeared. Once again, we followed her to a swanky lounge with a couple couches and a desk. After she left, Jensen was the first to speak.
“We need to keep our voices down. No strategy talk at all. I don’t trust them. Who knows if there are hidden mics.” Jensen scanned around the room, his eyes stopping on a large contraption sitting on the wet bar.
“I’m going to make some coffee. You behave,” Jensen said to us before heading toward the coffee machine.
“How are you doing?” I searched Kirsten’s face, looking for any signs of how she was holding up. Under the circumstances, she appeared all right.
“It’s funny. You’d think I’d be frazzled and upset after Joe called me a whore. For Pete’s sake, I never was anything but faithful. His outburst just showed me how awful a human being he is. His behavior convinced me I’m, or we’re, doing the right thing. I hope this is the last time I see him or have to deal with him ever again.”
“I pray so.” I stuffed my hands in my pockets, because they didn’t want to behave at all. They itched to touch her, but I had to play it cool.
As Jensen walked toward us, Mindy entered the lounge area and announced we were wanted back in the conference room. The break was super quick, and I wondered if they were able to calm Joe down and get him to be halfway reasonable. Now off for round two.
When we arrived back at the conference room, the mood was somber. Joe looked like his legal team had taken him to the woodshed. The proud peacock that’d confronted us with his feathers puffed out was nowhere to be found. Instead, he avoided eye contact as we took our seats across from him.
“Thanks for allowing the break. We understand both parties were aware of the child before their separation, so there isn’t a failure of disclosure on your client’s part.” Byers got straight to the point. His client hadn’t told him about the baby, and it wasn’t Kirsten’s responsibility to disclose it. The blame lay right at Joe’s feet. Actually, the whole damn mess did.
“That is correct,” Jensen replied. “We came prepared today to offer a settlement. We have laid out the terms and conditions. I’ll pass around the papers.”
Jensen stood, took out a folder from his briefcase, and shuffled through some papers. He passed out the settlement agreement he hoped Joe would agree on. I found Kirsten’s gaze, and she gave me a halfhearted smile. So much was at stake here—her future, the baby’s, and ours together.
Once everyone had the papers in front of them, the seconds turned into minutes as Joe’s legal team absorbed the offer. It was straightforward and to the point. A set dollar amount. No maintenance or alimony for Kirsten. No long-term payoffs from Joe.
All he had to do was sign the documents and write a check, but I knew it wouldn’t be that simple when dealing with this man and his ego. I’d known plenty of jerks like him in my life. They liked to make people pay when they felt wronged. Then add all the zeros behind the number on the offer, and I was certain Joe would make Kirsten sweat before he signed.
“Before we discuss the financial part of this settlement, I’d like clarification on Mr. Jeffries giving up any parental rights to his unborn child. In the State of Georgia, the juvenile court will not allow this type of separation if the mother is planning on raising the child by herself.” Byers glanced at me. “Another man would have to be seeking to adopt the child with the mother. The State doesn’t want to be burdened down the road for the child in the event the mother can’t provide financially.”
“An understandable concern,” Jensen replied. “We have legal documents prepared by my offices here in Atlanta that petition the court for Colin Dawson’s adoption of the unborn child. He intends to raise the child as his own in partnership with Kirsten Parker Jeffries.”
The room went quiet again. Joe fisted the arms of his chair. He looked ready to explode, and I prepared myself for the a
nnouncement of another break being needed to calm him down. And I was right.
“We will need some time with our client to discuss this. Perhaps we can meet again in a few days?”
“Unfortunately, this offer is for today only. The financial settlement outlined in the offer will double if there isn’t an agreement today.” Smartly, Jensen foresaw the potential delay and had a document ready to prove his point if needed.
“Fair enough. It says the juvenile proceedings for Mr. Jeffries’ revocation of parental rights will be sealed. Is this correct?”
“That is correct. All the proceedings and documents supporting our legal actions will be sealed where the child is involved. We will also petition the court to seal the records of the divorce settlement since they make reference of the unborn child.”
“If ya’ll wouldn’t mind waiting in the lounge again?” Byers asked. “You might want to make yourself comfortable as this discussion may take some time.”
“No problem,” Jensen replied.
And off we went to the lounge again. Kirsten and I followed behind Jensen, and I took her hand as we walked down the hall.
“What do you think, Colin?” Kirsten asked. “Joe seemed so upset.”
“I don’t give a shit about Joe. He doesn’t want the baby. We know that for a fact. But he probably doesn’t like the thought of another man, especially me, taking his place. It’s crazy and doesn’t make any sense. But his pride and reputation as a man has been called into question.”
“True,” Kirsten agreed. “His attorneys are getting to see the real Joe. And it’s a pretty damn ugly show. Thanks for being here for me and the baby.”
“I’m just a man hopelessly in love with you.” I placed my hands on her stomach. “And this little one. You can count on me, sweetheart.”
We sat next to each other on the couch, pretty much ignoring the fact that Jensen was in the room with us. Kirsten rested her head on my shoulder, exhaling and relaxing against me. I leaned my head against the top of hers.
8
Kirsten’s Turn
A little over an hour after we made the trip into the lounge, Mindy appeared and said we were wanted back in the conference room. Finally. I wanted to get this whole thing over with.
I’d drifted off a couple times wedged in Colin’s side. His warmth and protection made me feel safe enough to succumb to a quick snooze. I was exhausted from the travel and emotions of the day, but felt refreshed, ready to see what Joe’s attorneys thought of our offer.
This time, Colin and I walked into the conference room together, hand in hand. He was willing to adopt my baby. Only someone in love with me would be willing to do that, right?
He lifted and buoyed me above my fears when he declared his love for me on the plane ride. The love I felt for this man was overwhelming. Mere words couldn’t express what I felt.
I settled into my seat and prepared to hear what our opponents had to share. Byers began before I had thoroughly scooted my chair to the table.
“After reading over your offer and discussing it thoroughly with our client, we have a few points to discuss and clarify.” Byers waited for our response.
“I’d be surprised if you didn’t,” Jensen answered.
“First, my client will agree to the financial figure as long as he will have nothing pending in the future to pay Mrs. Jeffries. Correct?”
“That is correct. If he agrees to the settlement, pending the court’s approval, of course, he will have no further monies due to my client. There will be no recourse available for changes either.” Jensen folded his hands together on the table. There was no room for compromise.
“We have advised our client to agree to the financial settlement offer. However, there is a concern about the unborn child.” Byers glanced sideways at Joe, perhaps needing an okay before continuing. “Mr. Jeffries will give up his rights to the unborn child on one account. Mrs. Jeffries needs to make a public statement concerning the reason she left Joe.”
“A public statement?” Jensen asked, interrupting Byers.
“Yes. Mr. Jeffries is concerned about the political fallout of his divorce and the speculation some might have about the unborn child Mrs. Jeffries is carrying.” Byers swallowed. It looked as if whatever he was about to say required effort on his part. Likewise, I prepared myself for what was coming. “He has requested Mrs. Jeffries release a public statement, a press release would suffice, in which she admits to leaving him for Colin Dawson and that Mr. Dawson is the child’s father.”
“What?” Jensen practically yelled. “You’re asking my client to publicly humiliate herself and admit to adultery? Which, by the way, is one thing your client just might be guilty of himself.”
“Yes, we have advised our client against this course of action, but Mr. Jeffries remains steadfast in his request, or should I say demand.” Byers glanced at Joe, a frown on his face.
Jensen reared back in his chair, and Colin stood ready to take on Joe, but I had a secret weapon neither of them knew about, one that would turn Joe’s world upside down if I chose to use it. The time to lay down my cards had arrived.
I stood next to Colin and placed my hand on his shoulder. He looked surprised, but it was my turn to play hardball.
“Colin. Jensen,” I spoke to them, my voice steady. “I have something to say to Joe that will likely clear this whole mess up. Please sit down and let me talk.”
“Kirsten, are you sure?” Colin asked, a confused look on his face.
“Yes, I’m sure. Trust me.”
Colin and Jensen hesitantly took their seats for me. They sat on the edge of their chairs, ready to take my defense on a moment’s notice. I smiled at them. I didn’t relish in what I was about to do, but Joe, being the pig he was, had left me no other choice.
“What I’m about to say to you, Joe, is difficult for me. It’s hard to admit the man I married would behave the way you did toward your own child knowing I wanted to keep it.” I took a deep breath. Joe sat on the edge of his chair.
“I have a statement to read related to my child. A dear friend in Dallas owns a PR firm and has a press release prepared for me. All I have to do is text her when I’m ready, and she will release it to all strategic media in Georgia and around the country.”
No one, especially Joe, moved a muscle.
“I’d like to read you the statement that will be released if you don’t agree to what my attorney has stipulated in my divorce offer.”
I cleared my throat and pulled a paper out of my purse. It was folded over a couple times, so perhaps it didn’t appear too scary and definitely not professional, but the punch would flatten Joe to the floor. I was pretty sure he didn’t think I had it in me. He was about to learn otherwise.
“Kirsten Parker Jeffries, wife of Joseph Jeffries, the current Deputy District Attorney for Cook County in Atlanta, has chosen to end her twelve-year marriage to Mr. Jeffries. Mrs. Jeffries left her husband after he found out she was carrying their child, and insisted she seek an abortion to terminate the pregnancy. The previous statement can be substantiated by an email conversation from Joe Jeffries to Kirsten Jeffries.”
I let the paper drop from my fingers as I finished reading it. The paper landed softly, but the words hit like a bomb. After watching the white paper fall, I raised my head to see Joe’s white face. He looked like he had seen a ghost.
“Well, this makes things a little different, doesn’t it, Joe?” Colin snapped, his disdain for Joe coming out strong.
“Unfortunately for my client, I’ll have to agree,” Byers spoke and leaned into Joe, whispering in his ear. Joe remained pale, and I almost became worried about him . . . almost.
“Kirsten, I wish you would have disclosed this little PR move to me,” Jensen said, but his smile gave away his true feelings. I think he might have been a little impressed. It definitely wasn’t what he had seen in me prior to today. Thank God Tina owned a PR firm. She’d helped me concoct this whole plan. She was the genius behind it all. I jus
t had to have the gumption to use it if needed.
“Sorry, but I thought I’d keep it secret. I really hoped I wouldn’t need to bring it out into the open. It’s hard to admit I was married to such a man.” I sighed, knowing I had come face-to-face with an ugly reality. Joe had a heart of stone.
“Either way, you’ve got him by the balls.” Colin held my hand tight. “Look at them over there. Joe’s getting a come to Jesus talk from his attorneys right now. Guy looks like he’s about to puke.”
“He does, doesn’t he?” I said, turning back to look at my beautiful man. “I think it’s over, Colin. He’ll do anything he can to cover himself publicly. He has an image to uphold after all.”
My side of the table sat silently, watching Joe implode in front of us. It didn’t take long for him to come around, though. They knew I was in my perfect right to disclose the truth behind Joe’s reaction to my pregnancy. And since he was a pro-life, family values political figure, his days were over in politics if the press release circulated.
“All right, Jensen. My client will sign the settlement today. As soon as it’s filed with the courts and approved, we will transfer funds into Mrs. Jeffries’—I should say, Ms. Parker’s, account as the agreement also restores her maiden name.”
I watched Joe sign a paper, then his attorneys signed too. It was over. The feeling of being free was almost euphoric. Colin pulled me to my feet and wrapped his big arms around me, and for some strange reason, I began to cry. I think it was relief. All the feelings and fears over what I’d been through came together and were released like a break in a dam.
“Oh, babe. It’s all right and it’s over.” Colin’s words soothed my soul and helped me quit crying. My life was set on a different course now. Love and commitment. It was ours.
“You’re right.” I smiled up at him. He wiped my tears away from my cheek. We were in our own little bubble. It was as if no one else was around us. No attorneys a few feet away. No crazy ex-husband. Until we heard Joe from across the room.
