Did they find Craig in a dumpster or something? Swooning police appear busy rustling about. Angie’s hands quivered.
Angie pondered the unimaginable while eking out words like squeezing the last toothpaste from the tube.
“Jeepers!
There’s enough blue suits there to hold a campaign fundraiser.
Oh no what happened?
“Jaid what’s going on?”
“All eyes on you this morning. Ready?”
“Yes but I’m nervous, that’s normal right?” Angie said.
“Without question. This inquisition won’t take long.”
“Still no word on his disappearance?”
“Nothing, however Brit has raised feathers since his disappearance. She’s begun picketing and demanding more action from the police to find him. From what I’ve heard, they’re going to bring Candy and Mandy in for questioning. Yes I know about Mandy, we’ll get back to her in a moment.” Jaid said.
“Before we do I have to ask you something.”
Lately, Angie spent plenty of time reminiscing over she and Craig’s beginning. Whittling it down to a singular thought like liquid poured through a funnel; watch and learn. She recalled him visiting Hattie at the bank under false pretenses. Lumbering up the steps of the ominous financial institution, acquisition of cash remained the sole purpose of his visit. Hattie lacked sound judgment believing he arrived for a visit free of false pretenses. His words watch and learn resonated in her mind.
Kudos to you Craig; I watched and learned.
“What do you need to ask me?” Jaid asked.
“Jaid, I have an idea. The arrears he owes me constitutes a judgment; do I have that correct?”
“In a technical sense, yes it does.”
“Good. I want to ask the judge, in an expedited motion, for confiscation of his assets, Mika the Indian bike. I can sell Mika and have most of the money he owes me.” Angie said.
“That works for me. I don’t see a judge having a problem with that. Let me get Sam on the line so he can file an expedited motion for court this morning, great idea Angie. It also gives us more time to formulate your responses to the police, feds and reporters who have now gotten wind of this story.”
“Reporters? Angie asked.
“That’s Brit. She likes the limelight I suppose.”
“What do I say to the Federal Agents?”
“Sit tight here a couple of minutes and let me get the paperwork started for filing this motion. Sam will enter it into the court database straight away. Then we’ll go over your responses for the authorities.”
Jaid left her office and for the first time Angie viewed herself as the charismatic individual sitting behind the desk. In an instant her hopes and dreams began to appear. Angie peered out the window. Her eyes rested on the tire swing swaying in an empty playground. She noticed the rope didn’t appear withered as it had before.
Entering the room Jaid asked, “Do you know where he’d park the bike?”
“At the home he’s sharing with Brit I suppose.” Angie said.
“What’s the address?”
“6891 Caitiff Lane St. in Birmingham.”
“6891 Caitiff Lane St. in Birmingham.” Jaid reiterated to someone on her cell phone. “Great. Let me know when you pick it up. That’s Marty at Advanced Towing. He’s sending someone out to take a look, he’ll let us know in a bit.” Jaid said.
“Okay, why the media frenzy? What gives with the feds and the blues, isn’t this a simple deadbeat parent issue?” Angie said.
“It seems that when Craig, Hattie and Martin took Craig’s inheritance money and opened an account in Hattie’s name, they avoided paying inheritance tax on the money. That constitutes income tax evasion. They’ve all disappeared except Candy and Mandy and they’re questioning them side by side about paternity of Alexi, who’s believed to belong to Martin and Mandy stemming from an affair in Florida years ago.” Jaid said.
Keeping in tune with her innocence Angie said, “What income tax evasion? They ran. Where did they go Mexico?” Angie said in a rushed tone. Kudos Angie you did watch and learn. Angie tried in earnest to appear intrigued but couldn’t help the natural smile that overpowered her.
“Brit set the ball in motion. You saw her in court when Craig didn’t show. Then she spoke with Chase, called the police and then the local news. She didn’t stop there. While you tried to redeem your home she called many newspapers and fed them a story that whoever found him would receive a reward; a sizable reward.”
“Let me guess, Mika. She has no right he owes ME money! I’m furious with that straw-haired woman!” Angie said.
“Mandy spoke with the police and Feds. Chock full of information she provided them a windfall. Chase and I have already answered questions. The feds interpreted Mandy’s information as a blueprint of criminal-activity and went to arrest Hattie. When they got to the bank, she’d already fled. They went to Martin’s house and Candy said she’d not seen him for the last three days. The feds then froze their bank accounts?” Jaid said.
“They did! I had no idea any of this occurred, but I’m grateful for justice served!”
“Have you and I covered all the bases?” Jaid asked with large eyes.
“Let’s see; you know about Alexi, Mandy and Martin’s daughter, then there’s Craig and Candy’s affair. The other issue we need to discuss concerns to a life insurance policy I took out on Craig.”
“An insurance policy! Jaid said with surprise.
“Many years ago Craig’s father suggested I take a life insurance policy out on Craig.” Angie said.
“Why do you think he suggested that?”
“Because he’d experienced a tragic loss. Then he apologized for his son’s callous behavior and advised me to take out a life insurance policy on Craig. That’s what I did.”
“What the policy amount?” Jaid said.
“It’s for one million dollars.” Angie said.
“Wow!” Jaid said with wide eyes. “His own father advised you to secure your interests and those of your child with life insurance. Angie, they’ve provided you with a golden ticket, however, the prize far exceeds a tour of the Chocolate Factory! Hell, now you’ll own the entire factory! WOW! Suave and debonair Ocean’s Eleven couldn’t have provided a smoother ending to your story. Angie, you never cease to impress me.”
A quick metallic tone overtook Jaid’s phone as it rattled. She engaged in a quick conversation.
“Thanks Ben. They’ve found the bike and recovered it. It must go to police headquarters first for processing. This way you’re in full cooperation with the police. After they examine it, they’ll sign off on chain of custody, transfer title to you so you can call the auctioneer. Angie you will secure the funds to redeem your home! I’m so happy for you!” Jaid said.
“You don’t think this looks bad on my part, auctioning the motorcycle, do you?”
“If he wasn’t in arrears on child support, and your home wasn’t in foreclosure then I’d say don’t sell it. However, in your case, I think it would look odd if you didn’t seize his assets for payment. It’s a prudent maneuver on your part.” Jaid said.
“Okay. You’re the attorney I’ll follow your advice.” Angie said.
“Good. Now let’s talk about what types of questions they may ask you. First, if you get nervous say so. Look them straight in the eye and always tell the truth. If you don’t know the answer to the question, say so. I can’t tell you what to say, except, tell the truth. Questioning may carry on for hours due to the Federal involvement. They may focus on questions about income tax evasion with Craig’s inheritance money. They have tax transcripts of joint tax returns you filed with Craig. Prepare for tedious questions and a long session.”
“I will tell them that I told Judge Hall about the inheritance money and how he swept this information under the rug! The man infuriates me!”
“Change will occur now. How does it feel to have abolished judicial discretion? With the feds involved, I
believe your case will bring about change for all custodial parents. We’ll talk more about that later. Let’s go and make a quick statement before we speak to law enforcement officials. Don’t let Brit surprise you in the crowd with the reporters. The press has already dubbed her The Blonde Gold Digger. It’s obvious she’s not interested in Craig as she continues to refer to his inheritance as her inheritance.”
“Shall we?” Angie said.
With shoulders pushed back, the women stride in unison toward the door. Jaid’s heels dug into the floor emitting a thump that echoed like marine recruits in basic training. Angie pondered Jaid’s qualifications as she walked toward the onlookers. Jaid, spoke with authority, and commanded respect. Her knowledge could serve other custodial-parents underserved by a slanted child support system.
“My client would like to let all the reporters know she’s going into questioning with the police and federal agents. When they’ve finished questioning her, she’ll make a statement. Thank you.”
A barrage of questions overtook the hushed atmosphere. Jaid directed Angie toward the conference room where stringent eyes would focus on her demeanor. Angie’s eyes fell upon Anthony Giannola in the back of the crowd and left her feeling angular.
“Jeeze! You’d think I held celebrity status with the caliber of media personalities in the crowd.”
“Welcome to the big leagues.” Jaid said smiling.
With Angie at her heels, Jaid led the inquisition walk. Two thin federal agents, sporting blue bureau attire with vibrant FBI lettering centered backside, sat in the waiting area of Jaid’s office. Two bulky police officers with square jaws paced the rectangular conference room floor. Jaid approached the FBI agents, and with a gliding motion to her left, waved them in and said, “Please come into the conference room.” She stood by the door and motioned for Angie as well. As all participants entered the room, she said to Sam, “Hold all my calls.”
Colossal glances passed around the room as they readied themselves for the impromptu mock trial. A pale faced stenographer busied herself in the corner. Angie’s heart rate picked up pace as she entered the room. Sensing the bent glances, she fell back on Jaid’s sound advice. Amid a stoic gaze Angie muttered, “I’m nervous. I’ve never done this before.”
“We’re going to ask you a couple of questions to try to grasp a better understanding of the facts.” said the thin federal agent to Angie’s left.
Looking at her over the silver rims of his glasses his raspy voice trailed off in her mind. Still in a bit of shock Angie’s mind kept returning to the spectacular events that turned a stinging tide into a glistening gentle wave. Now Craig would squirm upon greasy wheels in the hot seat while she enjoyed the comfort of honesty, dignity and fortitude. Positioning herself, Angie planted her feet firm on the floor and prepared to meet with their grinding questions and circular looks. Craig, Hattie and Martin’s actions will now merit them humble pie.
“Ms. Steadfast do you know the whereabouts of your ex-husband Craig Freeman?”
Angie’s nervous twitch brimmed up. She knew she had to subdue it and appear confident. Confidence can help me appear innocent.
“I don’t know the whereabouts of Craig Freeman?”
“Ms. Freeman do you know the whereabouts of Martin Freeman or Hattie Depuke?”
“No, I don’t know the whereabouts of Martin Freeman or Hattie Depuke.”
Angie’s thoughts drifted back to glimpsing into the crowd where she’d seen Anthony Giannola sitting near the back. He appeared suave in classic gray. Angie beguiled in the role as he watched his protégé in action. She remained true to her word.
“We understand communication between you and Craig’s former client Tammy Beauregard continues?”
“Yes that’s correct. We’ve remained in contact since the bank foreclosed on my home.” Angie said.
“For what reasons would you align yourself with a former client of Craig Freemans’?”
“After the bank auction, my eight-year-old son and I had no place to stay. We sought refuge in a shelter during a blizzard where we talked with Tammy and her son. During our stay, Tammy and I resolved our differences. As she and her son found themselves homeless as well, I invited them to live with us. Sharing expenses and camaraderie warranted many advantages for us both.”
“Not long ago, you visited Mandy, Martin’s former mistress. Have you participated in identity theft or social security fraud with her?”
“Social security fraud, I had no idea about any of this! No, I’ve played no role in that.” Angie said.
“Did you have anything to do with Craig Freeman’s disappearance? Isn’t it true that you sought justice, vigilante style, against Craig, Martin and Hattie for cheating you out of $50,000 in child support? Did you murder them? Where did you hide the bodies Mrs. Steadfast?”
“I’ve done nothing wrong! I learned of Craig’s disappearance while at the courthouse for a court date he requested! Yes, they cheated me out of money. However, as a God-fearing Christian, I leave justice to the authorities! Has a murder occurred? Do you know something you’re not telling me? Jaid what’s going on?” Angie said demanding answers.
“Another remark like that and this line of questioning ends! There’s no proof of a murder, unless you’re not telling me something! Don’t accuse my client of anything without proof!”
Angie’s cage took a beating. The nervous twitches had their way. Her breathing picked up pace. Angie’s bottom lip quivered believing that someone killed her son’s father.
“Currently there’s no proof of murder. Ms. Steadfast if you’ve participated in foul play, we will find out and you’ll stand trial.” said an officer.
Don’t let them trip you up.
“How’s your son handling this turmoil?”
“Strangers invaded his lawn transforming it into a commodity auction with an angry mob shouting obscenities! Memories of lemonade stands faded as rioters torched the garage. Imagine returning home with stomach cramps and needing to use the restroom however, your father has changed the locks; ACCESS DENIED! The grim reality of living in a shelter takes hold; only no natural disaster prompted it. Cold, dark insecure nights dismantled eight years of security because his father failed to pay the utilities.”
“Do you have any further questions for my client?” Jaid asked the authorities.
“Not right now, don’t plan to leave town Ms. Steadfast. The judge will sign the seizure of property release tomorrow; feel free to stop by the court to get a copy. Once you have the copy bring it to the impound yard and we’ll release the bike to you. Thank you for your cooperation. We’ll give you an update if we find any new information.”
The officers and feds stood up and began retreating toward the door. With lips turned downward, the thin federal agent paused before exiting the conference room.
“Thank you.” Angie said.
“You and your boy have experienced a horrific ordeal with Craig Freeman. I hope you find peace and reestablish a sense of security in your lives.” said the thin agent.
“We will try. Thank you.” Angie said.
“Angelina, wait here a moment; I want to check with Sam for messages.”
Listening to Jaid’s footsteps trail off, feelings of calmness, realized earlier that morning, floated away like a hot air balloon adrift. The depth and direction of the thin agent’s questions didn’t rattle Angie. He peered over his silver-rimmed glasses targeting her. Reaching a mutual-agreement with Anthony ensured Angie’s innocence. By accident, like a teakettle hissing at completion, pointed questions the agents asked Angie, revealed unchartered territory.
They think he’s dead! John! He couldn’t have. He went to Traverse City, didn’t he? I never did confirm that though. Shit! Who beat me to the punch? Sam, Tammy, perhaps Anthony?
The picture in Angie’s mind changed to high resolution when they said MURDER.
“Well you survived? I could sell ringside seats to the throngs of custodial parents who want to see Craig and his
relatives moan and whimper as the scales of justice fall around them. Believe me, I’d become a billionaire overnight.” Jaid said.
“My mind’s reeling and I’m in shock! Jaid, I’m petrified, that’s the first time anyone’s asked me if I murdered someone and I hope it’s the last. How the hell can they accuse someone of murder when there’s no body?”
“Angie they’re testing you to see what you know.”
“Later today they’ll seize Martin and Candy’s home by eminent domain; leaving Candy and the children homeless. They believe Candy kept the files on the social security fraud at their home.” Jaid said.
“They can do that?” Angie asked.
“Oh yes, they can and will. They won’t stop there either; confiscation of Hattie’s personal computer and home will receive the same intense scrutiny while accounts remain frozen and they comb through evidence. Now they’ll sit and wait to see if there’s any activity on the credit cards. When they find the involved parties, they will question them. Typically accused parties turn on one another in hopes of immunity.” Jaid said.
“Do you think they will turn on one another in this case?” Angie asked.
“They might. Angie, tell me more about this life insurance policy you purchased. I’m intrigued that Craig’s father had the vision to tell you to do something like that.”
“While at work, he’d received a chilling phone call letting him know his brother passed away. His heart swelled with grief as a wide range of emotions took over. A few days later looming decisions hung overhead including an open or closed casket. He advised me that one income would not suffice for a single parent. His words echoed in my mind like church bells at high noon.”
“It sounds like it broke that man’s heart.” Jaid said.
“His shaky voice and stuttering suggested those old wounds still hadn’t healed. I took his advice because at that point I felt insecure about the future.”
“Thankfully Lance’s grandfather had the decency to provide you with worthwhile advice. Did that have anything to do with your low-profile the last couple of days?” asked Jaid.
“Yes, in part, I went and retrieved insurance papers then visited Mandy and her child Alexi. Mandy read like an open book and I knew not to trust her.”
ISOLATION: Child Support 911 Page 20
