Beyond Suspicion

55

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Cindy hadn’t intended an ambush, but it was beginning to feel that way. Ever since Jack had told her that he was a beneficiary under Jessie’s will, she’d wanted to talk straight to the lawyer who had drafted it. She feared she might chicken out if she made an appointment, so she showed up at Clara’s office unannounced.

“Ms. Pierce is with a client,” said the receptionist.

“I’ll wait,” said Cindy.

“It could be a while.”

“No hurry.” Cindy took a seat in the lobby beside the big spider plant. It had long, beautiful leaves that seemed a little too perfect in shape and color. Real, she wondered, or a convincing fake? An amusing thought. From what Jack had told her about Clara, the question could have applied to more than just the potted plants.

She flipped through the entire stack of old magazines before the receptionist finally called and led her down the hall, past the main conference room. Cindy caught a glimpse of a monstrous white-stone table that wasn’t at all her taste. It had a nice centerpiece of dried flowers, however.

Looks like something Jack would order.

At the corner office, Clara stepped out from behind her desk and shook hands. Cindy had never met her, but the introductions had an uneasy quality that marked any meeting between two people who knew they would never, ever be friends.

“I’ve heard a lot about you,” said Clara.

“Likewise.”

She offered Cindy a place at the end of the couch. Cindy seated herself, and Clara sat in the armchair facing her. Clara said, “I wouldn’t say I’m shocked to see you, but it is a surprise.”

“I’m a little surprised myself.”

“Did Jack send you?”

“No. He doesn’t even know I’m here.”

Clara arched an eyebrow, as if the admission interested her. “Would he be unhappy if he knew?”

“That depends on what you tell me.”

“That depends on what you ask.”

Cindy scooted forward to the edge of her seat and looked her in the eye. “I want honest answers.”

“I won’t lie to you. But I do owe a fiduciary obligation to Jessie’s estate. If there’s something I can’t reveal, I’ll tell you I can’t discuss it. Fair enough?”

“I suppose it’s the best I can hope for.”

“It is. So, what is it that you’d like to know?”

Cindy took a breath. “I want to know…”

Clara waited, but Cindy didn’t finish. “Know what?”

“I want to know if my husband has done anything to find the child that Jessie gave up for adoption.”

“Has he done anything? You mean you don’t know?”

“We don’t really talk about it.”

“Have you asked him?”

“I told you: We don’t discuss it.”

“Why not?”

“I’m not here to talk about what goes on between Jack and me. Do you know what Jack has done to find the child?”

“Why would I have that information?”

“You were Jessie’s friend. You drafted her will. If I were looking for a child that Jessie had given up for adoption, you’re the first person I would talk to. Maybe you’d have some leads. At the very least, you’d know which blind alleys your friend Jessie had followed in her own efforts to find her child.”

“I have some insights, yes.”

“Have you shared any of that with Jack?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“He hasn’t asked for it.”

Their eyes locked. “Will you share it with me?”

“Why do you want it?”

“As I understand it, everything Jessie owns goes to Jack if the child isn’t located.”

“That’s correct.”

“Then it’s important that we find the child. As Jack’s wife, the last thing I want is for him to inherit something he doesn’t really deserve.”

“The last thing you want is for him to inherit something from his old girlfriend.”

“Is there some reason I shouldn’t feel that way?”

“No. But the very fact that you’re here underscores the question: Why doesn’t Jack feel that way?”

“He does, I’m sure.”

“How can you be sure?”

“Because he’s my husband.”

“Interesting answer.”

Cindy narrowed her eyes, confused. “Why is that interesting?”

“Jessie told me about a conversation she and Jack had right before the jury returned its verdict. She asked him why their reunion, if you will, hadn’t really blossomed into anything. Jack’s answer was like yours. He said, ‘Because I’m married.’”

“So?”

Clara shrugged and said, “A nicer explanation might have been something along the lines of because Jack loves you. At the time, I thought Jessie was being a little harsh in her judgment. But now that I’ve met you, maybe she’s right. Maybe Jack is just a poor, lost soul who’s playing by the rules.”

Cindy struggled not to say what she was thinking. “Are you going to answer my questions about this adopted child or not?”

Clara looked away, as if mulling it over. “I’m not sure I can help you.”

“Why not?”

“It’s awkward. I don’t care to get caught in the middle of whatever’s going on between you and your husband.”

“The only thing going on is that Jack is too shocked by all of this to do anything about it. Somebody has to step up to the plate and find this child, so we can all put it behind us and move on. That’s all I’m here for.”

“No. You’re here because you don’t believe whatever it is your husband is telling you about this child.”

“You’re reading way too much into this.”

“Am I?”

The doubtful expression made Cindy feel small. Finally, Cindy lowered her eyes, rose from the couch, and said, “This was a bad idea. I think I’d better go.”

Clara followed her to the door. “Jack always did like kids.”

“Excuse me?”

“He and Jessie used to double date with my husband and me. Even way back then, he said he wanted kids. He was so good with my son David.”

Cindy blinked, confused.

Clara said, “As I recall, Jack had a pretty rocky relationship with his own father. Guys like that often go the extra mile to keep history from repeating itself. He probably would have made a pretty good dad.”

“I’m sure he would.”

“Seems ironic, then, doesn’t it?”

“What?”

“You never gave Jack a child. Jessie did.”

Cindy didn’t know how to answer, but it didn’t matter. She couldn’t speak. She just stood numbly for a moment, ice-cold, waiting for the pain to pass.

“Thanks a lot for your time,” she said, then closed the door on her way out.