Page 15 of Very Special Forces

"Thanksfor coming," I said to them. "If you'd like to sit, we'll begin."We exchanged brief pleasantries as Faye and her lawyer tookpositions opposite Steve and his lawyer, then both teams settledaround the table and all heads turned to me.

I had abrief moment of enjoying my status at the head of the table withall the information. Plus, if it didn't go well, I sat nearest thedoor and was wearing flat pumps. I could be out of here faster thanI could say “Settle your bill with my boss!"

"You both instructed me to find out for certain if there wasany financial motivation for this marriage to take place," Istarted. "I have learned that there is not. In fact, Mr. Wendell,if you were to continue with your divorce you wouldreceive, not pay,alimony."

Steve'shead shot up. "What?"

"Basically, she's saying I'm richer than you," said Faye.Instead of looking happy about it, she seemed sullen.

"So youdidn't marry me for my money?" he replied incredulously, his voicerising.

"Howmany times do I have to tell you I never wanted your money?" Fayeyelled back. Her lawyer placed a calm hand on her wrist and shookhis head, causing Faye to fall silent. I held back a smile at thedisplay of pique that had probably been a long time coming with herpig-headed husband.

"But youwanted to give up work and be a kept woman!" he yelled back. On hisside of the table, his lawyer repeated the same calmingmotion.

"Youasked me to expose any financial motivation in this marriage and Ibelieve there was," I said.

"Hah! Iknew it!" huffed Steve. "What did she do?"

"You'rea jerk," said Faye.

"You'reboth jerks," I said. "If either of you learned how to communicate,you wouldn't be in this mess."

"What?"I wasn't sure who spat that question but all heads turned to meagain.

"Mrs.Wendell did make a request for support. Emotional support forherself."

"Sheasked for money," butted in Steve.

"Not forherself. She wanted to set up a college fund. She explainedeverything to me," I said calmly although I really wanted to bashtheir heads together.

"Acollege fund? She's been to college! She has a master’sdegree!"

"Not me,you moron!" yelled Faye, standing up and leaning across the table."I wanted to set one up for our baby but the moment I brought upthe subject of money, you wouldn't let me get a word in. You rantedand raved before you threw me out!"

Steveshot to his feet. "You asked for... wait! What?" He stood a littlestraighter, frown lines etched deeply across his forehead."You're... pregnant?"

"Yes, Iam! And I wanted to talk about college funds for our baby andtaking some time off work so I could be a mom."

"Whydidn't you tell me?"

"Itried! You wouldn't listen!"

"Butyou've been gone weeks!"

"Youwouldn't take my calls. What was I supposed to do? Drop you anemail that you wouldn't even read?"

"I...I..." Steve stuttered, knowing he was cornered.

"I'vehad to live in a hotel, being sick every morning, dealing with yourlawyers and my lawyers and a private investigator digging throughour affairs," Faye said quietly as she dropped back into her seat."It's been awful. I'm nauseous all the time and my fingers are toofat to wear my rings."

"To befair, I didn't hound you," I said quietly, trailing off when Irealized no one was listening. The Wendells were focused on eachother and their lawyers were focused on them.

"I am sosorry," said Steve. Instead of sitting, he pushed back his chairand walked around the table, reaching out to his wife. When shewouldn't take his hand, or even stand up, he dropped his hand tohis side. "Can you ever forgive me?" he asked softly.

Fayecrossed her arms and looked away. "Why should I when you'redivorcing me?"

"I'llstop it. I'll stop all of it... if you want me to?" he askedhesitantly. Faye bit her lip and stared at the floor.

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