Page 15 of Broken By It

“I can call over to the shop and see if he’s around, hold please.”

Moving to my desk, I pick up the phone and call over to Pami who is running the garage side of things most days. She answers on the second ring.

“Hey Pami, it’s Maritza. Is Dillon hanging around today?” I try to remain vague. I know the man reads through it and any pay stub or checking into Dillon’s tax filings show he is indeed our employee, there is something about confirming it that bothers me. My instinct to protect I guess it what motivates me to not be direct with this man.

To me, it isn’t anyone’s business where anyone works. Even a damn bank to get a loan. As long as I have income and can prove I make money. Why does how I make a living matter as long as I pay the bill? My dad always laughs when I get on this soap box and tells me I was meant to be a gangster’s accountant. Whatever! I don’t do illegal shit, but I don’t judge either.

The man gazes around the office, casually looking around. “Sure is, I’ll send him over,” she tells me before muffling the phone to call out for Dillon to pop over here. “He’s on the way,” she tells me before I end the call.

“He’ll be right here. Can I get you something to drink?” I offer as we normally do for mini storage customers.

“No, thank you, though.”

It doesn’t take long, and Dillon is walking through the front of the office to join us. His eyes are laser locked to the businessman as he stands there in a pair of long Dickie’s style shorts and button up garage uniform shirt that all the guy’s wear.

“Hi, Mr. Jacoby, I’m Asher Owens and I represent Anna Jacoby.”

I watch Dillon’s face change to steel right in front of me. “Why are you are my place of employment?”

Well, I guess he doesn’t care who knows he works here. At least it’s his call to make.

“First, I would like to explain. I know it’s a bit unorthodox for me to personally seek out a spouse of a client, however, I would like to discuss with you the concerns my client has and see if you would like to retain legal services or if this is something we can forgo mediation and court.”

“Do you have a business card?” Dillon asks him not easing up the frustration that is clearly shown in his face.

The man reaches in his pocket again to retrieve his wallet and hands him a card. Dillon studies it.

“According to this, you specialize in criminal law, not family law.”

The man nods. “I do. Your wife is a client of mine from a previous case. What she is requesting is a bit unusual. She has expressed you wish to file for dissolution of your marriage. Is this the case?”

Dillon merely nods without speaking so the man continues on.

“While I’m licensed to practice all areas of law in North Carolina, I haven’t had first-hand experience in what she is seeking. It’s a unique opportunity that benefits all parties. I was hoping to have a conversation with you to see if you are open to her proposal at all. If you are in agreement, drafting the paperwork is pretty cut and dry. If you are not receptive to the concept, I need to make her aware of her options, obviously.”

Dillon looks up to the ceiling as if somehow those little popcorn puffs of paint texture would hold a magical answer. He isn’t the most patient of men, although, I don’t know a single Hellion who is. This though, this seems to be trying his last nerve.

“How about you quit talking in circles and just lay it out? What in the world could Anna be asking of me?”

“She would like to arrange a contract between the two of you,” the man casually states, and I’m left dumbfounded.“Rather than divorcing, she would like to enter into an agreement for a domestic partnership of sorts.”

What in the hell is a contract needed? They are married. They either stay married or get divorced. Dillon looks to me like he’s just realizing I’m in the room.

“Would you like to go back to the office area to discuss these matters privately?” I offer feeling uncomfortable.

His face gentles at my voice. The frustration that was moments ago ever present begins to dissipate right in front of me.

“No. Considering you have my son more than she has my son, you might as well be privy to whatever her latest antics are.”

“My client understands you wish to proceed with a dissolution of your marriage. What we are proposing gives you freedoms while protecting your marital assets.”

Dillon nods but doesn’t engage the conversation. I didn’t know he was asking for a divorce. Neither of them have said anything to me about it. I feel strange being here, like this is a private matter. Sure, it impacts Hollis which does affect me, but this is something they have to do between them.

“Mrs. Jacoby would like to propose a contract to continue the marriage but allow you the freedoms from commitments and responsibilities as a husband, but rather the two of you agree to a domestic partnership.”

What in the alien outer space have I entered into? How does someone who is married decide to change the terms of said marriage? I don’t think this is how it works. Even if they decide this is the way they would like to navigate the future, why have a stranger tell Dillon? They are on speaking terms, why not ask him herself?

“I know what she’s trying to do here, Mr. Owens. Your time is wasted because I’m not entering into any contract with her.”

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