Law and Love

Author’s Note: Thank you so very much for my friend Kathy (kittie8571) who is the Beta of this story!

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Chapter Twelve: A divorce between us

Jack entered the apartment and quickly rid himself of his jacket, lettingit fall on the small, white chair. The place was silent and dark as usual. Jack’s apartment was modern and luxurious, with two suites, a spacious kitchen, a living room and a balcony with a small Jacuzzi. Jack wondered why he never spent much time in it. He loved the living room, with the huge white couch he ordered from France and the paintings of American forests. It was a place to relax and rest. But he never got the time to truly enjoy it.

Now, in the complete darkness, the only thing he could just make out was the numbers in red on the screen of his answering machine. He moved toward it and clicked the button, waiting to hear the messages from yesterday.

“You have 2 messages.” The cold feminine voice said.

“Yesterday, 5 pm.”

“Beeeeeep. Hi Jack, it’s me, Robert. Look I finally got some time off from the magazine and I thought about the visit I’ve promised. Well… Maybe I’m really coming to New York. I’m thinking about maybe next month, maybe sooner. Call me. Can’t remember the last time I heard from you. I bet Elizabeth is killing you with work. I’m going crazy here. Just call me back at the flat at Florence. Bye!” There was a brief pause.

“Yesterday, 10 pm.”

“Beeeeeep. Hi, Jack, it’s your Uncle Daniel. Hope everything is fine with you, son. Just calling to make some plans with you. I know we usually see each other at your dad’s place, but this is special. Sunday, golf and tennis at the club, 8 am. Confirm with Linda, please. Bye.”

“You have no more messages.”

Jack was surprised. Two different people he was fond of leaving him surprising messages, he thought.

Robert was the most surprising. Jack and Robert had been best friends since Robert had worked for a local detective as a photographer. The tedious work of taking photos of unfaithful wives helped Robert to be the best on his current job, being a photographer for National Geographic magazine. All the sneaking around really helped him to catch the best animal photos. But with his new work, Robert never had time to spend with his friends. He would spend months at a time in distant countries, taking hundreds of photos, only to see two or three of those end up in the actual publication. Jack had the habit of sending him one e-mail per week, telling him all the news in the firm and in his life. Lately, with all the massive events, he hadn’t found the time to send his weekly messages. Robert must have been worried.

Still, it was surprising to hear him talk about visting him in New York. Jack thought Robert had forgotten his promise long ago. Nevertheless, it could be fun meeting with his old buddy, introducing him to Ennis, maybe having a couple of dinners in town. Jack definitely needed to call him and schedule the visit.

Another interesting development was Uncle Daniel’s call. Mr. Daniel Smith wasn’t really Jack’s uncle -- he was Enrique Twist’s best friend. Jack had grown up accustomed to the company of the Smith family. Uncle Daniel was married for many years to his wife, his only love, a strong and intelligent woman, who helped him with all of his investments. She had been completely different from all the other rich men’s wives. Daniel was the owner of a vast fortune and when his wife passed the way from cancer, Daniel decided to focus on his long time project, the country club. The Smith’s Club was, at present, a very well-known place for the elite to meet in New York.

Jack wondered what could make Uncle Daniel act so bizarre. Jack usually had dinner with his father a few times a month and some of those times Uncle Daniel was present too. He was as comfortable in Uncle Daniel’s company as he was with his own father. It was probably something about his father, maybe something about his upcoming birthday. Jack probably would've forgotten, but then it was still two months away. Wasn’t it too soon? he thought.

Making a mental note to call Linda, Uncle Daniel’s secretary, Jack moved to the bathroom. He needed to take a shower and change clothes because in about two hours, he would be starting a difficult day in the Magnet Firm. The new case was destined to be a special one, with he and Ennis battling it out in court. He wondered how that would affect their relationship. Ennis didn’t seem too amused with the fact, but Jack thought he saw something else in Ennis’s eyes, a deep concern, that didn’t seem to fit in the moment. There was something else bothering Ennis and he needed to find out what it was.

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Ennis petted Neve one last time and closed the door of the apartment. Without looking twice, he stepped into the elevator and quickly arrived at his car.

It was raining in New York City and the traffic was awful. The car would only move a few inches every five minutes and Ennis was glad that he lived so close to the office. He looked out the window. The streets and sky were as grey as his thoughts.

Since Elizabeth’s call last night, he couldn’t help but expect the worst. Enrique Twist didn’t like him and he was a very rich and very powerful man. Ennis felt helpless and incapable of dealing with the situation. He needed to act wisely and keep an eye on Enrique Twist if he wanted everything to end up well.

He finally arrived at the firm, parking in his spot in the underground lot. He looked at his old watch. He would be right on time for the first meeting about the Thurston v. Thurston case. This would be the only meeting that would bring all the lawyers assigned to the case together. The firm would discuss its goals and the strategies each attorney should take so that none of the clients would be less than satisfied. It was like a very delicate dance. The problem was deciding who should lead. Ennis wondered if this was one of those cases where everything is already decided and the lawyers are nothing more than paid pawns pretending to do their jobs while winning a lot of money. He truly despised those moments, but they had happened before in his career. But that would have been too easy for him and old Enrique Twist seemed to have other plans. Or so Ennis thought.

He arrived at the conference room feeling a little nervous. The room itself was very impressive. A large, oval table occupied more than half the space, with more than 20 seats and a large window that covered an entire wall. It was right next to Enrique’s office and it shared the same amazing view. In the clear lights of the new day, the whole space was bright. Two figures stood next to the table, awaiting Ennis's arrival.

Jack was talking with Elizabeth near the big window and Ennis could tell there was something wrong just by the look on their faces. They were exchanging glances and talking in a low tone. He approached them, smiling at his godmother and slightly rubbing Jack’s back. His hand barely touched the white shirt. It was all about intention.

“Hi, kid. The meeting has been delayed. Some of our co-workers seem to be late, stuck in traffic.” Elizabeth said waving around her mug of coffee.

“Yeah, even some members of the board are late.” Jack said, unconsciously caressing his new watch.

“Can either of you give me a brief summary of this case? Thurston is not an unfamiliar name, but it’s definitely not from around here.” Ennis asked looking at both of them.

“Yes, Elizabeth, do you have news?” asked Jack. “I’m still confused with some things I’d heard.”

“I’m afraid I don’t have good news. You’re in for some adventure with this case.” She paused, trying to find the right words. “The Thurston family is in the middle of a crisis. Mathew Thurston is a famous politician, who, until a few days ago, was the man with the best shot at becoming senator of North Dakota. That’s why you remember his name, Ennis. He’s been on campaign for almost a month.” The petite woman looked at Ennis smiling.

“His chances were pretty good. He had an ideal image and the best campaign. The loving father, the perfect husband, the good Christian…” Elizabeth rolled her eyes. “The problem happened when his wife, Ennis’s client, Danielle Thurston, found out about the affair he was having with her best friend, Julian Reyes. She immediately asked him for a divorce but she wants it to be kept quiet. And you know what they say -- behind every great man is a great woman. So if there is no woman at all, the man can’t be that great!” Elizabeth said smiling ironically.

“Mathew Thurston is a furious man. He doesn’t want for the divorce to become public just yet and his wife had accepted it, but he is doing everything in his power to delay the issue longer. His intentions are clear. He wants to delay this until the election.” She said, playing with the long curls of her blond hair.

“This is not the case I was expecting. Ennis is quite good at criminal cases. Why is he working on this divorce? And even I don’t deal in divorces that frequently.” Jack asked Elizabeth.

“That’s what we’re going to find out at the meeting. And there is also the rumor that you guys are going to have partners to work on this. My guess is that there are other important details that I don’t know. Especially related to the evidence Mrs. Thurston possessed of her husband's affairs and the details about their prenuptial deal. I heard someone mention this last night.”

“Of course, money and property. I bet Mr. Thurston is not only going to lose his political chances, he's probably going to lose half of his fortune too. Do they have kids?” Ennis asked, picking up the papers placed on his seat.

“Yes, a son, just five years old. Custody will be discussed sooner or later. That is, if the divorce goes forward. Mr. Thurston is making it all very difficult and Mrs. Thurston is not the kind of woman to stand up to him. Or so it seems to me.” Elizabeth said, showing them a picture of the boy.

Ennis knew why attorneys and detectives needed to have pictures of the people involved in their cases. He found out the reason in his second year of university. To do their best, to have the ability to get inside other people's minds, lawyers and detectives needed to get intimate with the case, the need to know everything, the need to make each case personal and important. This kid, without being important to any of them, was the one in the middle of the fight. He had to focus on him and have him on his mind while he was doing this. He needed to make this case personal.

“So, my client doesn't want the divorce. Is there any chance we can reach a settlement? Maybe she could be persuaded?” Jack asked, already thinking about strategies to consider.

“Of course. There is going to be a peaceful meeting between the two parties later this week. The firm is interested in this opportunity. With a deal, the two partiess win and we double win as well. But the chances of reaching an agreement are very small. Mr. Thurston does not want to get divorced in the middle of his campaign or lose half of his fortune. I’m afraid from that point on, it’s going to be an open war. Mrs. Thurston is going to make it public and then, only God knows what Mr. Thurston's reaction is going to be.”

“I see.” Ennis said, not really surprised. He was completely sure that Enrique was behind this decision and what he wanted was an open confrontation between him and Jack. This case was only starting. Things would get much more complicated from now on.

“Almost everyone is here. I suppose as soon as my father arrives the meeting will begin.” Jack said looking around the conference room. More people were coming in by the minute.

“You’re right. So, are there other topics to discuss today?” Ennis said, sitting at his place in the large table. Jack leaned against the table and Elizabeth stepped closer to answer.

“They may talk about the nominations for board membership.” The petite woman tried to hide her excitement about the topic but failed miserably.

“Board membership?” asked Ennis, completely puzzled. He had heard of the board members but he had never thought about how one was chosen to be a member of the board.

“You have a good chance of being one of the nominees, don't you?” Jack asked Elizabeth, smiling widely.

“I hope so, Jack.” Elizabeth said smiling. Looking at Ennis, she added, “The board is the group of lawyers headed by Enrique. They're the ones that make the big decisions related to the firm. It’s the highest you can go here and there is only one place available when an old member retires. This year, a very senior member retired and there is a position open. I, myself, being one of the older and most successful lawyers at the firm, have a chance to be nominated for the opening. The final decision is then made by election by the other members of the board, Enrique being the one with final word.”

“That sounds incredible. Are you nervous?” Ennis placed his hand on the petite blond's shoulder, showing his admiration.

“Of course she is. This has been her dream since she arrived here.”

“Jack . . . let’s not raise our hopes too high.”

“I think Jack is right. You do have a decent shot. And nothing would make me prouder! I can already see you taking your position at the Magnet Spring party!”

“Thanks, kid.” Elizabeth said smiling but then something on the other side of the room caught her attention. Ennis and Jack looked too.

Entering the conference room was Frederic Dawson, followed by Enrique Twist and a few other lawyers. Frederic looked in their direction and smiled widely, showing all his perfect white teeth. The man was irritably good looking, Ennis thought. Being as tall as Ennis but less muscular, Frederic Dawson looked like a model. His grey eyes and long silky platinum blond hair could have made him look feminine, but there were lines on his face that made such statement impossible. The man was naturally "metrosexual" and obviously homosexual. Ennis could swear he had never seen him wear the same suit or tie twice.

Elizabeth and Jack took their seats and in a few seconds, everyone was seated and waiting for Enrique Twist to start the meeting.

“Thank you all for your patience. This city is having one of those days!” The blue eyed man said smiling briefly. “We’re here to discuss the Thurston case. Let’s begin with the first topic -- the teams for each side of the case.” Enrique picked a small piece o paper from his side of the desk. “Representing Mr. Thurston, Jack Twist and Frederic Dawson.”

There was a small pause and Ennis felt like he had just been hit by a train. This was a low blow from Enrique Twist, but he still felt stupid for not having expected it. The man knew this firm like the back of his hand. He would surely know how to piss him off. Breathing hard through his nose, Ennis glanced at Jack who seemed to be surprised as well.

“Representing Mrs. Thurston, Ennis Del Mar and Helen Carrilho.”

Another surprise, since Ennis really didn’t know Helen very well. The woman was sitting a few chairs down from him. Helen was an average Latin-American girl, with dark brown hair and light brown eyes. She had an amazing tan that seemed to intensify the curves of her body, the combination of which seemed to be enough to make every man do a double take when she walked by them. Ennis noticed her because of her last name, Carrilho, which she shared with her father, who was one of the most famous attorneys of the 20thcentury, Manolo Carrilho. Ennis had always wondered if she was so solicited by famous people because of that or by her own merit. And it seemed like now would be the moment to find out.

“I believe you all know the major details of this case. If not, you can read about it all on the few pages placed in front of your seats.” Enrique Twist took a small pair of glasses from his jacket pocket and put them on so that he could read from the papers he brought with him. “Mrs. Thurston does indeed have proof of the mentioned infidelity. Team Del Mar/Carrilho is going to work on them. This is all I want the other team to know. About the prenuptial agreement, Mr. Dawson, if you would, please enlighten us since you are the expert on divorces.”

“Of course, Mr. Twist. The Thurstons married in April, 1987. Danielle is the daughter of an Italian businessman and so she owned several properties all over Europe before she got married. Those properties are in her name alone and will not be discussed as part of the Thurston’s possessions since they were listed as solely hers in the prenup. There was also a special clause . . . and this is where the trouble starts . . . that in case one part of the couple was proved to be unfaithful, a large share of 2.5 million dollars would be given to the other party. The nature of the evidences needed to activate this clause is described in the paper annexed to the prenup that you should all have.” Frederic showed the members which pages he was referring to.

“Thank you, Frederic.” Mr. Twist called attention back to him. “As you should now understand, this case has all the makings of becoming amajor scandal. I have absolutely no faith in the possibilities of a deal. Even so, both teams should make it their priority to persuade the clients. The Magnet firm knows the importance of defending both clients with equal effort, so my only order is to have each and every one of you here focusing solely on this case. Obviously, if needed, you may use any of the resources of the firm. This is the only meeting with both partiess of the case. From this moment forward, both teams will keep the details of their files completely confidential. I will make the importance of this secrecy clear to our other associates not involved in the case. I'll have meetings with Ennis and Jack, so that I can be informed of the progress.” Enrique Twist looked at both of them and they silently nodded.

“Now, let’s quickly move on to the next topic we need to talk about --the nominees for board membership. After many hours of deliberating, it was decided that this year, there will be three nominees for the opening." He paused for effect. "Bernard Vig, Andy Wallace and Elizabeth Noris. The results of the election will be announced at the annual Magnet spring party as usual. This year, there will be a few other surprises as well.“ Enrique smiled and looked at his secretary, the one responsible for the details of the major social events at the firm. “Well, I believe that's all for today. Let’s get to work!”

Ennis got up from his chair and went to embrace Elizabeth who was already surrounded by other lawyers who wanted to congratulate her. Jack was right by her side, smiling as if the nominee was him. He could understand how much this meant to Elizabeth.

“Congratulations. It wasn’t that much of a surprise, was it?” Ennis asked the blond woman.

“No, but it’s great news anyway. I think I’m going to give one of my special parties on Friday. It’s not every day that someone is nominated for a place on the board. And this might be a sign of a new phase in life for me.” She was smiling and Ennis’s intuition told him this had nothing to do with the nomination.

“I think it's a great idea. Let me have the details. I may even send Matilda to help you.”

“Thanks, Jack, but I need to let both of you work. Your partners are already waiting.” Elizabeth said smiling and left the conference room.

Ennis looked to the left to see Helen and Fredric making small talk while waiting for the both of them. He had no idea if they were even friends. He sighed, thinking that this was going to be a long week. Working with Helen Carrilho was acceptable, or at least he was expecting it to be, but his problem would be watching Jack with Frederic all the time. He wasn’t going to pretend he wasn’t jealous of the blond man, for he was way behind that phase. He hoped the blond man wouldn’t try anything. His willpower only went so far.

“I guess this is when the game begins. I'll stop by your office before I leave tonight.” Jack said smiling. Ennis felt better. At least one of them was taking this easy, or pretending to at least.

“Okay. I know we can’t talk about the case but we can still watch soccer together, right?”

“Of course. No matter how busy we are -- tomorrow -- my place. Good luck.” Jack gave him one of his looks and quickly stepped outside taking Frederic with him, who looked happy with himself. Ennis stepped closer to Helen. He really didn’t know what to expect from this woman. The brunette was picking up some files from the big table. She looked up and made a small smile. Ennis had no clue what was going to happen.

“I really don’t know who has the more difficult job. Us, working with a betrayed woman who surely wants nothing more than revenge, or them, working with the furious politician who risks losing everything.” She said casually.

“It’s going to be complicated.” Ennis said, realizing only after saying them out loud how true his words were.

“You know . . . I've heard a lot of gossip about you.” She said studying him closely. Ennis wondered if this was about his relationship with Jack or something else.

“Really?”

“Mm hmm. You have quite the reputation. Worked your way from nothing all the way to the top, I hear. Some pretty unusual cases on the record too.”

“Yes that's all true. No one I ever knew was a lawyer. I guess when I started studying, I didn't really know what I was getting into.”

“In so many ways, I envy you. I never seemed to get rid of my father’s shadow. Everything I do always pales in comparison. I may get better, but I’m never good enough.”

“Sometimes we need to do our own evaluations. Forget the rest. We are the only ones who truly know what we do.” Ennis said opening the door for her and following her to his office.

“It’s always difficult not to listen to everybody else's opinion. But I guess you're right, Ennis, and I’ll take your advice. May I call you Ennis?”

“Of course, but only if I can call you Helen. I like to work on a first name basis. It makes it all easier.”

“Yeah, me too. Look, do you have any idea who we should recruit for our team?”

“None. I've actually had no time to think about it.” Ennis said sitting down in his chair while Helen made herself comfortable on a chair in front of him.

“Well, this isn't the first time I've worked on a big case like this. Actually, I’m almost as proficient in divorce cases as Frederic. We've worked together a couple of times. I was surprised the board didn’t make me switch places with Jack, but then it wouldn’t be fair for both of you. Divorces aren't my specialty per se but I’m quite good at them.” She took a few pages and gave them to Ennis. “So, if you'll allow me, I think I know the best attorneys to get to work with us.”

Ennis looked at the list. Four newer associates, but whom he'd already worked with before in the Santos’ case. Elizabeth used them a lot of times and they were terrific at investigation and research.

“I know them. They’re very good. How do you know Frederic and Jack won't pick them?”

“Because Frederic likes to work with his team and Jack may try to change his mind, but believe me, not even he is capable of such a thing.” She smiled at Ennis.

“I see you didn’t like to work with him.” Ennis said suddenly interested in Helen’s opinion.

“If you want to win, Frederic is one of the best partners you can have. If you like team work, you better find someone else.”

“I see. I’ve never worked with him. But I’ve only been working here for about three months.”

“Do you like it so far?”

“Yes, definitely.” Ennis smiled.

“Your godmother is Elizabeth, so you'd better.” She responded with a small laugh.

“Well, I like this team. I think we should call them as soon as possible. Are they all available?” Ennis said determined.

“Mr. Twist told us we can ask anyone we want. They’re junior associates, so they probably don’t have any cases, and some might be working for other attorneys. Since we have maximum priority, we can get them for our team. Piece of cake. Leave it to me.”

“Great, I’m going to tell Mrs. Campbell to call them for you and schedule our first meeting as soon as possible.”

“Yes, you do that. I’m going to my office to call Mrs. Thurston. How's tomorrow morning for a first meeting?”

“Sounds good. Look, I really think you should be the one doing most of the talking. She's a woman, and I think she'd probably feel better talking with another woman. Plus, I’m not that good with words. That’s why I love murder cases. Victims can’t talk and criminals don’t need a soft touch.” Ennis said simply and was surprised when the brown-eyed woman laughed loudly and left the office without another word.

It seemed that working with Helen wasn’t going to be so bad.

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Jack on the other hand wasn’t having such a good time. Actually, he was already growing weary of Frederic Dawson and the case was only starting.

“Jack, believe me, this is the best team we could possibly get.” The blond man said, leaning closer. This, Jack thought, was the worst thing about Frederic. The man seemed to have absolutely no knowledge of personal space. That and the continuous flirtation. He used to do that with every available man in the firm, but lately it seemed he had focused on Jack, much to Jack’s displeasure.

“If you say so. After all, you are the expert in divorces.” Jack said not really believing it but already tired of arguing with the stubborn man about the topic.

“You know Jack, we made a great team.” Frederic said smiling and covering Jack’s hand with his own. Jack removed his hand, feeling furious. He couldn't remember the last time he felt like he was being sexually harassed, but he was feeling like that right now.

“Frederic, if we’re going to work together, you have to understand that nothing is ever going to happen between us personally. I have a boyfriend and you know him quite well. His name is Ennis Del Mar and he will gladly put you in your place.”

“Really? That guy? We both know he’s not your type. Give him some time with a woman and we'll see what happens."

“How dare you say such a thing? You don’t know him and you don’t know me. Do me a favor, alright? From now on, our relationship is entirely professional. Another word about my personal life and I guarantee you, I’m off this case and reporting you to the board.”

“Alright, alright, Jack. I get it. I didn't mean to offend you. Just remember, I’ll be here when he breaks your heart. And I, being the gentleman that I am, will gladly be there to help you pick up the pieces.”

“Frederic! Enough of this talk. Let’s get to work.” Jack said, totally pissed off about the situation he was stuck in. He didn’t want to give up the opportunity of being involved in this huge case but he surely didn’t want to lose Ennis because of Frederic or have to listen to all of Frederic's nonsense about Ennis. And what was with Frederic? Is he possessed or something?

He focused back on the details Frederic was now talking about, wanting desperately to get home as soon as possible.

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Ennis felt like he had been in a fight recently but couldn’t remember anything about it. Every single muscle in his body wanted rest badly. He had been working for almost 12 hours nonstop. He and Helen and himbriefed the other lawyers and sent them on the first part of the investigation. Then, they scheduled a meeting with Mrs. Thurston for tomorrow morning. After all of that was taken care of, they studied the details of the complex prenuptial deal for four hours. Ennis was completely exhausted when he finally put his key in the lock. He now felt that weird sensation, the one when the mental tiredness turned into physical tiredness.

It wasn’t really that late, only 9 pm, but the intensity of the day has struck him down. So much work, so much pressure and he only saw Jack when he was leaving, around 6 pm. He looked as tired as Ennis felt, but because he was with Helen, all he could do was wave a friendly goodbye.

Ennis focused on reality again as Neve started to meow loudly, asking for his attention. On the table was his dinner, cooked by the charming Lucia May. Ennis wasn’t really hungry so he paced around the house reading some papers. It was a habit he had picked up in his small dorm room back at university. He had been walking from the bathroom to the kitchen for half an hour, until the bell rang. Ennis went to the door and opened it to a smiling Veronica.

“You forgot didn't you?” She said, picking up Neve who had come to greet her from the floor. She walked inside the apartment and sat on the sofa.

“Jesus, sorry. Sorry, it’s just I had a terrible day.” Ennis said, feeling stupid not to have at least tea or coffee to offer.

“Maybe I should go then.” Veronica said, looking at Ennis.

“No, no. I really do need to talk to you.” He sat on the sofa next to her, leaving the papers on the table, trying to relax for the first time in hours.

“Is it another big case?”

“Yes and no.”

“What do you mean?”

“I’ve been trying to find the right way to tell you, but I guess it needs to be today.”

“You’re scaring me, Ennis. What could possibly be that difficult to say? Oh, my God. Are you an ex-convict or something? ”

“What? No! Do I look like one?” Ennis said, indigent.

“No! Not at all. I was just teasing you. Sorry..”

“You’re a crazy woman, Veronica.”

“So they tell me. But go on… what's on your mind?”

“You know my friend Jack?” Ennis said, not really waiting for an answer. ”Well… we’re…“

“Oh my God -- is that your big news?” Veronica chuckled. “You think I didn’t know? I live right next door to you. He’s been here every single weekend, sometimes during the week. He even sleeps in your apartment. How could I not know? The entire building knows!”

“Maybe if you weren’t so nosy you wouldn’t know.” Ennis said, slightly annoyed since he had been so worried about telling her.

“It’s a small building, Ennis. A couple of weeks ago, I was leaving for work really early and I saw this nice looking man walking out your door. Black hair, blue eyes, I thought to myself it has to be Jack. Then I understood our terrible date and all the other things you keep saying and not saying.”

“I take it you're alright with it, then?”

“Of course, Ennis. City girl from the 21st century, here. I’m more than comfortable with gay men.“

“Thank you. It means a lot to me.” Ennis said putting his hand on her shoulder and smiling.

“Now, tell me what happened. Did you guys fight or something?”

Ennis smiled and began to tell her all about the complicated case he was working on and how Enrique seemed to be plotting to end their relationship. He was happy to finally have someone to talk to about anything and everying going on in his life.

Finally arriving at his apartment in another part of the city, Jack was happy to be home. He had a simple dinner made by Matilda and then he sent a few e-mails, one of them to Robert, telling him how messed up his life had recently become. Then he went shopping, wanting to surprise Ennis. And for Jack, any excuse to go shopping was a good excuse.

Arriving back at his apartment, Jack heard the phone ringing and ran inside to get the call.

“Hello?”

“Hi Jack, it’s Elizabeth.”

“Hi, is everything ok? I was just going to call you. How was dinner with Mary?”

“Good. Yeah, it was good. Jack, I’m driving to your apartment because I need to talk with someone as quickly as possible.” Jack was surprised by the nervous sound in her voice.

“Are you really ok? What did she tell you?”

“Jack -- she has a child. A beautiful baby girl of six months. I saw her with my own two eyes!”

Jack was speechless. What was he supposed to say? A dozen questions ran through his mind. Who was the father of the baby? Why had she returned?

He stood there staring at the phone, wondering if the day could get any more bizarre.

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On the next chapter: Ennis and Helen found themself in the middle of a larger political scandal. While Jack has to keep up with the anoying Frederic and help his best friend to deal with the return of Mary Bingley.