Read Online In Jeopardy by Lynette McClenaghan - Free Book Online Page B

reveal to Christine that Richard threatened violence and accused Thornton of interfering with his life then inciting theft from his house. Thornton secretly prides himself on breaking with the protocols of his profession. He cannot think of any of his peers who would not only engage in a conversation with a client’s adversary, but who would enjoy such a confrontation. By allowing Richard free reign Thornton learnt that he wouldn’t hesitate to threaten and intimidate his client and possibly use violence against her.
    Christine expects bad news and from the moment she decided to leave the house of her own accord she assumed she would become embroiled in drawn out and complicated litigation. Since she left the house the cramped hospital apartment has become a refuge. She has thrown herself into her work with the prime purpose of blocking out Richard and the ugly saga he instigated. Times when she half forgets that he exists are short lived, until she feels the sting of being betrayed slapped hard across her face.
    Thornton tells Christine that she is fortunate that she doesn’t have the complication of children and these words strike at Christine’s heart. Although Thornton’s words inflict pain she continues to listen to his assurances that her childless state has spared her more grief than she already has to contend with, and reminds her that she has nothing of value to take away from a barren marriage, except for stuff and money.
    ‘I’m sorry Ms Francis – I should think before I speak. I don’t have children and dislike them, but this is no excuse for what I just said.’
    ‘Call me Christine.’
    Richard’s earlier offer to pay Christine a large enough sum of cash that would enable her to buy another property is too good to be true. He made this offer to remind Christine that he wanted to expel her from his life. She suspects that Richard will, not for the first time, press his elderly parents to release funds from their family trust to buy her out of his life. She is convinced that he has money salted away in accounts that she has no knowledge of.
    His offer of the payout still stands. However, Thornton implores her to reject the offer. ‘Any man able to write out a cheque for more than half a million dollars is likely to have considerably more to spare.’
    Thornton explains that although this amount sounds like a handsome sum it is likely to buy Christine a dinky house with nothing to spare. He looks directly at her. ‘Are you prepared to acquiesce to this deal? It’s no more than shut up and piss off money.’ Before she has a chance to answer he continues, ‘I am under your instruction, but I recommend you insist on more.’
    ‘You bet I’m going to.’
    ‘There’s another condition to Banks’ offer. He claims that since you looted and ransacked the house he has reduced the sum offered to cover costs to repair the house. He further claims that you stole family heirlooms. He says these items cannot be replaced and is unable to calculate an accurate monetary value of them.’
    She shakes her head. ‘Untrue – completely untrue.’
    Thornton throws his head back and laughs out loud after he relays Richard’s claims. ‘You don’t give the impression that you’re up for criminal behaviour.’ He jokes, ‘Perhaps you’ve kept bad company for too long.’
    There is a break in the conversation before Thornton says, ‘As your solicitor I have to ask you the following question.’
    Christine nods.
    ‘Are any of Mr Banks’ claims true?’
    ‘No.’
    Thornton smiles. ‘We will call him out. I will ask for the police report and insurance claim. I expect he won’t produce one, therefore, the matter will be dismissed.’
    Thornton asks his client if she has any idea of her husband’s wealth independent of their shared assets. She shakes her head.
    Thornton confirms that Banks is likely to have hidden wealth. He informs her that because she left the marital home then instigated legal proceedings