Read Online Midas Touch by Frankie J. Jones - Free Book Online Page A

tried to encourage you to find something you liked to do and if Monday was any example, you obviously did.
    You chose Ingrid Bennington, so go live with her. I’m not giving you another penny.”
    “Ms. Tate,” Lynda prompted, assuming her lawyer’s stance.
    “My client will be forced to take you to court.”
    Sandra sighed. She had known Lynda Hopkins for ten years, and now they were opposing each other because of Carol’s greed. There was no way to explain to Lynda that giving in to Carol would result in a lifelong commitment of conceding to her demands. It would not stop with the first settlement. Carol would never be satisfied. She would always want more.
    “Lynda, she’s free to do as she wishes, but I won’t willingly give her anything.”
    “Sandra.” Lynda dropped the facade. “Having your relationship made public would hurt both of you. Why not listen to our proposal? It’s simply a matter of a yearly income. Once you hear our offer, I think you will agree it’s fair. Don’t you think Carol deserves something for the eight years she stood by you?”
    “Stood by me! You make her sound like some fifties house-wife.” She glared at Carol. “Why don’t you tell me exactly what
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    you did for me, earning you the right to be supported for the rest of your life?”
    “I stayed home alone and waited for you to find time for me,”
    Carol accused, as fake tears filled her eyes.
    “You may have been home, but you certainly weren’t alone.”
    “I got lonesome and made one mistake. If you came home as you should this never would have happened,” Carol sniffed.
    “One mistake?” She held Carol’s gaze. “Would you like for me to name a few more of your mistakes, or would you prefer to spare the women in question? Trust me, Carol. If this goes to court, I won’t spare anyone.” She silently thanked Lona for the hint of Carol’s other indiscretions. She waited as Carol tried to decide if Sandra’s threats were bluffs. Sandra knew she was correct when Carol’s face grew red with anger.
    “At least someone wanted me,” Carol hissed. “I knew all along you weren’t having affairs and do you know why?”
    Sandra braced herself. She knew Carol was going to hit her where she would hurt the worst, her own insecurities.
    “No one wanted you,” Carol taunted. “They never have and never will. Even your own mother didn’t want you.”
    “Carol!” Lynda gasped.
    Sandra reeled under the barrage as Carol continued. “The only thing you’ve ever been any good at is making money. You pathetic, low-bred bitch.” Carol spun on her heels and stormed out the door.
    Sandra and Lynda sat in stunned silence. Each of them stared at the door Carol slammed behind her.
    “I’m sorry,” Lynda finally mumbled. “She told me you were seeing other women and kicked her out with nothing.”
    “Careful, counselor. That sounds like privileged client information,” Sandra whispered, willing the pain from her chest.
    “Sandra, I’m really sorry. I never expected her to react this way. All those horrible things she said.”
    “They’re all true,” Sandra said softly and closed her eyes, as the clamp around her chest tightened.
    “Sandra, are you all right?”

    Sandra opened her eyes and nodded, unable to speak around the emotional pain clogging her throat. “I’m fine.”
    Lynda looked unconvinced.
    “Really,” Sandra assured her, offering a weak smile. They remained silent for a long second before Lynda began to stuff the papers back into her briefcase.
    “There are a couple of things she says she didn’t get,” Lynda said as she closed her briefcase.
    “What things?”
    “Her birth certificate and passport.”
    Sandra nodded. “They are in the wall safe. I forgot them.
    I’ll courier them over to you tomorrow morning.” She forced herself to stand. “I’m sorry to rush you, but I’m late for a staff meeting.”
    Lynda nodded. “Tomorrow will be fine.” She closed her briefcase and stood.