"Dusty I need you to contact the court and cancel the divorce,"
"Awe come on Renee. I knew it was a bad idea for you to go see him. What did he do to convince you he didn't do this?"
"No, Dusty I'm not stupid. He died last night."
"What!" he screeched not believing what he heard.
"As I understand he was jumped, and he refused help and died in his sleep."
"I'm so sorry Renee. Yes, I will contact the court. Do you need me to come to Austin and help with arrangements?"
"I know he has a Trust beyond that I have no idea what to do. Agent Parker told me they would be doing an autopsy on him, and they would contact me when his body was going to be released. I'm assuming we could bury him by next week sometime."
"Sure, sweetie give me the day and I will be there. I'm sorry divorce is one thing but death. Oh man, I'm sorry," he told her he did feel sorry for her and him.
"Don't be, he got it over early. He would have been beaten daily for years until someone stabbed him and he knew it. I have been thinking about our conversation and he pushed me to confront him, and he knew who was in the visiting room."
"So, you think it was his form of suicide?" Dusty asked.
"I do, he knew he couldn't live in jail. So, he pissed me off and I growled his offense at him. I feel bad he is dead, but he got what he wanted a quick death. Paper cut whinner didn't want medical help. No, he wanted to die and save him and me the embarrassment of the trial."
"You may be right: you knew him better than anyone. Just relax and we will get this all settled in just a few days so don't worry."
"Ok, I'll wait for you. Thanks, Dusty I knew I could depend on you," Renee told him sounding like she was about to break down. He wished he lived closer so he could go to her now, but he has a new client who needs his help tomorrow. This was a first for him, the spouse dying before the divorce was finished. He had to call Brodie he will want to come with him. He was very fond of Renee and would want to be here for her.
*
She called Monica she didn't need her pissed off again. They have talked often as Renee waited out the sixty days for her divorce. After giving her the news, she tried to keep her from coming; but Monica and Lacy her seven-year-old daughter were on their way no ifs, ands, or buts she was coming.
She called her old classmates they knew Martin was in jail already. She kept all the other charges to herself. Embarrassment was her motivator. Her excuse for him being in jail was a DUI out of Nevada and he was fighting extradition. Some weren't sure if she should have a wake or a party. None of them liked her with Martin she found out. Their expression of relief he was gone spelled it out quickly.
By eight o'clock the house was filled with her friends, all were drinking wine, sharing their dislike of Martin when she left the room. All agreed she was lucky to be rid of him.
Renee was upstairs getting out the jewelry boxes for Lacy. She loves to go play with the pieces and pretend she is a princess. She was easy to entertain at the age of seven and the jewelry would keep her busy and away from the adult talk. Renee sat on her bed and watched her niece fawn over her gaudy jewelry. She can play until her heart is content. All of Renee's expensive things are in the safe in her closet.
She turned on her TV to the Disney channel and figured that she would be asleep in no time. "Come down if you get bored," Renee told her and went back downstairs. They were all laughing and having a grand old time until she came down the stairs. She told Monica to keep the bad stuff to herself and Monica assured her she would. Renee wanted it all to die with him as he wanted.
"So, what are you going to do now," Zie asked as she walked to her chair. They had taken her dining room chairs and placed them around her sparsely furnished living room. The blow job chair was gone plus a few other pieces she never liked. She let Blanca take them to whoever might use them. The place looked fresh and clean after the cleaning it received.
"I don't know I guess just run the dealership. That is all I have been doing. I just hope the news doesn't put a black mark on us. As far as everyone knows he was waiting to be transferred for a DUI out of Nevada not that he was a cheater." She hadn't told anyone the extent of his wrongdoings in hopes it wouldn't get out.
"I don't understand how he died from a fight. I mean don't they watch over those prisoners better than that," another friend asked looking so concerned for her.
"He told them he was fine and went to his cell," she told them again. She has repeated that statement two dozen times today. She was positive he brought this on himself. He was no fool he knew what could happen when he opened his mouth.
They all started telling her to sue the city for his death.
"You could make millions off his death. They are supposed to protect those men while they are in jail that is why they have guards." Marissa told her.
But Renee knew she could never do that. Everything he was involved in would come to light and she couldn't take that chance. No way would the dealership survive with those revelations. No, he got what he wanted, unless he wanted her to sue them? Was that his get-rich-quick scheme? She could take the money sell the dealership and run as far away from here as her money would take her.
She looked up and everyone was looking at her. "I'll talk to my lawyer he will be here tomorrow or the next day. He has another client he is working with," she said dismissively.
*
Feeling like someone stuffed cotton balls in her mouth and stomped on her head Renee stumbled to her bathroom. Lord, she drank too much last night again. She feared she would turn into a lush just like her mother as she looked in the mirror. Rough is the word she would use. But yeah, her husband just died she has the right to look bad. She heard Monica and Lacy talking downstairs she hoped they were making breakfast. With what she was not sure, maybe she went to the store. She hopes it is pancakes she could use some comfort food this morning. The smell of bacon hit Renee as she rinsed her face, and she knew pancakes were on the way. Her sister knew her so well. With all her belly aching she was a good sister.
Renee got herself together and came downstairs. Lacy sat at the counter eating pancakes and Renee watched as a long line of syrup dripped from the fork full of pancakes across her lap to her mouth. She just hoped her bar stool was covered. That won't be easy to get off the white material. She knew Monica wouldn't care she didn't have anything that wasn't covered in stains. She got her eye roll over and stepped into the kitchen with a friendly smile.
"How are you two today?" she asked as she watched another stream of syrup land on her skirt. Relief flowed over her, and she realized she was not mother material.
*
The phone started ringing with condolences and the doorbell heralded another bunch of flowers to express the sorrow of people she didn't know. But it was nice of them. The news has come out of his death. Between the calls and the doorbell ringing, she found the life insurance policy, and the Trust, and had them waiting for Dusty. Monica took over the phones after the fifth crying fit as someone told her how nice Martin had been to them over the years. No matter how she claims she doesn't care when someone was expressing how wonderful he had been to them it pulled at her heartstrings.
Why had he turned into a pervert in the last year? What happened to pull him into that sick world? Thinking of him touching her and how he craved young girls turned her stomach. She had fulfilled his needs for years. Her maturing body was not what he wanted anymore. What was his plan for her? Keep cheating or get rid of her in some other way. That thought scared her. What had he planned to do with her? Was he going to play her for a fool for years? Hell, he wasn't even having safe sex.
He was the fool. "Rest in peace asshole," she grumbled as she climbed her stairs to go to bed. She sent Monica on her way earlier in the day when the phone calls died down. She was good on the phone too bad she didn't need a job, but Kathy was doing a good job.
*
Renee had sex that night in her dreams with Mister sexy FBI guy and he was quite impressive. She woke with a start as a jolt shot through her body. Crossing her legs tight she enjoyed the feel but wondered what the hell that was. Was he to be her future was he just a dream? Her body seems to think it is a good idea. He sends that surge between her legs every time she sees him. Oh, hell every time she thinks about him. But is that what she wants? To be married to a man who has pulled away on different cases all the time. She has heard the divorce rate was high for FBI men. They went through hell to get the job there not going to walk away for a wife. They are dedicated to the job.
Maybe just a quick affair before she gets on with her life. She had been a good girl and would like to know what a man like Agent Parker felt like. Maybe she has been a fool and Martin was not that great in bed. She sure would like to find out. But not today Dusty was coming, and she had funeral arrangements to make. She rolled to see what time it was, and it was only 6:25 so she put some pressure on that throbbing spot and went back to sleep. No one was here to make her feel guilty she was alone.
Waking at a reasonable time she got up to take a shower and start her day. She hoped Bradley was smart enough to realize she wouldn't be in today. Her house phone was ringing when she stepped out of the shower, so she dove for it on the far side of the bed. "Yes, hello,
Oh, Dusty, how are you?
Are you on your way?
No? Why.
Ok, tomorrow is fine I understand.
You know, I realize I owe you a whole lot more money can we unfreeze my accounts now?
Perfect.
Yes, I found the Trust some life insurance papers, and the home loan papers.
Well, Martin told me he bought an insurance plan on this loan if he or I died it would pay the balance due.
Yes, it sounds like a good idea, so I have that paperwork too.
I'm doing Ok a few crying spells but otherwise Ok.
You know you can stay here. There's no one to complain about anything and I have three guest rooms.
Oh, wonderful I love Brodie. He is so sweet, please bring him.
Good, both of you come and he can keep me company while you figure out my life.
Ha ha, I know but you're the workaholic," Renee said and noticed a flirt in his conversation. But she didn't think he should be the one to use for good sex. He didn't look like the type to know.
"Just come to the house. I'm not going to work for a while.
No, I can't take the praises of the people talking about how Martin was such a nice guy.
Yes, I know he was more than his perverted problem; but all that perspective would change if they knew what he had turned into.
Right, no one would speak to me nor come to the dealership. So anyways come on down as soon as you can.
Ok, tomorrow is bright and early right?
Ok good. Don't eat I'll order something when you get here.
Perfect call me thirty minutes before you get here. Bye," Renee said smiling so excited they were coming. She was in desperate need of a distraction.
Getting ready for the day she had nothing to do and as far as she knew no one was coming over. Shopping popped in her head the freeze was off her account when the divorce was canceled, and she needed a black dress for the funeral. The thought of roaming around the mall by herself didn't excite her so she called Zie.
"Hey girl did I wake you up?
I was wondering if you want to go shopping with me.
I guess the mall.
I need a black dress.
I do but they are too sexy or fancy for a funeral.
Yes, that kind of black dress.
No, never mind I'll call Marissa she loves to shop.
No, I'm not mad it sounds like you have company and I hope at some point to meet him. Bye," hanging up the phone she smiled she could hear someone kissing her and she sounded like she was getting worked up for an early morning go. She knows Zie is doing well.
"Hey Marissa, it's Renee I was wondering if you felt like shopping?
Sure, we can grab some breakfast somewhere.
IHOP really," Renee questioned.
"No, I didn't know you went there.
Right, Keith.
No, I understand mine was the same way. But yeah, I would love to go. Yes, come here and we can take your car it is much nicer than mine.
I know maybe I will now.
Give me thirty and I will be ready.
Ok Bye," Renee said and hung up her phone. Sounds like Marissa has the same problem with her husband as hers. Always wanting things to be perfect and needing to be above the regular people.
Her next husband will not be like that she vowed.
Renee had more pancakes and some decent bacon and found a beautiful dress at a little shop Marissa knew about. She didn't want to be roaming the Mall either, but Renee was not a big shopper. She had been dissuaded from going to the small stores by Martin. Now she knows he was a fool even with that. She looked over the place and the prices weren't high, and the clothes were so different. She didn't understand his aversion to Mom-and-Pop stores, as he called them. Marissa dropped her off a little before 3:00 so she could go and pick up her daughter. She just started first grade and it appeared Marissa was lost without her to care for most of the day. One child is all her husband wants but she claims she would have four or five if he would let her. Renee saw the longing in her eyes and felt bad for her. What had they done to themselves with their choice of husbands? She mimicked Renee's life, but her husband was only twelve years older, and they had their baby right after they got married. They lived in the same area, but they only saw one another at their monthly luncheon.
She went with Renee shopping and was friendly but didn't encourage her to keep seeing one another beyond today. She felt sorry for her she had said enough to tell her life was not a bowl of cherries. But Renee could do nothing for her unless she asks for help.
People think because you live in a fancy house and have money your life is a dream, and everyone is happy. That is so wrong. Men can be mean, perverted, and abusive rich or poor and for some money makes it easier to abuse or control. Who would believe that a handsome successful man could be harmful? Who would have believed that her Martin was a pervert preying on little girls? He was so handsome and charming was what most people said about him.
"Dusty needs to get here soon," Renee mumbled she was slipping into despair. Her perfect life had shattered into a zillion pieces. What a fool she had been, everyone was right he was a user and trouble. But now he is dead by his own devices. She must give him his ingenuity. Death by mob rule, which is so like him, he leaves all the money on the table. His death according to the law was not an accident it was murder so his insurance will pay out double. It will help them all over the tough times in case the truth does get out.
One scandal or natural disaster would help the residents forget or forgive either one will be their only saving grace. Maybe she should sell the place and save them all the disgrace when the press rolls out the story. Some smart fresh reporter will splice this all together. Too many people at the jail heard the conversation and to save their loved ones they will talk. Sure, they had the tape of the fight, but they couldn't prove which blow killed him.
"Damn it Dusty get here," she yelled out to her empty house. Proving to her she was completely alone. She wondered how to put the word out the dealership was up for sale. It would be understandable their main owner died. She can play the helpless wife easily. Snatching up her laptop she went to her sparsely furnished living room and typed in her desired information. How do you sell a car dealership?
Scanning the selections, she found nothing. It was the wrong question. It was sell your car back to a dealership or how to buy one. Her doorbell rang and her heart soared that it might be Dusty. Charging the door with bare feet and yoga pants on she could see it was a lone male. Stopping short the hair color was wrong. Dusty had dirty blond hair and this man had dark hair. Bradley popped into her mind as she opened the door expecting to have to contend with his advances. This was getting old he better have a reason to be here. Opening the door, her angry scowl dropped as Agent Parker smiled.
"I didn't expect to see you here. Has something come to light that I should know about," Renee asked stepping back to let him in.? She wondered if she locked the door could she keep him here? It took everything she had to not run her hand over his ass as he walked by. He was dressed in a more casual attire black slacks and a black FBI tee shirt. All those muscles peeking out wrapped in black jersey sent her down a very dirty road.
Martin may have been a pervert, but he did satisfy her itch and she has been missing that satisfaction. He looked like he could satisfy her very easily. Following him closely he sat on the couch close to her laptop.
The urge to climb up in his lap was squelched by the reality that it was inappropriate. The man was not even buried yet.
"So, tell me what brings you here?" she asked as she took a seat next to him taking the laptop and sitting it in her lap. He wished she had left it he could have used it to cover up the fact she was sitting close and sexy as hell.
Clearing his throat, he said, "I want you to know I don't have a stalking personality. They cover that in the personality assessment. So, don't worry; but I have come here to ask when you recover from your loss I would love to take you out and get to know you better," he watched as her smile spread across her face.
"You have no idea how happy that makes me. Even with all the craziness, I think about you way too much."
"I'm so glad to hear that. I didn't want to wait too long and have someone move in on you. With your looks and how wealthy you'll be men will flock to you. You could be penniless, and I would still want to get to know you," he offered with an earnest smile.
"Wow, that is so nice to hear. So how long do you think we need to wait before we go out?" Renee asked turning her attention and body language towards him. Tucking her feet under her legs she was trying to hide what she thinks are ugly toes. He just wanted to massage her feet and feel those pretty pink toes he wanted to chew on them and make her giggle. He would love to hear her laugh and keep that glimpse of a smile on her face always.
"I would be here with bells on tonight, but I know it is too soon."
"Maybe for the world. But I have been divorced since I walked in and saw him sitting in the missing chair. But you're right the world is watching. So, I will behave and stay on my side of the couch," Renee told him with an unsure smile the doorbell rang, and she shifted to go answer. This should be Dusty with perfect timing. Given two minutes she would have crossed the imaginary line between right and wrong. She was positive Agent Parker would have followed right along. Etiquette be damned.
"I'm so glad you made it. Oh, Brodie you came," Renee called out and went to hug Brodie she knew Dusty and his decorum would resist the appearance of impropriety.
Walking in Agent Parker stood and approached them.
"It is good to see you. I'm glad Renee had someone to be here with her." Dusty said as he shook hands with Agent Parker.
"Well actually I just arrived and yes I wanted to make sure she knew I would be here for her. She has had a difficult few months."
"Understatement," Brodie said as he shook hands with the Agent. "I'm Dusty's brother I came to be as useful as possible.
"I remember hearing about you. You're quite the wiz on the computer," Agent Parker mentioned.
"I can be, but I do know when to back away," Brodie said looking around the house as if looking for someone to arrest him.
"Are you expecting someone?" Renee asked he looked antsy.
"No, I assumed your sister would be here," Brodie answered.
"No, she left yesterday I can only take her a few hours at a time. Then Agent Parker stopped by to make sure I was Ok. Now you two are here and I have found all kinds of paperwork for you to go over," Renee offered with a sweep of her hand to the stack of papers as Agent Parker walked towards the front door. He doesn't need to be hit over the head to know she has work to do and he said what he needed to say. He was thrilled she seemed just as interested.
Renee stopped him before he got to the door and stepped in front of him. Wrapping her arms around his middle she barely hit his sternum and felt good wrapped in a warm embrace as he leaned down to tell her. "Call me anytime and I'll see you at the funeral,"
"Why?" she asked.
"You never know who will show up," he told her with a quick kiss to her temple.
She stood at the door and watched him walk away. Closing the door, she quickly turned to go and join the boys to look over the paperwork.