Southern Justice, Part 14

I’m Fixin’ To present part 14 of Southern Justice:

Jackie reassured B. Wendell that the Three Musketeers would indeed be more receptive and respectful toward her in the future when she said, “Either they will or I’ll have their smug tails kicked out in the street!”

“First things first, Jackie,” B. Wendell calmed her. “Our immediate task is to get Rick to sign this will so I can get it filed. How and when do you think we can do that?”

“Anytime you want,” Jackie replied. “He has a few drinks, I take off my clothes, and he signs.”

“It’s a little more complicated that that, my dear,” B. Wendell informed her. There has to be two witnesses, and besides,” he snickered, “I don’t think a will being signed by a drunk man in the presence of a naked lady would stand up in court. I have a better idea. Besides Rick’s, I’m going to prepare a will for you also. One in which you leave everything to him.”

“What the heck do I have to leave him except the things he’s given me?”

B. Wendell signed with satisfaction and began to lay out his plan: “I have a friend who’s a certified public accountant who owes me a favor. I’ll have him prepare a financial statement which shows you are the owner of five hundred thousand dollars in bonds, and the owner of a piece of property in North Georgia valued at two million dollars. We’ll also get, fake of course, a written prognosis on a medical condition of yours. Can you get Rick in here for a meeting this Wednesday at four o’clock?”

“I can do that,” Jackie assured him.

“Uh–don’t kill him before then. Now here’s what we are going to do———”

Later that day when Jackie arrived at the condo Rick took one look at her and said, “You look like you’re concerned about something, darling. Is everything all right?”

“Yes, I’m okay. It’s just that I had an appointment with my doctor today,” she lied.

“I thought you went shopping. What kind of a doctor?” Rick asked with concern in his voice. “What’s wrong?”

Jackie waved off his questions and said, “I don’t want to talk about it right now. It’s almost cocktail hour. I’m going to get into something more comfortable and fix you a drink.”

A few moments later, she reappeared and seemed a little more cheerful as she poured Rick a large glass of whiskey, wearing nothing except a blue silk robe.

Jackie’s fake funk continued all of Tuesday and Wednesday morning. During a late lunch she could see the concern on Rick’s face and knew it was time.

“Rick,” she said slowly, “there’s something you need to know about me.”

She observed as the worried look on his face magnified and she continued, “But this isn’t the place for me to tell you. I have to go by B. W.’s office for a meeting. Would you pleeease come with me?”

She noticed the worried look transform into one of puzzlement just before Rick asked, “Why do we have to go by a lawyers’s office for you to tell me something? You’re not divorcing me, are you?”

“Silly boy!” Jackie said as she leapt into his lap. It’s just something that requires a legal touch, and I want to show you how much I care.”

Jackie was sniffling all during the silent ride to B. Wendell’s office. Once they arrived the receptionist escorted them directly into his private office, where B. Wendell immediately arose from behind his desk and stepped forward to greet them.

After he had greeted Rick he walked toward Jackie, who was still sniffling, and gave her a small hug, patted her gently on the back and said, “There, there, my dear. Please sit down. You too, Rick.”

Once everyone had settled into their seats B. Wendell opened a folder and took out a sheet of paper, looked across his desk at Rick and said, “As hard as this is on Jackie, I know it must be real tough on you too Rick.”

Rick turned his gaze in Jackie’s direction and said, “What the devil is he talking about?”

B. Wendell gasped in surprise and said in wonder, “Good Lord, Jackie, you haven’t told him yet?”

“Tell me what, for God’s sake!” Rick demanded.