Southern Justice, Part 15

I’m Fixin’ To present part 15 of Southern Justice:

After Jackie and B. Wendell Hormel had spread their web of fabrication and trapped Rick into it, he sat dumbfounded and terrified with the two of them in B. Wendell’s office, where he had just asked for some kind of clarification of what kind of terrible news they were hinting at.

After B. Wendell feigned shock that Jackie hadn’t informed Rick, she said through her manufactured tears with her face buried in her hands, “I couldn’t tell him B. W., I just couldn’t bear to do it!”

B. Wendell rushed from behind his desk and placed a comforting arm on Jackie’s shoulder and said, “There, there, my dear. I understand perfectly well.”

Then he turned toward Rick and handed him the paper he had just extracted from the file on his desk and said, “Maybe it’s best for you to just read it for yourself.”

While Rick was reading Jackie and B. Wendell exchanged a quick conniving look before concentrating on Rick reading the fake medical report, which was a confirmation that Jackie would be dead from irreparable heart disease within six months.

It was very obvious to the conspirators that Rick was stunned when he put down the fake report and said, “I – I – don’t know what to say—except that I’m sorry, so very sorry. But we’ll set a second opinion and – – -”

“That is a second opinion, Rick,” B. Wendell interrupted.

Then Jackie spoke. “It’s just something we have to accept, Rick. But my condition is not the only reason I asked you to come here with me. B. W., will you please continue?”

“Of course, my dear,” B. Wendell assented as he extracted another paper from his folder and handed it to Rick saying, “This will be a little more pleasant to read than the former was. It’s a financial statement that sums up Jackie’s net worth, and as you will see it’s quite a substantial amount.”

After quickly scanning over the fake financial report Rick said, “This is astonishing! I had no idea! Jackie, why didn’t you tell me?”

Jackie bowed her lying head and said, “I was afraid you might be what you probably thought I was—just someone looking for a partner with means. Of course we both know now that wasn’t true of either of us. In fact, because of that and the current circumstances, B. W. has something else for you to consider.”

Right on cue B. Wendell took still another document from his folder and placed it face up on his desk and said, “What we have here Rick, is Jackie’s last will and testament leaving all her worldly possessions to you, her husband, and in the unlikely event she outlives you, to your son. Now I’m going to leave you two alone for a few moments while I fetch two members of my staff to witness the will. Excuse me.”

The moment B. Wendell closed the door behind him Rick dropped to his knees in front of Jackie and buried his face in her lap as he whispered hoarsely and passionately, “Jackie, I don’t want the money–I just want you!”

“You do have me for whatever time we have left,” Jackie told him as she stroked his hair. “Let’s enjoy that and in the meantime we’ll process the will and you do whatever you like with the money and the property. Now let me stand up and hold you.”

When B. Wendell returned along with Patty Osburn, his number one paralegal, and Ray McKenley, his trusted stooge and gofer, Rick and Jackie were locked in an embrace.

“Oh, pardon us,” B. Wendell said. “Do you need a few more moments?”

“Oh no, we’re fine,” Jackie said as they parted.

B. Wendell made the introductions and directed everyone to his office conference table where he passed Jackie’s will around and gathered everyone’s signature. When this was completed he decided that the time had come—that Rick was at his weakest moment.

“You know,” he slowly and deliberately said, “A will is a wonderful thing. Did you know Rick, if not for this document Jackie’s possessions would go to the state and they would probably do something admirable like pave a road or maybe even build a sidewalk with it; whereas now, you will be financially secure.

“I don’t know if you have a will or not, Rick,” B. Wendell continued. “But even if you do it probably needs updating. This situation could be reversed, you know. You could leave here today and be killed on the way home, God forbid, and then where would Jackie and your son be? So just in case you want to do the sensible thing, I took the liberty to prepare a will for you.”

“No – no -no, I’ve never done a will,” Rick stammered with a dazed look. “I just always assumed—-”

“Never assume in a matter of that importance, Rick,” B. Wendell lectured as he produced yet another document and passed it to Patty and to Ray, both of whom immediately signed as witnesses.

Then it was lying in front of Rick with a pen for signing. It was a will leaving all his worldly possessions to Jackie.

(tmdunagan@aol.com) (www.teddunagan.com)