Southern Justice, Part 23

I’m Fixin’ To present part 23 of Southern Justice:

“Good morning everyone,” B. Wendell Hormel said from a standing position at the head of the conference table where everyone had gathered to hear the reading of the late Rick Haselton’s last will and testament. “We didn’t expect so many guests, but here we are, so let’s just begin.

First of all I would like to make introductions—at my left is my client, Jackie Payne-Haselton, whom I believe everyone knows.”

Jackie gave a quick glance down the length of the table and nodded without smiling or speaking.

B. Wendell continued, “Beyond Jackie are my associates Patty Osborn and Ray McKinley.” Turning to his right and looking directly at Rick Junior he said, “I assume you are Mr. Haselton, Junior?”

Sitting next to Rick Junior, now that Chris Adams had a name, he looked directly across the table to observe Patty, the blushing girl, whose eyes were already locked on his. He was marveling at the depth of the fresh blush that was creeping up her face when Rick Junior began to speak with a tone of indignation in his voice.

“That’s correct, sir. I am Rick Haselton, Junior. These people, beginning on my right, are Mr. Jones and Mr. Adams, who are my full business partners and are here because they have a vested interest. Beyond them is Ms. Bain, our executive secretary and legal counsel, who is here on our behalf and upon our request.”

B. Wendell suddenly realized that instead of only facing his client’s son-in-law, he was facing three strong men and and another lawyer! The first sign of perspiration began to bead up on his forehead. As he slumped into his chair, he cast an appreciative glance over his glasses toward Ray McKinley at the far end of the table, who gave him a reassuring nod.

Ray was in his late forties and still fancied himself to be a tough guy, with complete indifference to the fact he was 40 pounds overweight and stood only five foot-eight. Over the years his spiteful personality had caused him to be dismissed from three different police forces, all of which he attributed to jealousies and prejudices of his superiors.

For the past several years he had served as B. Wendell’s legman. His duties consisted of serving subpoenas, searching for incriminating evidence on individuals and providing security. The security part was his favorite, so today he was wearing his best suit, which was two sizes too small. Now he sat with great anticipation of quelling any disturbances by his boss’ guests, whom he considered as three young smart tails.

B. Wendell had settled into his seat and said, “Well, I suppose we can get started with the business at hand now.”

“No, not yet,” Rick Junior replied.

B. Wendell looked at him in shock and puzzlement and asked, “Uh, why not? What’s the problem?”

“I don’t understand the presence of Ms. Osborn and Mr. McKinley,” Rick Junior told him.

“Ms Osborn is on my staff and a witness to the will of your late father. Mr. McKinley is also a witness and—-”

B. Wendell cringed when Ray interrupted him, and while glaring sternly at Rick Junior said, “I’m in charge of security here!”

There was a brief silence in the room while B. Wendell’s perspiration level rose.

Rick Junior gave Ray a glance of indifference before turning back toward B. Wendell and asking, “Security? Security from what?”

B. Wendell looked toward Ray and held his left hand up with the palm toward him in a gesture to silence him. Then he said to Rick Junior, “Mr. McKinley is also a member of my staff. He has various duties. Security is only one of them. It’s standard procedure for him to be here—just routine. Now, may we proceed?”

Chris watched as Rick Junior surveyed the room before he said, “I suppose so.”

B. Wendell removed his suit coat to reveal dark perspiration marks around his armpits. By now he had realized the meeting he had expected to be a piece of cake was not to be; at the same time he resolved to proceed with his plan.

He cleared his throat, as was his habit before telling a lie, and began. “I would like to proceed with the reading of the late Rick Haselton Senior’s will by informing you, Rick Junior, that your late father’s widow, has filed a will in this office, which upon her demise, leaves all proceeds of her estate to you.”

Having said this he surveyed the faces on the side of the table to his right in order to measure the effect. He was looking for smiles and nods of approval. He got neither. They all just sat and stared at him with blank faces.

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