Web of Deceit

Ducks in a Row

"Hi,my name is Imelda Flores. Have an appointment with Mr.Hines." I tell the petite receptionist at the entrance of the law office entered. The office is modern and minimalist. Sleek lines...patterned walls ... leather seats just to the left of the reception area.
I'm told to sit and wait to be called on. I wore my power suit, hot pink wide-leg pants, crisp white collared shirt, and matching jacket. I added a little shjush with a peep toe snakeskin pump. I wanted to look better than I felt as I took the steps to end my marriage.
After I read through the texts two days before, looked through our finances and noticed reoccurring hotel charges. It gave a new meaning to Hump Day... There were regular deposits to my mother's account that were separate from the ones I already made monthly. The latest was a charge to the jewelry store, to purchase... the new necklace he got me had a matching set of earrings... she said she had loved my necklace and wanted to match... huh another lie.
I started when I heard my name... bringing me back to the present. I rose to greet the man who may very well become my lawyer. An older gentleman with a touch of grey at his temples. Laugh lines at the corners of his eyes made me feel comfortable all of a sudden. His voice was smooth and the timbre deep. "Good morning, I'm Gregory Hines," he said with a smile. "Let me take you to my office right this way. Please follow me."
This stocky man in a well-cut suit had swagger, Wesley or Denzel. I followed him to an office that looked like a mini library. A floor-to-ceiling window view with bookshelves on the remaining walls. He had a mid-century modern desk of wood and metal in the center rear of the office.
I took a seat in one of the plush wingback chairs at his desk.
"Please tell me why you are here Mrs. Flores," he asked as he took his seat.
"This may sound unusual, but some people come for advice and some come to start the proceedings.
Before we begin, can I offer you a drink of water or some juice?"
"Water please, "I requested. " I want to hear my options on how to proceed with a divorce from my cheating husband and how to protect myself and my baby."
Mr. Hines pauses as he closes the small fridge hidden in between the bookshelves. "A cheater you say?"
"Yes sir, with my mother" I explain.
"Well now," he starts, " this has an unexpected twist". Start from the beginning.
I tell him what I found from the two days prior. "I screenshot the texts and put his phone back. I also printed our bank statement" I tell him as I finish up. I take them from my bag and place them in front of him.
"How far along are you?"
"I'm almost 20 weeks, next week I planned to go with him to see what we're having. My mom wanted to do a whole reveal party at Thanksgiving dinner in two weeks."
"I can't believe they choose to hurt me like this," I cried. I grabbed a tissue from my purse.
"Well, I'm so sorry that this is happening to you, but we're going to get you settled and safe, okay?"
His words were just the reassurance I needed.
"Let's get started," I say. "I need you to know right off that I am the executor of my father's estate. I pay all of my mother's expenses and give her an allowance to live off of monthly. I need to know what my legal recourse is moving forward. I want to appoint another person if I can."

"Mrs. Flores, please understand that when we are done, they will be begging at your feet if that is what you want. First off, you can appoint another person or persons to be the new executor as there is a conflict of interest. I would recommend a person who is very fiscally conservative. If you don't have anyone in mind, I can have a list made for you."

"I need them to hurt and I also want him away from me as soon as possible. Until the baby is born, I want to minimize our interactions as much as possible. I will accept the list from you and if possible, I would like a real estate lawyer to make sure I am covered when it comes to our residence. I purchased the home prior to our relationship."

"I know just what you need Mrs. Flores."