Heart of Stone

Signatures

A few hours later, Alexander received an email from his lawyer. It contained an attachment that had the document he wanted, and he opened it, reading through it carefully. He was pleased with the contents, having outlined everything he needed to say plus a few extra things his lawyer had thought of that were important points. He sent a quick email back with his approval.

A few minutes later he received another email from the lawyer.

"I will hand deliver it to her place of residence ASAP."

Alexander nodded to himself, wondering if he had the right address since it was clear from her bank account activity that she'd moved. But he knew the lawyer would faithfully figure it out. He paid him a very large sum to keep on retainer.

Johnathan Hayes pulled into 312 Ridgewood Lane and saw two vehicles parked in the driveway. He parked behind them, stepping out of his white Mercedes c300 with his expensive dress shoes. He wore an impeccable designer suit, and he straightened his tie before striding up to the front door. He rang the doorbell and waited patiently. Shortly, a woman opened it.

Eleanor Winter looked the man up and down, recognizing his expensive attire and the leather briefcase he carried. She wondered what he was doing here.

"Yes, can I help you?" She asked curtly.

"Hello, Mrs. Winter. I'm looking for your daughter, Eloise." He said.

"Just who are you?" She questioned.

"Forgive me, my name is Jonathan Hayes from Hayes & Hayes Law Firm." He held out his hand in greeting.

Eleanor looked at it as if he were diseased.

"What do you want with my daughter?" She asked.

He withdrew his hand and gave her a tight-lipped smile.

"I have a document here that needs to be reviewed and signed by her." He stated.

Her eyes widened in alarm.

"Edward? Edward!" She called. "These are divorce papers, aren't they?"

"No, no-"

She cut him off with another shrill cry. "Edward!"

He suddenly appeared at the door, opening it wider to stand beside his wife.

"It's a lawyer. I think he has divorce papers for Eloise." She explained hastily.

"If you'll let me-"

"Divorce papers?" Edward nearly exploded.

"They're not divorce papers." Johnathan nearly had to shout to get their attention.

Edward looked at him for a moment, feeling his wife's fluttery hands on his shoulder. Then he turned to Eleanor.

"Sweetie, why don't you go sit down. I'll handle this." He told her.

"Are you sure?" She asked nervously.

"Yes, I'm positive." He said, rubbing her back soothingly.

Hesitantly, she nodded, giving the lawyer one last pleading look before disappearing around the door. Edward stepped outside and closed the door behind him.

"I'm sorry about that. My wife can jump to conclusions." He apologized.

Johnathan gave a small sigh and a chuckle.

"It's alright. I just came to deliver a document to Eloise. Is she home?" He asked.

"No, I'm afraid she doesn't live here anymore. May I inquire as to what this document entails...?" He asked.