Abducted

Chapter 11

The next day, Geronimo and Marina made the funeral arrangements, then drove to the Heartland's mansion.
As a child, Marina had always loved the residence, with it's Victorian structure. Located in the upscale section of the town, it stood prominently. Indeed a sight for sore eyes.
Geronimo slowed the vehicle to a stop as a sense of dread overtook Marina.
Geraldo had grown up in that house. Their first six months of marriage was spent there. All warm and comfortable memories.
Geronimo opened the heavy, brass door and allowed her to precede him inside. Tara appeared to take their coats. Tara was the most efficient maid Marina knew. Still showing her beauty and youth at the age of 45 years, she ran the house with a military rod.
Tara had been the maid since the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Hartland (senior).
Marina was surprised to see Tommy. He was Tara's son.
But why not? He was like a full fledged member of the family.
His father had ran off when Tara was with child.
Mr. and Mrs. Hartland had treated him like their own son.
They hugged briefly, then sat across from each other.
Mrs. Carla Hartland entered next, in a flourish of black silk. Her eyes dumb with misery.
Isabella followed. All eyes turned in her direction. Her bright, red dress dazzled their eyes. She seemed oblivious to the occasion or the impact.
"Where did you come from honey?"
"I'm sorry Gerry, I don't feel like talking. May I be excused?"
"Certainly, may I get you anything?"
"No sweetheart, I'll be fine."
Blowing him a kiss, she strolled majestically out of the room.
The chiming of the doorbell, penetrated the silence.
Shuffling footsteps led to familiar voices. Marina's attention was drawn. Sure enough, there they were, her mom and her best friend Sara. Running to Marina, Sara hugged her tightly.
"I am so sorry. I packed and got here as soon as I could! Your mom met me at The Airport. How are you holding up? Is there anything I can do?"  Marina smiled. Her friend was back and in her usual take charge manner.
Suddenly becoming aware of the others in the room, Sara turned to greet them. Her eyes fell on her ex husband Tommy. Masking her emotions, she sat next to Marina, still holding her hands.
Catarina, performed her rounds of condolences, halting the longest at Carla Heartland's chair.
The doorbell chimed again.
They looked at each other in askance.
Soon their silent question was answered as Sara bustled in, announcing the arrival of Lieutenant Cassio.
"Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen. I am sorry to interrupt, but this is a matter of importance.
Marina Hartland, may I have a word with you please?"
Tension filled the room.
"What is it lieutenant?" Marina asked with a scowl.
Her mom transmitted her disapproval through angry eyes.
"And what might be so important that you cannot talk to her right here?" asked Geronimo.
"Just a few ends to tie up.
Do you mind?" the Lieutenant asked with raised eyebrows, looking pointedly at Marina.
Marina rose and walked out of the room. Resentment pouring out of her pores. Apparently this Lieutenant was accustomed to monopolizing others. Well not her, not today, she thought.
Marina turned on him as she entered the hall. "What do you want?" she hissed.
"Have you no compassion?"
Lieutenant stared at Marina derisively.
Reaching into his jacket's pocket, he withdrew a document.
"What is it now Lieutenant?"
He was staring at Marina. His features had hardened.
"That Mrs. Hartland, is a declaration of infidelity." Marina remained quiet.
Her mind failed to register his rebuttal.
"And I suppose I am to feel humiliated?" She shot back, venom rolling from her tongue.
Shaking his head, with eyes boring into her, the Lieutenant declared;
"This my dear is a declaration signed by your deceased husband's doctor, stating that Geraldo was infertile, even before you conceived."
Marina felt dizzy.
"Wait a minute, are you saying that my husband did not impregnate me? That is ludicrous!
The Lieutenant did not attempt to soften the blow. He calmly nodded yes to her question.
Nausea rose to her throat. Fighting it back, she snatched the paper from his grasp and read.
Her eyes grew wide with horror
The truth stared at her in black and white
This was her worst nightmare!
How could it be?
Her husband, the father of her child, the only man whom she ever shared her body with, was infertile?
"No!" Marina screamed "No, why are you doing this? It is not true!
This must be a trick! We had a child together! Opening a purse, she hadtily withdrew a pic.
"See, she looks just like him!
Serena is our child! Do you hear me? Our child!"
With that, Marina raced out of the room and out of the door, sobbing loudly.
Upon hearing the commotion, the family had hurried to the hall.
Catarina ran out after Marina.
"This is positively demeaning and declasse!" Sara said angrily.
"Don't you have a heart?"
The Lieutenant stood his ground.
"We are just doing our job ma'am!"
Stamping her feet petulantly, Sara stormed out in search of Catarina and Marina.
"What's the meaning of all this?"
Mrs. Hartland enquired.
"What's all this raucous?"
"There has been a twist in our investigations Mrs. Hartland.
I am afraid that your son Geraldo, is not the father of Serena!" The Lieutenant announced without preamble.
Mrs. Carla Hartland stood stock still. Her breathing came in uneven gasps. Clutching at the left side of her chest, she moaned suddenly, and collapsed to the floor.