Shadows in the Dark

Chapter 16

One day in early August, Todd noticed Wendy's troubled expression. 

"Can I help?"

"I just want to go home, but I don't know if I can get divorced if I leave this country," she said exasperatedly. Wendy had had a frustrating encounter with Harry the night before.

"You mean you're not divorced?"

"No, I left him two days before I came to live here."

Todd felt protective, like a father. "Did he hurt you?"

She started to say yes, but it dawned on her he meant physically.

"No, he would never. He's not that kind of man."

"You need to talk to my friend, Ed. I'll call him for you."

Ed was reluctant to get involved, because of the rumors, but from what Todd had told him the poor girl needed help. He knew Marie was participating in the horrible things being said about her and Ed wasn't about to provide her with information. It may be pro bono, but if he dispensed legal advice, he was under attorney privilege and couldn't share their discussion with anyone. He stopped at the fish market on his way home from work and Todd sent him up the inside stairs to meet with Wendy.

Ed had done some research. "You can leave and file for divorce in England. You would need to consult with your lawyer there, but you may need to wait six months after your return. You could file in the US and once the proceedings start you may be able to leave, but it takes time and money to get the proceeding started. Will you be the one filing?"

She nodded. Harry would never. She was relieved to know she could go home and not be forced back to the States. She never wanted to come back.

"The rules would be different if there were children involved."

When Ed was ready to leave, he returned to the fish market. Todd was supposed to be waiting for him to walk out with him. Instead, he found a note on the counter, Sorry I needed to go home. Wendy can let you out.

She held a stiff upper lip until she locked the door behind Mr. Pelletier. At first, her lip trembled and then the tears started. Little did he know, he was wrong about one thing. There was a potential child involved and she was scared. She didn't need a test she knew the minute she was overcome with nausea while making Rick's famous lobster roll filling. She imagined what they'd be saying if the gossip mongers knew she was pregnant.

Ed Pelletier left the fish market after store hours without any fish in his hand. He drove home and the minute he walked in the door, Marie hollered, "You need to talk to your son!"

Ed and Drew continued to be at odds over Drew's future. As a result, Drew had become disrespectful and angry. Ed didn't know whose side Marie was on and she left him feeling unsupported.

Lorraine shocked the dames. "I saw Ed Pelletier sneaking out of the fish market after hours last evening."

The other women gasped and muttered, "No!"

Rose said, "Maybe he was visiting Todd."

Madelyn shook her head. "Todd was home early to eat before they went to see the Harrison Ford movie."

Lorraine said, "Now she has her hooks into Ed, who will be next?"

Madelyn rushed to tell Judy and the other dames shared the shocking news with their neighbors.