This office waiting room was not much different from every other waiting room on the planet. Funny how they all look the same, regardless of where. My dentist office has a fish tank, some reprinted paintings hanging on the wall, and furniture that is designed to be both durable, and ‘look’ like they are fancy. This office had no fish tank, but had the paintings and furniture were the same. There was a magazine rack as well. I know, the idle mind will wander, onto really boring stuff sometimes.
Five minutes later, Sandra opened her door, and said goodbye to her previous client. It was an older gentleman, looked about seventy and had a slight hunch back. I felt bad, thinking to myself, why would this nice older gent be seeing a divorce lawyer? I am sure there was a very sad story behind that, but I would likely never find out.
Sandra walked over to me, shook my hand, and led the way back to her office. I followed, and sat in the plush chair across from her desk. She took a seat, and began.
“OK, Mr. Holmes. I have the papers you requested. Have you decided what you are going to do with them?” she asked, tapping a pile of paperwork sitting in front of her.
Honesty is the best policy, well, most of the time. “Honestly no, I haven’t come to a decision. I have thought a lot about things, and have given myself some choices, but am still holding out. I might be a coward, but just not ready to commit to any course of action right now.”
“That’s perfectly understandable, and you should absolutely think hard before making your decision. Also, it is FAR better to make an informed and calm decision, than one based on pure emotion and reaction.” I nodded for her to go on. “So, as you requested, I have drawn up a petition for dissolution of marriage, based on grounds of irreconcilable differences. You chose not to file paperwork under adultery. The offered settlement amount for asset division, as well as spousal support, is pretty standard. Since the child is no longer a minor, there will be no custody to discuss or child support payments.”
I sat, thinking about how clinical we were discussing the end of my marriage. I guess that is what it had become, a medical procedure. I would either choose to have the amputation surgery, or to let it try to heal.
“So at this point, James, you have mainly two options regarding this paperwork. There are four total copies, one for our office, one for you, one for your wife, and one for the court. You can hold onto them, and do nothing. You will stay married.
“Alternately, you could have one copy served to your wife, and one copy filed with the court. This begins the legal process to separate and ultimately bring an end to your marriage. You keep the final copy, and our office retains a copy for a certain amount of time, before eventually destroying it.” She paused, and actually softened a bit. “James, this is not a thing to be taken lightly, but it’s now in your hands. I don’t envy you one bit, but you have to decide what to do. When you do, let me know and I will help you finish things, if that’s what you decide to do.”
She handed me the three packets, all nicely stapled and clipped together. She handed over three oversized manila envelopes, and told me to put them in them for safekeeping. As I did so, I kept one copy out to read later on.
“Thank you,” I said quietly, “I really appreciate all the help you’ve given me. I will think hard about this, and let you know what I decide.”
With that, we both stood, and she reached across her desk, to shake my hand. I nodded, and gave her a heartfelt, “Thank you, for everything.”
“You’re welcome, James. I really hope you can sort things out.”
I left her office in a daze. This paper was the death of my marriage. Actually, what the fuck was I thinking? The paper was just my chance to put the final nail in it. My wife had gone along with Cyrus, who had plotted the killing. The problem was, I wasn’t sure if I wanted to pound that final nail in, or not.
I drove right over Curt’s office, and let myself in. He was waiting, and looked pissed that I showed up five minutes late. He came around his desk, and handed me an envelope.
“I found him last night, and tailed him from his condo down to a warehouse. Those photos should be descriptive enough of what I found. I have already taken the liberty to tip off the ATF, and they plan to raid him within the hour.”