Paid in Full by DC Brod

Author:DC Brod [Brod, D.C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 978-1-4405-3326-6
Publisher: F+W Media
Published: 2000-09-15T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 15

Ed had his bond hearing on Monday morning at nine-thirty. State called for a million dollars. The judge agreed with Cal Maitlin’s assertion that Ed wasn’t likely to flee and set bond at two hundred and fifty grand. With some financial assistance from Louise Orwell, Ed came up with ten percent and was out.

I met up with him back at his apartment. He didn’t look bad for having spent a night in jail.

“I’m only cooperating with you to make Elaine feel better,” he growled.

What a prince.

“I can’t believe what all this is doing to her. She looks pale, she hardly eats.”

Think about it, Ed. “Where is she now?”

“She went to pick up some groceries.”

I hoped no one stuck a chili sample under her nose.

He had removed his sports jacket, yanked his tie down a few inches and unbuttoned his collar. He handed me a mug of coffee. It was already pushing 90 degrees outside, but I accepted the hot liquid without protest. Ed walked over to the picture window and stood with his back to me as he looked out into the courtyard where trees shaded a circle of white benches surrounding a small fountain. A stone fish leaped from its center, water spouting from its gaping mouth.

“How are your kids doing?”

He glanced over his shoulder at me. “Okay, I guess. They’re with my folks in Crystal Lake.”

I waited a minute, sipping the strong coffee. Ed continued to stare out into the courtyard; his only movement involved lifting the mug to his mouth. I cleared my throat. “What did you and Ellie talk about?”

“What difference does it make?”

During a brutal winter several years ago, I endured a brief stint driving people to O’Hare airport from Chicago’s far-west suburbs. I felt the same way about that job as I did this situation. You shouldn’t have to work so hard to get somewhere you don’t really want to be.

“Why did you go to her place?”

When he didn’t answer, I said, “Look, Ed. Neither of us likes this. Let’s face it. We’re both here for Elaine. Now, I’m not going to be the one to tell her I didn’t try.”

Finally, he said, “I wanted Ellie to sign the divorce papers.”

“Did she?”

“She said they were at her lawyer’s office and she’d take care of them on Monday.” He paused. “Today.”

“Why was she dragging her feet?”

He turned to me, irritated. “Look, I don’t know for sure, but I think she was really bent out of shape about Elaine. Bad enough when we were dating. Once she moved in, well, Ellie didn’t like seeing me happy.”

“What time were you there?”

“About ten, ten-thirty.”

“She was sunbathing?”

“Not yet. I mean she was dressed for it. But she was inside when I got there. I figured she was planning on it.”

“But she left her drink outside.”

He shrugged. “Might have been last night’s drink. She was forgetful that way.”

“I guess that would explain why the door was locked.” He didn’t offer an argument.

I sat down in the large chair and balanced the coffee mug on its arm.

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