Special Circumstances (Mike DaleyRosie Fernandez Legal Thriller Book 1) by Sheldon Siegel

Author:Sheldon Siegel [Siegel, Sheldon]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Sheldon M. Siegel, Inc.
Published: 2008-12-05T00:00:00+00:00

31

“WHAT ELSE CAN YOU TELL ME, ROOSEVELT?”

“We have been asked to prepare papers to have Mr. Russo declared legally dead.”

— Charles Stern. San Francisco Legal Journal. Tuesday, March 10.

Tuesday, March 10. We take a break from our trial preparation to attend to an equally depressing matter: Wendy’s custody hearing. Her ex-husband, Andy, has filed papers to revise their custody agreement. Wendy and I wait outside divorce court at ten a.m. We’re joined by her attorney, Jerry Mills, a quiet, rational man in his mid-fifties. Wendy is nervous. I don’t blame her. I haven’t been in this hallway in five years. It brings back unpleasant memories. It was in this very corridor that I gave up on my lame-brained idea that I was better suited to have custody of Grace. I’ll never forget the look of relief on Rosie’s face. It was the only time during our divorce that she allowed herself to cry.

We’re joined by Wendy’s ex, Andy Schneider, a high-strung advertising executive in his late thirties with slicked-back hair. He’s dressed in a flashy double-breasted suit and a designer tie. He’s accompanied by his attorney, a fiftyish asshole named Craig Sherman, who bears an uncanny resemblance to a rattlesnake.

In my experience, divorce attorneys come in two species. Most are rational people like Jerry, who act more as counselors than adversaries. Some have a knack for defusing tense situations. The really good ones steer their clients toward counseling and sometimes salvage marriages. Then there are people like Sherman, who relish the role of barracuda. He represents only men. He has a picture of a shark on his business cards. If you’re going to war with your ex-wife, he’s your guy.

Sherman says, “You guys don’t think the judge is actually going to believe this crap that Wendy has her own law firm, do you? We’re going to call in child custody services to review this case.”

Nice guy.

Mills looks at him. “We have an agreement, Craig. It’s been approved by the court. It isn’t going to change.”

Sherman cracks his knuckles. “Sure, Jerry. I’ve had this judge modify custody orders for a lot less than this.”

And you wonder why people hate lawyers. In reality, he’s probably bluffing. In California, custody orders can be modified only if there is a significant change in circumstance. A change in one spouse’s economic situation generally isn’t enough.

Wendy glares at Andy. “You’re an asshole. You aren’t fit to take care of a hamster, let alone a six-year-old.”

He tugs at his tie. “At least I’ve got a job.”

I get between them. “It’s time for court,” I say calmly.

Andy winks. Wendy moves closer to Mills.

We turn toward the heavy double doors to the courtroom when Pete walks up, soaking wet. “Sorry I’m late.”

Sherman looks at him. “I didn’t realize we were going to have a family reunion.”

“Craig,” Pete says, “can I see you and Andy in private for a moment?”

“What the hell is this all about?”

“Thirty seconds,” Pete says.

“Humor him,” Andy says confidently.

Pete, Andy and Sherman walk down the hall out of earshot.

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