And Jemma didn’t trust a word that came out of his mouth.
His wife had pre-empted her filing for divorce with a triple-zero call alleging he’d attacked her. Now she claimed he had a lengthy history of coercive and violent behaviour.
The way that Wilkins illustrated his denial by miming a punch, then changing it to an open-handed slap of the airabove the glass conference-room table spoke volumes. As far as he was concerned, violence was measured by the impact, not the intent.
‘Keep your hands down,’ Rohan advised quietly, evidently interpreting Wilkins’s actions the same way Jemma had. That was part of her problem with Rohan: except for his dangerous misjudgement of Wilkins, her colleague wasn’t an idiot. In fact, had they not been in competition for the partnership, she might have admired his legal prowess.
‘You can see Celine’s had everything she could ever want,’ the client continued, tapping the sheaf of paper that listed his assets and expenses. The legal ones, anyway. ‘That’s evidence, isn’t it? I mean, evidence of the way I’ve always treated her. I’ve never placed any kind of expectations on her, made no demands. She’s not had to do a damn thing in her life. I took on her kid as my own, never denied him a thing. Even bought him a motorbike for his birthday last year. A dirt bike, to take out on the property, because Jacob’s not got his licence yet.’
Rohan spluttered and excused himself to move to the doorway to clear his throat properly. Jemma took the opportunity to glance at her notes, although she was aware that Celine had come into the marriage with a five-year-old son.
‘I put her through rehab.’ Wilkins continued enumerating his virtues. ‘I never questioned her parenting ability, just made sure she was always supported. I have people looking after the kids, to take the stress off her. Had to do that,’ he added, as though begrudging the expense, ‘to make sure they were safe. Because obviously Celine couldn’t be trusted, even after rehab. Not that I blame her. Clearly, she’s wrestling with demons. Maybe even some kind of mental health issue?’ he ended, as though hoping the accusation might provide him with a loophole.
Jemma’s notes reflected a slightly different reality: Celine had been at university interstate—ironically, studying law part-time while raising her infant son solo—when she met Mark Wilkins, who was more than a dozen years her senior. Her highly public drug addiction had followed, within twelve months of their flashy wedding, but predated the birth of the couples’ two children. But, whatever: everyone cultivated their story to suit themselves. It was up to Jemma to sequence the timeline accurately, then pick and choose what GB&A could use to their advantage in the defence case.
She nodded encouragingly at Wilkins.
‘Cars, overseas holidays, jewellery, weekly manicures, a hairdresser on call, gold credit card, she’s had the lot,’ Wilkins continued. ‘Even got her a ridiculous pure-bred designer puppy that cost me thousands, which she sent to the pound after a couple of weeks. It did chew her Manolos, though,’ he added with a shrug, as though he agreed with his wife’s decision on that one.
‘Your generosity is undeniable.’ Jemma kept any sarcasm from her voice. ‘So why would Celine bring domestic violence charges now?’
‘It can only be for the money, right?’ Wilkins kept his attitude appropriately mournful. ‘After everything I’ve given her. I guess she assumes that if she can get me done for DV, she’ll be entitled to more in the divorce.’
Jemma doubted a layperson would be aware of the Kennon principle—which meant Rohan had raised the possibility with Wilkins, again, without making her privy to the conversation. So much for working as a team.
‘We’ve got a prenup, though, so that’ll keep everything safe, right?’ Wilkins’s façade wavered a little. His eyes darted back to Rohan. ‘Weird thing is, Celine was the one who insisted on the agreement. Back in the day. Said she wantedto prove she wasn’t out to get my money.’ For the first time, their client actually sounded upset.
‘You’ve no reason for concern,’ Rohan soothed. ‘We’ll get you off the domestic violence charge.’
Jemma fought to keep her face impassive as the other barrister usurped her territory.
‘But it’s a process,’ Rohan continued, ‘it’ll take time. In the interim, I suggest you play the game nice with your ex. Like I said the other day, perhaps consider tossing a little extra her way to keep her sweet. It’ll look favourable to your case if you’re still funding her, even though she’s moved out.’
Jemma frowned. He’d advised Wilkins without her knowledge? Paying off Celine would look exactly like the coercive control that it was, making it harder for Jemma to fight the domestic violence charge. Now wasn’t the moment to disagree with her colleague, though, not in front of their client. She flicked through the thick file, pulling out a copy of the prenuptial agreement. She’d read through it on the weekend at Dad’s, highlighting several parts.
‘The problem is, it looks like Celine didn’t take independent legal advice before signing this agreement,’ Jemma said. ‘And the document hasn’t been updated since the birth of your children. Either of those things can be enough to have the prenup ruled invalid.’
Again, Wilkins’s eyes moved to Rohan. Jemma’s irritation flared. How was she supposed to advise and defend her client when obviously Rohan had provided him with information during a meeting he’d conducted without her earlier in the week?
‘It’ll be fine,’ Rohan said. ‘Maybe you can get us some more coffee, Jemma?’
‘You’re kidding—’ she flared, but Rohan held up his hand as he stood.
‘Actually, it’s my turn to buy, isn’t it? Cap for you, Jem, and a long black, Paul?’
‘So how much, do you reckon?’ Wilkins said as Rohan left the room.
‘Sorry, how much what?’ Jemma said, disconcerted by her colleague’s action.
‘How much do you think I’ll have to pay Celine to drop the charges?’
Jemma shook her head. ‘It’s not that simple. It’s the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions—so basically the police—bringing the domestic violence case against you. The divorce and separation of assets are driven by Celine, but they’re a completely separate matter.’
‘Well, notentirelyseparate,’ Rohan said, as he re-entered. ‘Obviously any action you take now impacts the perception of what your past behaviour may have been.’
‘Precisely,’ Jemma said, looking pointedly at Rohan. Why couldn’t he see the potential for a monetary gift to appear apologetic, thereby acknowledging guilt, rather than being magnanimous? ‘Coffee?’
‘Tien’s bringing it.’
