“For as long as it’s needed.I’d suggest we start with a year and reassess later.”
“A year?”That would officially make her a single mother.She glanced at her kids, who were engrossed in the trucks and blocks they’d found in the basket—for the moment, anyway.“Will he have to help financially?”
“We’ll request spousal and child support.”
“That doesn’t mean we’ll get it, though, does it?”
“You should be awarded reasonable support.The question is whether he’s able to pay it.What does he do?”
“He… Well, he was working for a design company, but he got laid off a while ago.He’s been collecting unemployment that barely covers the basics.I can pick up some hours at a bar where my friend is a manager.My neighbor will watch the kids for me.”
“I don’t want her doing that,” Denny said.
Isla turned on him.“I don’twantto do it, Denny, but I have to dosomething.The bar is easy money, and my friend from the doctor’s office will look out for me.It’s the only prayer I have of hanging on to the apartment.I… I don’t know where we’d go if we can’t stay there.”
“Would it be possible for you to move to a smaller place for now?”Julian asked.
“I suppose that’s an option.I need less room since most of what I own is wrecked.”
“When you’re able to, it would help if you could make an inventory of everything he destroyed so we can seek restitution.”
“I’ll make a list.None of it was worth much.”
“It was to you.”
The statement went straight to her broken heart.“Yes, it was.”
“I ask all my clients the same questions: What’s your ultimate goal for the future, and how does your spouse fit into that?”
It’d been so long since Isla had allowed herself to have goals that she took half a minute to think about it before she replied.“I suppose the most important goal is a safe, peaceful, happy childhood for my kids.They deserve that.”She pressed the wadded-up tissue to her eyes again.“As far as how Gabriel fits into that… He doesn’t.He’s clearly got a medical problem of some sort, whether it’s addiction, mental health or something else.He's refused to seek help, and I’ve learned that it’s almost impossible to force an adult into treatment if they don’t want it.I hoped he’d work out whatever he’s been going through, but after yesterday, I can’t hope for that anymore.”
“That’s understandable.Is it your intention to end the marriage and request custody of your children?”
Isla’s chin wobbled as she nodded.In that moment, all she could remember was how much she’d once loved Gabriel and planned to spend the rest of her life with him and their children.A long time ago, she’d realized that wasn’t to be.She’d begun to bide her time until she could make a break from him.In order for that to happen, however, he’d needed to come back from wherever he’d been for weeks—and when he finally had turned up, he’d taken the bat to their home.
“I hate to talk about business at such a difficult time, but there’s paperwork I need you to complete so I can represent you.I’d also like your permission to ask our investigators to look into what he’s been up to during the times he goes missing.Would that be all right?”
“I… I can’t pay for any of this.”
“I understand.We take a number of pro bono cases each year, and yours will be one of mine.”
“How can you do that?”
“It’s an important part of my practice.It allows me to help people who can’t otherwise afford quality representation.Is that a yes on the investigators?”
“Yes, please.”
“We’ll also need to talk assets and liabilities and other such details.We’ll set yesterday as the official date of separation, which is a critical benchmark in a divorce case.”
“I’ll never be able to thank you enough.”
“Me, too,” Denny said gruffly.
“Anything for you, pal,” Julian said with a smile that encompassed both of them.
ChapterSeven
Isla had touched Julian deeply with her quiet strength at a time of deep despair over the demise of her marriage.Petite, with light brown shoulder-length hair and lovely brown eyes, she looked nothing like Denny, who was much taller and a true blond.While Julian had never met Denny’s parents, they’d already been friends when Denny had been forced to step up for his younger sister long before he was ready for that kind of responsibility.
