Chapter 41
Tara had collected her mail and was sifting through the various bills, flyers and leaflets when a thick, cream envelope made her jolt. The quality of the paper told her everything. This was ‘the letter’ she’d been dreading and even dared to hope would never be sent. But it had. It was right here, in her hand. On autopilot, she slid her finger through the seal and opened it. She quickly scanned the black typed writing, clearly and concisely outlining her ex-husband’s intention to issue an application for full care and control of their son.
Tara’s eyes widened in disbelief at the allegations Richard was throwing at her. He was basically insinuating whether, due to her work commitments, she was an ideal mother. He’d even gone so far as to question her reliability. He gave the example of when Calum had gone missing as evidence to support this.
She stared at the accusations Richard was making. Unbelievable – all untrue, trumped-uplies.But Richard already knew this. He was clearly playing dirty, using anything he could to twist and distort against her. The letter reiterated how he, his wife and future sibling to Calum would make a much more suitable family environment.
Tara sat down calmly and concentrated on her breathing, sucking air deeply in and slowly exhaling. Richard was not going to win. He wasnotgoing to have any power over her. She was in control. Reading the letter again, once the shock had sunk in, she began to see it in a different light. This wasn’t the instruction of a sensible, balanced client. It was spite from an angry, unreasonable, vindictive ex-husband. Pure and simple. So was Richard’s revenge that he’d lost sight of what really mattered here. Calum. How on earth could you reason with someone likethat? You couldn’t. You had to fight fire with fire, and Tara was very prepared to do just that. The gloves were off. She rang Claire with the news.
‘It’s arrived,’ she stated flatly, getting straight to the point.
There was a pause.
‘Ri-ght… and what does it say?’ asked Claire, obviously a touch taken back. She honestly thought Richard had been bluffing, that he wouldn’t really have the gumption or inclination to pay a ‘top’ solicitor. No, it looked like the dickhead meant business.
Tara read out the letter word for word. The part concerning Calum’s disappearance had Claire outraged.
‘What? Calum left his friend’s house, not yours. That could easily have happened on Richard’s watch,’ she scorned.
‘I know,’ agreed Tara, ‘but it was on my watch, wasn’t it? He’s making it look like Calum didn’t want to come back to me.’
‘The prick,’ retorted Claire with venom. ‘Listen, don’t panic.’
‘I’m not,’ replied Tara. She wasn’t. If anything, she felt numb. Has it really got to this? she reflected sadly.
‘So far, his solicitor has notified you of their client’s intention to issue proceedings. They haven’t yet formally made an application. No court hearing’s been set.’
‘So, what do I do?’ asked Tara.
‘For the moment I’ll draft a letter in reply, respond with your intention to oppose any application made. Basically, I’ll let them know we’ll fight it all the way.’
Tara nodded. ‘OK.’
‘Then, we’ll wait to see their response.’ Part of Claire still suspected Richard was using scare tactics. It was one thing paying the fee for a solicitor’s letter, quite another to have proceedings issued and representation in court. And for what? Did he really think he’d win full custody of Calum? Surely even he realised this was all bullshit? But still, at the end of the day, it was her friend who was hurting and, if anything (besides beinga red-hot lawyer), Claire was a fiercely loyal friend. ‘Has Calum said anything about this to you?’ she asked.
‘No. At least he’s spared him that,’ replied Tara.
There was a slight pause before Claire spoke.
‘You’ll have to tell him, Tara, especially if and when it goes to court. He may need to be interviewed.’
‘You mean by a social worker?’ Tara’s chest started to tighten.
‘Possibly. Depending on how far things get,’ warned Claire in a sober voice.
‘Right, we’ll see how things progress first, then I’ll sit down with Calum if needs be. That is, if Richard doesn’t get there first.’
‘But, as far as you’re aware, he’s not said anything to Calum yet?’ checked Claire.
‘No, I doubt it. Why? Do you think that’s significant?’ asked Tara.
‘Hmm, could be. To me, it supports my theory that Richard doesn’t fully intend to go through with all this. He merely wants to upset you.’
‘Possibly,’ conceded Tara.
‘And how does he think Calum would react if he was told? He probably knows damn well Calum would kick up a fuss. There’s no way he’d want to leave you and live full time with him and Melissa.’ There was a brief pause before Claire asked, ‘Does Calum even like Melissa?’
Tara let out a sigh. ‘I’d say he resents her more than anything.’
