“Well, you know she worked for CkR Int’l. She was in customer service of all places. I think she actually worked the phones; No degree or anything. How embarrassing was that for me? How they even met is beyond me. I mean I didn’t know that Jason went to the hood to find dates when he was in Minnesota for business.”
Alicia reached out to touch Bridget’s hand, “I can see how difficult that must have been for you.”
Bridget pulled a tissue from her purse and dabbed her eyes, “I mean, we dated for
YEARS
and he married her within a year of meeting. I just get so angry thinking about it. I loved Jason very much. I still don’t understand it to this day.”
Alicia couldn’t see any tears leaking from Bridget’s eyes. Alicia knew the score. Bridget was angry and embarrassed that he married so far beneath her. Just as she would have been.
“Have you talked to Jason about it to try and get some closure?”
“No. I haven’t but many of our friends have tried to. He’s pretty much shut everyone out except for Franklin.” Bridget shook her head, “It’s so obvious that women like her just want a baby-daddy. I’m guessing she probably didn’t know who her baby daddy was until that accident. If she had known, you can probably bet she would have contacted Ryan before now.”
“You’re absolutely right about that. It kills me to say this but honestly, I can see why men would be attracted to her. I met her at the hospital. She is a beautiful woman. She has that exotical thing men seem to like. However, I’m still surprised he married her. Women like her are mistresses never wives.”
“More than likely, it’s because she
was
pregnant. I think she’s about five or six months pregnant. They’ve only been married a little over a month. It doesn’t take a genius to figure that one out. Men just lose their minds when it comes to sex. How many times have we said ‘if he’d just worn a condom’? They can’t think strait until it’s over. I could over look an affair but not a child born from one.”
That stung. But Alicia wore her poker face and went on as if Bridget hadn’t made the last remark. “Maybe that’s just it Bridget, Jason did the responsible thing after he found out she was preggers. You should call him. I can’t believe you two were together all that time and he doesn’t still carry some feelings for you.”
Bridget’s face lit up, “You think? I mean I would never take him back just so you know. However, I’ve been so angry with him that I just couldn’t call him. But, now that some time has passed and I’ve calmed down, maybe I should give him a chance to explain himself. You know the one question that just keeps nagging me…other than the obvious is how did she manage to not only hoodwink my Jason, but she hoodwinked his parents too. They should know a gold –digger when they see one.”
“Yes, I heard both the Rutherford’s but especially Miriam seems pretty taken with her.” Alicia hadn’t had a cigarette in over two years but she would kill for one right now. This conversation was tedious but necessary.
“Well, I guess now we know where Jason got his ‘save a whore’ tendencies from.” They laughed heartily at that one.
The wine was starting to get to Alicia. She put her glass to the side and started drinking water.
“Bridget, it didn’t take her long to get pregnant either. I can’t say the girl is stupid. She managed to have a child with both Ryan and Jason. They are two of the richest and connected men in the States.”
Bridget was barely listening to Alicia at this moment because she was already planning operation get Jason back. “Well…let’s just see how long it takes for him to tire of her.”
Bridget’s expressions became very animated, “Just so we’re clear, I wouldn’t take Jason back if he came crawling on his knees. It would take a miracle for me to ever forgive him. I’m amazed you’ve been able to forgive Ryan.”
“He’s my husband. I’ll stand by him through anything especially since we weren’t even together when the child was conceived.”
Bridget didn’t believe that for one minute. Everybody knew that they hated each other and both had carried on many affairs over the years. This was about politics plain and simple.
“So, then are you ready to be a full time mommy to Ryan’s child?”
Alicia started choking on her water. It took her a moment to clear her throat before she plastered on her practiced smile and answered, “I’ll learn to love her just as much as I love Ryan. Ah…the waiter’s here. Shall we order?”
Friday had finally arrived. Vicky, Jason and Angel had flown into Minnesota the night before with John Lucas and his staff. Aunt Shirley arrived with the Rutherford’s that morning. Sandy had driven in to the courthouse alone.
She’d managed to avoid Franklin for the past several days. It wasn’t too difficult since he hadn’t really tried too hard to get in touch with her. She knew she’d see him today and hoped her game face wouldn’t crack.
Getting into the courthouse was a zoo. Every major news channel and tv entertainment show was there with cameras in tow.
John Lucas had prepared well for this case. He’d prepped Vicky and a couple of other witnesses. He felt confident the judge would not be granting the Carter’s full custody; today or any day.
They all sat quietly in the waiting room. Vicky was nervous. Jason was nervous but trying hard not to show it. Angel was sitting on the floor playing with her blocks. She had no idea what was happening. Her world as she had known it was about to change in one way or another.
Aunt Shirley had been praying silently. Then, decided to invite others in on it. “You know I think…if you’ve ever believed in prayer now would be a good time to pray.”
Miriam was the first to get up from her chair and join her, “I think you’re right Shirley. You can never have enough prayers.”
Everyone joined hands and somehow Franklin ended up next to Sandy. It was a little awkward especially since she never even looked at him. She just stretched out her hands for him to hold. He held it and bowed his head.
Aunt Shirley led the prayer, “Lord God, we come before You today first thanking You for all of Your goodness and all of Your blessings. We ask a special prayer for Vicky, Jason, and Angel. They need you more than ever. We ask for favor in this situation but in all things Your will be done. AMEN.”
Just as they finished the prayer John Lucas came into the waiting room, “They’ve called our case. We can head over to the courtroom now.”
Everyone filed out of the room but Jason held Vicky behind for just a second “You okay?”
She gazed deeply into his eyes and squeezed his hand, “I’m nervous and scared but I’m okay. You?”
“As long as you and Angel are okay…I’m good.” He kissed her temple and they walked out of the waiting room hand in hand into the courtroom.
Ryan was the first person that Vicky saw when she walked into the courtroom. How she could have thought she was ever in love with him was beyond her.
Jason saw the moment Ryan and Vicky made eye contact. He knew that he owned Vicky’s heart but there was a small part of him that hated she had this connection with him. He
HATED
Ryan Carter.
Franklin watched the entire exchange play out in front of him. He could see the rage in Jason’s demeanor and touched Jason’s shoulder.
“Keep it together my friend. The cameras are everywhere.”
Those simple words helped Jason pull it together. He wasn’t able to sit next to Vicky at the counsel’s table. He had to sit behind them with everyone else. She had to do this on her own. He could strangle Ryan for putting his family through all of this but Franklin was right. He had to keep it together.
Vicky sat down next to Mr. John Lucas and he gave her a warm smile.
“Okay Vicky. Remember what we discussed in my office. Take your time answering questions. Only answer what they ask and nothing more. I’ve got the rest.”
The bailiff gave the order “All rise the Honorable Judge Zimmerman is presiding.”
Everyone stood to their feet as the judge made her way to the bench.
“Please be seated.”
“Your Honor we’re calling case number A259871 - Carter vs Martin-Rutherford”
“Do I have all the paperwork in front of me?”
John Lucas answered yes and so did Ryan Carter’s attorney, Ms. Abernathy.
“Okay…Gentleman, I understand this is a high profile case. But, I’m letting you both know right now this is about Angel Martin. I won’t tolerate any shenanigans. Okay, Ms. Abernathy please call your first witness.”
“Thank you your Honor. I call Mr. Ryan Carter.”
Ryan walked over to the stand.
“Mr. Ryan Carter, do you promise to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”
He answered in the affirmative and took the stand.
“Mr. Carter please state your full name and where you reside.”
“My name is Mr. Ryan James Carter and I reside in Minneapolis, Minnesota.”
“What is your occupation?”
“I am a State Senator for Minnesota.”
“When did you meet Ms. Martin?”
John Lucas appeared to be taking notes and without even raising his eyes he called an objection. “The plaintiff’s name is Victoria Martin-Rutherford.”
“Sustained. Please address Mrs. Martin-Rutherford by her correct name. Proceed.”
“I met Mrs. Martin-Rutherford in Sept. or Oct. of 2010.”
“Where did you meet Ms. Martin? Excuse me…Mrs. Martin-Rutherford.”
“I met Mrs. Martin-Rutherford at a grocery store in Minneapolis. I was standing in line behind her as she was buying groceries. She didn’t have enough money to pay for them so I paid for them.”
Vicky leaned over to John Lucas, “That’s a lie.”
He nodded.
“From that encounter, did you develop a friendship?”
“Yes.”
“Were you married to Alicia Foxworthy-Carter at the time?”
“We were separated.”
“But, you reconciled?”
“Yes, we reconciled about three or four months later.”
“Mr. Carter Do you have a four year old daughter, a Ms. Angel Martin?”
“Yes.”
“Can you tell us when you learned you had a daughter?”
“I learned I had a daughter approximately five months ago.”
“How did you become aware?”
“I received a frantic call from Ms. Martin-Rutherford.”
“What was the call about?”
“Apparently, Angel Martin had been in an accident and needed blood from me.”
“What did you do?”
“Of course, I was shocked but I immediately flew to Atlanta and donated my blood.”
“No further questions at this time.”
John Lucas stood for cross. “Mr. Ryan James Carter, can you re-state when you said you met Mrs. Martin-Rutherford.”
“In September or October of 2010.”
“And can your confirm again when you reconciled?”
“December of 2010 or January of 2011.”
He nodded. “Can you also tell me approximately when you found out you had a daughter, Angel Martin?”
“As I stated, approximately, five months ago.”
“And prior to that you hadn’t had any other contact with Mrs. Martin-Rutherford?”
“None that I can recall.”
“Your honor may I present exhibit 1A to Mr. Carter?”
Ms. Abernathy stood, “Objection, I don’t have exhibit 1A in my possession.”
“Mr. Lucas, Ms. Abernathy, please approach the bench.”
They approached and had a lengthy discussion before the judge. It looked like Mr. Lucas got his way because Ms. Abernathy went back to her seat and was furiously taking notes.
“You can show Mr. Carter the document. Please make sure that Ms. Abernathy has a copy.”
“Of course your Honor.”
John Lucas handed the document to the bailiff who handed it to Ryan. “Does that document look familiar?”
“I…I…don’t remember this document.”
“Is that not your handwriting and signature?”
“It appears to be.”
“Then, we’ll accept this document as authentic for now. If not, we can get your bank records to verify. Can you explain to this court Mr. Carter, if you reconciled with your wife in December of 2010 or January of 2011 and had no contact with Mrs. Martin-Rutherford, how can you then explain a check that you wrote out to Ms. Martin-Rutherford in August of 2011?”
“I do not remember writing this check therefore I cannot explain it.”
“Could it be money that you’d given her to care for your daughter?”
“I object your Honor. Mr. Carter has already stated for the record that he doesn’t remember writing the check.”
“Sustained.”
“No further questions at this time.”
As soon as Mr. John Lucas took his seat, Ms. Abernathy stood.
“I’d like to call Mrs. Victoria Martin-Rutherford.”
Vicky’s palms were sweating like crazy. Mr. John Lucas gave her a re-assuring smile. Vicky stood and walked over to the bench.
“Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth so help you god?”
She clearly but firmly stated, “I do.”
“Please state your name for the record.”
“My name is Victoria Martin-Rutherford.”
“Mrs. Martin-Rutherford, did you at any time threaten my client Senator Ryan Carter?”
“No.”
“So, you don’t think telling my client’s wife and I quote, “If Ryan is not here in three hours...that you would be forced to go to the newspapers and expose him?”
“Yes, I remember.”
“And you don’t think that was a threat?”
“No.”
“The courts might not agree with you.”
“Mrs. Martin-Rutherford, is it true that Angel Martin was in a horrible accident while in your care?”
Vicky took a deep breath before answering, “Yes.”
“Please state for this court the nature of her injuries.”
“She had a collapsed lung, a crushed kidney, some damage to her other kidney, and head trauma.”
“How did all of this occur under your care?”
“She was in a car accident.”
“Were you driving?”
“No.”
“Please state who was driving?”
“Jocelyn Baker.”
“Is Jocelyn Baker in this courtroom today?”
“No she is not.”
“Where is she?”