I lifted my head and gave her a minute to gather herself. Rene opened the office door and poked his head in. He met my narrowed eyes, lifting his eyebrows a little, then nodding. He tilted his chin toward the library.
“They’re ready.”
I glanced down at Fee. “Okay?”
She stepped back and blew out a long breath.
“Ready.”
I winked. “Okay, FeeNelly. Let’s do this.”
Fiona
Scott sat beside his lawyer, his expression fierce. I felt his anger simmering below the surface, but as instructed by Halton, I didn’t engage. Halton led the way into the library, courteously pulling out my chair and waiting for me to sit before settling into the chair beside me.
“Gentlemen, thank you for agreeing to meet here.”
Jonas Peters smirked. “You didn’t really give us much choice, Hal.”
Halton lifted one shoulder, dismissing his words. “Nonetheless. Now, let’s not waste any time. I’ll keep this simple. Your client asked for this divorce. My client isn’t fighting his request, but we are seeking fifty percent of all marital assets, including Scott’s shares in his firm.”
Jonas slid a document Halton’s way. “I have a signed waiver showing that Mrs. Hutchings agreed not to go after anything to do with the firm in the event they parted ways.”
Halton leaned back, not at all worried. “It was signed under duress. Which I can prove.” He flipped open a file. “I have medical records showing your client didn’t always treat his wife with the greatest of care. Also, newer pictures from last week’s assault. You might want to reconsider your options.”
I lost track of the conversation after that. Scott began to curse, Jonas spoke to him quietly, then he and Halton began throwing around terms and conditions, both talking so fast, their words combined with fists being thumped on the hard, wooden table, rapid hand gestures, raised voices, and veiled threats.
It was all I could do to sit there and listen to my marriage—my life—being reduced to this. Accusations, anger, and value. That was what it boiled down to. He said, she said. Ten years of life spread on a table filled with documents, surrounded by regret and pain. It was only Halton’s presence, the feeling of his solid body beside me that kept me in my place. I could feel his warmth, his strength, and his determination as he spoke. His voice was clear and smooth. There was no hesitation on his part whether he was questioning or responding. He was in complete control, appearing almost relaxed as he presided over the meeting.
In contrast, Scott was a mass of anger across the table from me. He was red-faced and sputtering, despite his attorney’s attempts to keep him calm. I felt the hatred in Scott’s glare, but I refused to let him see how he affected me. I sat straight, my legs crossed, my body unconsciously angled toward Halton. Scott fidgeted, slouched, straightened, played with his tie, then slouched again. He grunted, muttered under his breath, and conferred with his attorney, often pointing his finger in my direction. Every time he did, I felt Halton’s leg press against mine, his silent support appreciated.
Scott’s knee bounced continuously, so much so, I wanted to say something. He ran his hand through his hair every few moments, tapped his fingers on the table, and rolled his head on his shoulders. I had never known him to be so out of control. He cleared his throat and I knew he wanted me to meet his stare. Finally, I lifted my eyes to his, dropping my gaze quickly at the wild look in his gaze. It made me shudder, and beside me, Halton shifted, subtly moving closer.
Scott stood. “I need the can.”
Halton stopped mid-sentence, his eyebrows lifting at Scott’s rudeness. “Through the reception area. Rene will direct you.”
Jonas stood. “We’re almost done, Scott.”
Scott shook his head. “Now.”
I frowned at the unusual conversation. Scott strode from the room, his steps hurried. He opened the door so quickly, it slammed against the wall.
Jonas stared after Scott and offered us a tight smile. “When you gotta go, you gotta go.”
“So it appears.”
Halton turned in my direction. “Do you need a coffee, Fee?” he asked kindly. “A water?”
“No, thank you.” I leaned closer. “Is it almost over?”
He squeezed my hand, his voice low enough only I could hear him. “Yes.”
Always courteous, he turned his attention to Jonas. “Anything for you? Or your client?”
Jonas shook his head, his concentration on the door. “No,” he said shortly.
Halton busied himself with the papers in front of him. I watched his long fingers sort, pile, and organize them into neat batches, then he sat back, checking his watch.
“Should we check on your client?”
Before Jonas could reply, Scott walked in. He flung himself into the chair, leaning back and smirking. “Sorry.”
Halton studied him intently. “Everything all right, Mr. Hutchings?”
Scott crossed his arms over his chest. "Right as rain.”
For a moment, Halton tapped his pen on the file in front of him. “Fine. Let’s continue.”
I watched Scott, surprised by his sudden change in behavior. He was more relaxed, although his leg swung impatiently. The rest of his jerky movements had ceased.
“As I was saying, we are going to request a full audited set of all personal assets and company books and—”
“Fiona.” Scott’s voice was loud, interrupting Halton.
I looked across the table, meeting his eyes. The odd, angry, out-of-control gaze he focused on me caused a shiver to run down my spine. He’d had the same look in his eyes on Friday night when he had grabbed me.
“I’ll give you a million. Agree, and we’ll draft the papers and be done. Don’t make me fight this out in court with you. I guarantee you’ll lose and walk away with nothing.” He glanced at Halton, loathing rolling off him. “Is that a better offer or still too second-rate hookerish, Mr. Smithers?”
Halton stood, grasping my elbow and tugging me from my chair.
“It is inappropriate is what it is, Mr. Hutchings. This meeting is over. Come with me, Fee.”
Scott braced his hands on the table, spit flying as he spoke loudly. “My wife’s name is Fiona. I would prefer it if you didn’t manhandle her in front of me.”
Halton met Scott’s baleful glare. “She prefers Fee, and she’s not your wife.”
Scott’s voice dripped with ice. “Fucking him for free legal counsel, Fiona? I hope you like sloppy seconds, Hal.”
“Shut your mouth,” Halton snarled. “Show Fiona some respect. She damn well deserves it.”
“You wanna come and make me? God knows I would like to go a round or two with you. Mess up that pretty fucking smug face of yours.”
Halton drew me back. “Rein in your client, Jonas.”
He tugged me to the door as Scott stood so fast, his chair toppled over. I cringed at the loud noise and the string of expletives and threats Scott spewed toward Halton. Jonas grabbed Scott by the shoulders, talking rapidly and stopping him from moving. Rene hurried in from the front office. Halton opened the door to his office and pushed me through, turning back to the room.