Free In Jeopardy by Lynette McClenaghan

and because there are no children involved that Banks’ solicitor will vigorously challenge her entitlement to fifty per cent of their shared assets. He asks Christine whether there is any chance that she would return to the home and remain separated under the same roof until all legal proceedings are resolved.
    Without hesitation she says, ‘Never.’
    After uttering this comment she strongly suspects that Richard sought legal advice much earlier and then plotted a series of events designed to antagonise, distress and insult her to the point that she chose to leave.
    There was that absurd story about meeting up with a long lost friend from university. He would have applied for leave to factor in a dirty getaway with his bimbo. For most of her marriage to Richard there had been this unspoken agreement between them that he was unfaithful to her. Before this latest episode his infidelity always blew over and he meticulously made amends.
    In the early days of their relationship he made excuses for his actions, promised the liaison that had just ended would be the last. In return she forgave him. This time the pattern of Richard’s behaviour failed to repeat and without mercy or conscience he ejected her from his life. She doesn’t need to explain this to Thornton who has read the situation well enough to understand where she stands and the abuse that is coming her way.
    Thornton’s manner becomes bright and breezy. ‘We can use the information you’ve given me against Mr Banks.’
    ‘How is this relevant to no-fault divorce?’
    ‘It’s not in the sense that he can leave you regardless of his reason. He can set up a harem. As long as he doesn’t hold more than one marriage certificate he hasn’t committed a crime. I want to make the claim on your behalf that you left under extenuating circumstances. Essentially Mr Banks hounded you out of the house. Isn’t this what happened?’
    She nods.
    Thornton gains her permission to investigate whether Richard does in fact have hidden cash and other assets. However, Christine tells herself that her priority is to sever all ties with Richard. She reminds herself he is a man without honour. Perhaps it is only now and from a distance she can see him as he really is. She silently fumes.
He can rot, along with the sordid company he keeps.
    Damien colluded with Richard while pretending to be a friend and someone she could trust. Without integrity, this man lied without compunction. It is obvious to her that during that last incident Jenna was barely able to contain her disgust. She expects that this relationship will split. Jenna might have the sense and integrity to leave, or more likely, Damien will treat Jenna in the same manner Richard has treated her.
    After Christine’s meeting with her solicitor she feels flat. Matters that Thornton discussed have dredged up hurtful memories of Richard’s cruelty. The thought of a divorce and property settlement spinning out fills her with dread. However, she relishes the idea of nailing Richard, finding out that he does in fact have substantial hidden assets that she has a claim to.

 

Chapter Nine
    Diana’s husband Paul meets Christine at the airport. She hasn’t seen him for more than ten years. He still has dark, sad eyes giving the impression that he was a neglected, silent child in a large bustling family. He’s polite and pleasant but the conversation from the airport is disrupted by awkward phrases and silent moments.
    It’s Saturday and Julian arrived a day ahead of Christine. Diana and Paul’s children, Lawrence and Natasha, are at home. Diana is asleep. She was up until the early hours of the morning working on a bridal gown for a client who had a fitting that morning. Christine finds Natasha, like Paul, polite and pleasant. She only speaks when directly spoken to and allows Lawrence to speak for them both. One of the first things he says to her is, ‘Can we call you Christine?’
    ‘I don’t see why not. Yes, of