Martin Stovall was in his private office trying to catch up on paper work. This being Thursday, he needed to be ready for his town council meeting tomorrow. After a quiet breakfast; Martin was hoping to have a the few uninterrupted hours need to complete his budget report. Sadly it was not the case. The doorbell rings and he is about to get up and answer when Melissa shouts “I’ll get it!” Martin sits back down, grateful for Melissa’s timely intervention he heads back to work.
Melissa opens the door to see Frances Twist. “Frances!” Melissa responds. “I thought our next session wasn’t until the weekend?”
“It is,” Answers Frances. “Sadly this is important. Is it possible to talk to both you and Martin?”
Melissa knew Martin needs to day to work, but she knew it must be important for Frances to come early. Escorting her in Melissa guides Frances to Martin’s office.
Melissa knocks on the door and enters. In she walks with Dr. Twist in tow. “Sorry darling,” Melissa states. “Frances is here and it seems important.”
“Okay,” Martin sighs. Looking at Frances, “What can I do for you?”
“Actually I’m here to inform you,” Frances states; “Benton Knight just found out about Julie’s assault. He is none to pleased that his daughter is involved and could be on the warpath. “
Martin leans back. He knew Benton would get involved sooner or later. “How did he find out?”
“Jack Johnson contacted him.” Frances answers.
“Of course,” Martin sighs. While Jack Johnson was Martin’s adversary during the mayoral election; it was Johnson off the cuff remark and Benton finding out he was gay that cost him the election. Now Johnson is a prosecutor looking to make a name for himself on his tough on crime bandwagon. Julie Stovall just happened to be an unfortunate person to land in his cross hairs.
“Anything else Frances?” Martin asks.
“Only to be careful tomorrow,” Frances answers. “While Samantha will be attending since she is the town chancellor. There is a good chance Benton will attend and try to hijack the meeting to discuss your daughter’s legal issues.”
“Thank you,” Martin answers but continues; “not to be rude, but I really need to get back to this budget report.”
“That’s understandable. Just remember the assignment I gave you for Saturday.” Frances smiles and heads out.
Martin blanched, he nearly forgot. He needed to craft a letter to Melissa outlining all his acts of unfaithfulness and read it to her and beg her forgiveness. Another task he needed to find time for he realized as he focused back on the budget report.
Melissa tries to escorts Frances to the kitchen table but Frances politely refuses. She explained that she has a busy schedule and needs to get to her office but promises to call later in the evening. Melissa heads back to the kitchen after Frances leaves to see Julie hanging around. “What is wrong darling?”
“Bored,” Julie answers crestfallen.
“Understandable but you are under house arrest. You just can’t go out,” Melissa responds.
“I can’t even occupy myself. No T.V, no internet. A prisoner in solitary is not as worse off as I am,” Julie pleads.
“I will talk to Martin later in seeing if he will loosen some restrictions,” Melissa responds. “But until then, read a book.”
Julie being despondent trudges back to her room.
Melissa just sighs. She pulls out a phone book and looks in the town’s directory for a lawyer that will take Julie’s case.