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-up lies.
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 was not going 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 like that?
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 being a 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.’
‘Exactly. That won’t go down well if he’s interviewed,’ replied Claire with force. To her, this was all business as usual; for Tara, it was anything but.
Once more Jack was in turmoil, trying his best to think of a way to help Tara. Recalling how well the dinner with her and Calum had gone, he decided to return the favour and text her an invite.
You and Calum fancy dinner at mine tonight?
Yes. That would be lovely, thanks.
7p.m. OK?
Great. Should we bring our cossies?
Came the reply, followed by a smiley face emoji.
Why not?
Jack added a winking face emoji with a chuckle. He decided to have another barbeque, keen to spend as much time outside in the warm evening sunshine as possible.
Tara and Calum seemed on good form when they arrived later on. Clearly Calum couldn’t wait to get in the hot tub, having stripped down to his swim-shorts early on.
‘Came prepared then?’ laughed Jack.
‘Can I?’ he asked eagerly, pointing towards it, bubbling away. It looked too inviting for him to ignore.
‘’Course you can,’ said Jack, enjoying his excitement.
Tara mouthed, ‘Thanks,’ with a grateful smile.
‘Here.’ Jack passed her a cool glass of white wine. Boy, did she need this, she thought taking a gulp.
‘You OK?’ asked Jack, seeing her knock it back.
‘Richard’s solicitor sent me a letter today, confirming his intention to issue proceedings,’ she told him.
Jack nodded. ‘You thought he would though, didn’t you?’
‘Well, I half hoped he was making empty threats… but apparently not.’ She shrugged and took another mouthful of wine.
The urge to punch Richard in the face rose up inside Jack. What he wouldn’t do for ten minutes alone with that guy. Instead of telling Tara this, he asked, ‘What does Claire advise?’
‘She’s drafting a reply, stating our intention to object. Then we wait to see what happens next. The ball’s in Richard’s court.’ The ball always seemed to be in Richard’s court. A flare of anger flickered inside her.
‘Mum!’ called Calum, waving up at her from the swirling water he sat in.
‘Is it good?’ she asked with a laugh.
‘Awesome! Come and join me!’
Tara looked at Jack with a raised eyebrow.
‘Let’s,’ he grinned.
‘I’ll just go and change!’ called Tara.
Before long all three were splashing each other and giggling like hyenas. It was a much-welcomed relief, rather than mulling over what the future held.