Chapter Twenty Eight         

by sloanranger  

Part 1

Tom Rettig's visits to his wife were dwindling - he did not inform her of unfolding events.

He had obtained a lawyer and was in the process of trying to figure their best options. Tom was not really a monster but he had come to believe that his wife was someone he had never really known. More importantly – he wanted to retain custody of Billy – for himself and Cassie, too, when she became well.

His wife's sister, Paula Miller assisted him in this belief.

"It would probably be the best thing for everyone, Tommy," she had said. "Billy would get to know his siblings. He could even  stay in the same school." 

Tom had been attracted to Paula ever since she and Bob had joined the country club a year or so, before. He had tried to get Cassie make friends with the couple but she had resisted, avoiding her and Bob whenever possible. After Bob's untimely accident Tom felt constrained to offer whatever assistance he could. When she had first called and queried him about investments he was very eager:

"Of course, Paula. I'd be happy to show you some investment property and work out some projections for you."

"You are so kind, Tom. I know you must be going through a very difficult time, right now." 

"Not at all, Paula. It's what I do, after all."

When he hung up he reminded himself he was not the only man in town or at the club who would be more than willing to show her real estate.

Paula had been more than amenable to Tom's proffered helping hand and very grateful.

After looking at  real estate properties, she accepted his advice about investing some of Bob's insurance money in rental properties. Tom had showed her portfolios and spread sheets on their potential profits.

After a morning of driving around viewing apartment buildings, it was only natural to stop for lunch. And that was how it started, over quiet lunches at beachfront restaurants in Laguna and Newport Beaches.

Paula impressed Tom with her attempts to be brave, especially in light of her helplessness in such a terrible situation. It brought out the protector in him.

"I don't know what I'd do without your help," she'd said.

She was trying so hard to stay strong for her children, Tom thought and in the face of such over-whelming bad luck.

(To be continued).