Saying goodbye
The funeral was small. A few people from the complex came as well as Axel and Sunny. Bethany stood at the end of the isle greeting the mourners. The hall was decorated in silver and yellow Norma -jean favorite colors. There was yellow carnations and white tulips. The music was a soundtrack from an old record . She heard Norma -jean listen to that record often.
Sunny stayed in Axel's arms as he stood by Bethany as guest came in. Eulogy were prepared and a pastor delivered it since Bethany was too broken up to speak . Sunny puckered her little lip up and buried her face in axels jacket.
Bethany approached the coffin and looked down at her friend. She looked youthful and peaceful. Many complemented the pathologist for the work he did for the elderly woman.
Bethany tried to hold back a cry but soon surrendered to it. There standing in the back was a man and a woman Bethany never saw before. As she approached them they cut through the doors and through the parking lot. Bethany immediately checked the sign in book.
She looked at all the names and recognized all but two names .
Ruth-Anne Baker and Bobby-Joe Baker
Those were two names she didn't know . Who is Ruth and Bobby to Norma -jean? Bethany thought .
The funeral procession was escorted by officers as they drove to the plot. It was a large stone with an arch angel marking the land. The pastor said his blessings as Norma -jean was lowered. Sunny brought a single red rose for Norma -jean. She tossed it in the hole as it landed on top of the coffin .
" I'm going to miss you ,Grammy." Sunny cried and ran to Axel.
Then Bethany dropped a hand full of dirt and a single carnation on the coffin as it proceeded to be lowered in the ground. The same man and woman stood in the far back by the trees away from the crowd.
" Do you think Norma -jean left the complex to James ?" Asked Bobby -Joe.
" Do you see James here. He killed her." Snarked Ruth-Anne .
" Well who did she leave it too. By default it will go to me since I'm the oldest now." Cocked Bobby-Joe.
" That's if she didn't have a will. You know Norma -jean always had a plan ." Complained Ruth-Anne.
" Well is that james sister what was her name? " Said Bobby -Joe.
" No matter. That complex belongs to the bakers . I don't know why father gave it to Norma-Jean as a wedding gift to her and that Barry guy that didn't have two pennies to rub together. Norma-Jean is daddies favorite daughter . Now she is gone I believe we are due what is ours." Said Ruth-Anne now bitter from her own comments.
" Wouldn't it go to James?" Wondered Bobby-Joe.
" Well he is in jail waiting for the arraignment of the murder of his mother. You seriously think she leave it to him. It's probably floating in the air waiting to be grabbed." Smirked Ruth-Anne.
" We might need a lawyer." Cautioned Bobby -Joe.
" For what? All we need is to get in her old apartment. The deed should be there. We are family. We will just look around at the reception. You know being supportive and all." Planned Ruth-Anne.
Meanwhile Avery was downtown looking for suite 1726 . Evenburg and associates. She made an appointment with Mr. Savior the real estate attorney. If Axel was going to marry Bethany she wasn't going to get screwed out of her father's estate. She had right to it too. She was there to secure the deed since her mother vanished and her father died.
As she rounded the corner she spotted him. The father of her son. She glared at him and him her. His grey eyes met her blue eyes. The look plastered on his face was measured.
He thought a minute where do I know her from . Her face was familiar. Christopher stood in front of Roger complaining about James case. He was stressing the fact the man was guilty and a tap bit unhinged.
" This might be a good thing. If he is unstable he can go for insanity. Do about two years in a psychiatric hospital and be released on good behavior." Wrapped Roger .
" Sending him to a psychiatrist hospital full of happy pills. When the man is fresh out of rehab might not be a smart idea." Christopher countered.
" Well we will get experts to say he has a condition like turrets or autism. " Roger said half way still staring at the blue eyed woman.
" Did his turrets make him smother a cripple old woman in a hospital bed." Retorted Christopher.
" Well say he is bipolar ." Snapped Roger now annoyed at Christopher's persistence .
" Once again drugs.rehab. if he is bipolar he needs medication to balance his moods." Argued Christopher.
" If you argue half as much as you find way to prove your clients innocence then you might be in good shape." Snapped Roger .
Christopher threw his hands up in defeat and shoved the file in Rogers hand and left. Roger looked at the woman as she was shown into the real estate law side of the firm.
" Mrs. Jing please have a seat ." Motioned Mr. Savior.
" It's miss Jing . Not Mrs.jing" remarked Avery.
" Very well how can I help you today?" Mr Savor asked .
" My father died and my mother ran off left me and my brother Axel Jing with the mortgage and the estate. How can I get the house in my name to prevent the house going into probate. I know it's unlawful to pay taxes on a dead man's name. My mother just left it. I know by law it passes to the surviving spouse then the children." Avery explained.
" I'm impressed you did your homework. Yes it's against the law to pay house notes,taxes,ECT in a deceased person's name. As for probate do you want you as sole owner or both you and your brother joint ownership ?" He asked as he pulled up his computer screen for a consultation notes .
" Just mine. My brother wants to sell it I want to keep it. It be easier on the loan if it remains on good terms since I've been paying on it since spring." She careful to not use the term we to show joint contributions.
" Well in order to do that you will have to file a motion against your brother in petition to the state for sole ownership of an inherited property. Provided there was no will available.That will run about six months if we don't have a contested case of inheritance. " He stated.
" How much?" Avery said now demanding.
" Five hundred retainer and fifteen hundred with completion of services regardless of outcome. I can't guarantee you'll win this case but I can make a case you are more suited to this than your only brother. Granted no one else can claim this property you know of ." He explained.
" Done." Said Avery slamming five hundred cash on the desk.
" Ok . Do you want to do month to month basis to pay for these services or a flat fee. Now I will warn you hours clocked to research this case and discuss it may up the charge. It will also drag out the case if you unable to pay the amount agreed on."he said trying to see how far she will go.
" I'll have that money next month in full. " She said thinking the faster she filed the faster she could safeguard the house for her and Caden. That way Axel couldn't move his new bride in her home. If Axel was going to say she acted like her mother well hell she was going to do it all the way.
She didn't like the idea of Axel being married under the same roof as her. He wasn't about to kick her out to give their father's house to Bethany when she didn't earn it. Mr. Savior typed in all the necessary information.
" Ok. I have submitted the application now to the probate office for your motion to claim sole responsibility for the property listed above. Also to exclude a one Axel Jing and any new potential spouses and offspring from this inheritance. Give it about eight weeks and then we can serve Axel his papers . The sooner we serve the sooner we can schedule a hearing for the property to moved from probate to new ownership." He said showing her the screen.
Avery looked pleased with the conditions." Now worse case scenario will be he might fight you for it. Keep all records you solely paid all bills in this residence from this point on." He advised her.
" Absolutely. I understand." She replied.
" Ok I shall keep in touch with you on the progress of the hearing and steps to take next. Remember stay in the house. Do not move out before the final verdict. Possession of the said property looks better on paper if you maintain constant residency in the home. " He said shaking her hand as he stood .
" If I travel to work where I'm only home half a year." She asked.
" I advise you make it a point to remain in the home during the duration of this pending suit. A career change may be necessary to secure the image of a more steady residential claim. " He said in a I'm not suppose to suggest this tone.
" I see. I will take that into consideration. Thank you so much Mr.Savor for seeing me today " she said about to leave.
" No Miss. Jing thank you for trusting me Evenburg and Associates with your legal needs." He said smiling at her .
As Avery walked out the door Roger leaned against the door way. Avery came out and saw him in the corner of her eye jumping in fear.
" Roger you scared me to death. You know I hate that." She said like him and her haven't seen each other for nine years .
" So you do know me?" Roger mused as her stood in front of her. Trying not to seem cold and forgetful.
" You left quite an impression last time we spoke." She said guarded.
Roger racked his brain between the one night stands and random hook-ups. He was drawing a blank on her name. She must not be that important if he couldn't even recall a name. He thought casually.
" When do you think we last saw each other?" He tested the waters to jog his memory.
" Don't play coy. You know very damn well it's been nine years. Every since I told you I was with child." She said forcefully.
Oh shit it's that one. The college girl he met in a coffee shop when he was Bethany's family lawyer. That's right she claimed she was having a baby. Roger made a face remembering he didn't want kids with her. So he ended it before the brat was born.
" Oh I'm sorry for that. I wasn't in good position to want kids then." He said finally.
" Roger. You left me. With a baby. A child that never got to know their father."she said still hurt by his words still.
Avery was careful not to genderize the child.she wanted him to suffer the unknown. To stir curiosity. She wanted Roger to bite. She was baiting Roger.
" Honestly I don't think I'd make a good father. I strive to be an eternal bachelor. It's nothing against you ." He said gaslighting the situation.
" After nine years that's all you have to say to me. I bet you don't even care just know it's not on your conscience. I thought I knew you when I was in college but I see I clearly don't. You are still playing games with me. It all good in between the sheets but when when a child comes out of our relationship then it's nothing against you." She said with quotation fingers.
" Have you ever thought your biggest enemy is not the people around you but you yourself. You set people up for failure weather it's for your own sick amusement or just being a dick. You left me to explain to my parents why my last semester in college why I was delivering a child instead of a degree. But I suppose the eternal bachelor was just calling to you. Christ Roger actions have consequences. You know this your a damn lawyer. " Avery said now annoyed by how he was so self centered.
" Admit it , darling . You loved the idea of me. Knowing I was out of reach . If I remember it took two of us to ruin a good thing. I didn't do it alone." He countered.
" Getting pregnant ruined a good thing. You are an unimaginable bastard. One day someone with hurt you and when they do I hope they rip out your bleeding heart for you to see it." Screeched Avery as she stormed out of the office.
Meanwhile everyone gathered for the reception.it was beautifully decorated with the help of some of the tenants. Bethany all cried out stood like an empty shell next to Axel . On autopilot greeting and holding baseless conversations.
Ruth-Anne Baker and her younger brother Bobby -Joe slowly began to inconspicuously pull draws open and Pat under cushions. They were two odd ones out of the picture . They wore close not befitting of a mourners. Ruth-Anne wore a yellow flirty dress with silver gloves and a French hat with a veil covering one eye. It was like she was dressing up to match the funeral colors. Bobby-Joe wore a pinstriped Navy blue suit . And his only pair of Italian leather shoes. He looked uncomfortable in the suit as he kept trying to loosen the tie without success .
Bethany noticed the odd couple not actually mingling. She approached them.
" Hello I am Norma -jean's daughter did you know her?" Bethany said to catch Bobby -Joe's attention. Bobby -Joe froze in panic face looking like a kid caught with his hand in a cookie jar.
" Bobby -Joe don't be rude . Don't you remember Norma -jean's daughter . What was your name again ,honey. I'm Ruth-Anne Baker . I'm Norma-jean's younger sister and this is her brother Bobby -Joe. It's a pleasure to see you after all these years ." She proclaimed like she knew Bethany for years.
" Well last I saw you . You were yay high." She motioned the height with her hands as Bobby -Joe stood frozen not speaking .
Bethany looked at Axel for a moment . Clearly these two hadn't seen Norma -jean in a long while. Bethany decided to push the envelope.
" Then you must know my younger brother as well?" Tested Bethany. " Richard isn't here I'm sorry to greet you." She patted the woman's hand.
" Oh Richie. Cute adorable little Richie is he here?" Bellowed Ruth-Anne.
" I'm sorry I'm going to have to ask you two to leave. You may have known Norma -jean once but not in this lifetime. This is a private event for friends and family only . Not for people trying to case the place." Bethany said low not to disturb the others.
" Case the place." Screeched Ruth-Anne " well I have never." She protested in offense.
" Well You have today . Please leave this property . Before I call the police." Bethany demanded.
" Look at you acting all high and mighty just like Norma -jean. She always thought she was better than us in life and it continues even in death .you are just like your mother not a care in the world beyond your grand castle fit for an ice queen." Pitch a dramatic fit as ruth-Anne shallowly cried causing others to look.
" Ruth-Anne I think its time to go. There are people staring." Assistant Bobby-Joe.
" Yes you were asked to leave. Please do before the police is called." Replied Axel stone faced like a personal body guard .
" Ahhh ahhhhh ahhhhh why Norma-jean why as she leaned against a dresser dramatically huffing and wailing in distress awkwardly as Bobby-Joe pulled her arm out of the complex.
" What the hell was that Ruth-Anne. Now how are we supposed to get that deed. Yet again got us kicked out because of your over zealous antics. Also why the hell did you have to wear yellow of all colors to still out like a sore thumb to a funeral." He said now overstimulated by her scene she caused .
" Anne boleyn wore yellow the day Catherine of Aragon died. They partied and was joyous ." Snooty retorted Ruth-Anne.
" Are you serious ? . " Said Bobby-Joe exhausted by his sister now.
" Because of you we have to find another way to search the complex for those documents. You know you messed up coming in like you were on your high horse at a funeral no less. She was our sister and even in death you had to have your last hoorah ." Bobby -Joe said scornfully. " Let's just go. You ruined it by being you."
Ruth-Anne scoffed like she was offended .
Axel helped Bethany clean up after the reception in Norma- jeans old apartment. They both did their best to put it back the way it was . Like a shrine to honor her friend. Axel walked her to the apartment and kissed her goodbye. He was headed home. The season started for his job and he had to pack for the trip he was going of the tournament.
Axel opened the door to watch Avery now in sweats reading a newspaper intensely . She held a highlighter and her phone and note pad close to her. Caden played alone in the living room. Axel felt the atmosphere felt off.
" How was it ?" Asked Avery not looking up from what she was doing.
" It was a funeral." He said listening his tie and pulling off his jacket.
" Look Axel . The tournament money isn't enough to cover all I need here . I spend too much time away from Caden . I spend too much money on Tudors and a live in oh pair . The bills are not calculating ." Avery said circling an wanted add.
" What are you saying, Avery ?" He said concerned by her sudden rash change of mood. Avery was a creature of habit. She felt comfort in her routine.
" I'm going to put Caden in normal school to socialize him. Then get a local day job. Caden can't continue to be his only friend a girl. This will free up some funds and make the bills more manageable." She said not looking at him. She could never lie to her brother looking him in the eye so she needed to look distracted.
" Is this going to happen before or after the tournament tour?" He asked gathering her change so suddenly.
" I let the nanny go. The Tudor also has been let go. I have three interviews this week. Caden starts school Monday. " She said not skipping a beat.
Axel wanted to argue that Avery was setting herself up for a rapid life change. He found it insensitive to not attend the funeral for the support of Bethany. In fact he seen her and Bethany could distance since the engagement announcement.
" What did you do today while we were at the funeral?" Asked Axel trying to reroute the conversation.
" Got a paper . Making calls. Enrolled Caden in school. " She said cut short.
" Does this have to do with Bethany? " He said sternly.
Avery ignored axels question. Avery played the silent game if she was upset about something.
" Avery. What happened today to put you into a sour mood?" He asked more sternly .
" Nothing ." She snapped.
Axel knew something was wrong. But the harder he pushed Avery the more she shut down. She acted like their mother when she was not willing to reveal plans. Axel remembered many nights where their father would have one sided conversation as his wife ignored him and dodged questions.
Avery was acting weird. What changed he wondered . He didn't want to do this with her he had to pack . The tournament started tomorrow.
" Call Paul to let him know your not coming on your so he can make proper arrangements for the tournament." Said Axel.
" Can't you tell him. You'll see him tomorrow." Sassed Avery .
" No I can't . Even if I can I won't . Paul deserves to know the inconvenience you just made for the tour. I'm not the one quitting the tournament. You made that choice. He needs to hear it from you ." He said leaning the room to go pack.
He called Bethany to clear his head.
" Hello." She said softly.
" Are you up to talk." He asked as he shoved his clothes in a duffle bag.
" Yes. What's going on?" She sound concerned.
" Give me an hour and I'll come see you. I need to get some space from Avery ." He said .
" I see. Okay you said one hour." She confirmed.
Regina called Roger as they were about to discharge her. Victoria was I'll that he left her there with Regina. Roger looked down at the phone and ignored it. Eventually Regina gave up and called a ride share and fumed. Victoria offered to go home with her a few days to help her with baby Alexander .
Victoria was angry Ryder left her there as well. As soon as she pulled up to the mansion she knew someone had been there. She heard noises in the house and the maids were running frantically.
Regina handed Victoria the baby. She slowly walked up stairs and walking into the room that was in question. She opened the door as Ryder and a mystery woman was laying in bed and Ryder didn't see her come across the room until it was too late .
She picked up the lamp and smashed the woman in her bed across the back of the head. The woman cried in pain and rolled on the floor. When Ryder realizes what happened Regina was dragging him out of bed by the hair.
" Get the hell out. In my bedroom Ryder . Take your trash with you. "She screamed as she drug him out of the room.
Another woman came out hearing the commotion. She came out in a white linen shirt .
" Roger is that you?" The woman said coming down the hallway. Regina saw red. Roger brought a woman in her house. She didn't even remember letting Ryder go . She grabbed the woman flinging her down the stairs as she followed her as she tried to run.
" Oh no you don't. You have the audacity to come in my house and then run away. " Regina said as she hit the woman in the head with a plant. The woman didn't move.
Victoria saw what laid out in front of her in a haze. She heard screaming and Ryder running out bare and more screams and now a woman lied next to her on the floor . Regina holing what was left of the plants pot.
" Regina . You have to stop. Please you need to rest . You just had a baby. " Reminded Victoria.
" He brought a woman in my house. Ryder was in my room. " She screamed as Victoria now understood.
Roger came back to the Zehetii mansion to claim his new play thing he had in the house. He only went to the office to drop off some papers ,and he got blind sided by Christopher and then Avery .
Roger came in the woman on the floor not moving and Ryder trying to leave as soon as the door opened.
" Regina. What did you do?" He screamed .
" What did you do. This is my house . You and Ryder destroyed my house while I was having your baby. What kind of game are you playing? " Screamed Regina. The baby began to cry nervously.
A ripping scream made it out of the half scared other woman. " She is dead.you killed her." Screamed the woman. Regina hit her with the remaining planter as she sunk to the floor next to the other woman. Ryder and Roger looked in horror as they saw her do what they saw.
" Regina . You didn't have to kill them both. " Roger exclaimed.
" I didn't kill them. You did by bringing them in my house. I'm about to call the cops. I'm a single widow and there are two intruders in my home. I have the right to defend my home and my child. " She screamed tears in anger .
" You can't go around killing people." Said Roger. Alexander screaming as Victoria tried calming him taking him out of the room.
" Clean up this mess Ryder . Keep playing me Roger . I will get rid of anyone who gets in my way. You got two choices breaking and entering or two missing girls on the evening news. I don't care what you do ." She said stepping over the bodies and walking upstairs.
That was the moment Roger realized he might have underestimate Regina capabilities. She was more dangerous than he anticipated.