“It had been three weeks since the Alexi Dimetree incident. The twins were getting back to Normal. Marc’s nightmares had all but disappeared. Gregory had stopped hounding Danny, no longer fearing he was going to sell out to the other side.
Things were finally getting back to normal. The little ones were back in ‘school’ Dan was doing great with his studies. Oscar was beginning to think that maybe 1976 wasn’t going to be so bad after all
After dropping Danny off at school Oscar headed for the office. When he stepped into his outer office, a man was standing talking to Callahan. After asking if he was Oscar Goldman he handed Oscar a folded paper and was gone….
He sat in his office reading it for the twelfth time that morning. He couldn’t believe what he was reading. This woman actually thought she has a case. She had an affair with his sister’s husband and now she wanted payment for it. No way!!
Oscar had tried hard over the past month or so to keep the twins from finding out about their half sister. But now it was all coming to a head. Laura has issued him a subpoena demanding he appear in court. She was suing for one fifth of the estate the boys had received as a result of the sell of the houses in NY and NJ.
Steve walked into Oscar’s office. “How is it going pal? I must say, you have had your fair share of trouble in the past five months.”
“Tell me about it.” Oscar handed Steve the subpoena. “Here is the latest.”
Steve took the paper. “She really feels she deserves one fifth of the estate?” Steve whistled.
“Yea and there is more. Aside from the houses my sister and Tom… I refuse to call him my brother in law anymore. Not after what he did to my sister. Anyway as I was saying aside from the houses they also had several investments that I now control. If all goes according to plan, they will be very wealthy when the reach adulthood.
“Sounds like good targets for kidnappers if you ask me.” Steve indicated “They sound like they would be good targets now. I’m sure that’s why this woman is after you and the kids. If there had been no money involved I’m sure she wouldn’t pay one bit of attention.” Steve surmised.
“Do you think I’m putting the boys in danger?” Oscar wondered.
“If I thought that, I wouldn’t be having this conversation with you, you know how protective I am of my partner? If I thought you were putting him in danger I’d string you up by your thumbs.” Steve warned.
“You would too. Steve what am I going to do? Does this woman have any right to the kids money?”
“Why don’t you call Joe Thompson? Didn’t he say anything involving the kids his firm would represent you?”
“I’ve already done that, he’s on his way right now. He said he would be here around 3:00.”
“I’m sure he’ll be able to tell you if this Mills woman is entitled to anything. If you ask me she’s not.” Steve told him.
“I feel the same way. I just don’t understand it. I can see where she would think she would be entitled. After all Tom Jenkins is the father of her baby, but the baby was born after Tom died and after I adopted the kids. The baby she had at my place that night wasn’t over two months old.” Oscar noted.
“That might play a big part in it.” Danny said as he walked in.
“Dan, what are you doing here?” Oscar wondered. “I thought I dropped you off at school. How did you get here?”
“I left my history book here yesterday. So I had Russ stop by the school and pick me up. You know he lives right around the corner from my school.” He walked over to the coffer table in front of the couch. “Here it is.”
“Dan you understand what’s going on, don’t you?” Oscar asked.
Danny nodded. “Yea dad. Why?”
“Why don’t you finish what you were saying as you came in.” Oscar persisted.
”Sure. No problem. You see dad you control the money now. If she had staked her claim right after mom and dad were killed, saying that dad was the father of her unborn baby then the money would have been held by a probate court until it was proven that he was actually the father.” Danny informed them.
“Are you sure?” Oscar kept prodding.
“Not 100 percent. No. Each state has it’s own rules regarding a situation such as this. It happens more often than you think.” Danny went on. “Joe Thompson will be able to help you in that area. To be real honest” He turned to Steve no offence Steve. She doesn’t have a leg to stand on the way I see it.”
“Non taken Danny.” Steve assured him. “You think that’s how it works Dan?”
“I’m pretty sure. See she needed to say something a long time ago. Five months has passed since the accident.” Danny observed. “And…”
“The money is in my name now.” Oscar pointed out.
“That’s right dad. I don’t think it will ever go to court.” Danny explained. “You ask Mr. Thompson when he gets here I’m sure he’ll tell you the same thing.”
“That will be my first question.” Oscar said “Here Dan you look at this tell me what you think.” Oscar handed him the subpoena.
Danny took it he sat down and started reading it. “See this was filed even after she came to our house that night. Dad we don’t have anything to worry about. There is one more thing I need to check”. Danny read a little farther.
“What are you looking for son?” Oscar asked.
“I’m looking for a copy of the birth certificate I want to see if she named dad as the father. She would be stupid if she didn’t. But when the baby was born, she may not have known that she was going to do this.”
“Would it be in with this?” Steve asked watching Danny closely.
“It has to be.” Danny kept looking
“Hey Dan, I’m waiting.” Russ said. “Are you coming or not?”
“I’m sorry Russ, Dan is checking on something for me.” Oscar apologized. “Just have a seat.”
Russ sat on the couch beside Steve. “What’s he checking?”
“He’s looking at that subpoena Oscar received this morning.” Steve explained.
“Here it is. It’s at the end.” Danny exclaimed. He read it very carefully. The line for father’s name was as Danny had hoped blank. She had not listed anyone as the father.
“She didn’t list anybody, dad.” Danny said folding up the papers and handing them back to Oscar.
“That’s good news I take it?” Steve questioned.
“Its very good news Steve. It means she just came up with this idea only after the baby was born.” He turned to Oscar. “You be sure and make sure Mr. Thompson knows this.”
“Dan, you know more about this than me. Would you stay and talk to Joe?” Oscar asked
“Well I do have a history test.” Danny pointed out.
“Joe isn’t coming till around 3:00. You can come here after school instead of going to work with Rudy. That way you two legal eagles can figure this whole mess out.”
“Ok dad, I’ll be here.” Danny assured.
Oscar turned to his son. “Do you ever regret giving up law for medicine?” He asked
“No not really. Funny you should mention that. I spoke to the headmaster yesterday. I’m going to study law as well. He told me I could do both.”
“Dan won’t that be a little hard on you? I mean you have enough pressure right now.” Oscar sounded concerned.
“Well not really. I would take one set of classes in the morning and the other in the after noon.” Danny continued. “I really enjoy the law I mean I started reading all the books when I was two.”
Steve let out a slow Whistle. “I knew he was smart, but reading law books at the age of two.”
Oscar smiled and turned to Russ and Steve sitting on the couch. “And comprehending.” He stated proudly. Then the turned back to Dan. “I know you were.” Oscar said “Hey you better get going. You’re late for school.”
“While I’m thinking about it.” Danny handed Oscar a sheet of paper. “You need to sign this dad. It says you give permission for me to study law and medicine at the same time.”
Oscar took the paper from Danny “I’ll have to think about that one. I don’t want you working to hard.”
“I won’t dad. This is something I really want. “ Danny objected.
“Dan, I’ll think about it. If I think it’s a good idea, I’ll sign it for you.” Oscar folded the paper and put it in his suit coat pocket.
“Can’t ask for more than that, let’s go Russ.” Danny sighed.
“Well,” Steve said getting up. “I’ll see you later I have some errands to run.”
“Yea see you later Steve.” Oscar leaned forward and pushed the intercom. “Callahan no interruptions please. “
“Yes sir.” She called back.
Oscar sat the rest of the morning looking over the subpoena. Trying to figure out exactly what was going on. What else did Laura Mills want?
At ten to three Danny arrived. “I was able to get out a little early. Without saying exactly what was going on, I told my instructor that I needed to help you with a legal problem. They let me go early.” Danny explained.
“I’m glad you’re here Dan. Maybe between you and Joe we can get this figured out with out going to court.”
“That’s what I’m hoping for, I don’t want the little kids to know any of this. You see, I know and I hate him, I hate him so much. I don’t want the twins to feel that way.”
“I understand Dan. I really do. Like you, I hope they don’t find out. I don’t want them to hate their father either. I’m not too worried about Joey he doesn’t remember them at all. I wish he did though.”
It was a little after three when Joe Thompson showed up. Oscar gave him a thumbnail account of what was going on.
“Well” Joe started, “Dan is right. If she would have done something earlier she may have gotten somewhere with this case. She didn’t even list Tom as the father.”
“You would think she would have.” Oscar said.
“Listen Oscar, before we go any farther I want you to know, I knew nothing of the divorce, nothing at all. My specialty is contract law. I deal in estates, wills that sort of thing.”
“I understand.” Oscar said.
“Anyway, we have a meeting with her at four. She and her attorney are waiting for us at a café around the corner. I’m hoping when we confront her with this, that we can keep it out of court.
“Well let’s go then.” Oscar grabbed his coat. “Danny, you stay here.” Oscar ordered.
“No way dad. I want to meet her!!” Danny argued.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Oscar maintained
“Dad, I want to meet her. And I’m going to!”
“Ok I guess that would be alright. You saw her the other night. Isn’t that good enough?”
“No, it’s not.” Danny stated.
The three of them walked around the corner to the café. Laura Mills sat at a table with her lawyer. Laura held the baby on her lap.
Joe Thompson made the introductions on behalf of his client “I’m Joe Thompson, This is my client Oscar Goldman and his son Danny.”
Laura’s attorney stood. “I’m Gloria Penny These are my clients Laura Mills and Her daughter Kim Jenkins.”
“That’s still up for debate.” Oscar muttered.
“Danny.” Laura began. “Your father talked about you all the time. Would you like to see your baby sister?”
“That’s funny, my father never said anything about you. All I know is that my mother, cried her self to sleep every night after my mother found out about you.
Gloria and Laura didn’t say a word they just looked at Danny. Danny continued. “And as far as she is concerned.” He pointed to the baby. “She can jump up and kiss my…”
“Danny!!” Oscar shouted.
“I’m sorry. I just want nothing to do with her.”
“I understand that” Joe began. “Ms Mills, why didn’t you name Tom Jenkins on the birth certificate. Why didn’t you say something sooner about your baby’s father, and why now do you come forward with this information?” Joe fired off the questions in rapid succession.
Laura said nothing she looked to her attorney for help.
Gloria turned to Joe. “I don’t understand what you are saying.”
“It’s this way Ms. Penny. Joe began to explain. Your client really has no case. First of all she needed to say something the minute Tom was killed. She needed to go to court and say she was carrying Tom’s baby. That would have held everything up. You see the money has already been disbursed. If your client was to have any of it the court needed to handle that a long time ago.”
Gloria looked like she didn’t have a clue as to what Joe was talking about.
“You don’t know what I’m saying do you?” Joe asked.
“Not really, I feel my client is entitled to at least one fifth of the estate.”
“Your client is entitled to nothing.” Joe said slowly. “You moved to late” He handed her a folder containing several case studies.
Gloria looked through them. Then turned to her client. “I’m afraid he’s right. You needed to move sooner. The money is now in Mr. Goldman’s name. He controls it.”
Laura stood up and handed the baby to Gloria. “I will get my money one way or another. You will see you haven’t seen the last of me…”
Oscar turned to her “Just a moment” Everyone turned toward Oscar “I have a question for you if that’s ok.”
“That depends on what the question is.” Gloria stated
“I have a couple of dates I want to throw at you. First I want to know when you started seeing my brother-in… Tom?”
Gloria put her hand up. “You don’t have to answer that Laura.”
“That’s ok. It might even help my case if he knows just how in love we were. I have known Tom for years.”
Dan was shocked. He was under the impression that it had only been a couple of years.
“How many years?” Oscar demanded.
“We met at Christmas in 1967.” Laura answered.
“I see. Then my next question is were you with Tom on January 28th 1968.”
Danny’s head quickly turned toward Oscar at the recognition of the date.
Laura looked at him. “How can I be expected to remember something that happened?”…
“It’s only been eight years Ms Mills. Were you and Tom together on Jan 28, 1968?”
After thinking about it for a moment Laura slowly nodded her head.
“Is that date important Oscar?” Tom asked.
Oscar nodded his head. Yes, yes it is Joe. That’s the night the twins were born. My sister was in the hospital giving birth to Matt and Marc, and he’s out on the town with her.”
Danny walked over to another table in the café he sat down in the chair. He too remembered the date. He remembered the conversation he had had with his father a couple of days before in fact.
Dan I’m sorry I have to miss you little play. Bur this is business. You are a smart boy. You understand don’t you?”
“Yes daddy. I understand. I wish you could make it. But if you have to go on a business trip that’s ok.”
“I’m so glad I have an understanding son. I just wish his mother could be that way. See Julie, Dan understands.”
“Dan is only four and he adores you Tom. Don’t you understand it’s not just the play?
This is the third trip you have been on in two months. You missed Christmas for cripe sake.”
“Look Julie we have one child. You are about to have two more. We can use the extra money. I mean someone has to bring home the bacon…”
“Oh Tom. I told you I would go back to work after the twins are a year old. I only took a year off at the school I still have a job.”
“But it is still a year with out your salary.”
“Look Tom. I’m sorry!” She cried. “I just don’t want you to go away again” Julie continued to cry.
Danny sat watching his parents fighting for the third time in less than a week.
‘Look Julie I told you it was business.”
“It seems like it is always business.” Laura was more in control of herself.
“Well if you are going to take that attitude. I might as well leave now.” Tom shouted
Tom stormed into his room and packed his suitcase. Dan followed him. “Daddy, please don’t leave.” Dan had said.
“I will be back son. Again I’m sorry I have to miss you little play, But I’ll make it up to you. When I get back we’ll do something just you and I. Ok? Now do you want to help dad get this stuff out to the car?”
Danny helped his father carry is bags to the car. “Now you better get back into the house. I’ll see you when I get back.”
“Bye Dad.” Dan said He went back into the house. He could here his mother in the bedroom she was still crying.”
Dan went into the room “Mom it’s ok he’ll be back after the trip.” Dan tried to comfort her.
Julie lifted her head off the pillow. “How would you like your Uncle Oscar to come to your play?”
“That would be great!”…
“Dan, Dan Hey son are you all right.” Oscar was standing next to him.
He looked around the café. The other adults were looking at him too.
“Yea, I’m ok dad. I was just thinking about something.”
“I have a pretty good idea I know what you were thinking about.” Oscar commented looking over a Laura.
Dan walked over to where Laura still sat at the table. “You know something lady you are a real piece of work.” Danny started.
“I don’t get your meaning.” Laura shot back at him.
“Dad was with you the night the twins were born. He should have been home with us. I had a school play that night. But dad told mom and I he had a business trip. I wonder was that the first lie he told us. Or maybe the first lie was when he spent Christmas with you.”
“What’s he talking about Oscar?” Tom asked.
“I don’t know. But I think we need to just let Dan get this off of his chest.” Oscar watched him closely though
“I want to know. Were you with my father?” Danny thought for a moment “I mean Tom Were you with Tom that Christmas… You were. You said you met him on Christmas of 1967. I can’t believe this.” Danny cried.
Oscar put his arm on Danny’s shoulder. “Come on son. Let’s get out of here huh?”
“No dad. You said you had other dates. Was one of them Feb 26 1972?”
“As a matter of fact it was Dan.” Oscar was reminded of the question he had been going to ask. “Well Ms. Mills. Were you with my Tom on that date too?”
Again Laura nodded her head. She would soon regret it.
“That was the date they told Julie that Joey was autistic. She really needed Tom that day.” Oscar noted. “Dan is right you are a real piece of work aren’t you?”
Gloria was the one who was crying. “I think you better find someone else to represent you.” She told Laura. “But Mr. Thompson is right you don’t have a case. Gloria stood and left the café.
Danny stared after her. Then it started. It started in low at first. Then Oscar heard the familiar sound coming from Dan’s chest, that horrible wheezing sound.
“Dan, just take it easy. Where is your medicine?”
“In my jacket pocket.” Danny wheezed out.
Oscar walked back over the table they had been sitting. Dan’s jacket was hanging on a chair. Oscar reached into the pocket and felt for Dan’s inhaler.
Oscar removed it from Dan’s pocket and took it over to Danny. He turned to Joe Thompson “Do me a favor. Call Dr. Wells. I don’t know if we are going to need him or not.”
Oscar handed him Rudy’s private number at the lab and Joe walked over to the pay phone and dialed.
After explaining what was going on he walked back over to Oscar. “He said he’s on his way.”
“Great. Thanks Joe.” Oscar turned back to Danny “Are you feeling better?”
Dan shook his head. “Not really.” He said.
“Rudy’s on his way.” Oscar sat on a chair he set Danny down right beside him.
The owner of the café stepped over to them. “Do you need an ambulance sir?”
“No our Doctor is on his way. I hope this won’t hurt your business.” Oscar wondered
The owner looked around the empty café. “You have got to be kidding I don’t think that’s going to hurt. Look my son has the same problem, just take your time.”
“Thank you for being so understanding.” Oscar explained.
“No problem.” The owner replied.
Rudy walked into the café. Dan was still sitting by Oscar. “How you doing Dan?” Rudy asked.
“Not so good Rudy.” Dan answered.
“Well we’ll try to get you feeling better.” Rudy told him. Rudy gave him some more medicine and soon Dan was feeling better
Rudy turned to Oscar “I think he’ll be just fine. I want him to rest the rest of the day.”
Oscar walked over to where Laura sat. “I don’t ever want to see or hear from you again. If you come near my family or me I will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law. Do I make myself clear?”
Laura looked at him and then to Danny. “You know. My daughter is just as entitled to that money as the boys are. As I said Mr. Goldman I will get my money I don’t care what I have to do. I will get it.”
“Over my dead body.” Oscar sneered…
After leaving the café Danny and Oscar got in the car with Rudy and drove back around the corner to the OSI
“I don’t like the sounds of that.” Oscar said as they walked through the door of the OSI. “It sounds to much like a threat. I’m going to tell Steve.” He thought for a moment then turned to Dan “Dan, I don’t want your brothers to find out about any of this.”
“I have a feeling we are going to have a hard time doing that.” Danny observed.
Oscar reached out and put his arm around his oldest son as the three of them got on the elevator. “Dan I know this whole thing has been very hard on you. Are you sure your alright?”
“Yea I’m ok dad. But your right it is hard. Can I let you in on a little secret?”
“Yea sure shoot.” Oscar said.
“Well, in a way I was kind of glad when I heard about mom and dad?” Danny admitted.
Oscar had a very hard time trying to hide his shock. “What do you mean Dan?”
“Well” Dan began “they were going to get divorced, dad was having an affair and was going to take us away from mom. I really didn’t want that to happen. I do wish mom hadn’t been involved, but if that was the only way…”
“I guess I understand.” Oscar said. “I think I know what your saying though I can’t say I agree with it.”
“I know it’s hard to understand. I feel this way and even I have trouble understanding it.”
“Well one thing is for sure you were right. This isn’t over by a long shot.”
“How did your meeting go?” Steve asked as he entered Oscar’s office.
“Let’s just say she wasn’t happy. She as much as threatened us, she said she would get her money one way or another.”
“Oscar that sounds like a kidnap threat to me. From now on the kids don’t go anywhere without me or Jaime with them.” Steve indicated.
“I appreciate that Steve. I might just take you up on it.” Oscar agreed.
“Well, the twins and Joey are safe they stay home all day.” Steve started
“Well that’s going to change Jaime mentioned something about taking the kids on field trips during the day.”
“Well I’ll talk to her, maybe she can wait on that a little bit, at least till this is over with.” Steve suggested.
“You might be right. Maybe it’s not a good time to start that “ Oscar agreed.
“I’m sure she won’t mind putting it off for a few weeks.” Steve finished. “What else did she say?”
“She talked to Danny told him that his father told her all about him and the rest of the kids.”
“How did Danny handle that one?” Rudy wondered
He let her have it with both barrels “ Oscar told him. He proceeded to relay the conversation between the two of them.
“Wow!” Steve said. “Good for Danny”
“Yea but that’s about the time we had to call reinforcements. Dan got sick again.”
“Yea” Rudy cut in, “but he’s going to be just fine.”
“Well I’m going to go home I just want to be with the kids and you said Dan should rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Oscar stood to leave. “Let’s go Dan.”
“You’re worried about what she said, aren’t you dad?” Dan asked as they dove toward the house.
“I can’t get anything by you can I?” Oscar laughed.
“No you can’t” Danny admitted.
They pulled into their driveway. “Not a word to anybody I don’t want the kids to overhear. I’ll tell Jaime later.”
“Yea sure dad no problem.” Danny assured him.
“This is a surprise” Jaime said, “You usually call when you’re going to come home early.”
“I know it was sort of a last minute decision. I’ll explain later. Or Steve can tell you when you get home. “ ‘I just don’t want the little ones to over hear.’ He whispered.
“Well I need to get going it’s my night to cook, and I haven’t a clue what I’m going to fix.”
“I’ll see you in the morning.” Oscar called as she left. Jaime gave him a wave and then she was gone.
“So guys what do you want for dinner?” Oscar asked.
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