City of the Dead (Alex Delaware, #37)(77)

Quoting his wife had raised his voice.

He exhaled. “Sorry.”

I said, “For what?”

“Getting worked up.”

“It helps me to understand your situation.”

“Does it? Good. I guess. I mean am I being unreasonable wanting to play a role in my only child’s life? Philomena’s only three but she’s super-smart. Already picking out letters in books. Physically, she’s also precocious. Super-coordinated. Though I have to admit that’s probably to Toni’s credit. She was a dancer and a competitive skier and a champion equestrienne. All that’s what got her into nutrition. That and taking care of thoroughbreds. So yes, she makes sure Philomena engages physically. Kiddie yoga, a preschool that offers ample playtime, pony rides. She’s got a long view of directing Philomena toward dressage and jumping. She’s told me so.”

He frowned.

I said, “Where better than in Kentucky.”

“Exactly, Professor Delaware, exactly. I may have messed up as a husband but I think I’ve been a darn good dad and the thought of Philomena being whisked away…obviously if through some miracle I find an appointment near the horse country—even a city other than Louisville if it’s reasonably close—obviously, I’d opt for that. But I don’t see why I should be forced to make that choice.”

“How long does your current contract last?”

“Another year and they assure me there’s a good chance of renewal. Barring unforeseen circumstances. Which do tend to pop up…I know that doesn’t sound ironclad but it’s the best I can offer and I’m not asking Toni to be tied down indefinitely. I simply don’t want to have the rug swept out from under me because our marriage went south.”

“Let’s talk about that,” I said.

“Must we—just kidding, of course we must.”

The remainder of the session was spent listening to him discuss the gradual deterioration of a two-year marriage. He had an affinity for confession and apology and that included an admission that Philomena had been conceived during an extramarital affair with Antoinette “Toni” McManus.

I said, “Extramarital for both of you?”

“No, just me, Toni was single. And gorgeous and sexy and alluring and she threw herself at me and that’s no excuse. I cheated, plain and simple. What my colleagues would label a lucid signal.”

“Of what?”

“That my other marriage was failing and that on some level I knew it,” he said. “But at the time what entranced me about Toni was that she was gorgeous and sexy, et cetera. So bottom line, I was a total jerk led by my penis.”

I wrote, Easy confessor. ???

He said, “You’re quoting me on that?”

I said, “I’m not. But let’s try to stay away from talking about me.”

“Of course…so what else do you need to know?”

“Whatever you feel like telling me.”

“Plunging headfirst into the great beyond?” he said. “Utterly terrifying…I’m not one for randomness.”

“No need to be random. Take your time.”

“Okay,” he said. “Here goes: To me the issue is simple. I love my daughter and wish to remain in her life. Toni wants to take her anywhere she pleases. Robbing me of parenthood, the slightest semblance of bond. My attorney informs me that without extenuating circumstances, a parent can’t legally move a minor child out of reasonable visitation distance.”

I said, “That’s true.”

He fooled with his fingers.

“What specifically are you worried about, Con?”

“Toni’s family has money and money talks.”

“Not to me.”

“No, no, that’s not what I meant, I’d never suggest any potential mendacity on your part. It’s simply that her side can afford to keep the conflict going indefinitely and I can’t.”

I said, “You’re concerned about a war of attrition.”

“I am. It preoccupies me.”

“What does your lawyer say?”

“Not much, that’s the problem. When I bring it up, she tells me to concentrate on the here and now. The ongoing process. But let’s face it, she’s not going to spend a single unbillable minute on my behalf. Once my funds run out, she’ll run out.”

I said, “Did that happen during your first divorce?”

The question made him flinch. “Bravely into the past, huh? No that was different. Neither of us had any resources; nor was there a child at stake. We did it no-fault, quick and easy. This time it’s proving to be anything but, Professor Delaware. All the signs are there.”

“By signs you’re speaking professionally?”

His head moved back. His smile was shallow. “Touché. I suppose I am. Even before the process heated up, Toni engaged in what I’d have to call malignant metaphor. Pressuring me to leave the home, tossing whatever belongings I couldn’t take with me. I told Meredith about it and, again, she said not to get distracted, it’s merely conflict one oh one, the key was to build up my own fitness as a parent without disparaging Toni. Which, as you can see right now, I’m trying hard to do.”

“Malignant metaphor,” I said. “The metaphor being…”