Chapter 5 Dinner With The Devil

• Dinner With The Devil
• Charlotte was standing in their spotless house, gazing into the gleaming cutlery in the low light. Both determination and fear twisted in her stomach. Dinner tonight was a frantic attempt to take charge and find the truth in the tumultuous maelstrom Lucy had brought into their lives.
• Jacks walked nervously into the dining room. Concerned and frustrated at the same time, he asked, "Charlotte, are you sure about this?" Invited Lucy here is like opening Pandora's box.
• Charlotte looked up into his steely, determined eyes. "We are stuck, Jacks. Answes are needed. If this baby she says is ours is real, it is something we must know. She cannot hold this over us much longer.
• Jacks flung a hand through his hair and groaned. I simply have no faith in her. She has already damaged so much. What if she starts more problems?
• Nodding went Charlotte. "I know, but this is the only way to surprise her. If she believes she is in the driving seat, she will divulge more.
• A thrill went through them both when the doorbell rung. After straightening her shoulders, Charlotte went to the door and opened it to see Lucy standing there grinning smugly and her eyes sparkling with resentment.
• As Lucy entered, she said, "Well, isn't this a warm welcome?" Being asked to supper by the wife is really wonderful.
• Charlotte spoke steadily and attempted a grin. "We felt it was past time that we all got together and had a conversation. Set yourself up comfortably, please.
• Entering the dining area, Lucy looked around at the tasteful arrangement. Her presence a fog over the otherwise immaculate house, she moved with an air of conceit. Jacks watched her every motion, his teeth tightened.
• Wino? Putting up a bottle, Charlotte offered.
• Nodding, Lucy never took her gaze off Jacks. Why not? To bygone eras, let us toast.
• There was obvious tension as they took up positions around the table. Charlotte forced herself to stay cool by inhaling deeply. "We need to discuss the baby you say is Jacks', Lucy. The youngster still alive? Does it look like a boy or girl?
• Lucy froze in her smile. "Oh, the child is a gorgeous little girl and very much alive. My darling young daughter.
• Jacks widened his eyes and his face turned pale. As Lucy's words sank in, he murmured, "A girl?"
• Lucy strained back, her gaze narrowing. Yes, Jacks, a female. Besides, she is your daughter. Your body and blood.”
• Charlotte felt a hammering in her chest. "Why didn't you come out sooner, Lucy, if what you claim is true? How come now?
• Lucy became more serious. For I was holding out for the ideal opportunity. That would be the most vulnerable time for you both. And yet here we are.
• Charlotte was frantically trying to put together the shards of Lucy's story. "Lucy, we want to see her. This child is one we would like to meet.
• Lucy gave out a sharp, resentful laugh. “Oh, you’ll meet her. But on my conditions. I want one million dollars, and then you can have your darling little reunion.”
• Jacks threw his fist on the table, making the plates crash. “This isn’t a negotiation, Lucy! I am entitled to visit my child if she is mine.
• Lucy had rage flashing in her eyes. Jacks, you are not entitled to make demands. You forfeited that the instant you turned on me.
• Charlotte gave Jacks a consoling touch and spoke in a hard but gentle tone. Lucy, you will get paid. But first we need evidence. She has to be truly ours.
• Laughing, Lucy said. You're going to obtain your evidence. I do, however, hold all the cards here. You won't ever see her if you do one mistake.
• Even more strained was the mood as dinner went on. With comments tinged with animosity and resentment, Lucy delighted in her control over them. Charlotte's thoughts racing with concerns and inquiries, she found it difficult to remain calm.
• At last the dinner was over, Lucy got up from her chair, triumphant in her eyes. Low and ominous, she added, "I'll be in touch." Remember, too, those million dollars. Nothing sly.
• Jacks exhaled shakily as the door shut behind her, his shoulders hunched. Charlie, what are we going to do?
• Charlotte looked at him, resolve blazing in her eyes. That kid is going to be found, Jacks. Proof is about to arrive. And this horror is going to come to an end.”
• Notable
• Calls, meetings, and last-minute preparations filled the days that followed. To find out the truth, Charlotte and Jacks put up endless effort. They looked through documents, engaged a private investigator, and pursued every clue, no matter how little.
• The doorbell rung one evening as they sat in their living room, worn out and irritated. A man with an envelope stood there when Jacks opened the door.
• Do you call yourself Jacks, the man asked?
• "Yes," Jacks said, a dreadful feeling settling over him. You who?
• Handing him the envelope was the man. The private investigator you employed is me. Something you should see, I have.
• Jacks, hands quivering, took the envelope. Pulling out a picture, he opened it. As he gazed at the picture of a small child, her eyes big and innocent, her smile bright and happy, his heart skip a beat.
• “She looks exactly like you, Jacks,” the detective remarked. “I dug a little. She resides with foster parents. Lucy has been in and out of your life, but she is unquestionably your daughter.
• Tears sprang to Charlotte's eyes as she leaned to view the picture. Whispering, "Oh, Jacks," she said. That woman is stunning.
• Anguish and love were mixed together in Jacks' heart. "Charlotte, we must get her back. She has to be brought home.
• Nods from the investigator followed. "I started the papers immediately. While there will be a struggle, we can prevail.
• Holding the picture of their daughter, they sat together, feeling reenergized. For their family they would battle. For their daughter they would battle. And they would cease Lucy's terrorisation.