IRISH FIRE (26 page)

Brigid watched Caitlins fingers tighten around her glass.

I cant lose this one, Mum.

Closing her eyes, Brigid sent up a silent prayer of thanks. Shed been granted a reprieve. You didnt say whether youll take the children.

Not this time. They have school and I dont want to disturb them unless I absolutely have to. Besides,
Graybeards
Lady
will be racing in Newry and Annie is determined to be in the owners box. Brian said he would take her if you cant.

I didnt see him tonight, Brigid said casually. Why do you think that is?

He had a meeting with Hillary Benedict. Shes concerned about the reputation of the Curragh after the fire. Im sure hell be at the funeral tomorrow.

The champagne gave Brigid courage. She poured herself another glass and topped off Caitlins. May I ask you a personal question?

I suppose theres no harm in asking.

Exactly what is your relationship with Brian Hennessey?

Caitlin leaned back into the couch and closed her eyes. Once again Brigid was struck by the delicate beauty of her daughters face, something that even weariness and worry couldnt diminish.

Im not sure, Caitlin said at last. I cant be sure until I know where this is all going to end. Brian is Irish. He belongs here.

Brigid could have told her that love waits for no one, that there is no perfect time for it, that happiness is measured in moments, not days or years, and that wisdom lies in knowing when to reach for it and when to step back. But as usual, with this particular daughter, she did not. Instead, she said, What about you, Caitlin? Do you belong here?

She shook her head. I cant let myself think that way, Mum. If I have to keep Annie and Ben near Sam, then Ill belong in Kentucky.

What will you do there?

Breed and race horses, she said without hesitation. Thats all I know how to do.

Then why not do it here. If Hillary Benedict can do it, you can. She doesnt have any schoolin at all.

She inherited her business, Mum. Starting from the ground up isnt so easy.

Youll manage.

Caitlin smiled and lifted her champagne glass. Firelight gilded the bones of her cheeks. Shed had too much to drink. Tonight, anything seemed possible. To the future of my training yard.

Brigid saluted her daughter. T your future, she said. Caitlin approved of her. It was a heady feeling and an unusual one. She would hold on to the memory of this night, save it in her mind, bring it out and relive it when she needed it most.

Lexington, Kentucky

L
ucy Claiborne happened to look up at the exact moment Caitlin walked into the courtroom and her face lit from within. She smiled and beckoned, then remembered what had brought them together again, and hesitated.

Caitlin saw the conflicting emotions pass over her mother-in-laws face. She understood the older womans dilemma. There was no precedent in Lucys life on which to pattern her behavior.

Recognizing that it was up to her to set the standard, Caitlin moved swiftly across the space that separated them and, before she could change her mind, drew her mother-in-law up out of her chair and into her arms. Lucys embrace was long and painful, genuine and healing.

Ive missed you so much. The older womans voice broke. Clearly embarrassed, she stepped back, pulled a tissue from her purse and pressed it against her nose. How are my grandchildren?

Looking forward to seeing you again.

Lucy looked startled. Will that be soon?

Theyll be coming back in the spring when they have a break from school, unless were forced to come back sooner.

I understand.Lucy was obviously uncomfortable with their present circumstances.

Sam broke away from his lawyers and joined them. Hello, Caitlin.

She nodded cooly.

He slid his hand under his mothers elbow. Its almost time. I think we should sit down.

Charles Malone, Caitlins American attorney, a fourth generation Kentuckian, opened his briefcase and removed a manila file. He was busy examining the contents when Caitlin sat down beside him. She knew better than to interrupt. Mr. Malone was a stickler for perfection. After leaving his office the first time shed felt more hopeful than she had in months.

He finished his perusal, put away his pen and smiled at her. Remember, no matter what happens here today regarding the children we can always appeal.

She blanched. Has something happened?

Custody cases are never predictable, Caitlin. They bring out the worst in people.

Is there something youre not telling me, Mr. Malone?

Your husbands attorney has taken a deposition from a woman named Lana Sullivan. Do you know her?

Her heart sank. Yes.

Mr. Claibornes attorneys will assert that you are an unfit mother.

She gasped. Why?

According to Miss Sullivan you have entered into a relationship with a man in Kilcullen, a Mr. Brian Hennessey. She claims that you left your children to go away with him overnight.

Rage consumed her. A vein throbbed in her neck. She felt the hot dry heat of injustice sear a path from her chest down to her stomach. Closing her eyes, she drew a deep breath. Mr. Hennessey is the manager of the stud farm where my horses are stabled. My foal had a debilitating birth defect. Together we took him to a veterinarian in Galway. We did not spend the night together. I came home on a late train. He drove the colt back.

Malones face softened. Dont look so terrified, Caitlin. We encounter this type of thing many times.

Her voice was bitter. Im amazed that Sam has the nerve to accuse me after his years of philandering.

Imust ask you this question and Ineed you to answer honestly. Have you ever at any time during your marriage had an affair that you kept from your husband?

No.

Will Mrs. Claiborne support your claim?

Yes.

Charles Malone smiled. Good.

But

He held up his hand. Dont say anything more. Thats the question Ill ask you after your husbands attorney has finished. Respond exactly the way you did for me.

The bailiff ordered all to rise. Judge Phillip Rutherford entered the room. Court was in session.

Sam had been well coached. Did you ever beat your wife, Mr. Claiborne?

No, sir.

Did you verbally abuse her?

No, sir.

Did you mistreat her in any way?

No, sir.

Isnt it a fact, Mr. Claiborne, that you denied your wife absolutely nothing that her heart desired, even down to a prize-winning broodmare of considerable reputation.

Yes, sir.

Elery Hayes, the Claiborne attorney for more than two decades, was in rare form. Can you think of one, single, solitary reason that your wife deserted you, taking your two children, and stealing two horses from your stable?

Charles Malone rose halfway out of his chair. Objection on two counts. Speculation and Mr. Hayes has already conceded that the broodmare was a gift to Mrs. Claiborne.

Sustained.Judge Rutherford peered through his glasses. You arent practicing before a grand jury, Mr. Hayes. Im the only one you need to impress.

Mr. Hayes regrouped. Ill rephrase. Mr. Claiborne, do you consider yourself to be a good husband?

I do.

Did your wife explain to your satisfaction why she left you?

No, sir, she did not.

No further questions.

Charles Malone stared down at his file. Then he turned, winked at Caitlin, stood and buttoned his coat.

Isnt it a fact, Mr. Claiborne, that you were not faithful to your marriage vows?

Sam appeared outraged. It is not.

Caitlin watched the blood pound in her wrist and willed herself to remain calm.

Mr. Malone picked up his file and flipped through several sheets of paper. Isnt it true that on the night of October 17, 1994, you checked into a Charleston hotel with a woman who was not your wife?You are under oath, Mr. Claiborne.

Sams fists were clenched and his face was an alarming shade of red. I dont remember.

Let me refresh your memory. Her name was Rachel Willoughby. Does that ring a bell?

No.

What about June 23rd of the same year?You appeared with the same Rachel Willoughby at a hotel in Paris and signed the guest register as Mr. and Mrs. Claiborne.Malone waited. Still no recollection, Mr. Claiborne?What about May 16th, 1995, and a Mrs. Catherine Downing?

Hayes leaped to his feet. Objection. Mr. Malone is badgering the witness.

Overruled.The judge sounded amused. Mr. Claiborne, answer the question and remember that you are under oath.

I dont recall.

Charles Malone sighed. Very well, Mr. Claiborne. I have no further questions.

Several witnesses were called to vouch for Sams character. At last Elery Hayes addressed the bench. This concludes my clients case, your honor.

So noted. Rutherford lifted his head and looked through the bottom half of his bifocals. Mr. Malone. You may proceed.

I call Caitlin Claiborne to the stand.

Later, when asked to recall what kind of a witness shed been in her own defense, Caitlin couldnt say. She remembered explaining why shed returned to Ireland and why, in her opinion, divorce was her only option. The one about Annie and Bens state of mind had been harder. Somehow shed managed it. The rest of the attorneys questions and her own responses passed in a blur, leaving her feeling weary, defeated, and powerless, emotions she hadnt experienced since shed walked out on Sam Claiborne eight months before.

And then it was Lucys turn. For the rest of her life Caitlin would never forget how her mother-in-law stood up in front of them all and defied her son. No one knew better than Caitlin what loyalty meant to the Claibornes. For Lucy to take a stand against Sam was a testimony to the womans courage and character. Charles Malone was a genius. Caitlin had no idea how hed known that Lucy would do what she did. Somehow he had seen something in the woman that no one else had.

Mrs. Claiborne, he began in his most courteous voice, would you say that your daughter-in-law is a good mother?

Caitlin is an excellent mother.

Have you ever known her to do anything that was not in the best interests of the children?

Never.

To the best of your knowledge, was your daughter-in-law ever unfaithful to your son during their marriage?

Lucys contemptuous gaze flickered over her son and moved on. No, she was not.

Malone looked down at his shoes. One hand was in his pocket. This may be difficult for you, Mrs. Claiborne. Your answer is very important. Take as much time as you need before answering. He smiled. Are you ready?

She drew a deep breath. Yes.

Did you ever caution your son about his extra-marital affairs?

Yes.

To what end? the attorney gently prodded her.

Lucy lifted her head and once again leveled her son. He disregarded my advice completely.

Do you want your grandchildren back in Kentucky, Mrs. Claiborne?

Ido. More than anything in the world.

Charles Malone smiled. Hed struck pay dirt. That will be all, Mrs. Claiborne.

Do you wish to question the witness, Mr. Hayes?

Elery Hayes shook his head. No, your honor.

Judge Rutherford nodded at Lucy. You may step down, Mrs. Claiborne.

During the recess, Caitlin stayed as far away from Sam as possible. Over cobb salad and coffee in the court house cafeteria, Charles Malone summed up the situation as he saw it.

Some good points were made in our favor, but I wouldnt be too optimistic. Some things are determined by precedent and domicile is one of them. Child and spousal support are another.

What can I expect?

Honestly?

Please.

The court will instruct you to move the children back to where their father can see them on a regular basis.

She swallowed. I see.

That can change if you remarry or if an employment opportunity presents itself in Ireland.

How long do I have?

His smile was sympathetic. Well appeal this, Caitlin. Nothing is set in stone. Meanwhile youll have to come up with a very good reason for staying in Kilcullen. The court is predisposed to keeping young children with the mother. However, she is expected to act in good faith and allow her ex-husband regular visitation privileges. He hesitated. Ill do all I can but much of what will happen is up to you and Sam. Is there a chance that the two of you can mend your fences long enough to come to some kind of agreement over this?

Caitlin thought of the last time she had seen Sam before today, in the hospital in Naas, his head in his hands, distraught over Annies brush with death. Im not sure, she said slowly.

Its clear that he cares deeply about his children.

She nodded, picked up her fork and meticulously separated the crumbled blue cheese from the rest of her salad. I think he does, Mr. Malone, more than Ithought. But theres more involved here.

Does it have anything to do with the terms of your divorce?

Not really. I dont think so, anyway. If Brians suspicions proved correct, Sam had committed a criminal act, but she couldnt prove it even if she wanted to. Caitlin had a terrifying feeling that it wasnt the first one hed committed and it probably wouldnt be the last. In the eyes of the law, Sam Claiborne appeared the successful horse breeder, capable of providing for his ex-wife and children. What would happen to them if he were caught?

The world of Kentuckys upper crust was a small one. What would happen to Annie and Ben if their father was exposed for fraudulent breeding practices?

She couldnt depend on Sam. Better to stay in Ireland and build a life for herself and her children even if it would never be the kind of life Sam could give them. Her mothers words came back to her. She cleared her throat. I do have a job opportunity, Mr. Malone. Im going to open a training yard. The expenses are much less in Ireland than they would be here in Kentucky. I might even be able to get a loan.

Charles Malones mild blue eyes assessed her from across the table. Youve never mentioned this before. Is this legitimate?

It is. She leaned forward eagerly. Iwent back to Ireland to train and breed horses. My colt out of
Kentucky
Gold
died in a fire at the stud where I boarded him. Icould breed my mare again but not until I can afford a stud fee. That could take some time. But Ive got to try. Ineed to get on with my life, Mr. Malone. I wasnt going to consider the yard until I was more settled but now I dont have a choice if I want to stay in Ireland. Kentucky is Sams world. I wont succeed here. Ireland is a country of backyard trainers.