#48
Walter spent an uncomfortable night with his cancer pain. It was like a huge gnawing, relentless being inside his body; chewing it's way out to freedom. Finally he accepted that he had done the right thing by selling to that strange old lady and her grandkids. As he came to that conclusion, Walter was able to take his prescribed dose of pain meds.
Ever since MW had called to say he had located a potential buyer, Walter had held back, not taking the pain but mind confusing meds. He wanted to conduct the sale himself, and was pleased at the outcome. Boy there had been a hullabaloo at the bank. From the manager on down, every employee had something to say about accepting that much cash. Not only that, but the bill were old and didn't pass the pen streak test. The bills were used, but minted in the mid sixty's, so they were missing most of the current day counterfeit identifiers.
Walter requested the tellers count it twice and he demanded a immediate printout that showed his account had been credited. It had taken all afternoon and most of his stamina and patience to conclude the transaction. MW had been cool with the numerous delays, and had sat in the air conditioned bank and waited patiently.
Walter had a little surprise for MW and MN. There was a nice little place he owned a half mile or so down the road. He felt that was appropriate for the time and energy the Uncle and Nephew had expended on him over the years. They had done it out of friendship, but Walt figured if you can't help your friends, who can you help?" He smiled in his drowsy state; he knew without a doubt that God had caused this all to come together. No other way could it have happened. Well, Tesse might have influenced the outcome a bit. Walter figured she was in Heaven helping arrange and organize God's kitchen.
Walter put several mental memo's away to be acted on the next morning, he had a lot to get accomplished now that he and the farm were in good hands.
Will stood at the neo-natal window staring at his preemie baby daughter. Two months early, she was lung compromised and jaundiced.
The doctor's had finally had to take the baby C-section as Cassy grew progressively weaker with her prolonged labor.
Will stood with his hands in his pockets rocking back and forth on his heels. He was shut out of the meeting Cassy was having with her parents; not so politely invited to leave when they showed up, rushing into the room.
He had a pretty good idea of what was taking place. His suspicions were confirmed when that Borg fellow that had been the Hanson's attorney showed up and was swallowed into the room.
Will looked at his daughter and thought he must be a monster for not feeling any paternal heart tugs as she moved slightly. It was like looking at a stranger's child. He didn't feel all gooey inside, nor did he feel hopeless about the situation. He just felt,...nothing.
It was an hour before Borg exited the room. Walking over to Will, he said "I can't talk them out of it. Cassy has filed for divorce, a restraining order and a cessation of parental right against you. She keeps the daughter, you keep the boy. Absolutely no contact between you what so ever that doesn't go through me,...sorry man. And she wants a thousand a month in child support."
"I don't have a job, the hospital took what cash we had to admit Cassy, and she can want and be dammed. I can follow you down to the jail, as I might as well save them the trouble of looking me up." Will said calmly. "We have a burned out store in Evergreen she is welcome to keep. That was all my life's savings invested there."
Will thought for a second and then said,"hold up Borg. You can tell them, I keep the boy, she keeps the girl and no support. If she wants out that badly, it's gonna cost her. I want to go on record saying I don't want a divorce, and I see no reason for her folks to meddle in our affairs. She pay's the balance of the hospital bill also." he added.
Borg looked at him, and turned on his heels and went back to the room. Knocking softly, he pushed the door open. When he came out again, he had a handwritten paper signed by Cassy and her parents. Will had won, although he was sure he was not in first place.
Cassy had written in large handwriting, 'leave now and never contact me again.' on the bottom of the paper. Will said to Borg that he wanted the original, and if they wanted a copy he could follow him down to the admin office and purchase a one. Borg agreed and Will walked out of the hospital, his release in his shirt pocket.
The hospital switchboard had paged him as he was about to leave. Ben was calling with info about the new place and the burning of the cafe. "Do you want me to send Ev down to pick you up?"
Will declined, telling Ben he would be there shortly. Will called a cab and had the man drop him off at the Sheriff's office. He applied for a job and asked that his credentials be transferred into Lane County. The normal application process was hastened by the Sheriff, when he learned Will needed a job, he was hired on the spot.
"Welcome on board, we are short handed; can you start patrolling swing tomorrow night?" The overworked man shook Will's hand, and pointed to a chair in front of his desk. Old friends from way back, the two talked a bit and then another crises rolled in that had to be dealt with.
"I'll be in at 1pm.," Will promised, as he took his leave.
"Would you dial the phone for me?" Walter requested. "I need to contact my attorney." The morning was off to a running start.
Evie agreed and was about to do so, when Brett arrived to all the fanfare a absent family member receives in the Hanson Clan.