AWAKENING by S. W. Frank Page A

a legal notice from the IRS. He apologized profusely regarding the oversight and she cringed as he read its contents. In plain English , minus the legal jargon it amounted to, t he government putting her accounts in limbo pending the conclusion of a criminal investigation. When she asked what criminal investigation, he put her on hold to do an inquiry and informed Selange, “ On Monday y our ex-husband was indicted on bribery charges of a public official and tax evasion . The federal government is alleging your divorce is a fraud and your ex-husband’s attempt to hide illegally gained assets. Alfonzo ’s due to turn himself in tomorrow.” He paused, “I was also told in confidence the U.S. Attorney’s office may bring charge s against you as a co-conspirator.”
    “What … a what… are you serious…when ?”
    “I’ll check further into it in the morning and see what I can find out then get back to you.”
    “Please do . This is ludicrous!”
    “I suggest in the meantime you get in touch with your ex-husband … you know …matter-of-fact don’t talk to him at all until you secure a good criminal defense attorney. I can give you some recommendations. You don’t want it to appear you’re engaging in a cover-up.”
    “I can’t do that, we have joint custody of the kids.”
    “It’s just my legal advice.”
    She listened but that didn’t mean she heard. There’s no way in hell she wouldn’t confront Alfonzo about something as important as this!
    “Alright, thanks.”
    Dumbfounded, s he sat on the edge of the bed wondering wh en Alfonzo planned to give her the heads-up . Geez, the bastards were h ijack ing her money. She’d been through this before, and proved her business earnings were legit imate . Thank goodness, she put the lottery winnings in an ironclad trust fund for the kids or they’d snatch it, as well .
    “Oh my God, this is crazy !” She fumed. Even after a divorce Alfonzo’s troubles follow ed . She certainly couldn’t sit around and do nothing. S he almost called Alfonzo then thought better of it. If the feds had him under surveillance then they were certain to have their ears open for cell phone conversations. W iretapping ’s old school ; law enforcement employed an arsenal of sophisticated technology. C urrently , they used what’s known as Stingray Towers. They’re small suitcase size devices which tricked cell phones into connecting with it as it would a real cell phone tower. Nico told her that and Alfonzo reiterated, “Ne ver …ever talk business with me over the phone .. . any phone. ”
    Damn, there were a lot of rules. She changed out of her nightgown, put on a simple dress, quickly brushed her hair, slipped on a pair of Prada wedges then went to find Anita.
    She felt a nervous tension when she thought about confronting Alfonzo , especially after that damn kiss . S he questioned whether deep below the abrasive surface he may still be in love with her. So metimes she caught him staring in a sexual way. Maybe, it ’s only her desire speaking she mused and held the corner of her bottom lip with her upper teeth. The anxiety began to build. Sex or the lack of it was the least of her worries. Hell, sex is what got her into this mess in the first place. She shook it off. Going to prison for something she hadn’t done and being taken away from her children was scarier than losing a man. Ugh!
    Co-conspirator , that’s what the lawyer said. It insinuated she plotted with Alfonzo. Plot what, a divorce to evade taxes ? She had money and didn’ t need to plot with him , heck , they were desperate ! Besides, Alfonzo wasn’t stupid. He wouldn’t leave crumb trails for the feds. No, she knew him better than that. Someone in his camp was talking. She hadn’t heard anything on the news about an investigation, so this was a hush-hush situation. Then, she prayed Alfonzo hadn’t slipped. With the divorce, mourning Vincent and all the stress, it’s probable he may have stumbled and