The War of the Roses: The Children by Warren Adler Page A

his temples engorged. His eyes seemed to pop out of their sockets. Josh stood his ground. Suddenly one arm stiffened in Josh’s direction, forefinger poised like the barrel of a pistol. He waved the finger in Josh’s face, bending his arm, so that he was eyeball to eyeball. He began to speak and Josh felt a shower of saliva on his face.
    â€œYou fuck. I tried to be nice. So here’s the deal. I want a certified check for two hundred thousand bucks made out to Angela Bocci, and I want your signature on this piece of paper. He pulled out an envelope from his inside jacket packet. “Read it. Get your own lawyer if you want to.” He took the paper out of the envelope and pushed it in Josh’s face. “See that signature on the bottom. Angela Bocci, notarized and all legal. You sign it and get it notarized. Hell, they do it at the bank where you’re gonna get the bread. Two hundred thousand. Not a penny less. All wrapped nice and legal. We’ll even give you a copy for your records. I figure a guy like you could get a check cut… say, by eleven tomorrow. I’m gonna make it easy. I’ll stop by to pick up the paper and the dough. You don’t even have to see me.”
    Dominic straightened his blazer, which had ridden up on his shoulders, shot his cuffs, and did a little neck dance as if to ease the tension.
    â€œDon’t even think about it. Just do it.”
    Josh finally found his voice. When he spoke it sounded reedy and uncertain.
    â€œWhat you’re asking is impossible.”
    â€œHell, you’re the creative man here. Come up with a way. If you don’t have it, borrow it. Call it a bridge loan. Who the fuck cares? We’re not playing games here.”
    â€œEven if I found a way…,” Josh began, then paused to catch his breath. “I couldn’t do it that fast.” He was about to tell him that his wife handles the finances, but held back.
    â€œDon’t be dumb, Rose. Do it. And read the paper. Lets you off the hook, too. It’s a settlement, man. Make the deal. We’re outta here.”
    Dominic straightened his blazer, shot his cuffs yet again, offered a version of a military salute as a good-bye gesture and left the office. Josh stood rooted to the floor, too stunned to move.
    His telephone rang. He could not summon the energy to answer it. After a while the ringing stopped, and he could hear his voice mail kick in. He managed to reach the couch and lay down. More calls came in. He didn’t answer them. The calls continued. Still he did not answer them. Then, from out of the depths of his consciousness, he began to realize that the amount of calls he was getting seemed inordinate. He picked up the phone and tapped into his voice mail. There were more than six urgent messages from Angela. He saw it as a grain of hope and called her home.
    â€œHow could you?” he began when he heard her voice. She cut him off.
    â€œForgive me, Josh. Please forgive me. I had no choice.”
    She sounded on the verge of hysteria.
    â€œNo choice?”
    â€œHe knew. The priest told him. You know, hinted. They were buddies. But I didn’t think… I swear. Dominic knew about us for weeks. Then last night I went to confession and told him it was all over. After, they made me come to this meeting and then forced me to tell them everything. I can’t believe a priest would do this, even if he claimed it was only a hint to keep my marriage together for the sake of my children. Oh God, I don’t want to lose my children.”
    â€œWhy have you done this to me, Angela? He wants two hundred thousand dollars. And you signed that paper.”
    â€œThey made me.”
    â€œYou’re trying to destroy my life.”
    â€œThey made me, Josh. I’m so sorry.”
    â€œYou’re sorry?”
    He felt as if he were talking into a tunnel, making sounds that she could not hear.
    â€œPay him, Josh. Pay him. I beg