Broken Alliance

Chapter 2

CHAPTER TWO

He had been tired when he entered the bar, but now, after two scotches, his mood turned sour. Things had not gone the way he had planned. In fact, his life had not gone the way he had planned. It was a mess. He had just lost a big case. One he was set to win. He was able to collect a huge fee, triple what would be normal, because he convinced the plaintiff’s dad he could pull it off.

“I have friends in high places,” he had told him. “There’s no way your son will go to prison.” Well, he lost and his guy could get thirty years. The dad was angry, felt betrayed, wanted his money back, but all he had was the final payment. The first two had gone to his partners and were not easily retrievable. If at all. And the dad was not someone Barry Gulden wanted as an enemy. His thoughts ran back to the past.

Amy had been a beautiful woman. Even after eighteen years of marriage, he had to admit she was still attractive. And intelligent, and fun. So what went wrong? He had a great life. True, he wasn’t making enough money to support their lifestyle, but her dad was there to supplement whatever they wanted. He didn’t want his little girl ever to go without. There was lots in that bank account and more to come when daddy was gone. Life was comfortable. So, what went wrong? Why did he need to mess it all up?

He reached for another drink. But he wasn’t done with the memories. He was a logical man and wanted to make sense once and for all of his life. And thinking about the past was less stressful than thinking about his present mess. Suddenly, the answer hit him. Yes, life was good but it had become BORING. Amy had become boring, too, and clingy. He started drinking too much and meeting younger, more fun girls, who didn’t need to be included in every part of his life. For a while it was exciting, but then it all came crashing down. There was a scandal. His father-in-law found out and cut off the money. Then Amy left him.

He had to leave town, where his name was mud. But he was still young and good looking. He considered switching from criminal to real-estate law. Marianne was a successful real-estate broker whom he had met at a conference in Raleigh. She gave a spirited presentation on real estate for lawyers, and he was impressed. Lunch followed, then his move to NC, divorce and remarriage. Real-estate law turned out as boring as his marriage to Amy had been, so he went back to crime. With Marianne’s connections, he built up a decent defense practice. He cut back on the booze and cut out running around. Marianne was attractive and smart. Life was good again, with only two small flies in the ointment. It bugged him a little (not a whole lot) that she was making more money than he did. Also, his practice had become a bit tedious and boring. He was sociable and easy going. He had a ton of “friends” but none really close to whom he could confide his dissatisfaction and complaints. They just wouldn’t understand, and word might get back to Marianne. So he kept his mouth shut. Then he got lucky. He met a man he liked and could trust.

Fred had his own woes. He had served honorably (he said) on the police force for many years. He was a good detective. When the opening for head of homicide came up two years ago, he was the logical choice and expected to get the promotion. To the surprise of everyone in the department, they brought in some guy from Virginia. Barry, a Virginian himself, made no comment. But he listened and empathized. Frank was disgruntled and pissed at the unfairness of the department and life in general. Pretty soon he and Barry were regularly drowning their sorrows at the Black Bear. In time, Fred had an idea that provided them both with additional income. They became partners.

Actually, Fred was supposed to meet him here tonight but did not come or return Barry’s calls. That was strange, not like him. Especially since they had important business to discuss. Barry checked his phone for a message or text. Nothing. He called Fred’s cell but the call went directly to voicemail. Now he was truly pissed. They were supposed to be partners, but when the first big problem arose, Fred had disappeared. Well, f**k him, he wouldn’t get away with dumping it all on Barry. Tomorrow was a new day and, much as he hated conflict, Gulden would confront him.

Time to go home, he thought, but the idea of getting up and moving was unappealing. One more for the road, he decided. Finally, fifteen minutes later, he stumbled out into the night.