Albany, Georgia, Tuesday, 14 September 2004, 10:13
Claire and her half-brother, Ernie Robinson, sit in the conference room of an attorney’s office staring across at Hugh Frederick and Melissa Dawkins and their attorney. Stacey, Claire’s attorney, is seated beside Claire and Ernie’s lawyer, Hal, is between him and Stacey.
Hugh indicates Ernie. “I’m still not sure why this young man is even here.”
Claire makes eye contact with Ernie then turns to Hugh. “Ernie’s here for the same reason I am. We only found out about one another in the past year. We haven’t taken a DNA test but given our resemblance to one another we really don’t need one.”
Hugh looks Ernie over and shrugs.
“He does somewhat remind me of the men in our family.”
“Somewhat?” Melissa leans toward Hugh and points at Ernie. “That’s Uncle Duke when we were kids.”
Hal places his hand on a folder. “We do have a deposition from Joyce Robinson attesting to her relationship with James Frederick. It was taken late last year before her unfortunate death from cancer.”
Hugh drops his eyes. “Our sympathies to your family.” Ernie lifts his hand in acknowledgement. “We’re not here to speculate. Ms. Belmonte proposed taking a DNA test and we’re willing to accommodate that. I assume it’s as easy to compare DNA to two people as it is to one.”
Claire looks back and forth between Hugh and Melissa. “When I spoke to your sister several years ago, she didn’t seem too interested. What changed your mind?”
Melissa folds her hands on the table and looks down. “I apologize for that. The story you told me took quite a bit out of me. I wasn’t ready to see Jimmy that way.”
“That I can understand but my question remains.”
Melissa looks to Hugh for a response. “Ms. Belmonte, I can’t imagine what you went through while you were with our brother, and there’s no way we can ever make up for any of that. The fact that you have never approached us for restitution speaks to your sincerity in this matter.”
“We’re not looking for money, in other words.”
“You’re entitled to some relief in this situation and we’re willing to provide what little we can. In addition to our cooperation, there are other assets.”
Hugh nods to Ron, his attorney, who opens his briefcase and removes some paperwork which he holds up as he addresses Claire and Ernie.
“James Frederick owned a house.”
Claire rolls her eyes. “And I’d rather live in Zachariah Messner’s house than go back to James Frederick’s.”
Ron waves his hand. “The house was sold long ago, and I believe it’s been torn down and replaced with a filling station or retail outlet but proceeds from the sale of it could be made available to you both.”
Stacey retrieves several envelopes from her briefcase. “That’s something we can iron out later. For now, we appreciate your willingness to help clear up the central question. I have the consent forms here, outlining what we hope to accomplish and everyone’s responsibility.”
She passes one to Hal, Ron, and to Claire.
“Of course.” Ron takes the documents and turns to Hugh and Melissa. “I just need you to verbally acknowledge that you’re willing to proceed.”
Hugh says, “I am.”
Melissa nods. “Yes.”
Ron bobs his head. “Very well.” He reads over the forms then passes them between Hugh and Melissa for signatures. “Arrangements have been made with a nearby clinic for collection of samples, so, if there’s no further business we need to discuss, we can head over and get that sorted out.”
As they’re gathering their things, Melissa addresses Claire and Ernie.
“I’d like to believe that if Jimmy had known about the two of you, he’d have done the right thing.”
Claire can read the disbelief on Ernie’s face. She returns her eyes to Melissa.
“I guess we’ll never know, will we?”
The clinic is a block away, so everyone walks. Claire and Ernie lag behind the others.
Ernie leans his head toward Claire. “What did you think about the money?”
“I don’t want it. I’d rather you use it to send your kids to school or summer camp. After what Frederick did to me, the last thing I want is to get paid for it.”
“I can understand that. I’m surprised they’re even willing to have the DNA test.”
“That surprised me as well. When I knew him, I was aware Frederick had family, but sitting across from his brother is a bit of a jolt. Lots of mannerisms in common. I’m just glad they weren’t twins.”
“I can imagine.”
At the clinic, the group is led back into the exam area to watch as the samples are taken. The attorneys pay particular attention to the procedure. Afterward, they reassemble in the clinic lobby, where Hugh addresses Claire and Ernie.
“I know this may sound unconventional, but if the two of you would care to join us, Missy and I would like to treat you to lunch. The attorneys are welcome to join us, but they’ll have to fend for themselves.”
Claire and Ernie give each other a look and simultaneously shrug then reply, almost in unison.
“Sure.”