Page 94 of First Date: Divorce
“Speaking of Oregon, the authorities there had nothing but good things to say about the organization.Although, when I hinted at something going on with a divorce lawyer in connection with former Marriage-Save clients, they got real squirrelly.Repeated a couple times that it came through financial checks squeaky clean.Since our guy said the same, I’m willing to believe that.
“We’re continuing to gather information on Bledsoe’s cases.Child custody has not been an issue for any of the Marriage-Save alums whom Bledsoe represented, which is weird statistically.”
“Melody asks a lot of questions about kids,” K.D.said.“But any counselor would with what we’ve told her.”
She was aware of Cully shooting a look toward Eric, who focused on her.
Cully continued, “All-in-all, an individual inside Marriage-Save looks more likely than the organization.From the criminal’s standpoint, it’s safer, too.Fewer people who know, fewer people to talk.One insider, selling info to Gail Bledsoe and neither’s going to talk and give away their money-maker.”
Eric said, “Whether from Melody or any of the others, information from the files would give Bledsoe a lead on which couples were most vulnerable.But she wouldn’t waste time on couples who weren’t a big payday, so she’s got to know the financials.And Harvey, the business manager, has access to the couples’ finances.”
“But not their counseling records,” K.D.said.
“And the opposite applies to Melody and the other counselors, bringing us back to where we were,” he said.
“Yes.”She stretched the word out.
“I hear abuton the horizon behind that yes.”
“We’ve been focusing on people’s direct access.But in a small place like this, is that necessary?Would Bledsoe need firm financial information or to see the exact counseling reports?Or would it be enough for someone to hand over names and addresses, saying this couple could crack and has money, and off you go.Information someone could pick up in conversation, say.”
Cully groaned.“Hoped to narrow our suspect pool, not widen it to anybody.”
“Not anyone.They need to have close ties to both the business and counseling sides.”
“Albert?”Cully asked.
“Possible.”She turned to Eric.“Or Harvey, the business manager.Was he wearing a yellow and pink shirt Saturday?”
“Yes.”
“He was in the hallway, talking with Melody, another counselor, and Lily.Might be nothing or it might indicate the sort of close ties we’re looking for.If we had more time—”
“You don’t,” Cully said.“But we still have our ace up our sleeve.If Gail Bledsoe contacts you after you leave Marriage-Save, K.D., and wants you to take Eric to the cleaners, that’ll give us proof and great leverage.”
“True.”She said the next words as they needed to be said — practical and realistic.“If I make a big show of leaving Eric, word will get around Bardville.”
“Word will get around if you make a small show, too.Or no show at all.”Cully added.
“There’s another possibility,” Eric said slowly.
They hadn’t talked about this, but she knew immediately what he meant.And he knew she knew.
He tipped his head toward her, inviting her to go ahead.
“What if it’s not someone working for Marriage-Save.”She had their attention.“There’s a couple who goes there regularly.They’ve also attended other retreats and counseling sessions all over the country.They say — brag — they can tell the couples who will repair their marriage and those who won’t.They’re very observant, ask a lot of questions, and could assess how well-to-do couples are.”
“Now, that’s interesting,” Cully said.“But would they call attention to themselves by being that open about it?”
“Yes,” Eric said.“It’s either part of who they are or it’s part of who they’re pretending to be.”
“Give me anything you’ve got about them.Names, places, dates.”
K.D.did.It wasn’t much.“I’ll see what else I can get—”
“We will,” Eric corrected.“Can sound like we’re looking for other possible programs.If it’s you alone, it undercuts that you want the divorce.”
“Good—” Cully started.
