The Jenkins Girl
by RosalindB
Chapter 20 - For Love or Money
Last time: Court was in session, and it was a hot mess. CJ walked away from the trust. Elmira's wall began to crack.
The combatants and their counsel returned to the courtroom. CJ and Elmira refused to look at each other. Snark and Waldorf looked ready to take ten paces then draw.
Judge Robertson took his place, then the assistant motioned for everyone to sit.
"Your honor?"CJ addressed the judge.
"Yes Miss Jenkins?"
"I apologize for storming out. I normally wouldn't run from a courtroom, but I didn't want to say something I'd regret."
He nodded, "I accept your apology Miss Jenkins, thank you. Next time you're in a courtroom, remember not to leave until you are dismissed."
The judge opened the file. He motioned to his assistant to stand by. The court reporter resumed her seat and nodded to him.
"Ladies and gentlemen, the hearing of Jenkins vs. Renault is back in session. I have heard enough from both sides. During the recess I reviewed the paper work, and made a phone call to check facts. Miss Jenkins, you are willing to walk away from a substantial amount of money. I have determined that is not necessary."
CJ's eyes were wide. She looked at Waldorf, but he kept a straight face.
"Mr. Snark indicated his clients want the stipulations removed," Robertson continued, "And it is just as well. Your counsel was right, a trust assigned to an adult cannot have stipulations. No matter what the recipient's lifestyle, as long as there is no proof of mental incapacitation, or illegal activity. There is none here."
Elmira looked down at the table, defeated yet relieved. She did what her brother wanted, that will have to do.
"There is also the matter of survivor benefits from the Fire Department. I called headquarters. When you emancipated yourself, they did lose track of you. They are holding approximately $14,000 for you. That's $200 per month from age 15 to 21. Mr. Gregarios, you need to contact this person and help your client make arrangements to receive these funds." The judge handed Waldorf a form. He closed the file and rested his hands on top.
"Before I close this hearing, allow me to say a few what I see, this battle is between two women who miss a very important person in their lives. Both of you wanted what each of you felt Charles Jenkins wanted." Elmira looked up at CJ. The judge went on.
"From a legal standpoint, I only have what was instructed in the will and trust. And believe me, it's a good thing Charles Jenkins had them. I see so many families come into court without these items. It's much more heartbreaking than this hearing. Over the years, a judge can see when there is malice or miscommunication. This case has no malice. Stubborness, yes. Distance, yes. But nothing a series of sit down honest talking sessions can't help. Will you live happily ever after? I don't know. But I can certainly tell that this relationship can become-if nothing else, cordial. With that ladies and gentlemen, by my order, based on the law of the state of California, City of Los Angeles, the trust ordered by the late Charles Jenkins shall be awarded to his daughter Cynthia Charlene with no stipulations. Also, the survivor benefits from the Los Angeles County Fire Department will be released upon receipt of the form given to Miss Jenkins' counsel. Good luck to you all. Case is closed. Parties are dismissed."
After Judge Robertson left the room, the court officer opened the door and allowed the parties to depart. Chet and the guys waited at the end of the hall. CJ and her attorneys began walking toward them, when Elmira called out.
"Cynthia?"
CJ turned around. She studied Elmira for a moment. She noticed something.
A tear running down Elmira's face.
She noticed something else.
"You have Dad's hair color."
"You have his tenacity. And his length of hair. I could never get mine that long. I don't hate you. I just didn't know what to do, what you did with your life."
CJ realized the judge was right. No malice, just misunderstanding. She tentatively hugged the older woman. Elmira gasped in surprise and hugged her back.
"I'm sorry, but I'm not ready to call you 'aunt'. It's been too long."
"That's alright. Just call me Elmira. Just one step at a time. And when you're ready, we can have lunch one day. I have mementos and photos of Charlie you should see. And you have three cousins to meet." Elmira looked up and saw Chet and the others.
"Your young man is waiting. Maybe one day we can all sit down over a beer."
With that the Renaults left. Chet stepped up to CJ and hugged her.
"What's wrong Thia?" he noticed CJ's shocked face.
"She likes beer! Whoulda thunk it? That big hat and glove wearing woman likes beer!" CJ cracked up laughing.
As Mike suggested, CJ, Waldorf, Statler and the guys had lunch at Delancey's. Waldorf and Statler swapped stories with A shift. Johnny Gage stayed uncharacteristically quiet. CJ noticed, but didn't call him out. Instead she made a mental note to ask him later. Chet snapped her out of her thoughts by holding a fork full of Shepard's Pie in front of her.
"Try this," he guided the fork into her mouth.
"Mmm..good," she said.
Johnny watched them and smiled to himself. CJ and Chet seemed very relaxed together, as if they'd known each other years and not just months.
Maybe one of these days, I'll find someone like that, or they'll find me, he thought.
He didn't know there was someone already, waiting for their chance. He felt a kick under the table.
"Sorry Gage, legs too long I guess."
"No worries Stoker."