“You seem to know them intimately,” Regina said a little overwhelmed by the information she was getting.
“I was the only person Dakota talked to really,” India said. “Her sister is just as bossy as Frank and the kids hated her.”
“What about Frank,” Regina asked. “Do you think he did it?”
“Oh no,” India scoffed. “He loved those snotty nosed kids too much to do that. I know you shouldn’t talk ill of the dead but those kids were monsters.” India took another swig of lemonade; more ice was crunched and consumed. “Dakota came to me when she found out she was pregnant with Jason. She wanted me to take her to an abortion clinic before Frank found out and made her go through with it. Daphne heard us and told Frank that night. He tied Dakota to a kitchen chair and punched her in the face, methodically, so he would only injure her face and not the rest of her body because the baby shouldn’t come to any harm,” India breathed heavily.
“What kind of monster cares so much for a potential life and nothing for the one that has to bring it in to this world?” India asked her nostrils flaring.
Regina felt that rage as well. She took a generous swallow of sweet lemonade. She thought she’d be able to keep it down but she was running out to the yard where she threw it up with her lunch. India handed her some tissues and told her not to worry about it. She guided her back in to the house.
“Are you okay?” India asked. “Is it food poisoning, should I call an ambulance?”
“I’m pregnant,” Regina said breathing deeply. This was the first time Regina had said it out loud and it was a weight off her shoulders. She didn’t know why but she found herself opening up to India. Maybe it was because she shared the same pro-choice opinions Regina did.
“Congratulations,” India said with a bright smile which fell just as soon as it rose. “This case must be horrible for you!”
“I’m not keeping it,” Regina said and saying it out loud was different from thinking it. She didn’t feel the lightness she felt when she thought about getting an abortion, the words felt heavy and they weighed her down. “I don’t know, I’m not sure yet.”
“What does your husband think?” India asked.
“He doesn’t know,” Regina admitted. “I haven’t told him because I’m afraid he’ll force me to keep it.”
“It’s none of his business what you do with your body,” India said.
“No, but I would like to keep him in the loop,” Regina said. “It seems dishonest to make this decision all on my own.”
“It’s very simple; do you want a baby?”
“No,” Regina said. “I’ve never wanted one.”
“So don’t have it,” India said. “Learn from Dakota’s mistake. She allowed herself to be bullied in to it once and ended up giving birth to four children! Men like Frank will always think they call the shots in a relationship and what women do with their bodies.”
“I still think I need to tell Leo before I do anything,” Regina said.
“Then you’re just as weak as Dakota,” India murmured, “And I pity you. I wish you luck though.”
Regina drove back to her office confused about what India had told her. She struck Regina as a woman of convictions, strong and independent. But people had a need to embellish stories they thought weren’t exciting enough. India didn’t seem the type but you never could be sure.
Regina was so lost in thought she didn’t see the car following her closely down the side streets of Cheviot Hill and to downtown LA. She didn’t notice it park discreetly two cars behind her when she got to her building. She never turned around so she didn’t see the beady pair of eyes following her every move.
Chapter Seven
Reconciliation
The office was dark; a few lit lamps provided enough illumination to see where the furniture was. Paintings hung from the oak paneled walls, deep cushioned chairs and sofas rested in the waiting rooms, and the offices carried an air of austerity. Regina’s office was in the back, the largest office with its own bathroom and a stunning view of downtown LA.