Act Four
Full Set of Nails
Scene One
This scene takes place in the courtroom. It’s the last of Kate’s “trial by fire†as she negotiates for what she can get to survive as a single mother. Her lawyer’s name is Bill.
Note:Â Since this is Kate’s “trial by fire” courtroom scene, I downloaded “fire pictures.”
Kate
Bill, I don’t think I can take any more of this bullshit. Mitch is lying right and left. He is accusing me of adultery, when both of us agreed to an open marriage concept, which obviously did not work.
Bill
Look, Kate, your husband went bankrupt and you have lost everything. Let me at least get you some decent alimony and child support for you and Bekka until you get on your feet.
Kate
OK. But my heart is pounding and my stomach is churning and my head feels like a bowling bowl with two holes leaking all my common sense.
Bill
I promise it will only be a few minutes longer.
(Addresses the Court)
Your honor, my client will be leaving the area to look for a job in New York. She has custody of their daughter and will need to reestablish herself financially, so we ask the court to be generous with child support and alimony.
Mitch
(blurting out of order)
But, your honor, she ‘s an adulteress!
Judge
(addressing Mitch’s lawyer)
Your client is out of order. (Pause) I don’t know if this allegation is true, Mr. Mitchell. But since you are here for a no-fault divorce, this issue is irrelevant, Besides, even adulteresses have to eat!
Bill
Thank you, your honor. We realize that Mr. Mitchell is bankrupt, but Mrs. Mitchell was his partner for 15 years in the business, so his loss is hers as well. She has been out of her field for almost two decades and will have to start all over again. She plans to return to college for a master’s degree in journalism.
Judge
That’s very admirable, but in Mr. Mitchell’s financial situation, which I reviewed last night, he cannot be expected to pay for his wife’s education. His alimony and child support reflect his current situation and will be re-evaluated in six months.
To Mitch: Mr. Mitchell, I have reviewed you current job income and household expenses, based on the financial statement your lawyer submitted. I believe you have an obligation to your family and award your wife $150 week alimony and $75 week child support for the next six months. Then it will be reviewed.
Mitch
But, your honor….(His lawyer indicates him to be quiet with a shake of his head.)
Judge
Your first payment of $225 is due in 10 days, then each week thereafter on the first Monday of each week. Is that clear?
Mitch
Yes, your honor.
Judge
All the other terms we discussed will be spelled out in my report, which your lawyers will receive in 10 days to two weeks. Case dismissed.
After the court hearing, Kate goes limp and puts her head between her hands, face down, so she does not have to look at Mitch. Her lawyer pats her on the back and whispers something to her. She nods and he leaves. Kate takes out her cell phone and calls her sister.
Kate
Pat, it’s over. I was awarded $225 a week for the next 6 months; then a review. But the house, the business, and the furniture are gone with the bankruptcy.
Pat
Oh, I’m sorry, sis. But now you are free to move back to New York and go to school.
Kate
I didn’t tell the court I had already been accepted to journalism school and had a full scholarship based on my income.
Pat
Now you’re getting smart. The less Mitch knows, the better, because he will only use it against you later.
Kate
I can’t believe how vindictive he was! I never thought he would be so mean in court.
Pat
Fear will do that.
Kate
Fear of what? That I was going to get a lot of alimony? Or ask for my shares in the corporation? Like I told him when he gave me a million shares at $1.00 each while the business was going under: “Mitch, a million times zero is still zero.â€
Pat
You’ve got that right. Now, how ‘bout if I treat you and Bekka for dinner? Joe is on a business trip and won’t be back until tomorrow.
Kate
That sounds great! You know Bekka loves Chinese food, so how about if we go to that new restaurant in town?
Pat
Gotcha! I’ll met you there a little before six and I’ll make a reservation. It’s a new restaurant so it’s likely to be busy. Everybody in town is trying it.
Kate
OK. See you later. Thanx, sis.
