Tarnished Armor
Part 123

Belinda’s apartment.

Belinda is sitting on the couch, reading a legal brief and sipping some tea. There’s a stack of papers and records on the coffee table.

The door opens and Liza enters.

Belinda looks up at Liza.

Liza: Have you been up all night?

Belinda: I have a lot to catch up on.

Liza goes to the couch and sits down next to Belinda. She touches the stack of papers.

Liza: Are these all for the hearing?

Belinda: Yes. And this isn’t even the half of it. I still need to collect all of the transcripts to catch up.

Liza: Isn’t it strange that a bunch of papers are supposed to sum up the existence and the rights of Colby?

Belinda: I know that’s what it seems like, but that’s not what they do. People are a lot more elusive than that.

They are both quiet for a moment.

Belinda: Were your medical records ever entered into evidence?

Liza: No. We thought that it was better to leave the tampered results out of the case. So that there was less of a chance for someone else to see them. You’ve seen Adam in action. If he murders Hayward, would you want the reason for it to be sitting around in a court building?

They are both silent for a moment. Then Belinda removes a stack of computer records from the pile and brings them over to the file cabinet. She puts the records in a file, opens a drawer, and deposits the file inside.

Belinda: Can you believe I never gave those back to Trevor? But I guess I don’t really need to now.

Belinda goes back over to the couch and sits.

Liza: I think you should know that I had a little to drink tonight. Just one drink. I don’t know if I’m in violation of our agreement. But at least you’re getting the truth from me. I hope it counts for something.

Belinda: I think we both know that one social drink was not what I was talking about.

Liza: I wasn’t sure.

Liza is silent.

Belinda: Everything okay?

Liza: Are you trying to be subtle, Belinda?

Belinda: A little. Part of me doesn’t know what question to start with.

Liza: You’re losing your touch. Maybe I should find another attorney.

Belinda: What?

Liza: Just a joke.

Belinda: Adrian told me who that man was. At the bar.

Liza: He had no right.

Belinda: I know. But I asked. Are you okay?

Liza: A little shaky. It’s strange. Such a long time ago. So many things...

Liza is silent again.

Belinda: What are you thinking?

Liza: Oh, I’m just wondering what’s best for Colby. What sort of childhood she’ll have depending upon what I decide to do. What sort of legacy she’ll have to live with.

Liza turns to Belinda.

Liza: Was it hard for you? In school? You know, kids asking questions about your parents, talking about what they had heard? Marian was no picnic to explain. I just tried to be intimidating enough for no one to be brave enough to bring it up. It worked until the big boom. You know, with her and Tad.

Belinda: I think everybody has something to deal with at that age. Even if it’s just the way a parent dresses.

Liza: Oh, I don’t know, Belinda. I think some kids have more to deal with than others.

Belinda: What are you afraid that Colby will have to deal with?

Liza: I can’t really get into it. I’m sorry. I know you want to help, and believe me, I want you to help me, but I’m hoping to find a way out of this on my own.

Belinda waits for Liza to continue.

Liza: I asked Adam to come to visit Colby with me tomorrow.

Belinda: I see.

Liza: Do you? It’s not because of what happened tonight.

Belinda: I know. It’s because you love Adam.

Liza: You know something? It’s late. We’ve been up all night. And since this is my bed we’re sitting on, I think maybe you should go to your bedroom so I can get ready to get some sleep.

Belinda studies Liza for a moment.

Belinda: Okay.

Belinda tucks her papers under her arm and gets up.

Belinda: Good night, Liza. For what it’s worth, I’m glad you invited Adam to the visit.

Belinda walks to her bedroom door.

Liza: Belinda?

Belinda turns around.

Liza: I did it because it felt like the right thing to do. I feel so many things towards Adam right now that I can’t tell how love factors into it. Or if it even factors into it at all.

Belinda: Okay. I’m sorry if I assumed too much.

Liza: You’re my friend. Assume what you want to, but then listen.

Belinda: I think I can do that.

Liza: I think you’re the best at it. I’m glad your cold is gone.

Belinda: Herbal tea. It’s the best. Good night.

Liza: Night.

Belinda goes into her room.

Liza runs her hands through her hair and sinks back onto the couch.


******


Chandler Mansion. The living room.

Adam is sitting on the couch, holding the ice pack to his face.

Hayley tiptoes down the stairs.

Hayley: All clear?

Adam turns around.

Adam: Liza is gone, if that’s what you’re asking.

Hayley surveys the room.

Hayley: Well, nothing’s broken. At least not as far as furniture and knickknacks.

Hayley comes over to the couch and sits next to Adam.

Hayley: Let me see.

Adam pulls the ice pack away from his face.

Hayley: Oh, Dad.

Adam: That bad?

Hayley: What happened?

Adam: You should see the other guy.

Hayley: Good for you.

Adam: Good for Adrian Sword. I didn’t do much damage.

Hayley: Well, good for Adrian. Here’s a helpful hint: don’t start without him next time.

Adam holds the ice pack up to his face again.

Hayley begins picking up the scattered gauze from the coffee table.

Adam: Leave that. The ...

Hayley: The who will get it? You fired everyone.

Adam is quiet for a moment.

Adam: Liza wants me to go see Colby tomorrow.

Hayley: That’s good, isn’t it?

Adam: I don’t know. How would I know? My entire life has been one mistake after another.

He looks up at Hayley.

Adam: Except for you, of course.

Hayley: And Junior.

Adam: And Skye.

Hayley: Well...

Hayley shrugs her shoulders.

Hayley: Maybe Skye. I’ll let you know.

Adam: What should I do?

Hayley: About Skye? Hmmm...

Adam: I meant about tomorrow.

Hayley: I know. I think you should go. Of course, I have an ulterior motive, but what’s a Chandler without one of those?

Adam: Hayley?

Hayley: Yes?

Adam: Why do you love me?

Hayley: Because you’re lovable. Because of who you are. Because no matter how much you drive me crazy...

Hayley looks off into the distance.

Hayley: Remember what Uncle Trevor asked me in court? Well, no matter what, I don’t think my life would be better without you in it. I think I’d be miserable.

Hayley looks at Adam.

They hug. Adam winces.

Hayley: You okay?

Adam: Yes?

Hayley pulls away and looks at his face.

Hayley: That was an answer, right?

Adam: Sorry.

Hayley: Let’s get you upstairs.

Hayley helps Adam from the couch and the two of them slowly climb the stairs.

Tarnished Armor Index
Part One Hundred and Twenty Two
Part One Hundred and Twenty Four