He Asked Me To Wait, I Asked For A Divorce Chapter 05

I pulled out the top two documents first: the uncontested divorce agreement signed in Gavin’s own hand and the court filing receipt from Duval County. The filing date was clear-the same day Gavin left for his assignment.

“You can both see this for yourselves. Gaviti agreed to the divorce voluntarily, Captain Hale witnessed him sign the papers, and the court has the filing on record.

From the day he signed and we filed, our relationship was over.”

I tapped the date with one finger. “Owen Hayes didn’t place his first order with me until storn season picked up. That was a full twenty days later.

I ended things with Gavin first and met Owen afterward. So where exactly is this supposed affair?”

The two Navy officers studied the documents carefully. Their brows drew tighter, and the way they looked at Denise became noticeably more skeptical.

I pulled out my phone next and opened my order records, payment transfers, and text thread with Mike Callahan at the marine supply store. I handed the phone over. “These are all my sales records.

The date of the first order and every payment are right here. Mr. Hayes’s company has matching purchase records.

If that still isn’t enough, call Mike Callahan right now, or ask Owen to come here and confirm it

himself.”

Angela Brooks, who had been standing to the side, finally spoke, irritation creeping into her voice. “Officers, I came here today because Claire Bennett’s business was nominated through our local

entrepreneurship program.

After separating from her husband, she built a market for handmade marine protective gear and created paid work for Navy spouses and stay-at-home mothers. She has never advertised herself as

a military spouse or used a service member’s identity to promote her business.

So where is this claim that she ‘used military status for profit’ coming from?”

Angela paused and looked toward Denise, who was trying to hide behind the others. “The Mercers, on the other hand, have repeatedly come to Claire’s home demanding money from her. Plenty of neighbors can verify that.

I’d appreciate it if you determined who is actually damaging the Navy’s reputation here.”

Sloane’s expression had already started to crack, but she forced herself to stay arrogant. “So what if you filed for divorce? Gavin said you’ve been harassing him and using your old relationship to threaten his family.

He’s an active-duty officer. You just can’t stand seeing him succeed.”

I ignored that and looked at the pearl necklace around her throat. My voice cooled. “We can deal with the rest slowly. But Ms. Whitmore, I think you owe me an explanation for that necklace,”

Her hand flew to her collarbone as she lifted her chin. “Gavin gave this to me. It’s a Mercer family heirloom. What does it have to do with you?”.

“A family heirloom?” I let out a short laugh and turned to the sheriff’s deputy. “Deputy, then d like to report stolen property.

That pearl necklace belonged to my grandmother. It is my separate premarital property, and our signed property schedule lists a matching pair. Both clasps are engraved with my initials, C.B

On the second day of my marriage, Denise Mercer took one of them without permission. In front of

Captain Hale, Richard signed a written acknowledgment promising to reimburse me at market

value.

Now the necklace is around Ms. Whitmore’s neck. I have every reason to believe the Mercers took my property and used it as a gift to curry favor.”

Denise’s face went instantly white. “That’s a lie! I found it! I didn’t take it!”

“You found it?” I pulled out the acknowledgment Richard had signed. “Then why was it hidden in the safe in your bedroom?

Why did your husband sign a debt acknowledgment in front of a Navy captain?

Denise, if you’re going to lie, could you at least make the story hold together?”

The deputy stepped forward and addressed Sloane. “Ma’am, please remove the necklace so I can

verify the engraving.

If it matches the reported property, I’ll need to take temporary custody of it as evidence.”