This week with Arlene and Jeff:
...Down the hallway, Diana opened a door for them. "You may use this conference room as well as its facilities should you need them," she said.
"Perfect, Ma'am. Thank you," Baker responded as he waited for the women to enter the room in front of him. When Diana began to close the door on her way out, Baker thanked her again but asked that she leave the door open.
As soon as they were seated, but before the detectives could say anything more, Mrs. Tanaka spoke up, her voice quiet, but clear. "I assume that my husband has called the police with a story of my being kidnapped or something of that nature?" When the detectives didn't respond, she went on. "He has beaten me on many occasions, particularly in the last years of our marriage. I have endeavored to be a 'correct' wife, observing the old traditions, but I can no longer continue because of the way he is treating me. When he left for his men's club tonight, after threatening to beat me again when he returned, I talked with my daughter and she provided transportation here. I will not return to that place, nor will I be beaten again by the monster my husband has become. My daughter has suggested that I press charges against him, but I know it would be useless because the servants will say anything he orders them to say. They are as afraid of him as I am."
Kei spoke up. "Mother has remained loyal to my father for the better part of thirty years. He has always been quick to… 'discipline', as he refers to it, but she now tells me that the beatings that he calls 'discipline', have become frequent in the last few months. I left and divorced my husband for beating me. When I did, my father banished me from the family. Now, my mother has finally gained the courage and… the means to get away from him. This building is owned by the Matthews and is now my permanent home. They have welcomed Mother, and she finally had the opportunity to escape my father's control. I am certain that the Matthews will tell you that she is welcome here for as long as she wishes to stay."...
Have a goodun;
Roust