Robert and Teresa

By Rita Giuliani

Step into the dark, seamy world of drug addiction, distrust, disloyalty, and greed and witness firsthand its destructive and tragic effects.

Robert and Teresa Gilcriss, an upscale suburban couple, have all that life has to offer including two sons, Godfrey and Reginald, and are the envy of their peers. However, their lives tragically fall apart despite their good looks, material possessions, wealth, social status, and prominence.

Robert, a successful attorney in a nationally known law firm who is diagnosed with acute depression, and Teresa, a socialite, terminate their marriage due to irreconcilable differences. Roberts downward spiral begins immediately after with the loss of his powerful position to a fellow attorney, Tony Gonzo, for whom he develops an intense hatred and is followed by his abrupt resignation.

Robert and Teresa develop other relationships and eventually marry their newfound partners, whom they summarily divorce. Following an extraordinary string of events, Teresa marries Tony Gonzo, whom she divorces upon Roberts instigation, and graduates from law school. Years later, the Gilcrisses gradually bring their lives back on track by remarrying and settling into a successful law firm owned by Teresa. Robert suddenly and shockingly confesses to Teresa that he is a drug addict and has no love for her despite their remarriage. A physical scuffle ensues, Robert threatens her life, and the unthinkable occurs leaving Teresa no other choice but to murder him in self-defense.

Teresa is defended by Tony Gonzo, but is found guilty and incarcerated for her crime. Tony Gonzos mistress visits Teresa in prison and makes known his evil strategy to destroy her due to his psychopathic jealousies. Her case is retried, and she is eventually freed from prison, while Tony Gonzo is convicted for the death of his mistress, but is later released from prison in a second trial based upon new evidence.

Teresa is suddenly found dead in her home. Tony Gonzo flees to France and is the main suspect. While living on the French Riviera, he believes she is sitting opposite him at breakfast. He is stunned by her beauty, and she suddenly disappears. He returns to his villa. He only wants to be with her and nothing more. He ends his life.

This novel deals with the devastating consequences of rage, jealousy, hostility, and revenge. It graphically features an exciting series of complex emotions and unique twists that create a gripping, riveting, and suspenseful plot.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 30, 2012
• ISBN: 9781469139937

Book preview

Robert and Teresa

Rita Giuliani

Copyright © 2012 by Rita Giuliani.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 03/12/2015

Xlibris

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Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

The contents of this novel are purely fictitious and not an actual representation of courtroom proceedings or the legal system.

To Mom

You’re the best. Love you.

Acknowledgments

As always, thanks to my family—

Dr. Margie and Dr. Ralph

Madlyn and Carlyle

Carmine and Carolyn

Dr. Ralph Jr, Dr. Heather, and Ralph III

Charles, Esq.

Dr. Maria-Valeri, Rob, Esq., Theresa, and John Paul

Thanks also to Kim

All that glisters is not gold

—Shakespeare

Chapter 1

You know, Teresa, life should be like an adventure. So what do you say we go out in search of the 25th hour of the day, the 8th day of the week, and the 13th month of the year? Are you game? Robert asked smiling.

I’ll leave that up to your talents, imagination, genius… whatever… but it does sound a little over-the-top and surreal, Teresa replied with laughter. Deep down inside, however, she wondered about some of the bizarre ideas he was coming up with lately, which she quickly dismissed as attention-seeking behavior on his part. At least she hoped it was that and nothing more. She was as much in love with him as on the day they married. It was almost love at first sight having fallen for his handsome looks and sexy body.

Gee, thanks. Well, you have to admit it would be different. Speaking of surreal, when I think about everything we have as a family, it does seem so unbelievable and, at times, I think I must be dreaming, he continued as they drove along in their shiny black Jaguar toward the Adirondack Mountains. For us, life is just one good time after the other and like a never-ending party. I mean how many others can say the same for themselves?

Not too many, and let’s drink to that, she said, pouring Kool-Aid into plastic cups for them.

Anyway, we’re finally off, and that’s the main thing, he said, as she handed him his drink. He gradually took sips and made a face.

Gee, I wish you would add a little something to this drink. You know what I mean, he said, thinking about the case of different liquor and liqueurs they brought with them as he placed the cup in the console.

No way, Robert, as long as you’re driving this car and with your family in it.

Okay, got it. But it was a nice try anyway.

Right, a nice try and nothing more, Teresa responded.

He looked out at the long stretch of barren road ahead of him. He loved the beautiful scenery and peace and quiet surrounding them. Most especially, he adored his family.

Dressed in a yellow button-down, short-sleeve shirt, khaki slacks, and wearing loafers with no socks, he leaned back against his seat. He felt very relaxed in anticipation of spending the long weekend at their beautiful lakefront cottage with his wife and two sons. He could hardly wait to get there. It was built to their specifications, exquisitely designed, comfortable, and situated on several acres of land. He relished the privacy it afforded. Being a nature lover, he made sure the living room and master bedroom overlooked the breathtaking vistas of the many mountain peaks surrounding their property often covered with a blanket of grey clouds. An accomplished golfer, he created a landscape with a sand trap and putting green several feet behind the cottage for his own personal enjoyment. Most importantly, these weekend getaways helped him achieve the perfect work-life balance.

He often sang when on long-distance trips to break up the monotony. An ex-Marine, he liked to sing patriotic songs. Well, here I go with my serenade. Are you ready?

I knew that was coming, and I can hardly wait, Teresa said humorously.

Well, I’m warning you all. I’m shutting the CD player, and for the next several minutes, I will be your only source of entertainment, he jokingly said.

"O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

America! America!

God shed his grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!"

Come on kids join in with Dad. He looked in the rearview mirror. Both boys were fast asleep.

Well, you know, I never get tired of the beauty in this country, and are we ever a fortunate family!

We sure are, she answered, looking very youthful and desirable in a trendy white halter dress against her tanned body and blonde hair.

The sun was beginning to set.

Chapter 2

This upper class suburban family had it all—social status, career

success, but mostly, an abundance of wealth and much more. Their lives overflowed to the brim with happiness, excitement, and great times. It was like a living fairy tale.

Robert Edwin Gilcriss, a prominent thirty-seven-year-old attorney in one of the nation’s most prestigious law firms, and his wife, Teresa, thirty-three years old, a socialite and a well-known East Coast interior decorator, lived in a sprawling ultra-luxurious home in an exclusive section of Westchester County. They loved their home for it was their castle. They were proud of their exotic furnishings and rich interior décor, and the massive gardens surrounding their home—decorated with elaborate marble benches, tiered birdbaths, solar-powered fountains, waterfalls, and a huge variety of plants and shrubs, set against ornate stonework. This harmonious layout often helped them unwind and de-stress after a long, endless day.

They enjoyed a hectic social life and hosted several extravagant summer splash parties. These warm-weather events were meticulously organized and held around their unique, custom-designed pool—beautifully equipped with underwater lighting, a Jacuzzi, and designed with iridescent tiles that added a distinct air of luxury and elegance. The sunken bar, situated under a thatched roof, was always the main attraction and provided a touch of class. In addition, every year, they hosted holiday luncheons and dinners. They became known for their Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s celebrations—all black-tie affairs—while their Halloween costume parties were fun-filled and memorable. Because their guests were in the million-dollar bracket, these get-togethers received a lot of media attention. Definitely, they were party people.

In addition, Robert and Teresa were respected, involved, ambitious, civic-minded and, most of all, embraced traditional conservative ideals. They had no bad habits and contributed much to the homeless and indigents. For years, Robert served on the board of directors of many technology companies and was highly regarded by his peers and associates. They were honored at several testimonial dinners for the effort they put forth in reshaping their community.

All in all, they had no complaints, enjoyed a lavish and enviable lifestyle and were gifted and motivated individuals who were often seen laughing and smiling. Although they strived to be simple and low-key, they wielded considerable power and influence. They worked hard, played hard and, with much dignity and grace, met the many challenges that confronted them.

More importantly, they were caring and loving parents to their two wonderful sons, Reginald and Godfrey, who were six and four. Together, the Gilcriss family traveled extensively and shared a deep love for each other. For all intents and purposes, they were the model family.

Each morning before leaving for work, Robert, six-feet tall, muscular, with piercing blue eyes, sandy-blonde hair, and perfect features made it a point to have breakfast with his very dear family. He truly valued their time together, which allowed them the opportunity to connect and reinforce their strong ties. This was to be their routine for the next several years.

Little did they know the drastic and devastating changes that would eventually take place in their lives. Their family life would tragically crumble and finally collapse right before their eyes.

Chapter 3

Seven Years Later

The winds were howling, and the rain pounded heavily against the windows reflecting the somberness of his mood. It was early Halloween eve. A powerful nor’easter was furiously raging through the area. Robert patiently sat waiting for his wife in their exquisitely designed media room—recently converted from a rarely used sitting room. He couldn’t seem to get comfortable and was fidgety. He suddenly felt a bout of indigestion coming on from the heavy meal Teresa had prepared. He realized at forty-four years old, he was not digesting the food as well as he used to. They had dined earlier on roast pork loin, boiled potatoes, and green beans with a rich burgundy wine. For dessert, Teresa made baked apples with cinnamon and caramel sauce—his favorite. He was aware that she put a lot of effort into cooking creatively, and he thought the meal was very tasty and enjoyable, but it was difficult for him to eat as he normally would. He hated the idea that she was always trying to feed him high-calorie dinners. Food was hardly a priority with him especially in the last few weeks since his stomach was constantly in knots.

As usual, he thought she overdid everything from serving dinner in their formal dining room to using the rare chinaware she purchased at an antique shop. He, furthermore, couldn’t understand why she had to use the expensive linen tablecloth, napkins, and crystal glasses she bought on her last trip to Ireland, which were much too exquisite for a simple dinner for two. He fully intended to put an end to those shopping jaunts just to buy, buy, and buy more. He could only assume that she actually believed these beautiful accessories made him happy when, in reality, he thought everything, including his wife, was a fake.

He got up and walked back and forth as he desperately tried to collect his thoughts. He stopped and gazed out the misty windows. It looked dark and foreboding in the heavy rain. Not liking what he saw, he slowly closed the drapes and dimmed the lights. He sat down again. He closed his eyes. He knew it would be difficult but he had to get this over with. In frustration, he ran his fingers through his thick hair giving himself a messy look. She hated when he looked disheveled. He didn’t care. His mind was in a turmoil. He suddenly had a craving for a cigarette. He desperately needed to smoke, something he had not done in years, but there were no cigarettes in the house. He would even have settled for an e-cigarette and was sorry he never took the time to order any for himself or, at least, find out where they were sold locally. Anyway, there was no way Teresa would permit him to smoke any kind of a cigarette in the house or anywhere else for that matter.

Teresa thought it odd that Robert suddenly wanted to meet with her for, as a couple, they were always very informal with each other. After she tidied up the kitchen, she poured herself a glass of fruity red wine. She took a few sips and joined her husband.

It had become a habit for them to retreat to their cozy media room every evening after dinner to relax while Reginald and Godfrey were busy doing their homework assignments. They found the magnificent views afforded by the floor-to-ceiling wood-paneled windows restful and beneficial for their peace of mind. On colder evenings, they lit the fireplace, which filled the room with much warmth and enchantment. It was here after a long day where they reached their maximum comfort level and fully enjoyed the audio and video systems—all upgraded to the highest quality. On the weekends they enjoyed home cinema entertainment with their sons. They also used this precious time together to read the newspapers and magazines and discuss important issues over a liqueur. It was their way of unwinding before retiring for the evening. Tonight was different, however.

Dressed in a beige knit dress with contrasting puff sleeves and a low scoop neck, she stared at him. He was sitting at the far end of the sectional, his head lowered, his legs spread apart, and his hands clasped together. She took another sip of wine and sat down next to him. She noticed he was unusually quiet while they were having their dinner and barely ate, which annoyed her, given the time and energy she spent preparing meals just to please him. She was married to him too long not to notice that something wasn’t quite right with him, and, clearly, he had lost a lot of weight over the last few weeks.

Robert looked up and faced his wife of fifteen years. He gently, and with tears streaming down his face, turned to her and confessed that he would be leaving her shortly. His body suddenly slumped forward. He tried his best to hold back the tears. Teresa, I wanted to discuss with you … . he began. He stopped. He looked over at her. I can’t say exactly when it happened, he said, taking deep breaths, but you see, I have fallen out of love with you, Teresa. He paused, took a crushed, crumpled pack of tissues out of the back pocket of his slacks, and roughly pulled all the tissues out. He tossed the wrapper on the floor. Using a clump of tissues, he wiped the tears on his face. I feel as though I’m living a lie by staying in this marriage, he whispered as he attempted to hold her.

You what? she asked with a shocked look as she stared into his cold blue eyes and grim looking face now covered with a five o’clock shadow.

Yes, I must leave, Teresa. I don’t want to get overbearing about all this. It’s not my intention to cause you any pain or sorrow.

Oh, my God, are you serious? What the hell is going on with you, Robert Gilcriss? Have you completely lost it? What are you trying to do, destroy this family? Teresa asked in a shrieking tone. Her normally radiant and beautiful face gave way to a blank and, yet, stern look. As she sat and pondered his blunt revelation, she was momentarily speechless. She kept nervously fingering her topaz crystal necklace draped tightly around her neck. How can this be? She stroked her soft blonde shoulder-length hair and, without thinking, removed her earrings. As he came closer, she pushed him away. He fell backward on the couch. She asked herself if she was imagining this. Is he serious? He wants to leave me and our sons after all the years we’ve been together? And at forty years old, where would I go? And he just springs this on me with no forewarning? The nerve of him. Her head was in a spin.

When she finally collected her thoughts, she spoke in a cracked voice. Did I? she stopped. It was difficult for her to get the words out. Did I hear you correctly? she asked in a stunned manner with her hands across her chest. You want to break up our marriage because you have fallen out of love with me? Tell me, Robert, is this real? Am I supposed to feel overjoyed with this startling revelation from you? And, what would you like me to do? Release you from your marital obligations and send you on your way with comforting words like, ‘Hey, no problem, the kids and I will manage just fine.’ And, oh my, aren’t you considerate not wanting to cause me any pain or sorrow. So now you must leave, my dear husband, since you obviously feel you no longer belong with your wife and family. Or to put it another way, I guess you no longer fit in here or with life in suburbia. I suppose you think you’ve earned yourself a fling by being loyal and faithful to me all these years—if, in fact, you really were. Listening to you now, I’m not so sure anymore! she shouted at him. After all, life must be very dull for you married to the same woman all these years and being the father of two young sons. Yes, sure, now you want to make the big break and, who knows, probably take up with some young floozy.

Please Teresa, don’t make this any harder on us, he answered in an exasperating tone. Although the house temperature was comfortable, Robert could feel himself perspiring profusely, but he had to get this over with. He continually patted his brows and forehead with the balled up tissues in his hand. He knew he was treading on thin ice.

Don’t make it any harder? she asked. Just what do you expect from me? Here I thought we built a solid relationship that’s been cemented by all the long and hard years we both invested in this marriage, our family, finances, friendships, your career. And what about all the time I spent catering to your every whim, learning the art of gourmet cooking just to satisfy your appetite, and cleaning this house to perfection exactly as you wanted it because God forbid you should ever come home and find a speck of dust around anywhere or anything out of place! And now you suddenly decide you’re done here and want out. What am I supposed to say to you? Oh, you disgust me to no end! she screamed. "So now you’ve found yourself some young brazen hussy. Well, am I at least getting lukewarm? I know you better than anyone. No, Robert, you’re not leaving me to go be alone somewhere. You couldn’t handle the loneliness any more than I could. That much I know about you. You’re leaving me for someone else. We both made a solemn promise before God the day we got married to take each other as husband and wife for better or for worse, for richer or for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and cherish until death do us part. Remember those words, Robert? Evidently, listening to you now, they meant absolutely nothing to you. Well, let me tell you something… I think you should get out and get out now. I don’t ever want to see you again except in the divorce court."

Please Teresa, he begged, you don’t understand, he said with desperation in his voice. He hesitated and took another deep breath. He got up from the couch and walked over to the fireplace. He put both hands on the marble mantle, his back to her, his head lowered. He slowly turned around and looked over in his wife’s direction. He nervously shuffled his feet. He didn’t want to antagonize her any more than necessary but felt he had to respond to her vehement denunciation of him.

You have every right to be upset with me, Teresa. I know how shocking this must be for you, but I had to come forward and let you know my feelings once and for all. By the way, I always offered to hire a domestic to assist you with the housework, and you’re the one who refused to have anyone come in to help you out. So please don’t throw that up to my face. That was strictly your decision.

Sure, my decision and yours too, she retaliated. And you know why? I was catering to your fanaticism because of your high standards. I thought it would make you happy if I, myself, cleaned this house the way you wanted it done. Let’s face it, no domestic will take the interest in cleaning the way I do no matter how much you pay them, she yelled back at him.

Let me remind you that I told you on many occasions to just declare a holiday for yourself whenever the household responsibilities got to be too much for you, Robert shouted at her. He walked back and forth, shaking his head. You’ll never understand, never, he said in loud tones as he kept wringing his hands in distress. He suddenly felt the need to take a hot shower. He only wanted was to undo the marriage and get far away from her.

So just what is it that I don’t understand—that my husband of fifteen years got up this morning and suddenly decided he’s fallen out of love with me and probably because he’s found someone else and, for that matter, he no doubt has no use for his two sons who adore him? she asked, her face now red with anger.

Teresa, please let me explain… give me a chance, he said, interrupting her spiel as he stood over her. And furthermore, I didn’t just decide this. Obviously, I have given this a lot of thought.

"Oh, don’t you give me any of that please let me explain business, she disgustedly answered, strands of hair now falling over her forehead. And to think you’ve been sitting around here all this time trying to decide whether or not you should leave your family and, at the same time, making love to me as though nothing was going on and, on top of that, pretending to be such a great husband and father. I was just an accommodation to you, right, Robert?" She didn’t wait for him to answer. She felt like slapping his face.

Thank God the boys are away on their Halloween school trip and they don’t have to listen to us ranting and raving over our impending divorce. Oh, and, by the way, while I’m at it, what a great time for you to leave—just before Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s. Yes, of course, you have some slut waiting for you who desperately wants to spend some quality time with you during the holiday season and has no problem going out with a married man. She stood up, grabbed his lapels, pulled him down to eye level, and looked him in the face. Isn’t that the truth? she yelled. You’re nothing but a hypocrite. I’ve always had my suspicions about you. Sure, any man with your looks, money, and education can have any woman he wants with the snap of his fingers. Oh, how could I have been such a fool all these years? she asked with much emotion. Her body suddenly buckled under the strain. She sat down and wept. She reached into her pocket and pulled out her embroidered shamrock hankie and patted her eyes. She always carried it with her. It was supposed to bring her good luck. She turned away from him. It was hard for her to look at him.

Teresa, there is no other woman, no mistress, no slut, no anybody, he gently said. He looked down at her distraught face. It pained him to see her so upset. She really doesn’t deserve this.

And I’m supposed to believe that? Please, Robert, don’t insult me any more than what you already have. Then just what is your reason for leaving me? I mean a successful guy like you, who also happens to have the looks and the bucks to go with it, is going to stand here and tell me he’s leaving me for no apparent reason. Come on, Robert, you can come up with a better story than that. Maybe I don’t have all the fancy degrees you have, but you must admit, I’m not exactly an idiot either. After all, I did manage to graduate at the top of my class from Radcliffe College, and I think I know you well enough to know when you’re lying.

I was madly and passionately in love with you when we married as I was for several years after that… please you must believe me. Every bit of your five foot six inch body is beautiful, Teresa. Plain, ordinary women don’t win two statewide beauty pageants such as you have. I knew what I was getting into when I married a Boston socialite. But something has changed within me. He stared down at the floor, jerkily looked up, and gazed outside. It was still bleak and dreary and very much a reflection of his mood. There was no sign of the storm letting up. If anything, the wind gusts had increased, creating loud eerie noises around the entire house. Neither one noticed. Each was too preoccupied in their gloom. Teresa, especially, felt nothing but shock.

He took another deep breath. Teresa, I’m… I’m very depressed. I’m being treated for acute depression by a psychiatrist. I just don’t know what’s come over me. It’s just that I need a break. Maybe I’m overworked. The legal field is difficult as you well know from being married to me all these years. I’m under a terrific strain at work. I always have to outperform everyone to maintain my position as one of the top attorneys, and it’s taking a toll on me. I’m obsessed with my job and always having to be rated number one. I’m rather surprised that you haven’t detected this depression in me. I haven’t exactly been myself over the past year, and I’ve lost about ten pounds and have very low energy. I didn’t want to discuss it with you earlier not to upset you or the children, and our sex life has all but fizzled out.

Oh, so now our sex lives have fizzled out even though you always seemed more than satisfied. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She kept wiping her eyes and face with her hankie smudging her eye makeup. He looked at the tears running down her face. He didn’t know why but he left the room to get her a