The Perfect Spouse: A Novel. Sioux Dallas

but could do nothing because she always told him she was careless.

      The Medical Examiner, Dr. Lawrence Backes, was a friend of Dr. Hammond. The two men talked about this death and came to the agreement that proof of broken bones and damaged flesh showed physical abuse.

      The maternal grandparents brought charges against Rory and gained custody of Jason. The medical reports, coupled with the reports of bad attitude at the police department, gave Judge Hiram Weaver grounds to conduct a trial, charging Rory with manslaughter. He was given fifteen years in prison, but during his second year was killed by another inmate during a fight.

      * * * * *

      Jason always thought lovingly of his sweet mother, but loved and appreciated his grandparents. They encouraged him to get the best education possible, to sing as much as he wanted to and to have compassion for other people. He grew up loving Bible study and trying very hard to live as he should.

      * * * * *

      Jason took the papers to Corella, reiterating that he wasn’t sure what he might do in the future.

      “Jason, there’s no pressure on any one. Do you think you’d like to join and get acquainted? Then you could decide what you want to do permanently.”

      “I guess so --- for a few months.”

      “Good. Jenny,” she called to a young woman at another desk. “Please come here. This is Jason McBride. Jason, this is Jenny Carson. She’s our Treasurer and will take care of you.”

      “I shall be delighted to help Jason. Please come down here with me.

      Okay, Jason, I’ll need sixty dollars, but from now on it’ll only be thirty dollars a month. How do you want to pay?”

      “May I write a check? I make it a habit not to carry much money.”

      “Sure. We’ll take your check.” She took the check and gave him a receipt. “We want you to be happy and satisfied, Jason. Please let us know if we can do anything to help you. Now, I want you to meet Dottie Fingar. She’s our membership chairman and will help you make a video and have a still shot.”

      “Hello, Jason. Welcome. I’m glad to meet you. If you’ll come with me, we’ll get a still shot first and then make a short video.”

      “If I make a video, why do I need a still shot?”

      “The still shot goes in these book here on this table with a short paragraph about you. Ladies look through the book and if they like the picture, they’ll ask to see the video. If they’re interested, we’ll notify you and you come in and look at their video. If you, too, are interested, we’ll arrange a meeting here in the club and the two of you will go on from there.”

      “Will I be expected to contact any lady who asks to meet me?”

      “Oh, no. That’s up to you, and the same goes for the ladies. If they are not interested in further contact, they can just ignore the request.”

      “Thank you. May I call you Dottie?”

      “That’s my name,” she laughed. “We’re all first name here.” She proceeded to take a shot of him and then led him into another room to make a video. “I’m going to leave you alone for a few minutes. Here’s a pad and pen. If you wish, you can write what you want to say. It will keep you from getting nervous and giving a less than sterling impression.”

      Jason decided to just give his first name, his height, his hobbies and his likes and dislikes. It only took five minutes to make the video.

      “Very good. Tomorrow your picture will be in the book and your video will be in our collection. You can check on your own efforts any time; keep the video as is or change it.”

      “Thank you, Dottie. I told Corella that I’m not sure about this, but I’m willing to give it a try.”

      “Great. We have a get-together, with refreshments, usually on the second Saturday of each month at seven P M. You’ll meet the staff and members on that night.”

      “Am I required to attend?”

      “No. Not every one attends or some come in once in a while. The owners try to promote a family style atmosphere. They would like everyone to be friends and encourage each other.”

      “Why the name, The Perfect Spouse?”

      “Elaine Harper and Joseph Harper are the owners. She said she has been so happy in her marriage of forty some years, and feels she has a perfect spouse. She wanted others to find someone and be as happy as they are.”

      “Catchy name. Thank you for your help.” He nodded to Dottie and lifted a hand toward Jenny and Corella as he left. He wanted to keep this to himself, for the time being. Not to be secretive, but he felt shy about joining a dating agency when there were several nice ladies in the church. Too, he wasn’t sure how long he would continue to be a member.

      Walking off, Jason did not know that Corella had already called Chief Mason and asked him to check his data base and see if a Jason McBride had an undesirable record. The owners of The Perfect Spouse tried to be very careful as to whom they let in and introduced to other people.

       Chapter Four

      Jason’s clientele grew so rapidly they were all busy Monday through half day Saturday. Jason was grateful for the confidence shown in him by the people in town and in surrounding areas.

      He was so busy that he shoved his joining the dating agency into the back of his mind. He was jolted four days later when Grace called him to say there was a Dottie Fingar on the line, but she didn’t know what she wanted. Jason thanked her and waited until he saw her light go off to start talking to Dottie.

      “Jason, we have a request from a lady to meet you. How soon can you get here to view her video?”

      “This is most unexpected and my office is so busy.” He hesitated. “Maybe I can get there for a few minutes around two. Will that be all right?”

      “Certainly. We’re here for your convenience.”

      Nervous spasms hit Jason’s stomach. Will I like her picture? Will she like me in person? What can we talk about? Should I take flowers this first time? He decided to wait and let nature take its course.

      Jason stayed in the office and let the three go out for lunch. Grace brought him a Ruben, a latte and an apple pie. He ate quickly and donned his overcoat. Walking to the front he told Grace he was going out for a brief time on personal business. He placed a Stetson on his head as he walked out of the door.

      * * * * *

       “Hello, Jason.” Corella greeted him as he came in the door and removed his hat. “I think Dottie is waiting for you.”

      “Do I have to make a decision now?”

      “No, Jason,” she assured him. “You’ve paid good money to be a member and it’s up to you what you want to do, or how often you want to meet ladies. If you’d rather wait until after your first get together and then decide, that’ll be your privilege.” Dottie walked to them.

      “Let me think about it. Remember I told you how apprehensive I am.”

      Dottie laughed. “I’m familiar with the feeling. You’re not the only one who has been unsure. Put your coat and hat on the rack over there and come with me.”

      He saw a polished copper rack with crooked arms reaching from it. The end of the arms had round copper balls to keep from damaging clothing. He placed his overcoat and hat on the rack and followed Dottie. She took him to the end of the long, open room where two thick books about fourteen inches by ten inches were on a table.

      “The green book has the ladies pictures and the blue book has the gentlemen. Let me see.” She read off a paper in her