Mistress Ordered to Reimburse
Dead Lover’s Wife for 20 Years of Gifts
(reprinted from ABCNews.com)

S E A T T L E, Nov. 9, 2002 — Kathie O'Keefe says the 20 years she spent with a married man were "the best part of my whole life," as he showered her with gifts, love and attention.
"We were always crazy about each other," O'Keefe told ABCNEWS affiliate KOMO-TV in Seattle. "I guess you'd call us soul mates."
But now, according to a court ruling in favor of the married man's wife, it's payback time.

When Jack McCarthy died 16 months ago at age 78, O'Keefe made a claim against the estate of the wealthy real estate broker. She wanted a watch and ring he had given her, and the $200,000 she said he promised her.
Not only was O'Keefe turned down, but McCarthy's wife, Margaret, turned the tables and sued. "How would I characterize this?" O'Keefe said. "I feel like I've been raped."
Relying on an obscure 90-year-old Washington law, McCarthy's wife forced O'Keefe to account for all the gifts and money he'd ever given her — and pay it all back in cash.
George Smith, O'Keefe's lawyer, said the court's ruling now exposes every extra marital parther in the area to serious financial risk.
"The old law says, and it's still in effect, that one spouse cannot gift community property to an individual without the consent of the other spouse," Smith said. "I think the girlfriend should look at the heading on the check, and if it says, 'the account of Mr. and Mrs.,' she's got problems coming down the road."
The McCarthy estate demanded $400,000, but after the court ruling, both parties reached a settlement.
The McCarthys wouldn't comment because the agreement included a confidentiality clause, but sources told KOMO-TV that O'Keefe must pay back $200,000.
O'Keefe said she'll be making monthly payments for the rest of her life. There's a lien on her condo, and much of her small pension now goes to the McCarthy estate.
Still, she doesn't regret her relationship.
"We got along very well," O'Keefe said. "We were each other's best friend." However, O'Keefe now has a warning for others: "Every time he gives you a gift, say, 'Now, does your wife know about this? Do you have her permission to give me this nightgown?'