Found Out My Wife Was Cheating When Her Secret Phone Rang in Front of Me

Welcome to channel. Today we explore story filled with unexpected twists. Please subscribe and like to stay updated. Let's begin.

It was Friday lunchtime at the Maple Cafe, our normal meeting place. This is where the Dummies Club meets every week. A non-exclusive club of four middle-aged guys who gathered to discuss our common sorrow. What unites us is not friendship or interests, but a single sad truth. Every one of our spouses is cheating on us. The members are Adam Harllo, Kevin Derty, Peter Hughes, and myself, Robert Archer. We've known each other since high school and are all married to our high school sweethearts. We've maintained strong friendships for the last 22 years. We have six children between us, two of which are mine, and they are all in high school or college.

Life kept us busy with mouths to feed and expenses to pay, so we immersed ourselves in job and family obligations. Our women, on the other hand, found themselves in a different situation. As the children got older and more self-sufficient, the ladies realized they had plenty of spare time. They filled it with shopping excursions and daily activities, creating their own little social group. We had a lot less spare time. Aside from our weekly Friday lunches, we sometimes hosted a weekend barbecue or party at one of our homes. But such were exceptional occurrences, considerably overwhelmed by the demands of our everyday lives.

And as it turned out, the secrets our spouses had been harboring began to emerge. Peter was the first to recognize that anything was amusing. At first, he assumed it was only his wife, Rachel, until he brought it up in conversation one day, which triggered the floodgates. None of us had anything concrete to prove that our spouses were unfaithful. But we all saw little signs that something was wrong. Adam drew up a checklist of signs that men should look for if they feel their wives are cheating. After going over the list, we all grew worried. The weekly lunch and chats evolved into summaries of our spouse's activities throughout the previous week. We soon realized that we were making things just to fulfill a terrible prophesy we were projecting on ourselves.

None of us had the courage to face our husbands. We had been married for too long to risk alienating them if we were incorrect. We were particularly concerned about the impact a false charge may have on the children. The greatest concern was that the suspicions were correct. Kevin had a buddy who knew someone who worked for a private detective firm. We paid $3,800 ahead for one 3-week period of coverage. We all joined in and offered the man photographs, phone numbers, license plate numbers, and automobile types. He planned to start the following Monday and report to us at our next Friday meeting. This was going to be a long week.

The females were all approaching 35, but not quite there. They all looked fine for their ages. Rachel, Peter's wife, was tall with straight hair that reached her shoulders. Her reddish hair had no curl at all. She had thick bangs that swept down to her brows, making her eyes seem deep and intriguing. That compensated for her lack of physical form. Despite having two kids, she maintained a tiny shape with a modest breast and narrow hips. Kevin and his wife Melissa have one kid who attended college. He got involved in an accident when they were still in high school. Melissa was the shortest of the lot at little over 5 ft. She was also a bit hippie, but she dressed well to hide it. She bleached her hair blonde and styled it up to make herself seem taller. It did not work. Melissa has the finest personality among the group. She could always make you chuckle. Adam married a fierce Italian lady called Sarah. Sarah had a body that any guy would die for. Her hair was dark, almost black, but not quite. It complimented her olive complexion. She never stopped speaking. They had a kid who looked just like her mother. My wife Emily seemed to be the packs leader. Emily was almost as tall as Rachel. She had naturally blonde hair that she wore off her shoulders. I always thought she was attractive, but she had acne scars from her adolescent years that she tried to conceal with cosmetics. She felt self-conscious about them, so I made an effort not to bring it up. I wasn't the most attractive man in the world, but I felt fortunate simply to be with her.

By Thursday night, I was a mess. Emily was in a terrific mood, and we had a wonderful dinner that night. By 6:00 p.m., my boys, Liam and Ethan, had left the home for unknown destinations. They had high grades and were never in trouble, so I didn't want to know what they were up to. Emily and I spent our evening alone in front of the TV. This was our typical hobby. I began to suspect it was the source of the issue. I was not offering enough amusement or excitement in her life. Of course, at this time I had no knowledge that I had a problem. Tomorrow I de hear the news, good or terrible. I wanted to discuss it with her, but I had no clue how to start the topic. I sat there deep in contemplation for much of the evening. The lads arrived home just after Emily had gone to bed. We spoke about nothing in particular for a few minutes before they went to bed as well. I had a drink and remained up watching old sitcoms till I fell asleep on the sofa.

When I awoke in the morning, the television was still on. The lads were just departing for school. "Robert, what is wrong? You seem out of sorts the past week or so. Is there something going on at work?" Emily seemed to be hovering. "No, everything at work is fine, dear. I just have a lot of other things on my mind. Can I help? Is there anything I can do?" I carefully pulled myself from the plush couch and began up the stairs. "I'm afraid it's too late now. What has been done cannot be undone," I said as I went to take a shower. 30 minutes later, I was leaving. Emily had coffee and a light breakfast ready, but I strolled by without saying anything. She seemed anxious, as she should be. The remainder of the morning seems to drag. I thought lunch would never arrive.

Peter, Adam, and Kevin were already sitting at the table when I arrived. I expected to arrive early, but everyone beat me there. We opted not to order food, but each of us had a draft. Nathan Reed was the covert agent assigned to our case. That was a feeble effort on our part to add some levity to what would otherwise be a dreary task. "Well, gentlemen, I have reports here from four different days, each involving a different wife. Does anybody want to go first, or should I take it daybyday?" After we all decided on the dayby-day strategy, Nathan began on Monday. "To begin, each of your wives is seeing someone within the first 4 days. We just collected information on when and where. We don't have any hardcore visual or audio evidence since it would cost you a lot more money and time." He paused briefly, maybe for dramatic effect. "Interestingly, only one wife would have an affair on any given day. The last three would constitute her cover. They all went out for the day together and came home together. If they went shopping, the three who weren't meeting anybody would buy something for the one who was. I can only think that if there were any problems, they would all cover for one another. Any questions?"

There were no questions, so he continued. "On Monday, they all went together in Emily vehicle. It was the week's easiest tale. They dropped Sarah Harllo off at 2:39 Clinton Road at 10:00 a.m. before heading to the Riverside Mall. I returned to the home on Clinton Road and waited to see what happened. A man called Robert Howard leased the residence. He works as a bodyman for Henderson Motors in Newfield. We then determined that a mobile phone call had been placed to the residence 10 minutes before Sarah was dropped there. The identical mobile phone was used in all subsequent encounters. The phone is unregistered, but we have the number. We don't sure which of the ladies truly possesses the phone." Adam didn't look so well. He had a temper and seemed to be having some difficulty managing it just now. Kevin spoke to him calmly and he calmed down a little. "About 3 hours later, a call was placed from the home phone to the mobile phone. 10 minutes later, Emily and the girls drove by to pick up Sarah. She dropped them all off at their various houses. That was all for Monday. Any questions?"

By this point, Adam was a nervous wreck. "Can I get a beer?" We ended up ordering five drafts. Nathan drank half his drink before continuing. "On Tuesday, it was Sarah's turn to drive. They all proceeded to Ringer's Antique Market, which is approximately 10 mi outside of town. After parking, they remained close as they reached the market area. It was tough to keep up with them in the packed environment, but something happened rather quickly. About 10 minutes before they arrived, they called from their mobile phone. It was to the Hollister Motel located across the highway from the market. Rachel moved away from the group and exited via the front door. I followed her and witnessed her cross the street and enter room 8:19 of the crown in. Daniel Foster had booked the accommodation the day before. Mrs. Rachel lingered in the room for more than 2 hours before returning to the market and rejoining the other ladies where she had left them. They left the market and drove home. Any questions?"

I could not help myself. "Peter, who the hell is Daniel Foster?" "He's our optometrist. I believed she was having her eyes tested often recently." Peter fell into his chair after completing his drink. There were no cheerful faces at the table. We decided to get an additional round of beer.

Rachel got a drive on Wednesday. They visited the farmers market. The mobile phone call that day went to another phone, but it could be traced. Rather than park as near to the market as possible, they drove to the extreme rear of the parking lot where the motor homes were parked. The four of them strolled past the RV parking lot, but only three went inside the store. I had to go back and figure out what happened to Melissa Derty. She was nowhere to be found. I typed down the license plate numbers of all the possible automobiles she might have gotten into, 23 of them. My team was able to cross-check the mobile phone number that was phoned with the license number of the motor homes. Within an hour, I was standing opposite from Kyle Richards in Normous Winnebago. Kyle owned the Volvo business in Lancaster. Shortly afternoon, Melissa left the motor home to join the other women for lunch. They were all smiling and joking as they strolled back to their cars for the trip home. "Kevin, do you drive a Volvo?" "Yes, we acquired it in Lancaster last year. I wanted to do something nice for Melissa." That's a joke, but none of you better laugh. I was fearing what would happen next. I was the only one remaining. I certainly didn't want another drink.

"Okay, Nathan, I can't take the suspense. What the heck happened on Thursday?" "On Thursday, Kevin drove his Volvo to the Kingston Mall. They walked inside the mall casually. Emily made a mobile phone call and handed it over to Jenny. The executive suites are connected to the mall at the north end. The group moved in that direction and Emily Archer snuck aside to enter the elevator. All we knew was that she went to floor 5. It took many hours, but my team was able to compare the mobile phone call to the hotel registrations. State Assemblyman Mark Wallace reserved room 511 for the whole day for a business meeting. At 2, a call was placed from that room to our unknown mobile phone. 10 minutes later, the women were back together and heading home. This finishes my overview. We will provide complete reports for each of you. If you decide you want additional information, we would be pleased to provide it."

I suddenly smiled to myself. Peter observed and had to ask, "What makes this so funny?" "Peter Wallace is a lefty. Emily and I are both conservative. I just thought it was funny." The remainder of the men did not get the humor. Nathan grabbed all his papers. He prepared brief abridged reports for each of us. They were almost like a preliminary draft, but the vital information was included. We all thanked him as he left. We were now left alone in our agony. Nobody wanted more beer. Kevin and Peter had already taken the rest of the day off. Adam and I quickly followed suit.

Emily's vehicle was gone when I arrived home. Today was her food shopping day. At least she did it alone. The lads were still in school. I took advantage of the vacant home and leisure time to relocate my clothes and personal belongings to the guest room. I arrived downstairs just in time to assist Emily with unloading the goods from the vehicle. She never inquired what I was doing at home so early. She still had the same expression of worry on her face as when I left that morning. I tried to remain out of her way as she was busy putting away the goods. She knew where everything went, but I didn't. She quickly got dinner started. She was an excellent chef and housekeeper.

The phone rang just as the boys arrived home from school. I welcomed the lads with the normal banter as Emily talked. She placed the phone down, a troubled expression on her face. The lads had gone up to their rooms. "What the hell did you guys do this afternoon?" I asked. "Am not sure I know what you're talking about." It was Melissa Derty on the phone. "Kevin came home from work early today and began accusing Sarah of cheating on him. It resulted in a brawl and Sarah is now in the hospital. The cops are speaking with Kevin. Melissa phoned Sarah's parents. Melissa said it was all because of a meeting you had earlier today. Robert, what is happening? Why aren't you telling me? This is not the time for you to be adorable. Damn it. ID like an explanation."

I pulled my mobile phone from my pocket and dialed the new speed dial number that I had already programmed. I saw the blood drain from Emily's face as the prepaid mobile phone stashed in her handbag began to ring. I wasn't sure she had the phone, so I took a risk. "Aren't you going to get that? It might be important." There was a brief pause. "Oh, God. You understand, don't you?" "I understand everything. We all know everything about that." At that point, Liam and Ethan descended the stairs for dinner. "You're not going to say anything in front of the lads, right? I want if you tell them everything, and I promise to keep my mouth shut. If you lie or attempt to sugarcoat it, I will have to tell them personally. You will not like that."

We began our dinner as usual. I did not believe it was essential for Emily to inform them immediately. It would be wonderful to complete the dinner so she could do it at a more convenient time. It did not turn out that way. Shortly after we began the dinner, Liam spoke out. "Why did you transfer all your belongings to the guest room, Dad? Is there anything going on between you two?" Both of our boys were watching our expressions, yet they never missed a stroke with their forks. Emily had no clue ID shifted my belongings. "They'll let your mother explain it to you." Emily felt apprehensive for some reason. I didn't believe she'd be able to accomplish it, and I was correct. "Your father and I felt it was a good idea to spend some time apart. It's just transitory, and you lads shouldn't be concerned."

I set down my fork on the plate and glanced across at my wife. "I'm sorry, Emily, but that isn't good enough. Either you tell the truth or I will." She was agitated by this moment. She still wasn't sure what I knew, and she didn't want to tell her children. "I'm sorry, Robert, but that is the best I can do." Liam and Ethan had both set down their forks and were staring at us. The more I waited, the more annoyed I became. "Yesterday afternoon, your mother spent 4 hours having unprotected sex with her lover at the Executive Suite Hotel in Kingston." The table remained quiet. Emily was aware that I knew everything. She was staring down at her plate, unwilling to make eye contact with any of us. It did not seem that she was breathing. Liam and Ethan stood up and headed out the front door together. "That was harsh, Robert. You did not have to do that." "I offered you an option and you did not accept it." "That was hardly harsh considering what you did to me."

I began washing up the supper dishes. Nobody ate anything, so everything ended up in the garbage. I was putting the dishes in the dishwasher when Emily arrived downstairs with a tiny suitcase. She halted before going through the door. Without turning, she gently said, "It was not unprotected sex. We have always used condoms." That was only a guess on my part. At the very least, the charge was effective in forcing her to admit her culpability. "Where will you be?" "I am going to stay with Caroline," she informed me. I saw her get in her vehicle and go to her sister's place.

It was nearly midnight when the lads returned home. I was sitting in the living room having my fifth drink. They stared at me and walked upstairs without saying anything. I was still sitting on the sofa the following morning when I heard the doorbell ring. It didn't take long to realize that Kevin and Peter were drinking coffee and eating Danish. Peter laid out the coffee and Danish on the kitchen table. We sat calmly for a few seconds until Peter broke the ice. "Adam is still in prison. He's waiting for his folks to bail him out. Sarah was discharged from the hospital and she and her daughter moved home with her parents. We don't know if she will seek charges or not. It's unfortunate that an adult guy needs to contact his parents for bail money. How about you guys? How are things at home?"

Peter went first. "When I arrived home today, I found a message on our answering machine. Melissa phoned and told Rachel I knew everything. I investigated the home and discovered that half of her clothing as well as her personal belongings were missing. I do not know where she is. Thankfully, the daughters are away at school. That's all I have." Kevin did not want to chat at all, but felt forced. "Melissa left me a letter informing me that she would be visiting her folks in Frackville for the weekend. She said she had call when she arrived. There was no call."

"Well, I'm in the same boat. Emily and I had a conversation last night, some of it in front of the boys. Instead of talking things out, she packed a suitcase and headed to her sister's house. I'm not sure when I will hear from her." "Robert, how did they learn that we knew?" Peter was worried because things had gotten out of control. "I'm thinking Adam confronted Sarah as soon as he arrived home and she was able to contact Melissa before things became heated. I know Melissa phoned Emily about supper time. I guess that's when she left the message for Rachel. Also, how about the guys? Does anybody know what's going on with the people that triggered this?" Kevin looked to be becoming agitated with the situation. We spent the next several hours discussing our difficulties. Liam and Ethan came down for breakfast and listened in on the chats without saying anything. I resolved not to conceal anything from them. After Peter and Kevin departed, the lads and I had a heart-to-heart conversation. They wanted to remain at home till they completed school. Both of them opted to spend the time with me rather than their mother. I did nothing to damage her reputation or image. I didn't attempt to influence them in any way. It did not seem to matter. The sons and I spent Sunday doing yard work, which appeared to be a never-ending chore. We were attempting to kill time. There was no mention of the family issue during the day. Emily did not call. Kevin contacted to let me know he was released on bail. Sarah had obtained a restraining order against him. It was ironic that the four men who had done nothing wrong were being held responsible for the disaster their wives had produced. Something was incorrect with the whole scenario.

Things didn't improve the following day. I was grateful that Liam and Ethan were old enough to care for themselves. Liam would be departing for college in 3 months and Ethan would leave next year. Adam arrived at the home before I went for work. We went to the cafe together for breakfast and to catch up. "Sarah promised to dismiss the accusations against Adam, provided he agreed to a no fault divorce. He considered it a no-brainer. He planned to start the papers shortly after we finished dining. I was going to have to take action since, in my opinion, the marriage was finished. Each of us had our own concerns to solve, but Adam and I felt a meeting of all four of us would be a good idea. I promised to purchase the pizza, provided they brought the beer."

Work was difficult for me and Elaine, my trusted secretary, attempted to figure out why I didn't return to work Friday afternoon. She dropped it when she noticed I wasn't responding. The main surprise happened soon before noon. "Mr. Archer, my name is Nelson News and I work for the state attorney's office." He was overweight and had severe rosacea. You could see sweat droplets between his receding hair and on his forehead. I chose not to shake his hand. "What can I do for you?" "This is a cease and desist order delivered on behalf of the state. You are thus directed to halt any investigations into the private life of state assemblyman Mark Wallace. Any subsequent incursions will lead to criminal prosecution by the state." He gave me a Manila envelope that clearly contained legal paperwork. "I am sorry, Mr. News, but I was under the notion that Assemblyman Wallace was a public person and hence subject to such queries." "Are you a lawyer, Mr. Archer?" "No." "Then I suggest you read the order and don't make any waves." He smiled sarcastically as he stated this. I reclined back in my chair, smiling back at him. He was uncertain of himself as he went out of the office. I took the remainder of the day off.

The Chicago region has four prominent television stations that service three states. There were three smaller stations in the nearby towns. It took 1 hour to go to Chicago City. Three of the four stations were delighted to learn about the ca sandist order and two of them even recorded interviews with me. I did not hold back and regrettably had to paint my wife with the same brush that I painted Assemblyman Mark Wallace. The TV station that was uninterested in the material was quite liberal and didn't want to upset any Democratic party leaders. I stopped at three smaller stations on the way home, but they had already gotten the information from the wire service. As I parked into my driveway at home, I overheard a talk radio broadcast discussing the assemblyman's affair. I didn't look any further into Mark Wallace's love life, but I did tell everyone what I already knew. He picked the game, and I just consented to participate. Any legal action taken by the state or the assemblyman would only escalate the matter.

Emily had returned home during my absence and removed all of her clothes and personal belongings. She had made her intentions very obvious. She left a letter saying she would be living with her sister indefinitely. I had no option but to stay in the home with the lads which I was happy with. If it wasn't too late ID go to the bank tomorrow. I also needed to consult a lawyer. Liam and Ethan arrived home from school and promptly headed for somewhere else. We got along well, but they wanted to spend time with their pals. Shortly after 5, I received a panicked phone from Emily. She never articulated what she wanted, and she seemed satisfied to rave about how horrible I was for airing our dirty linen in that manner. I attempted to explain what her partner had done to start things off, but she didn't want to listen. Apparently, no matter what the circumstances were, I was to blame for everything. This was starting to be entertaining.

Peter, Adam, and Kevin arrived soon thereafter. I ordered the pizza, and we prepared for a long evening. Martin Foster had vanished, taking the last month's deposits from Super Lens Optical with him. It came to almost $42,000. Because he was the manager, not the owner, the money was not his to keep. Peter was quite certain that Rachel was with him. Peter had canled all of his credit cards, but not before she used one in a hotel in Indiana. He contacted the authorities about the card usage. Adam had gone by the home at 239 Clinton Road and saw it vacant, so he drove by the body shop where Robert Howard had worked. Adam was certain Robert would get a last salary and leave a forwarding address. He said that he was Robert's landlord and wanted to send his rent deposit check to him. They were pleased to offer him the address. As soon as the divorce papers was finished, Adam left for Nitro, Kentucky. We all wish him the best of luck. Kevin wore a foolish little smile as he informed us about Melissa's Volvo vanishing. It had been parked in front of her parents' home in Frackville. The automobile was insured, of course, but the payment exceeded the current evaluated worth. Melissa still hadn't contacted and no one had informed him about the missing automobile. He assured that Kyle Richards would hear from him quickly. I don't know what he did with the automobile. After I summarized everything about Mark Wallace's TV expose, we spoke about how we might aid one other. We decided to call it a night once we ran out of beer. The lads had arrived home before I had finished cleaning up. They were receiving a lot of grief about their mother, which made them unhappy. I didn't know what I could do to aid them.

I never made it to work the following morning. Elaine contacted my mobile phone before I arrived. Some state officials and police officers were waiting for me in the office. She informed them that I will be in Baltimore the remainder of the day. She also informed the personnel office that I was taking a sick day. I spent the remainder of the morning with my lawyer and most of the afternoon at the bank. If any state authorities were searching for me, they did not do a very good job. At 3, I received an unexpected phone call. "Robert Archer, this is Linda Wallace. Actually, it's Mark, but I'll answer anything. What can I do for you?" "Please meet me at Luchiano's in the bar at 5. I will recognize you." "Is there any unique reason?" "I believe we can assist each other. There are no more questions now. I'll see you at 5."

That was entirely unexpected. Id seen images of Linda Wallace on the news and in the paper. She was the driving force behind her weakwilled spouse. She grew up with money and understood how to manage it. I had a peculiar suspicion that Andrew Thompson had overstepped his bounds this time. Linda Wallace always had flawless hair and makeup. She always wore the greatest clothing. High maintenance was coined with her in mind. Maybe Emily wanted to take her place, but Andrew Thompson didn't have the money that Linda had. I went to the home to fetch a clean shirt and tie, but couldn't get in. Two official looking vehicles were parked in front of the residence. She would have to find me sweaty and filthy.

I had no problem locating Linda Wallace at the restaurant. A large goon in a black suit greeted me at the entrance and led me to a very secluded corner booth. "Do you mind if I call you Mark?" "Not at all. My father names me Mark, but he is the only one." The light was faint, but I could see her hair was golden with silver highlights. It was not dyed. She was over 35, but she handled it nicely. Her outfit was simple, a white top with a beige skirt. She was wearing a crystal heart on a silver chain, which appeared to connect the whole image together. "I wanted to thank you for the excellent job you did humiliating my hubby. I couldn't have done better, even if I wanted to. However, I regret the price you had to pay for a lovely spouse. It must be dreadful to learn anything like this. I did not want to disgrace you or your spouse. I would have been satisfied if things had been low-key. I'm afraid your spouse has tugged the wrong rope. I don't handle threats very well."

"I understand. I am not humiliated or ashamed, Mark. If anything, I feel relieved. I was about to chuck the loudmouth, but I couldn't do it without seeming vengeful or shrewish. You fixed the issue for me. Since you were already committed, I hoped we might assist each other." "You want me to be the bad guy so you can get a divorce?" I asked. "Exactly. Can you handle it? How can you assist me with this operation?" "I have three videos of your wife with my spouse. They are of good quality and really explicit. I would gladly provide you copies to use in your divorce if you pledged to make them public in some way." "That'd be a terrible thing to do to my wife. I don't mind screwing up your husband, but I wouldn't do it to my wife, no matter what she did. You could change your mind after seeing them. The chat between Andrew Thompson and your wife on the final clip is unpleasant. Some of the remarks are harmful and harsh. I couldn't believe a lady could be married to a guy for 20 years and yet have such negative feelings about him. They didn't treat me any better. I would appreciate it if you could take my sentiments into consideration while deciding whether or not to release the records. However, the final decision is entirely up to you. They'll trust you to be fair."

Now, I was beginning to feel awful. "Can we have some drinks?" Linda waved her hand and a waiter came out of nowhere. We sat quietly for a few minutes before the beverages came. I was deep in contemplation as she waited impatiently for my answer. I delicately squeezed a wedge of lime into my gin and tonic. Without the lime, it's simply beer and soda. I thought about what she had stated on the recordings. "Okay, he'll do it," I said. It was worthwhile just to watch her eyes light up. Andrew Thompson was a jerk for not realizing what he already had at home. He was a dumb, stupid guy who just tossed his life away. "Mark, I will ensure that you are never longer disturbed by any state or local police authorities. My husband may occupy the job, but he lacks the authority he believes he has." She slid three CDs across the table to me. "Make copies of these and change them as needed. The third features some phone interactions as well. I hope it will be an enjoyable project for you. Please feel free to utilize the internet if you believe it will help. I understand you have two boys, so don't do anything that would humiliate them." "I am not going to embarrass you, am I? I am not in any of the videos. I could get my emotions wounded, but I will not be ashamed."

I had the sensation our encounter was coming to an end. "Will I see you again, Mrs. Wallace?" "Do you believe it is necessary, or is it something you simply want to do?" "I apologize. It was inappropriate for me to say that. It didn't come out as I intended," she admitted, her tone softening. "Oh, now my feelings are hurt." We both grinned. I slipped the CDs into my pocket and stood up to go. "Friday 7 at this table. This time we'll eat. Is this okay?" I grinned and nodded. For some reason, I felt bad. Yet, I enjoyed it.

When I went home, the black automobiles were gone. Liam and Ethan had prepared a supper for us. It was all something they loved, and it wasn't really balanced, but I admired the attempt. Later on, we watched a pay-per-view movie. I remained up all night editing the videos and phone chats that Linda Wallace sent me. The three videos were mostly uninteresting with just brief moments of decent content. She lied about using condoms. What stung the most was seeing Emilis expression while Andrew Thompson sodomized her. The rear door was always off limits to me, but he was able to utilize it for all three tape sessions. She denied it to me, but she clearly loved doing it with him. During a pause, she told him how fortunate he was to receive something she hadn't even shared with her husband. There was also a BJ every time they met. Emily appeared to like giving BJs and was extremely adept at it. The statements that Linda thought would annoy me wounded me terribly. However, some of them seemed phony, as if Emily was telling him what he wanted to hear. Of course, it didn't matter since the findings were identical. At the conclusion of the previous tape, Andrew Thompson was on the phone with a buddy after Emily had left. It was a brief discussion with just one side recorded, but it was important enough that I prepared a second copy to play back for Emily if the occasion required it.

I had to go back to work the following day, and I was exhausted after staying up most of the night. I thanked Elaine for covering for me with a lovely arrangement of daisies, her favorite. By this point, she and everyone else in the building were aware of what was going on. I wasn't sure whether I was being labeled a hero or a chump. One of the TV stations in Chicago agreed to come visit me regarding the sex recordings. This saved me a trip and an afternoon. The TV reporter who picked up the modified CD was thrilled to get it. He was extremely cautious to stress that practically all of it could not be shown on public television. Of course, I completely understood. I casually inquired if the remainder of it may unintentionally wind up being shown someplace else. He grinned, indicating that he understood what I meant without stating it. Since he seemed responsive, I offered him a second CD with even more violent graphics. He shook my hand and promised to take care of everything till I was satisfied.

Liam and Ethan have high enough SAT scores to make college and transfer easy. Ethan had asked for early admission based on his results, which his father was unaware of. He just had to acquire a GED instead of another year of high school. I wasn't happy with the concept, but he put everything up and seemed sure. So now idea of both of them beginning at Penn State simultaneously. I subsequently obtained a second mortgage on the home and paid off both tuitions for 4 years. That depleted all of our funds and the equity Emily and I had in our home. I was now prepared to negotiate the terms of the divorce. My wife wouldn't be pleased. I was falling behind at work. Elaine was doing an excellent job covering for me, but she could not keep it up indefinitely. Emily contacted to complain about her credit cards, which no longer functioned. I used that occasion to inform her that she would have to start using her prepaid mobile phone since I was canceling her normal cell phone. Later that day, that night, I warned the boys that there may be some distressing recordings of their mother on the internet. They were not delighted, but they assured me that I had their full support in whatever I did.

The following morning, Emily waited outside until Liam and Ethan left for school before knocking on the door. She sat at the kitchen table and I handed her a cup of coffee. "Robert, can you stop this? Things are getting out of control. I am terrified to look at the television or even leave the home. I received a story that certain photos were released on many websites. This is not fair, Robert. I know I did something wrong, but I was careful and discreet so that you wouldn't be embarrassed or hurt." "Your endeavor to be cautious did not go well, did it? Do you have any clue how embarrassed you made your sons? I did not do it. You did when you made everything public. You've wrecked everything. I think it would have been better to keep it quiet." "I told you earlier that I would be delighted to do so. But when your boyfriend threatened me, I had to reconsider." "What brought you together with such a terrible individual in the first place?" "He wasn't despicable. He was understanding and kind. You took me for granted. He appreciated me. He complimented me and made me feel good about myself. After being with him, my self-esteem was always high."

It was upsetting to hear my wife explain why she was unfaithful. The unfortunate aspect was that she was absolutely mistaken about his affections for her. I knew it would be harsh, but I believed it was necessary to stop her from living in her dream world. I pulled the little digital playback device from my pocket and put it on the table. "This was a telephone call that Andrew Thompson made to a friend the last time the two of you got together. I'm sorry, but under the circumstances, I feel obligated to play it for you. I don't think it's fair of you to blame me for what you did. For 20 years, I treated you with dignity and respect, yet you threw it away for this person." I pressed the play button and observed her expression as Andrew Thompson began to speak. It was a one-way communication. "Hi, Greg. I'm sorry I'm running late. Fantastic as usual. It's a pleasant way to brighten a gloomy day. I do not think so, buddy. She's fantastic at sex, but I wouldn't be seen in public with her. She's a bomb behind closed doors with the lights turned down, but that's the extent of her abilities. The only reason I still see her is because she has a great curvy physique. I understand, but her face looks like she was assaulted with a cheese grater. Hell, I believe she does her cosmetics with a paintbrush. That's why I usually strive to keep the lights low. I'm not sure whether she's up for a three-way, but I can mention it the next time we meet up. No, that's okay. I should be there in about 20 minutes. Click."

Emily sat silently, gazing straight ahead. She was gazing, not looking at anything in particular. Her eyes seemed to be watering up. I knew the recording had harmed her. Throughout our marriage, I was cautious not to bring up her adolescent acne or the scars and pock marks it left behind. I could never harm her like that. She concentrated her gaze on me. "I didn't need to hear that. What the heck did you expect to achieve by playing that tape? At least I thought I could get out of the whole fiasco with some pleasant memories, but now you even ruined that." "It was great. My wife's boyfriend, Andrew Thompson, disclosed his genuine emotions for her, and she became unhappy with me. I hadn't mentioned your complexion to you or anybody else in 20 years. Yet, you still chose to side with this weasel." I placed the recorder in my pocket and rose to go. When I turned around, she was still seated at the table, gazing straight ahead. "Why the heck did you lie about condoms?" I did not anticipate a response, and I did not get one.

After I arrived to work, I contacted my lawyer and ordered him to send the divorce paperwork as soon as he could. We chose adultery as the cause rather than anything more moderate. Peter phoned and scheduled the lunch meeting. Elaine seemed overconfident since she discovered two websites with footage of my wife with Assemblyman Mark Wallace. I was certain they wouldn't be up for long since they didn't meet any of the privacy criteria, but by the time they were taken down, the damage had been done. According to the local news station, Andrew Thompson was on an impromptu holiday in the Bahamas. There were no press statements available.

Lunch with Peter was intriguing. Rachel and Foster were caught up in Kentucky near Fort Campbell. A local officer was randomly checking outofstate license plates and running them for practice. As fate would have it, Foster's number was the winner. Peter had no clue what was going to happen, but he seemed to be enjoying the scenario at the moment. They phoned him to confirm her identify, but there was no hint that any more action was required on his behalf. Adam rented a vehicle from someplace and drove to Nitro, Kentucky. We had no idea what he was about to do and didn't want to know. Good luck to him. Peter and I hadn't seen or heard from Kevin in many days. The remainder of the day was calm and unremarkable. A realtor buddy of mine was coming over later to take a listing on the property. I didn't need it as the lads prepared to go and I was alone. I was simply hoping that after the real estate fees and closing charges, there would be enough left over so that I didn't have to pay anything out of pocket.

The television news that night was intriguing. A $250,000 motor home seems to have burnt down in the Green Dragon Market parking lot. Kyle Richards, a businessman from Lancaster, owned the motor home. Arson was suspected. I genuinely laughed to myself as I grabbed a drink from the fridge. It was encouraging to see that Kevin wasn't taking this trash lying down. There was a Steven Seagal marathon that evening. Every night featured a Steven Seagal marathon. I checked to ensure that I had enough beer. I didn't know where my boys were.

Friday was a leisurely day at the office, which I welcomed. Emily phoned after lunch concerning the for sale sign in the front yard. I told her she could take whatever furnishings she wanted from the home and wed divide the profits 4240 seconds. She did not oppose the selling of the residence. I believe she recognized at this moment that there was no turning back. She had no clue Ethan was receiving early entrance to college. That anecdote led me to believe that the boys were not communicating with their mother. She phoned again later that afternoon when she received the divorce papers. I assured her that we could chat the following day. She seems dissatisfied with the reasons listed on the applications.

I was looking forward to dinner that evening. Linda Wallace remained in the same seat as the previous time I saw her. This time, however, she seemed beautiful as always. Her hair and makeup were flawless, and the outfit she wore was both suitable for the occasion and attractive. As I moved up to the table, I realized I was eyeing her out. "I didn't see your assistant when I walked in." "I told you his daughter has a piano recital tonight, so I gave him the evening off. You could have to give me a ride home later, so limit your drinking." For some reason, it seemed like an invitation, which was odd given that the woman knew so little about me. "I don't think a little wine will hurt," I said. "Mark, do you have a preference?" "Am not a wine connoisseur, but I would be happy with a rose if they have it." "How utilitarian. This could end up being a cheap date for me," she said. A few seconds later, we were enjoying a cool bottle of Lancers. I sipped little and grinned. "Since it's a date, as you said, then I'm afraid I will feel obligated to pick up the tab." "Please, please don't order the lobster," she said, laughing.

The discussion remained light and nice for the most of the evening. Lindo once remarked that it might aid her divorce if she could get a statement from Emily Archer's lawyer attesting to the affair. I agreed to chat with her about it. We never ordered another bottle of wine, instead switching to coffee. Linda did not order lobster, therefore I ended up paying for the evening. I drove her home and led her to the door. She did not welcome me in, but I received a short kiss on the cheek. She didn't object. Everything finished flawlessly, just as it started. I like myself and her company. On the drive home, I found myself trying to figure out how I might see her again.

Liam and Ethan were just finishing breakfast when Emily arrived. Liam and Ethan try to be nice to their mother, but it didn't go well. They both stepped outdoors and a few minutes later, the lawn mower interrupted the morning silence. "What can I do for you, Emily?" I inquired, going straight to the issue. "It's the terms of the divorce. I wondered if I might persuade you to modify them to something less explicit. You dislike the phrase infidelity. I know it's fully justified and you have every right to use it, but I would feel better if you could mellow it out a little." That didn't make sense since the media exposed it to the whole world. "I will make you a bargain. If you deliver a statement to Linda Wallace's lawyer admitting to the affair with her husband, they'll modify."

It to anything you want. How did you become involved in Linda Wallace's divorce? Why is anything like that significant to you?

My relationship with Linda was quite informal and entirely business, but I still felt a bit bad explaining it to Emily after what she had done. My hesitation made no sense, but I suppose I still felt married and had to be loyal. I recognized that was a ridiculous quality to hang on to.

Linda Wallace called me to ask if I could help her collect material for her divorce. She sent me the footage of you with Andrew Thompson. Emily began to cry after hearing about the videos. She wasn't totally weeping, just whimpering. I gave her a paper napkin to clean her face. Caroline and I viewed some of them online. It was dreadful. They didn't have the courtesy to cover my face. Thank god they didn't reveal my identity or where we lived. How do you suppose I felt?

I realized that seems heartless, but I hadn't considered how any of this would affect you or the boys. I became apprehensive after learning about the recordings. I believe it basically means you don't feel awful about what you did, but about being caught. I hate to admit that, but it is probably correct. I can't reverse what I did, and you'll never be able to put things right again.

When I refilled her coffee cup, she wiped her face again. Mark, I apologize for the things I did in the videos. I am sad you had to witness them. What I don't get is why you do things with him that you wouldn't with me. It hurts to watch you give away what you denied me. It felt as if you loved him more than you did me. Tears were beginning to fall now. I didn't want to offend her this way, but I felt she drove the discussion in that direction.

Surprisingly, I didn't feel terrible for harming her. He was wealthy and powerful, and I felt compelled to satisfy him. I didn't love him, but I did want to be with him. I know I'm neither gorgeous or statuesque, so I figured I could make him happy by giving him good sex. I was desperate, so I tried things with him that ID never done before. They were filthy, disgusting things that I would be ashamed to do with you. I'm sorry that I can't undo it.

I placed my cup in the sink. I did not want any more coffee. I think I just didn't want to drink any more coffee with Emily. I pulled a business card from the fridge for Linda Wallace's lawyer and gave it to her. She got the hint and headed out the door. Actually, Emily, what you said on the videos wounded me more than what you did together. You made comments about me and our connection that I will remember forever. It seems that nothing was protected from your rhetorical attack. You weren't pleased with my looks, my employment, my capacity to provide for you or our sexual relationship. In your eyes, there seems to be nothing I could have done. The divorce will be a huge relief for you. You'll finally get rid of your worthless hubby. Mark, please. It wasn't that way. Sorry, Emily. Goodbye.

She was still weeping on the porch as I closed the door and turned away. The lawn mower came to a halt as her automobile moved out of the driveway. Liam and Ethan entered and each grabbed a cold Coke. Will you give us an update or will we continue to be treated like mushrooms? Liam was attempting to be adorable while yet conveying his message. Your mother was upset because I was getting a divorce for adultery. She asked if I could edit it so she didn't appear like a 304. I hope you didn't agree. Ethan said she's your mother. Liam, have a little compassion. They both glanced at me, little disappointed. They stepped back out onto the yard and the lawnmower started screaming again.

Ethan was no longer required to attend school since he had received his GED. Liam still had to go, but merely to acrewue attendance days. He had already fulfilled all of the graduation requirements. Ethan took advantage of the opportunity to supplement his income by working for a neighborhood landscaper. They liked tormenting each other about their circumstances. Liam got to view the attractive females at school while Ethan earned some money. Things were calming down a bit.

Somehow Kyle Richard's wife discovered why his motor home burnt down. Kyle worked as a salesman at the Volvo dealership and married the owner's daughter. He didn't own anything. She did. It didn't take long for the wheels to begin spinning when his wife received a suspicious box in the mail. K would be out on the street with no job, wife, or time. Melissa was still living with her parents. Kevin has not attempted to contact her since filing for divorce.

Adam returned from Kentucky with a pleased expression on his face. He made sure that Sarah received a copy of the newspaper item outlining Robert Howard's injuries from an unprovoked assault over the weekend. Mr. Howard informed the police that three males jumped him when he was leaving his house for no apparent reason. In truth, it was one angry spouse with a baseball bat. Sarah ended up canceling the divorce filing, but Adam offered no assurances either way. Peter had divorce papers served on Rachel while she was in custody in Clarksville. He placed everything in his storage and relocated to Pensacola. I never learned what happened to Rachel after Peter departed. I didn't care.

I was eating lunch with Linda many times a week and we generally ate in the evening. One Saturday night, there was no romantic or sexual activity, just excellent company. After a time, there was no mention of the infidelity or the imminent divorce. We did however discuss Andrew Thompson, mostly because he never returned from the Bahamas or wherever he went. It seems that he had a special agreement with certain shady business people to franchise the state motor vehicle inspection company. Large quantities of money changed hands and many individuals requested to speak with Mr. Thompson.

Linda had shown an interest in meeting Liam and Ethan, but I was hesitant. There was simply too much potential for someone to convert a good connection into something wrong. My other club members all seemed to have overcome their marital troubles well. I felt like mine was still in the air. That shifted in ways I hadn't expected. Ethan obtained authorization from me to enroll Liam in summer session courses. Liam was able to get his graduation without having to complete the year. He would miss the graduation festivities, but both boys would be able to begin college sooner. Ethan seemed to be developing into a skilled negotiator. I took some time off from work to assist with their relocation to university.

Now I was alone. I didn't recall leaving a light on in the home when I left and I was surprised to discover a portly guy sitting in my living room. He had a Fosters in one hand and my first edition book of The Big Kill in the other. For some reason, I wasn't shocked. The beer was from my refrigerator and the book was from my library. He seemed confident and at ease as he acknowledged my presence. Good evening, Mr. Archer. I hope you don't mind that I relaxed a bit while I waited for your return. I suppose you guys have adjusted in well. I always like reading Mickey's Spain. Do you believe his first five were the best? My invader dawned a blue blazer and a gray turtleneck top. He looked like he belonged at a country club, not my home room. A pair of bif focals rested under the bridge of his nose.

Without responding, I exited the room to get my own drink. When I returned, Head placed the book on the side table. I sat across from him and gave him the longest, meanest gaze. He grinned and seemed extremely comfortable. My name is Roger Marshall. Linda Wallace is my only daughter. She needs some assistance right now. And from what I can see, you are the only one who can help her. Now I understood what genuine money looked like. Anyone who admired Mike Hammer and Australian loggers couldn't be completely negative. I am all ears. Mr. Marshall, please continue.

Several groups of people are seeking for my daughter's spouse. Unfortunately, some of them are not so nice. I had to move Linda to a secure location and needed someone to look after her. Someone you can trust. I thought she had someone on her payroll to handle that. Not anymore, he said, shaking his head. I will not bother to explain. When I say look over her, I do not imply that she must be physically safeguarded. She needs more friendship and comfort. According to what she has told me, you were the best guy for the position. Roger Marshall smiled slightly as he narrated the scenario. I wasn't sure whether I felt anxious or relaxed about it. "What exactly did you have in mind?" "I just need you to hold her hand for a week or two," he added, setting his empty beer bottle on the side table and carefully laying it on the napkin he had spread there. "Where is she now?" "Ustate Chicago. I own a tiny lodge on a secluded portion of the cheesy river. If it was any more north, it would be in Canada. I have a job to go to. You are on paid vacation for two to three weeks beginning today. Everything has been taken care of." Roger Marshall did not seem to have any misgivings about the agreement. He seemed assured, as if he had been in circumstances like this before.

Could you just explain again why you chose me? Mr. Marshall seems hesitant to answer at first. After some movement in his seat, he seemed to be ready. I made a huge mistake a few years ago by basically forcing Linda to marry Andrew Thompson. I saw him as a promising political figure and thought Head make an excellent spouse for my daughter. She didn't love him and first opposed my idea. Unfortunately, I nagged her until she caved in. I messed up her life and do not want it to happen again. Why do you believe I am any better? I inquired genuinely intrigued. She chose you. I am in no position to dispute with her.

I picked up the two empty beer bottles and headed toward the kitchen. Nothing more for me, Mark. I've already had two or three beers and I pee in bed. He laughed, making light of the situation. I returned with a fresh long neck in my hand. How can I discover this location? He dug into his pocket and gave me a little portable GPS gadget. The coordinates have already been entered into it. You won't need it until you get north of Platsburg. Just in case, I have a map for you, too. I sat there staring at the GPS while Roger Marshall stood up to go. Take the book with you if you like, he told you. Thanks, but I've read it three times already. How soon can you leave? It'll be out of here before sunrise. I finished my drink as he went out the door. I had no clue where he had parked his automobile. I needed a shower and a nice night of sleep.

The following morning, I was nearly at Bingmpington when my mobile phone began ringing. Hi, Mark. This is Caroline. Where are you now? I had trouble getting a call through. I'm on a little road trip. What can I do for you? Emily is disappeared. I have not seen or heard from her since yesterday morning. I was hoping you knew something. Sorry, Caroline, but I was up at State College with the lads all day yesterday. I have no clue where she may be. She hasn't phoned for a long, Mark. I'm not sure what to do. Can you come over to our house? I do not think so. Am now at Chicago State and heading up to Champlain. They'll be up here for at least a week, perhaps longer. Have you notified the police? Yes, they will arrive soon. I was hoping you would be here to speak with them. I don't have any ideas that might assist. You've been closer to Emily in recent weeks, so you presumably know more about where she is and what she's up to than I do. Don't get me wrong, I am concerned about what has occurred to her, but I am unable to provide much aid. They'll call you when the cops have left. They'll probably give them your cell phone number. Is this okay? Not a problem. Thank you for the call. I'm sorry I can't assist.

I spent the next few hours reflecting about the life Emily and I had together. For some reason, I found myself reflecting on times when I had questions about her faithfulness. It was never anything substantial. I recall feeling envious when she chatted to male friends for extended periods of time at parties or other occasions. I found myself thinking about some of the minor vacations mom had with her female friends over the years. Given the previous incidents, I began to suspect that there may have been additional affairs that I was too young to notice at the time. I scolded myself for being so gullible and naive. A steaming cup of Mickey Diaz coffee revived my senses. I did not cheat. She did. Leave it there, I thought to myself.

The phone rang many times just north of Saratoga Springs, but the reception was insufficient to have a conversation. I chose not to worry about it and simply carried on. The resort that Roger Marshall sent me to was located further west than Chey. The GPS was a great assistance. In fact, I doubt I would have located the location without it. The west branch of the Chey River was all boulders and white water. It was great to drive along as the sun sank. In my imagination, I saw a natural rainbow under each rock. I hoped to find some fishing gear at my location. Naturally, I missed my turn. The GPS quickly informed me of my mistake. I had to go at least a/4 mile down a hard packed dirt road before I noticed the location. It was a stone lodge with a large porch that stretched across the front. With the availability of rocks in the region, it was clear why stone was selected overwood. The lodge situated on a tiny hill approximately 100 ft from the river. When I opened the vehicle door, the first thing I heard was the sound of running water. The second thing was Linda standing in the lodge's entryway, illuminated by the light from the chamber behind her. I assumed she was waiting for the sound of the automobile on the gravel or to see the headlights. I was gratified that she was eager to meet me. I was pleased to see her. She waited on the porch like a joyful young girl as I carried my things up. I had to put them down as she wrapped her arms around my neck and gave me a strong bear hug. It would have been the perfect moment for a proper kiss, but we both backed away slightly, ashamed. Prior to that, she had hot chili on the stove and chilled beer in the refrigerator. It was the ideal finale to a hard day.

Linda and I spoke for many hours. I was still trying not to be too forward. I loved Linda, but we were both married and I was a bit new to the romance game. The guest room was comfortable, but the main bedroom might have been finer. Tomorrow, I have to push myself to be more daring. I awoke to the aroma of sausage and biscuits. Linda waited until I presented myself with a whiskered face before beginning the eggs. She was bright and cheery, and it looked like she acquired the majority of her apparel from LLBAN. It fit her far better than the costly clothing she wore in the city. She was pleased of the Quint jelly, which she had cooked herself, and I had to agree it was tasty. When the first pot of coffee was finished, I used it as an excuse to take a shower and shave. I felt comfortable enough to chat to her all morning. The remainder of the morning was spent roaming about the property. There were several hundred acres that were rather remote. On one side, the river created the boundary, while on the other, it served as the major route. I had never seen so many boulders in my life. It seemed like a glacier had stopped to rest there a million years ago. After lunch, Linda showed me to a tiny room filled with fishing gear. Her eyes brightened as she noticed my delight. 2 weeks would not be long enough. I attempted numerous times to reach Caroline from my mobile phone, but was unsuccessful. The lodge has power, but no telephone. Linda said that this was how her father intended it. Who could argue with such logic?

While Linda completed a few minor home tasks, I inventoried and investigated the equipment area. I didn't have a Chicago fishing license, but Roger Marshall graciously left his fishing vest with a license attached. I didn't think a fish and game warden would be interested in inspecting this stretch of private water, but it couldn't hurt to win. I chose an ancient bamboo fly rod with deteriorated eyes for my evening project. The rod was at least 42 years old, and the majority of the glass eyes were fractured or missing. It was ideal for what I wanted. The ancient Mitchell spinning reel I unearthed required a thorough cleaning and lubrication. In the corner lay a broken spinning rod with exactly the proper eyelets. I was looking forward to tomorrow. The spaghetti meal that Linda prepared that night was wonderful. The only thing lacking was some freshlymade Italian bread. I compensated for the loss of bread by drinking a second beer. Even though it was July, we decided to start a fire. It was chilly enough to keep us comfortable, and I must confess, it felt romantic. It just took me a few hours to attach the spinning eyeballs on my bamboo fly rod. Because I was prepared for the following day, I was able to spend the remainder of the evening with Linda in front of the fire. We had fun attempting to operate her vintage popcorn popper. I believe we burnt more than half of it, but we had a lot of fun. Linda gazed at me as the fire began to burn down. "You're not going to leave me sleeping alone again. Are you?" she remarked, smirking. "Needless to say, I missed the early morning fishing." By the time we got out of bed, it was too late for breakfast. We ate omelets for lunch. Or was it brunch? I was astounded that we were as agreeable in bed as we were at the dinner table. Linda urged that I go fishing after lunch. She stated she needed to relax. It was comforting to know that Andrew Thompson had taught Linda the same bedroom techniques that he had taught Emily. I hate to confess it, but I'm an illegal fisherman. I spent 20 minutes gathering larve from the bottom of stream pebbles to use as bait. The fish couldn't get enough of them. The state did not allow them. In less than an hour, I had four lovely ladies for dinner. We ate fresh fish and homemade fries. Linda also brought out the mattis rose which she had brought especially for the occasion. Things didn't get much better than this. Id forgotten about my vanished wife.

After 5 days of perfect pleasure, I thought it was time for a little vacation to Platsburg. We ate some hamburgers and fries. We received a mobile phone signal, so I was able to contact Caroline. Emily was now a guest of the FBI. Caroline knew nothing more than that. I honestly didn't care. I phoned the lawyer and found out that the divorce was on track and that no complications were expected. The real estate agent was glad to inform me that we had made an offer on the property, but he was disappointed since it was unable to get acceptance signatures. I promised to come the following day to sign the paperwork, but I was unsure how they would get Emila's signature. I was about to go back to Ohio the following morning when Linda informed me that it would not be required. We traveled to the Platsburg airport where a private jet awaited us. I had no clue how she had arranged for the plane or even that it would be there. 2 hours later, we arrived home. It must be great to have a wealthy father. I took care of a few minor details while Linda went to see her father. 3 hours later, we were on our way home, or should I say to the lodge. Linda grabbed a couple more bottles of wine, a case of Fosters, and some new underwear, but I couldn't figure out why. Still, it was nice to be back at the lodge. It seemed like a place where I really belonged.

Two weeks later, Roger Marshall arrived. He had somehow gained access to my final divorce decree. I was officially a free man. He also gave me a death certificate for Andrew Thompson, who seems to have drowned in the shallow seas of Monteo Bay. Nobody understood how or why he wound up there, but it was evident that the FBI had no more need for Emily. She was back living with Caroline. Mr. Marshall had arranged for the storage of all of the houses furnishings and valuables. I didn't know whether Emily had claimed any of it. My former employment would still be waiting for me if I ever choose to return. But for the time being, I was looking forward to the serenity of winter along the west branch of the cheesy river. Thank you for watching. What do you think? Was justice served? Please share your opinions in the comments and don't forget to like and subscribe for