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The Ties That Bind Ch. 01

By: Blue88



(My thanks to the Troubador whose outstanding story HILDY planted the seed from which this grew.)

*

You know, after over 10 years of marriage, a couple gets to know each other quite well. I thought that I knew Shelly well, her every mood, every emotion, every facet of her personality. Oh, there were times during our years together when she would be moody and irritable, but Shelly wasn't a devious person, at least I didn't think so. She was very open with everyone. I knew what made her happy and what made her angry, but I was now at a loss as to with whom I was living . Shelly had changed.

Oh, it wasn't a sudden, overnight thing, it seemed to happen rather gradually over the past few months, I guess. She had become a bit withdrawn, a bit.... petulant, and quick to anger. The easy going disposition that I was used to had gradually disappeared. Little things annoyed her, she was quick now to point out my deficiencies and shortcomings. I really tried to control my impatience with her, I bit my tongue. Everytime I tried to get her to sit down and have a talk with me about what was bothering her,she would snap at me and tell me to examine my own behavior. Huh?? 

Don't misunderstand , she wasn't like that all of the time. Her behavior was rather erratic. Some days she was the kind, sweet woman I had married , and then there were days, too many days, when she did a turnaround and became someone I just didn't know. It seemed that those infrequent times when Shelly would be moody and irritable were cropping up with increasing frequency now. It appeared that she was struggling with her own demons, demons that she refused to share . 

Let me back up a bit and give you some background. My name is David Lannister and , at present, I am an associate professor of Political Science at a large university in a northeast city. I met Shelly about 11 years ago at a large, center city hotel. I was charged with setting up a conference of visiting instructional personnel and paid speakers from universities in the Northeast. I was working with two of the hotel's executives. Bob Fallow seemed a pleasant and competent fellow and we got fairly well, despite what I sensed was a bit of crassness. The other associate was a woman named Shelly Naylor and while she was courteous and well qualified for the job, she was also a bit aloof and cool in her manner.

She did intrigue me though. Physically she was very attractive. Tall at about 5' 7", about 4 inches shorter than I, and built....... well, put together very nicely. She wore her blonde hair rather short and her makeup very understated. I guessed, correctly it turned out, that she was around 28 or 29 years old. It was 28. Bob noticed my interest and laughingly told me to forget it - she was unavailable.

"What? Is she married or engaged?" I queried?

"Nope," replied Bob. "She's divorced, has been for about 3 years now. Her bad luck, she married a prick, a real cheating louse. She finally caught him and kicked his ass out. Since her divorce she seems to have lost all interest in men. Far as I know, she doesn't date and has no social life. I've been trying to hit on her for almost a year with zero success. I understand she's been seeing a shrink, but that could be a rumor.

"Tell you what, Dave. I'll get our assignments shifted, you'll now work with her most of the time on this conference. See how far you get with her, it'll be interesting." He then laughed and punched me lightly on the arm.

I protested, but not all that forcibly and the next days saw Shelly and I spending quite a bit of time together. She was very proper and always addressed me as Dr. Lannister. I followed her lead, she was always Ms Naylor, until one day she came rushing up to me, breathless....

"David, David, we have a problem. One of your guest speakers called and left a message. He can't make the conference due to illness in his family. Can you get someone else?"

"Hmmm, David, David?" I mused. "No problem, Ms Naylor. I do have someone I can call. It will just take a few minutes to get him on the phone and up to speed. Nothing to worry about," I reassured her. Shelly colored as she realized her "slip. "Oh, that's great, Dr. Lannister. I'm glad that problem's taken care of so easily." She turned and strode off as I smiled to himself

Well, to make a long story short, we became comfortable with each other and my very reserved and proper manner caused her to view me as no threat. Actually, I didn't really have to do much acting. I was by nature a rather withdrawn and introspective type of person, but I made efforts to be a bit more expansive and outgoing when with Shelly. Working together created situations where we would have lunch and that led naturally to dinners. We "dated" even after the conference ended and it wasn't long before we both realized that there was a growing affection (even love perhaps) developing. I was nuts about her and I knew that she cared for me.

It was at a small, intimate restaurant a couple of months after the end of the conference that Shelly unburdened herself to me. I remember her turning to me in the circular booth we shared and taking me hand said she had something to say .

"David, I guess we both know that what we have is something more than friendship. No, no, please - don't say anything yet. Let me explain something to you. I was a real daddy's girl, I loved him so much. My mother divorced him when I was little because he cheated on her and he disappeared from my life. I was heartbroken. You also know that I have been married and have been divorced over three years now. My husband's adultery devastated me. I became seriously depressed which required the help of a psychiatrist to overcome and I was in therapy for almost two years. I understand now what happened to me and I also knew that I had to overcome this deep distrust I had for all men.

"I have rebuffed any overtures from guys coming on to me, but you have been so kind, so patient, so compassionate that I have come to respect you, trust you and, yes, even love you. David, please understand that my psyche is still fragile, so if you just view our relationship as friendship, let me know now."

Shelly looked at me with unshed tears glistening in her eyes and my heart went out to her. I leaned over slowly and we shared their first real kiss. It wasn't that passionate; it was rather gentle but certainly not a kiss of friendship. I also professed his love for her and it wasn't long before we married. 

********************

Ourr life together was almost idyllic. We loved and respected each other and found that we were able to share their thoughts and emotions freely without fear or uncertainty. We also discovered that despite our efforts,(and they were herculean) we couldn't seem to get pregnant. We were both tested, everything checked out ok, but still, it didn't happen. We were both rather disappointed, but adapted and accepted the fact that we may have to grow old together without offspring. I was a bit surprised that Shelly wasn't more upset than she seemed. 

Ourr sex life was not remarkable. While neither of us were wildly adventurous, we both enjoyed a variety of positions as well as oral foreplay. After the first tumultuous months of having sex almost daily, we had settled down and did enjoy each other at least two or three times a week. We did get a kick out of an erotic story internet site we had discovered. I found that Shelly enjoyed many of the stories on that site and we would check every few days to discover if our favorite authors had submitted something new. Many of the stories had outrageous plots and we howled about that. It looked like some of the authors had let their imaginations run riot. Kinky? Perhaps, but that was about as kinky as we got, and there were no discussions about swinging, threesomes, etc. We really had a rather staid, ordinary sex life, but it was very fulfilling for us. 

Our careers had moved ahead also. I had moved up from assistant professor and was now associate professor and was also acting assistant to the head of the department. Shelly also had done well and was now the manager of the hotel. Ironically, Bob Fallow was her senior assistant manager. Bob appeared to be a good fellow and never seemed to resent Shelly's elevation. This is based on what Shelly had told me and the little contact I had with him. Shelly and I also took advantage of the spa and pool at the hotel. Many times Bob would join us, relaxing around the pool or the two of us in the steam room.

In fact, Bob and I got to be fairly friendly although we never socialized outside of work. We had bumped into one another at a conference in NYC a few months ago. I was a guest speaker and Bob was at a training session at the same hotel. We had drinks and shot the breeze. I never detected any animosity or jealousy regarding Shelly's elevation to manager. He took it in stride stating that his turn will come. We talked about his wife, Carol, and their two young daughters. I told him I envied him his family, although I wasn't really envious. In the couple of days we were there, I really had the opportunity to meld with him in a social setting and found him to be a somewhat pleasant and amiable fellow.

******************** 

We were doing well financially. Our combined income was well into six figures which allowed us to purchase a town house in center city and not far from where we worked. It took only a matter of minutes for either of us to get to our jobs and we appreciated that propinquity. We furnished our home comfortably and enjoyed what center city had to offer in terms of theater, restaurants, symphony, etc.. 

All in all, life was good - it was very good, or at least it had been, until a few months ago. I was now beginning to feel that we were drifting apart. It has gotten so bad that we now tended to avoid each other. I tried to stay at school later than I had to and Shelly more often than not seemed to have crises that required her presence. It was apparent that our marriage was in trouble and I didn't have the slightest idea of what was wrong or what to do to about it. I tried to talk to Shelly, I really did, but all I got were angry responses or evasions. I also realized that it had been well over a month since they had made love (or was it well over two?) or had any kind of physical contact.

Then I had an idea. I knew that Bob Fallow spent a lot of time with Shelly at work. I thought that perhaps he could give me some idea about what was eating her and if her moodiness was evident at work also. I called and asked him to meet me for drinks after work.

********************

"I think I know what you're talking about, Dave. I have noticed that Shelly seems preoccupied and a bit withdrawn. Oh, she handles the job well, she's very good at that, but...... it certainly is evident that she has something on her mind," Bob responded after I had voiced my concerns to him.

"My advice," he continued, "is to just keep your distance from her and wait until she decides to tell you what's bugging her. Trying to get her to talk to you may just exacerbate the situation. Eventually she has to get this off her chest, and then you can deal with it. Just put up with her mood until then."

We spoke for a few more minutes and then parted. I gave Bob's advice a bit of thought, but it was apparent to me that Fallow's opinion was just the opposite of what my head was telling me. I really didn't think that our relationship could take too much more of the tension that was becoming palpable in our household. On my way home I came to a decision; We were going to have it out. Either she would come clean and tell me what was going wrong, or I was going to suggest a trial separation. One way or the other, we were going to resolve this and the sooner the better.

The next day I was notified by the Dean that I was needed to represent the department in a one day conference in Pittsburgh. The staff member who was going had gotten ill suddenly and I was asked to sub for him. I would be leaving the next morning. In a way, I was relieved; my confrontation with Shelly would have to wait until I returned.

I told my wife that evening that I would be leaving the next morning and would be back the following day. She stook still for a moment and then turned and literally leered at me. "Now isn't that wonderful - another little conference, is it."

I could see her face contort with bitterness and contempt. What the hell was going on with her? 

"You have yourself a wonderful time, honey," she cooed sarcastically. "Make sure that you take plenty of vitamins with you. You know, to keep up your strength. But you've given me an idea - maybe I'll arrange a little conference of my own," and with that she turned and almost ran up to our bedroom. I could hear the door slam and lock.

I stood there, totally stunned. At the moment I truly thought that perhaps she was losing her marbles - was she becoming psychotic? Fortunately, I had already packed a bag and didn't need anything from our bedroom. I slept in the guest room that night and left early in the morning before she arose. It was too early for my flight, but I really didn't want to face her again. I was beginning to believe that our marriage was broken without too much hope for it's future. I knew that I would have to sit her down and have that "conversation" when I returned. The results of that conversation would result in either a new beginning or an ending. 

The day away from town and Shelly was draining for me. It was all I could do to concentrate on the proceedings and I totally collapsed as soon as I had a chance to return to my room. I had no appetite and decided to skip dinner. I couldn't hold anything down anyway. My mind was a mass of chaotic thoughts and I made decisions and then changed them almost immediately. It was about three in the morning when I suddenly came to the realization that my marriage was over. I didn't know why or how it happened, but I knew that I couldn't continue living as I had. I knew that Shelly would be at work when I returned, but I decided to stay home, not go into work, and just wait for her. One way or the other, I had to get out of this asylum. 

The plane landed on time and I headed home. I busied myself around the house packing. Yeah, there was little doubt that I was going to leave. I really had no hope that Shelly would finally open up. I really didn't know her any longer; I was living with a total stranger. This was a person I really did want to get away from. I had most of my personal effects in the back seat of my car and most of my clothing packed in three large suitcases which I had stowed in the trunk. Now all I had to do was to wait.

Shelly entered the house a little before six. She saw me sitting in the living room and she stopped and stared.

"Sit down, Shelly," I said softly. 

She recognized the coldness in my voice and the intensity of my gaze. She moved slowly to a chair and sat.

"It's over, Shelly. I no longer wish to live like this. Either you tell me what's gnawing at you, or I'll leave without any further discussion. It's up to you."

I saw the grimace on her face. She stared at me and I saw the hatred in her eyes. I had to catch my breath. What had I done to warrant such animosity, such loathing? It was then that I finally realized that there was no hope left.

"You rotten, lying bastard. Leaving? You want to leave? Hah, don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out. If I never see you again it'll be too soon, you cheating, adulterous sonofabitch. Go fuck your girlfriends and I hope that you get a disease and your dick falls off." she snarled.

"You're all the same, just like my father and my bastard ex-husband. You're all cheating pricks and I was crazy to have ever believed anything different," 

I sat there, my mouth agape, totally shocked. Cheating? Adulterous? I really thought that she had turned the corner and was out of her mind. 

"SHUT THE FUCK UP," I roared as I rose and stood over her. "How dare you accuse me of cheating, you brain dead bitch." I was totally outraged. I saw her cower into the chair.

"I have loved you since I first met you and I never, EVER had any inclination to cheat. I don't know what wild hair you've got up your ass, but I think you should see some mental health specialist because I know that you're nuts and you need help. But you won't get it from me. I have had it with you. You've been making my life miserable for months and you hadn't the decency to confront me sensibly and talk things out. You just assumed the worst and fed off your bile. That's the trust you had in me and our marriage? Fuck you, I don't need your shit anymore. Get someone else to be your doormat."

Before I turned and stormed out, I saw a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes and the start of tears, but by then I was unmoved. I was so totally pissed that I just slammed the door behind me, got in my car and drove away.

I had recognized the probable outcome of our "talk" and had already made prior arrangements. I headed to the Extended Day's Inn where I had reserved a suite. I would look for an apartment as soon as possible and I would phone Kyle Cooper, my lawyer and surrogate father, the next day. Let's not kid ourselves, I knew this day was coming. 

A few words are necessary here in regard to Lyle and Millie Cooper. Lyle had been my dad's partner in the law firm of Lannister and Cooper. When my parents died in a small plane crash, Lyle and his wife Millie took me in. I was 16 years old and an emotional mess. They became my best friends and lavished the love and affection on me for which a young teen yearns. They saved my sanity, nurtured me and saw me safely into college and adulthood. They also loved Shelly and had no hint concerning the problems we were having. I really didn't look forward to that conversation.

I was still steaming as I lugged my bags into my new living quarters and flopped on the bed, trying to empty my mind and slow my respiration. Cheating? Shit, she is truly a basket case and there is now nothing more I wanted than to be free of her. Damn, how could a smart, knowledgeable woman go from sanity to nutsdom in a few months? I couldn't figure it out, and right now I didn't want to.

********************

I saw Lyle a couple of days later and laid out the situation. He looked at me with shock on his face.

"Dave, are you sure that you haven't made a mountain out of a molehill? It's hard to understand why Shelly should have changed so dramatically." I reassured him that everything I had just told him was the honest truth. I went into detail concerning my life the past few months and the emotional distress I had experienced. He asked me to please take a couple of days to reconsider and then we would talk again. I knew that Millie would soon be on the phone wanting to speak with me. She called me the same day and we had a long conversation. She pleaded for me to let some time go by before I decided on a course of action, but my mind was made up. Yeah, ok, maybe I was being stubborn and unreasonable, but I really had had it. 

I asked Lyle to begin divorce proceedings a few days later and also managed to find a small, one bedroom apartment close to school. It was far from lavish, but it would suit my needs. I visited my ex-home, after making sure that Shelly was not there, and had gathered together the rest of my stuff - there really wasn't all that much. I tried to immerse myself in my work - I was in the process of finishing my second text on the political ramifications of the first World War as well as teaching the few classes I had in the mornings. I kept myself busy and tried not to think about the chaos of my personal life. 

Yeah, yeah, I missed Shelly. Not the harridan she had turned into, but the sweet and kind woman I had married. I knew that I loved that person; I didn't know the person I had been living with the past few months. 


The Ties That Bind Ch. 01



********************

A few weeks after my final confrontation with Shelly, I got a call from Lyle. "David, we have a problem. Can you get over to my office this afternoon?"

I shook my head, what now? I agreed and saw myself entering his office door around 3:30 that afternoon. Lyle was a good guy, kind, patient and understanding. He was well over 60 now, tall and still had his hair, although it was now salt and pepper gray. He rose, shook my hand and motioned me to a seat.

Without any preamble he began. "Dave, Shelly won't agree to a divorce. She says she'll fight it. You led me to believe that this was a mutual agreement." Lyle looked at me with a question in his eyes. I sat there, surprised. That Shelly would not agree to a divorce really stunned me; I had supposed she would be ecstatically happy about that. Why the hell was she fighting it? What was she trying to do? Was this another way of making me miserable? I remembered our last conversation and the hatred in her eyes. That could very well be the reason for her intransigence. She wanted me to agonize over this, she wanted to make the whole process as messy as she could.

"David, please keep a clear head. Don't come to any conclusions at this moment. Millie wants you to come over again tonight for dinner. No, no, I don't want to hear any excuses - you'll be there or you'll hear from Millie," Lyle smiled, talking any sting out of his words.

I was at the Cooper's as promised and we enjoyed a pleasant dinner despite the underlying tension concerning my separation from Shelly. After dinner we gathered in the living room when Millie broke the ice.

"David, I have to tell you that I had invited Shelly to have lunch with me here at the house. She was reluctant, but agreed. David, Shelly is a mess. She finally admitted that she loves you still, but she cannot get over your infidelity; it's tearing her apart."

Goddamnit, there it is again. I fought to control my anger and saw Kyle and Millie gazing at me expectantly. "Millie, I swear to you on everything I hold dear, I have NEVER been unfaithful to Shelly in either thought or deed. I loved that woman with every fibre of my being and even the thought of cheating sickens me. I have to believe that Shelly is mentally ill and this is a manifestation of that illness. I think that she needs help," I snapped.

"David, if Shelly needs help then why are you here? Why are you not at home giving her that help as her loving husband?" Millie asked softly.

I sat there, exasperated. "I've tried. I've tried again and again. I did everything that I could to get her to confide in me, to talk to me rationally. Nothing that I said worked. Millie, you would have been shocked at the hatred in her eyes when she accused me. It scared the hell out of me. I've reached the end of my rope, I really have. I just can't handle it anymore." Kyle saw that I was losing it and interrupted. "Okay, David. Relax now. Let me get you a drink, I think that you could use one."

Millie came to me, leaned over and kissed my cheek. "I'm truly sorry, David. I really didn't mean to upset you so. It's just that I'm so sad to see this happening to such good people."

She stood there, pensive for a moment, and then shook her head. "I just don't understand it. There has to be a reason why Shelly is so certain that you were unfaithful. I just couldn't get her to tell me why."

********************

Two days later I was sitting at my desk in what was now my home when the phone rang. I absently picked up the receiver and was shocked to hear Shelly. This was the first time she had attempted to contact me.

"Hello, David. This is Shelly. I think that we should talk." This was said in a calm voice, almost devoid of any emotion. It was as if she were talking to a stranger.

I almost slammed the phone down, but restrained myself and answered. "I'm not sure what there is to talk about, Shelly. I have tried talking to you too many times to count. What do you want to talk about?" I tried to match her tone, her detachment.

"Why don't you come for dinner on Friday, David. We can sit down, have a nice meal and then have a rational discussion. I have to tell you, I won't agree to any divorce action until you give me the opportunity to explain myself to you. David, I need you to feel what I'm feeling, I need you to understand what I'm going through."

Damn, her voice was flat, it was almost as if she were reading a script that she had prepared . She was obviously keeping a tight grip on her emotions. My curiosity was piqued. What was going on with her? Is it possible there could be a way out of this nightmare? Is it possible we could get through this? Anyway, I thought it was worth a try.

"No dinner, Shelly, but I'll be there around 8 on Friday. We can sit and perhaps this time you can unburden yourself. That is what I had been trying to get you to do without any success. I hope that Friday will be different," I replied cooly. That concluded what I thought a really strange conversation. I really didn't have much hope for any kind of breakthrough on Friday.

********************

I had a sudden thought. I could tell that Lyle and Millie, while obviously sympathetic and concerned about my emotional well being, still didn't understand how Shelly had changed, how erratic and unreasonable her behavior had become. They hadn't heard the venom in her voice. I had a strong suspicion that the conversation that Shelly and I were going to have would break down into the same bitter recriminations as the last time we "talked." I figured that this time, my dear friends would hear the "new" Shelly.

I know, it was devious, but I didn't care. I acquired a small ,voice activated tape recorder. I threaded the tiny mike up the sleeve of my jacket and into the lapel. There, I was ready, now the Coopers would hear what Shelly had become.

On Friday evening, I threw on a light weight pair of slacks and a black polo shirt. I draped the jacket with the recorder over my shoulders and headed for my ex-home. I knocked on the door, feeling vaguely sad knocking on the door of what had been my home. After a few seconds Shelly opened the door and motioned me in. She was dressed simply in a skirt and blouse, again with minimal makeup, yet it felt that my heart missed a beat. She was absolutely lovely and I realized how much I loved her and how devastated I was that the marriage I had so truly valued was now gone.

I walked through the dining room and draped my jacket over the back of a chair. I moved to the easy chair, but Shelly blocked my move and indicated that she wanted me to sit in a arm chair at the dining room table. I didn't object, this placed me close to my jacket and the recorder.

"David, thank you for coming. I'm sure that this evening will be very productive. It will give me the chance to show you exactly what I've been feeling, but first, let's have a glass of wine. I've already poured. We can at least act like civilized beings," and she handed me a full goblet of red wine.

I just looked at her. Damn, she was being so cool, so calm, so rational. Was she really going to let me in on what was eating at her? I accepted the wine and took a swallow. She sat katty korner from me and made some small talk (yeah, would you believe?) small talk, about work and some amusing events that occurred over the past couple of weeks. I did very little talking, just sipped at the wine and listened and waited for her to get to the point. I felt funny, a little lightheaded and it was difficult concentrating on what she was telling me. I heard her voice fading and I felt the glass fall from my hand and then heard and felt nothing.

********************

My head hurt and I had a sour taste in my mouth. I tried to put a hand to my head but found that I couldn't move. With an effort, I opened my eyes and squinted. I looked at the clock on the mantle. Damn, it read 12:10. I remembered talking to Shelly and it was then a little after 8:00. I suddenly was aware that my wrists were tied tightly to the arms of the chair in which I sat, and my ankles were similarly secured. The cords dug into my flesh. My brain function seemed sluggish - what the hell was happening?

I tried to call out, but discovered that my lips were sealed. Some kind of tape covered my mouth. I tried to rock the chair, move it in some way, without success. I was starting to panic, yanking against my bindings, abrading my wrists. Then I saw her as she came into my field of vision. Shelly was dressed in a sheer peignoir, although dressed was not the appropriate description. She was naked under it and the garment did little to hide that fact. My eyes moved from her body to her face. She wore no expression, but her eyes were blazing.

"Now, David." she hissed. " Now, now you will feel what I have been suffering through. Now you will understand how devastating your betrayal is. I am going to commit adultery and you will witness the event. You will experience the pain of seeing your spouse fucking someone other than her husband. You will feel the loss, the destruction of trust, the sorrow that comes with the discovery that your "loved one" is no better than an animal. You cheated and now I will also, not behind your back, but in front of you. You will see and hear how another man enjoys my body. See and hear, David and then maybe, just maybe, you'll understand what I having been feeling."

I tried to scream at her, but could only mumble through the tape. I yanked again at the cords, but to no avail. Shelly smiled at me sadly, patted my head and walked away. I again threw myself against my cords, which dug cruelly into my wrists. I tried to scream at her to stop this insanity, but I was unable to speak and unable to move around much. My eyes then lighted on Shelly's laptop computer, open on the table in front of me. The screen showed the interior of our bedroom and I could see Shelly enter the room and recline on the bed. She smiled in the direction of what I imagined was the camera.

"How's the sound quality, David?" she purred. "It should be fine. Bob and I set this all up so that you wouldn't miss one moment of what is to come." She then opened the garment she was wearing and exposed her breasts. She passed her palms over her nipples. She smiled again and told me how excited she was and how anxious she was to put on a wonderful show for me.

I wasn't capable of coherent thought. It felt as if I was in a nightmare, everything seemed almost surreal. I felt my heart beating in my chest; I knew that my pressure was up. I felt as if my entire world had crashed . I was alone and bereft of all rational thought. My struggles eased and I sat there, trying to comprehend what was happening. I truly believed that I was in shock. 

Suddenly my head snapped up. It was if a lightbulb had clicked on in my head. Sonofabitch, she had choreographed this whole scenario. I was living through a nightmare from the erotic story site on the internet. We had laughed about the silly plots and I was now living it. I knew then that Shelly was unbalanced. She was punishing me just like the poor schmucks in those stories. But what she had forgotten was that most of them were innocent of the crime for which they were being punished. 

I heard the front door open and then close quickly. I felt someone approach my chair and then felt a hand on my shoulder. As I stretched to see who it was, Bob Fallow came into view. He had a leering grin on his face as he bent close to me. My breathing had become stertorous and he raised his voice a bit so that I would hear him clearly. 

His face had contorted into a grimace of hate and malice. "My turn now, Davey," he snarled. " I've put up with you and your holier-than- thou attitude for too many years. I've put up with that bitch of a wife of yours for the same amount of time. She got the job that should have been mine and I've been wiping her ass for too long. Two birds with one stone, Davey," he continued maliciously. "Now I get to fuck her literally. Isn't it sweet, you get to watch. I've spent months slowly convincing her that you were fucking around on her, getting her to this point, and now it's going to pay off big time. The pictures that I showed her finally did the trick. Yeah, I know, they're faked, so what. She believed them. Now you both get fucked,. I'm the one who finally convinced her that you were cheating, but Shelly, baby, came up with you being tied up to watch; now ain't that a blast," and he chuckled evilly.

"Don't even think about revenge, buddy. No one will believe you. I slipped my wife double the amount of the stuff you got and the last she knew is that we were in bed together falling asleep. I've got my alibi and you can't prove shit. Plus, you come after me physically, I'll beat the crap out of you. Just sit and enjoy the show, I sure as hell will." I heard him walk away from me. 

"No, No, NO," I screamed, trying to make myself heard. I wriggled and threw myself again and again against the cords binding me. I screamed again and again until I was hoarse. I could feel the cords digging into my wrists and I could also feel blood seeping from the wounds I was creating. Nothing that I could do helped, I was secured too well, I would have to sit and wait. I slumped in the chair, exhausted, in a daze.

I heard voices. My eyes went to the computer screen in front of me. There I saw Shelly in bed, her garment now discarded, reaching for Fallow. He was down to his boxers which he stepped out of and kicked to one side. His cock was erect, pointing at Shelly. He moved to the bed and lay beside her. They both faced the camera and with a grin on his face, he took her hand and placed her fingers around his engorged member. Shelly had her chin on his shoulder and looking directly into the lens of the camera, smiled and slowly stroked him. Her pink tongue slipped between her lips, wetting them.

"See, David. Doesn't Bob have a nice cock. Hmmm, I think that it's quite a bit larger than yours, isn't it?" she asked softly. "Well, I do know that it's thicker, I can feel that, and look how it's leaking. I think that he's really excited, don't you, David? Were your sluts excited when you screwed them, David? Did your cock leak like Bob's?" Her voice had become biting and vindictive.

"I wonder how he tastes, David? Do you mind if I just tasted him a little, honey? After all, I'm sure you tasted some strange pussy, especially when you were away on professional conferences." Her voice was biting and sarcastic. She glared into the camera and moved further down on the bed. I saw her face hover over Fallow's crotch and her tongue flick against the head of his cock. After teasing him a bit, she engulfed his phallus and lowered her head until her nose was buried in his pubic hair. 

I couldn't stop myself. The tears came and I sat there and sobbed. I knew that this was something I wouldn't be able to get over, something that would haunt me until the day I died. My marriage was over, my life changed. I vowed not to look at the computer screen again, but I heard them - I heard her comparing Fallow to me and I heard her belittling comments and how much more a man he was and what a wonderful lover he was compared to my feeble efforts. I knew exactly what she was doing. She was mouthing dialogue that was similar to those goddamn internet stories - she was attempting to humiliate and degrade me just as those husbands were degraded.

I heard her squeal when she finally mounted him and buried his prick into her pussy. I heard her tell me how wonderful he felt, so much better then I had ever made her feel. I couldn't help it, I raised my head and saw her riding him. I saw his cock sliding in and out of her pussy. Something on the bed caught my attention. It was a tube of what looked like K-Y Jelly. My eyes strayed back to Shelly. She moved up and down, her movements frenetic, almost manic.

She turned her face to the camera and smiled, but her face was wooden and her eyes seemed blank. "Wow, David. See how I'm being fucked. Did you fuck your whores like this? Did they ride your little weenie? I'm sure that they felt so sorry for you. They should have felt sorry for ME. I was the one that had to make do with your little thing. See, David. Now I have a real man in me. A man with a real cock, not a little spaghetti wand," Shelly then threw her head back and laughed almost hysterically. I couldn't believe that this was the same woman I knew. She had morphed into a total stranger, a stranger that sickened me.

My head dropped to my chest again. Tears still leaked from my eyes and I felt my nose running. I again struggled to free myself with again no success. I was only causing myself harm, the cords digging into my wrists, the blood flowing again. My hands felt as numb as my mind. A roaring filled my head, a self-induced distraction so that I would not have to hear any further conversation from the two screwing in my bed.

I don't know how much time had gone by. I looked up and saw that the clock now read almost 1:30. I was totally exhausted, my breathing labored, my nose clogged by the dried mucus. I heard voices again. I looked at the computer screen and saw Fallow, now dressed, shaking Shelly. She lay there, her face twisted into a paroxysm of....... what? I didn't understand. Tears streamed down her cheeks.

Fallow stood there, undecided as what to do. He then turned and left the room. In a few seconds I heard him coming down the stairs and approach. He moved in front of me. 

He stood there a moment, looking at me. "Listen, Lannister. I think that there's something wrong with her." He hesitated a moment and then continued. "Look, I'm going to get a knife and cut your left hand free and then I'm splitting. When you get yourself loose, I think you should call someone - a doctor..... or someone Don't try to get me involved in this, Lannister. If you do, I'll destroy her reputation as well as yours. "

His voice was cold , but I could see the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. He turned and went into the kitchen. He returned with a steak knife and cut my left hand free. When the cords came away, blood seeped down my hand. He put the knife on the table in front of me and hurried out the door, not looking back.

It was difficult for me to move. I finally reached out, grabbed the knife and with difficult freed my right hand and then my ankles. I pulled the tape from my mouth quickly, taking some skin with it. I tried to stand, but my legs trembled and I sat again. I finally made it to my feet and unsteadily staggered to the bathroom where I washed my face, hands and wrists and put some salve on the wounds. I wrapped them in gauze bandages and used tape to secure it. I looked in the mirror and almost didn't recognize the face staring back at me. I looked haggard, lines of stress almost distorting my face.

I tried to remember what Fallow said to me - something about Shelly. What was it? Something wrong???? What was he talking about? I limped back into the dining area and again looked at the computer screen. Shelly was now in a fetal position, her body trembling. I gazed at her for long moments, trying to dredge up some kind of emotion. I felt dead inside......no, not dead....... confused, bewildered...... lost. It almost seemed as if I were drifting in a dreamworld. I thought, "I should do something. What should I do?"

I had to sit down. I had to think.

(continued in Ch. 02) 



The Ties That Bind Ch. 02



I tried to remember what Fallow said to me - something about Shelly. What was it? Something wrong???? What was he talking about? I limped back into the dining area and again looked at the computer screen. Shelly was now in a fetal position, her body trembling. I gazed at her for long moments, trying to dredge up some kind of emotion. I felt dead inside....no, not dead..... numb......confused, bewildered......lost? It almost seemed as if I were drifting in a dreamworld. I thought, "I should do something. What should I do?"

I had to sit down. I had to think.

My emotions were too raw, I knew that I needed time to sort this out. I felt the anger, bitter that she would do this to me, to deliberately hurt me like this. Beneath that anger I could feel the sorrow, the devastation. I steeled myself and made my way up the stairs and into the bedroom. Shelly was still in the fetal position and now I could hear her whimpering softly. Her back was to me, her knees tucked up and in. I could see a thin streak of semen which had run from her vagina and then down along the crease of where her thigh met her buttocks, pooling on the bed. It sickened me and I averted my eyes.

I knew that I couldn't handle this right now. I wanted nothing more than to run away and keep running. I shook my head, brushing that thought away - I knew that I couldn't do that. I moved to Shelly and put my hand on her shoulder. She flinched and moved away, now starting to cry, deep, wrenching sobs. I stepped back, hesitating a bit and then quietly left the room. I made my way down the stairs and collapsed in the living room easy chair - the chair that used to be mine.

I felt the anger and bitterness spread through me, enveloping me in a cocoon of despair and rage at what my life had become. I, at that moment, truly hated her, hated Shelly for what she had allowed. How much love could she have had for me to allow Fallow to fuck her; not only fuck her, but in front of me with the intention to humiliate and degrade me. She wasn't stupid, she knew exactly what she was doing. That wasn't love, it was the exact opposite. My so called adultery was a sham that she used so that she could fuck Fallow and in doing so could drive a stake into my heart. Well, she succeeded, any love that I had for her was dead. I knew that I could never forgive her for what she had done.

I had to decide what to do now. I slowly went down the stairs and picked up the phone.....I then just sat and waited, my thoughts random and chaotic. It seemed like just a few minutes had gone by, but was actually much longer, when I heard the doorbell. I opened the door and Lyle and Millie rushed in, breathless and concerned. I gathered my self together and tried to put my thoughts in order. I pleaded with them to let me explain, sat them down and very briefly gave them a bare bones account of the evening. 

Millie sat there, her mouth agape. She then jumped to her feet and rushed up the stairs to Shelly. I looked at Kyle, he sat still, I could almost see his mind churning, a frown on his face. I rose and walked to my jacket still draped over a dining room chair. I pulled the small tape recorder out, walked back and handed it to Lyle.

I hesitated a bit and then decided to just come out with it. "Lyle, I planned to tape the conversation that Shelly and I were to have tonight. I wanted you to hear Shelly as I was sure our conversation tonight would be a repeat of the last one we had, the one I had related to you. I got something totally different, I just hope that the recorder picked up everything."

Lyle looked at me narrowly for a moment, then he put the small ear piece in, rewound the tape and started to listen. I don't know how long he sat there listening, shock evident on his features, He raised his head as Millie made her way down the stairs, obviously distraught.

"David, Lyle," she said breathlessly. "I think that you had better call 911. We have to get Shelly to the hospital. I think that she's having an emotional breakdown." Lyle rose to his feet, put the recorder in his pocket and picked up the phone. He turned to us and in a voice tight with anger, said, "First we call the police and ask them to bring medical personnel with them. David, we will need to talk, but let me tell you right now, Robert Fallow is going to be charged with rape. That's for starters.

The next couple of hours were frenetic with the police and the medics piling in. Plain clothes detectives arrived soon after the uniformed cops and were in deep discussion with Lyle. He had surrendered the tape and the recorder. Shelly had been sedated. She was put on a stretcher and quickly placed in the ambulance which left. Crime scene personnel swarmed the house, collecting evidence. My wrists were exposed and photographed and were then treated by the medics. I was questioned for over an hour, until the detectives were satisfied that they had gotten everything they could out of me. I was asked to come to the station in a few days for a formal, recorded statement. I, of course, agreed. I had no idea what was in Lyle's mind, he must have known that this was no rape, but I kept my mouth shut. The three of us would have to sit down and talk.

Eventually the crowd of people left and Lyle and Millie shepherded me out of the house. They insisted that I come home with them and I was too exhausted to argue. Fortunately the next day was Saturday and we all could sleep late. Dressed in a pair of Lyle's pajamas I fell into bed and fell into a restless sleep.

********************

The next morning, dressed a warm up that Lyle thoughtfully provided, I sat at the breakfast table with Lyle and Millie. Our conversation was stilted and broken by periods of silence. Finally Lyle arose and motioned me into the den. Millie followed.

"Dave, it's time to have a talk," Lyle began.

I interrupted him. "Lyle, I am totally screwed up, but I do know that what occurred last night was not rape. Where did you come up with that? I kept my mouth shut all evening, partly because my head was totally screwed up and partly because I didn't want to confuse the police with any conflicting testimony, but Shelly wasn't raped. She participated willingly - even eagerly. She just couldn't wait to rub my nose in it, as you heard in that tape," I ended bitterly.

Lyle waved my objections away. "Look, David. Just be quiet a moment and listen. The definition of rape varies from place to place and yes, I do claim that Shelly was raped by Fallow. In this state rape can be defined as sexual assault upon another person who is mentally or psychologically defective.

"We can maintain, and successfully I believe, that Fallow created a climate which led to Shelly's mental breakdown and made her a participant in the act through mental and psychological coercion. In fact the perpetrator can be charged if it is determined that he impaired the victim's judgement in some manner. That certainly would be applicable in this case. Look, David - Shelly was already psychologically predisposed, due to her history with her father and ex-husband, to believe that bastard's lies.

"I've already spoken with an assistant DA that I know and we both believe that there is sound foundation for such charges. He will be speaking with his boss and I strongly suspect that Fallow will be arrested first thing Monday morning. It's obvious that the tape you made will be the critical factor in this case." 

"Good, I'm glad. I hope that they castrate the bastard," Millie interjected.

I sat there and mulled over what Lyle had said. I didn't believe one word about Shelly's judgement being impaired - she was just too perceptive and intelligent a person to be pulled into Fallow's crap. She did what she did because that's what she wanted to do, but I kept my own council, especially since I wanted Fallow to be, as Millie so elegantly put it, castrated.

"Ok, Lyle. I hope that these charges stick and I hope that this asst. DA is good. At the very least, the bastard's marriage will be toast, at least I hope so and I doubt that he'll stay in his job after this."

Millie then broke in. "David, Shelly is still in the hospital. Do you want me to go with you to see her? Don't forget, she's still your wife."

"Millie, thanks for asking, but I really am in no condition to see her at the present time. I would encourage you to go, of course, but I think that it would be best if I just went home now. I need some time to get my thoughts in order and I need to try to come to some conclusions and make some, at least tentative, decisions as what to do. I don't think I would be able to be of much help to her right now."

I could see the disappointment and disapproval in their eyes, but the bullshit I just tossed their way did contain a modicum of truth. I really did need to make some decisions, although I pretty well knew what they would be, and I did need to be alone. Lyle gave me a hug and a pat on the back and Millie kissed my cheek as they bid me goodby.

********************

By the end of the day I had come to some conclusions. My thinking hadn't changed much, I still thought that the whole rape thing was a crock of horse manure. It was obvious to me that while Shelly may have been influenced by that asshole, she entered into that sexual romp with enthusiasm and an unholy delight to humiliate me. Fuck her. I knew then that I never really knew her, I had accepted the facade she wore all years we were together. I wondered how many men she had fucked during out marriage.

I know, I know. I was feeling really sorry for myself, but I'm pretty sure that not many guys had gone through the humiliation that I was subject to recently. How many schmucks were tied down and forced to witness their wife's adultery. How many guys had to live out an erotic story horror. A spouse doesn't just come up with an idea like that on the spur of the moment. She must have been at least thinking about it for a hell of a long time. Was this a fantasy of her own? Did she get off when she imagined it? Was it that much of an erotic experience for her? 

My mind then flashed to her condition after I had finally freed myself. She appeared to be devastated. I remembered the deep, wrenching sobs as she lay curled up into a ball on the bed. I forced those thoughts away. I didn't know what she was feeling or if even her sobs were real. I just didn't know this women and right now, I didn't want to. I just wanted it over with. I wanted a divorce - and I also wanted to kill Fallow, but I wasn't that nutty yet. I didn't want to spend the rest of my life being Bubba's bitch.

********************

I spent the rest of the weekend puttering around the apartment. I rearranged some stuff and painted the living room. I kept myself busy. I also put on some sweats and went out and jogged until I couldn't catch my breath - the sweat pouring off of me in what seemed like buckets. I showered and pulled on a polo and a lightweight pair of slacks. I also realized that I had better start thinking about dinner which was a laugh. I didn't have much in the fridge.

As I was about to leave the apartment, I was startled to hear the doorbell. I stood still for a moment, wondering who the hell that could be. Only one way to find out, I said to myself as I opened the door.

"Ok, David. Close your mouth - you're gawking," Susan smiled as she pushed me aside and walked in. Looking around she muttered, "Jeez, what a dump."

Dr. Susan Garcia, Associate Professor of Economics was a colleague who taught at the same institution of higher learning as I. She was smart as hell and she didn't suffer fools gladly. She also was a gorgeous creature, tall, dark hair and eyes and a body to make your mouth water. She was also a confirmed lesbian. We had been friends for years and Shelly and I had entertained her in our home countless times.

She plopped herself down in a chair in my "living room" and I averted my eyes as I saw the flash of her thighs when she crossed her legs. She noticed that and smiled evilly. "Ok,, David. Enough bullshit, what's going on? I can't believe that your marriage is in trouble. You and Shelly were the happiest couple I have ever seen. No, no, don't get pissed. I'm not a stranger off the street, I'm a friend and I'm damned concerned." 

She waited expectantly, with a hard glint in her eye. I knew that it would be difficult for me to avoid talking to her. I just sighed, took a seat across from her and let it all out. I gave her chapter and verse, starting months ago when everything seemed to start turning to shit up to the incident with Shelly and Fallow. It was kind of cathartic for me. For some reason I felt better, as if some weight had been taken from my shoulders.

Susan just sat, her eyes wide and her mouth slightly open. "Holy shit," she breathed. "This is all true?" She then shook her head. "Stupid question, sorry about that. I'm just totally astounded. You know, that thing about tying you down and making you watch sounds like something out of a dirty story that I read years ago," she mused.

Sonofabitch, it looked like my life was turning into a dirty story. Susan saw me blush and she colored a bit herself. She then smiled ruefully. "Sorry, David. The whole thing sounds so surreal, sorry about the dirty story remark. Look, you haven't eaten, let's go grab a bite somewhere and talk." She gathered herself together, grabbed my arm and almost forced me out of the apartment. I felt exhausted and didn't put up much of a struggle. 

We sat, shared and demolished a large lasagna along with a loaf of warm garlic bread. I didn't realize how hungry I was - I wolfed down a huge portion of the meal. Susan sat and gazed at me, a look of sympathy on her face. "What are you going to do, David? You're in the middle of a huge mess; you have to make some decisions about what you're going to do."

I shook my head. "Not now, Susan. I'm too screwed up. Lyle is pressing the DA to charge Fallow for rape and I think that he'll be picked up tomorrow. Rape, what a crock. You should have seen her, it was almost as if she raped HIM." I sneered.

"I'm going to take it one day at a time. Right now all I want is to be out of it. Too much has happened, I need time to think, to consider what to do."

Susan nodded. "Okay, David. You're probably right. Look, let's be realistic - you need to take some time off. Why not call Charles and get some emergency leave. He can get someone to fill in for you and it will give you the time you need."

"Not a bad idea," I thought to myself. "Thanks, Sue, I think I'll do just that. I won't be worth a plugged nickle in the classroom for awhile. Charles will understand, he'll work it out." Charles Denning was head of the department and a friend. I didn't have any worries about his cooperation. We walked back to my place and Susan pecked me on the mouth and patted my back, telling me to take care of myself.

The next morning I called Charles and after a rather long conversation he agreed to cover for me. There really wasn't that much time left until the end of the semester anyway - it wouldn't be a major problem.

It was late in the morning when Lyle called. He informed me that Fallow had been picked up and charged with rape. I didn't sound too thrilled with this and I'm sure that Lyle understood my lack of enthusiasm. He knew how I felt. I doubted that the charge would stick, but I also knew that this would destroy Fallow professionally and, I hoped, also destroy his marriage. I was content to wait and see.

"David," Lyle continued. "I also called and was able to see Frank Berman, the executive Vice President at corporate." 

I knew that Lyle was referring to the corporate headquarters of the group that owned and operated the hotel where Shelly worked as well as others throughout the country. Their corporate headquarters was conveniently located not far from the hotel itself.

"We had an interesting and productive conversation," Lyle continued. "Frank was anxious as hell to avoid any lawsuit or scandal involving the hotel's involvement in this mess. We were able to come to a mutual understanding. Shelly's salary will be paid into her checking account until she is fully recovered, regardless of when that may be. He understands that it may take years. He also agreed to cover all of the medical expenses she incurs, with no time limit. Her attending physicians will make the final determination as to any timeline. Oh, and, of course, Robert Fallow is no longer in their employ. There is a moral clause in the standard contract." 

Lyle paused and waited a few seconds for me to respond. "David, do you understand what I'm telling you? Please, say something."

I discovered that my mind had been drifting. I gathered myself together and managed to reply. "Okay, Lyle. I understand. Please forgive me, I'm in a bit of a fog. I do understand what you've done and thanks, Lyle. I really do appreciate everything you're doing. Really. I'm sure that Shelly will also."

Lyle hesitated. I sensed that he was concerned. "David, it might be a good idea if you came and spent some time with Millie and myself. I really don't think it a good idea for you to be alone right now. You need family around you. Look, at least consider it. Give my suggestion some thought. You know that Millie would be so thrilled if she could mother you a little. Promise you will think about it."

I assured him that I would and we ended the conversation. I knew that I wouldn't move in with them. I needed time alone. I was completely fucked up, I knew that. I needed time alone and in a new and different setting. I needed to get away. I then started to make plans to do just that.

Fate has a way to screw up plans. I got a call the next day from the DA's office. I was to come down and speak with a Mr. Hal Burns. It was made pretty clear that my visit was mandatory.

********************

"Dr. Lannister, thank you for coming in. Please have a seat, make yourself comfortable," a smiling and affable middle aged man waved his hand. Yeah, thank you for coming in - like I had a choice. Mr. Burns saw my discomfort and quickly got down to business.

"Dr. Lannister. I've been informed that you have doubts concerning the charges against Mr. Fallow. Please be advised that the charge of rape is valid, in my opinion. Mrs. Lannister was definitely impaired and not able to make sensible decisions. Her present medical condition testifies to that. The problem, as I see it, is to get a jury to go along with that. Who the hell knows what a jury thinks. We'll just make the best case we can and then let the jury decide. Do you understand?" "Yeah, I understand, Mr. Burns. I'm not sure if the charge will stick, but I'll certainly support it and the testimony I give will support it. Do your damnedest, I would love to see that bastard destroyed. Win or lose I'm sure that he is suffering."

We chatted for a few more minutes and he instructed me to stay available - no out of town jaunts. Shit, was he reading my mind? I shrugged and agreed. With a firm handshake, I turned and left his office.

********************

Arriving "home" (my little apartment that is), I saw the message light on the answering machine flashing and I pressed the play button:

"David, this is Susan. Connie is making her Hungarian goulash. Get your ass over here around 6. No, no excuses. We'll be expecting you so don't be late. Oh, almost forgot - bring a few bottles of a decent Merlot"

I stood by the phone for a bit wondering if I wanted to go. I really didn't feel like socializing, I had a lot on my mind. Suddenly I realized that all I had on my mind was the horror that had befallen me. My marriage was shit, over, ended. My "loving wife" was in the hospital, for what reason I wasn't really sure and I really didn't know what tomorrow was going to bring. I began to realize that there really wasn't a lot that I could do right now. I had to "go with the flow" so to speak - take one day at a time. With that realization I suddenly relaxed and let some of the tension drain from me. I would let circumstances dictate my reactions for a bit. Let's see how all of this played out. I just needed time.




The Ties That Bind Ch. 02



Oops, Susan and Connie; should I accept the invitation? Connie was a fun person, full of personality and bubbling good humor. She was Susan's age, around late 30s or early 40s, blond and a bit shorter than Susan, but built just as well. She was an MD in Neurology with an office in center city and divorced. They had a beautiful condo on a high floor in a ritzy building not far from the action of center city. I was there once and marveled at how tastefully they had decorated the place. Ah, shit, why not. I've got to make sure I don't forget the wine. Just then the phone rang, startling me. I picked it up and said, "Hello,"

"David, it's me, Susan. I trust you'll be here this evening." It wasn't a question - more like a statement of fact.

I had to smile. "Okay, Susan. Don't start on me, I'll be there and yes, I'll bring the wine."

"Good, I knew you wouldn't disappoint us. Look, David. I want you to give me permission to tell Connie the details of your last night with Shelly. No, no, don't get all excited. I know that it's humiliating for you, but I really think she may be able to give you some insights. At the very least you can share some of the pain. You know that Connie is very professional and I really think that she could be of some help."

Oh, God. Why not just call the newspapers and have the story published for everyone to read. Then again, this will all come out in the trial, so why not. I trusted Connie and perhaps something in her training could give me some clue as to what the hell was going on with Shelly, although I sure thought I knew the answer to that.

I sighed, "Sue, you're a royal pain in the ass."

She giggled and said, "Yeah, I know, but I'm your pain in the ass so give me the go ahead, David. Please, I really think she may be able to put a different perspective on this."

"Okay, Sue. Talk to her and I just hope that I don't get red in the face when I walk in your door. You do realize how embarrassing this is for me, I muttered.

********************

Promptly at 6 I rang their doorbell and a couple of seconds later Connie opened the door, grabbed my arm and pulled me into the foyer. Damn, she was lovely, dressed in green scrubs and white sneaks. I laughed as she grabbed the wine, gave me a quick smooch and told me to sit down in the living room while she changed. She informed me that Susan would be right out. I sighed and thought, "just like women, always late."

I sat in their living room, looking out from the 28th floor at the city spread out before me. It was a breathtaking view and when it was completely dark, the lights of the city would sparkle like diamonds almost as far as the eye could see. 

It wasn't long before Susan appeared, dressed casually in a black, loose fitting blouse and tan, form fitting slacks. I rose and she came to me and gave me a quick peck.

"Thanks for coming, David. Connie hasn't had time to change. She came directly from the hospital and has been in the kitchen for the last couple of hours whipping up that stew. I hope you appreciate it and scarf down a huge portion. Oh, and she also picked up a couple of bottles of wine, so we'll be able to get really soused later," she chuckled.

We fell silent for a brief moment. Susan looked at me compassionately. "David, let's just have a nice dinner, a few glasses of wine and some general and innocuous conversation. Please, try to relax. I spoke with Connie and she'll speak with both of us after we eat. Okay, can you just try to put all of this aside for a bit?"

I nodded. "Sure, Sue. Good idea. In fact, why not let me open that wine and pour us a glass."

"Goody," Susan laughed. "Just what we need."

Connie appeared not long after, dressed in a clingy wrap dress that was just a trifle short. I didn't complain. We sat and ate and drank. We then drank some more. I sipped my wine while the ladies quickly dumped everything is the kitchen and then joined me.

Connie didn't waste any time. She sat directly across from me, crossed her legs and looked me in the eye. "David, I'm a neurologist, not a psychiatrist. I deal with disorders of the nervous system so I'm really not qualified to give you any expert opinion concerning Shelly's behavior. I listened to what Susan told me. I have met Shelly on numerous occasions and I really think that it's in your best interest to speak with her shrink. What Sue described to me is rather bizarre. Right now you really know nothing. Susan has told me what you're feeling and that's normal. But before long you're going to have to get some answers. You of all people know that what Shelly did is so out of the norm for her, that something must be going on. You need more information."

Susan then chimed in. "David, Connie is making sense. This experience has unhinged you and understandably so. Take a little time to get your mind clear and then make an appointment to see Shelly's doctor. Find out what's going on."

Everyone was telling me that same thing, and I saw the sense of it. I had to approach this in a more objective, less emotional manner. I know that I had been filled with anger and humiliation. I had to get over that and be objective. I had to approach this with some intelligence. 

I sighed and nodded. "You're both right; I should have realized that myself. Do me a favor though, let's just forget about my problem for awhile. Here I am with two gorgeous women, let's just have some more wine, relax and shoot the breeze. As you both commented, I need to step away, I need some diversion."

Connie jumped up and yelled, "Yippee, that's more like it. Let's get the cards. Texas Hold 'Em, but we play with a limit. David, get ready to lose some serious money."

So the three of us sat, guzzled wine and played poker. The wine was soon consumed and we switched to scotch on rocks. I laughed, the women giggled like school girls and after about an hour and a half I had lost over 60 bucks and was down to 4 singles. I threw down the cards, got up and moved to the wet bar and mixed myself another scotch on the rocks - a drink that the gals were already well into. To say that we were all a little buzzed would not be an overstatement.

"That's it kids, you tapped me out. I should have known better than to play cards with sharks" I complained, but with a smile.

"Shit," complained Connie. It's still early, I don't want to stop. This is fun, I just love beating the pants off of the male sex," she giggled.

"Hmmm," Susan muttered, with an wicked glint in her eyes. "Now that's an idea. Let's take that literally, let's play strip poker."

I just looked at her, just a little shocked. Susan just sat there and grinned. 

"You chicken, Dave? I double dare you," she slurred and giggled.

"You're wasted, Sue," I laughed. "Boy, I'd love to see your face when I see you next and remind you of what you just suggested." That seemed funny as hell to me and I let out a belly laugh. Damn, that felt good, I didn't remember when the last time I laughed like that. 

"No, no, David. That's a great idea. Let's do it, what a blast," urged Connie grabbing my arm.

I looked from one of them to the other. Damn, they were serious, sitting there smirking at me. I became totally flustered. I knew that I was out of my element. I didn't know what to say and I realized that I was blushing like crazy. I also realized that I was smashed, my thinking ability had left the room. 

I shrugged and muttered, "Okay, what the rules, uhh, I mean what rules...... ahhh, shit."

It looked like Connie was the least tanked, at least she was able to be a bit more articulate. "Look, I have seven items on, I think that you have seven tooooooooo," she giggled and continued, "Daveeeee. Susan, what you have on???? Huh?????"

Susan just lay there on the sofa and smiled dreamily. "Ah, les see. I have blouse, slax, bra, panteeeees, stocks and shoes. How muchs that?" she asked. 

Connie pursed her lips and frowned. "Uhhh, ten? No, no, les see." Counting on her fingers she itemized the list and blurted, "Eight, Sue. You have eight, you damn cheat. Okay, take off a shoe, then you'll have seben." I sat sat there stupidly, my head swiveling from one of them to the other. I guess I was aware of what was going on, but it felt aqs if my brain was detached. It was like I was above the tableau, watching this farce develop.

"Okey dokey," Connie began. "We're ready now. Let's sit around the coffee table here. That way nobody can hide," and she giggled again. "We'll play 5 card study, it's easier."

Connie dealt out five cards to each of us and I looked at them drunkenly. I squinted and tried to make some sense of what I had. Hmm, crapola. I threw cards on the table and asked for four. Picking them up I saw that I had drawn more crap. Shit, I lost a shoe. The gals howled. 

Susan snickered, "Davey, we gonna see your wee wee?' I admit, I colored at that.

Next hand, same shit. I wound up with a pair of treys. Low hand again, damnit. I lost another shoe. The ladies(?) roared. I sat and pouted. 

The next few hands saw my luck change. It wasn't too long before I sat there fully clothed except for my shoes and socks while Connie was down to her bra and panties and Susan was left with slax, bra and panties. I snickered. "Hey, Suzie, we gonna see your..... uhh, your.....shit, what a woman's wee wee anyway?" I inquired while my eyes blinked like some stupid owl. 

For some reason, the girls thought that this was hilarious. I didn't understand the reason for all of the laughter. I did know that I was having difficulty trying to think. I never did hold my liquor well.

Next hand had Sue was the loser and she lurched to her feet, pulled her zipper down, tried to unbutton the slax and fell down on the sofa. Connie jumped to her aid and literally pulled Sue's pants down and inadvertently pulled her panties down with them. Sue sat there with a perplexed expression on her face while I gazed stupidly at the neat triangle of dark hair in her crotch. I remember thinking how soft and sexy it looked. I sat there with a goofy grin on my face until Connie blurted out.....

"No, oh no, Davey. Sue has to lose them fair and square before you get to see her pussy." Again the girls thought this hilarious as they struggled to pull up Susan's panties. The game continued and I was having trouble deciphering what cards I held. I guess I wasn't doing too well for before I knew it I had lost my shirt and pants. I had help shedding those garments because I truly knew that I didn't have the coordination to do it myself. There I sat in my boxer shorts; thank goodness my cock was flaccid and resting quietly on my thigh. Jeez, I really must have been loaded.

Again, it wasn't long before things started to get really interesting. Connie lost the next hand and I saw a little uncertainty in her eyes as she realized that she would have to shed the bra. Lurching to her feet bravely, she tried to bring her hands behind her to release the bra catch. I had to snicker as I watched her fumble. Finally, she managed it and swayed to catch the garment as it fell away from her. She missed, but I watched as her full breasts jiggled.

She blushed a bit, then raised her eyes and glared at me defiantly, almost daring me to say something. I wisely kept my mouth shut, but I still couldn't keep my eyes from those gorgeous melons with their pink tips. 

Suddenly grinning, Connie said, "It won't be long, Davey. All you've got on are your shorts. We soon gonna see whatcha got under there." Again the loud laughter from the two of them. 

Connie soon quieted down as she lost the next hand. She sat there silently for a moment, no one said a word. We just sat and stared at her. Susan had a wicked grin on her face as she leaned back against the seat with her arms resting against the front of the seat cushion. Her bra had become undone somehow and the cups sagged enough to almost expose her nipples. My eyes darted from on girl to the other.

"Chicken, Connie?" leered Sue. "Big, brave girl.... show .. uh, afraid... show her pussy now?" she slurred as she chuckled softly. "Shit," muttered Connie. "Hell no, I'm not backing down. Here's the big show, kids," she announced as she stumbled to her feet and yanked her pretty lace panties down her legs, kicking them across the room.

She stood there for a moment, glaring at both of us. I was mesmerized. She had totally shaven her pubic hair, there wasn't a strand there. Her labia showed plump and seemed swollen, the lips slightly parted. Was there a sheen of moisture there? I wasn't sure.I didn't even realize that I was sporting quite an erection and that fact was not lost on them.

Connie giggled and pointed at me. "Lookee, Suzy. Davey has a woody." I glanced down and was amazed to find my pecker sticking out of my boxer shorts. It was as if my snake had gotten a whiff of pussy and had extracted itself of it's own volition. It was bobbing there, leaking copiously. I gazed at it, not sure as to what I should do. Shit, I decided to let it air itself out.

Connie was by now giggling like crazy. She had turned to Susan who was almost comatose. "Suzy, you gotta ditch the panties. You're the only one not exposed," and she grabbed Susan's bikini bottoms and pulled them down. I again found myself entranced by the soft, dark triangle of fur. I was now able to see the furrow of her nether lips which were also slightly parted.

Susan then, almost lazily, reached down to her groin and slowly started to stroke herself. I sat rooted. I couldn't have averted my eyes if lightening had struck. It was with a little bit of a shock when I noted that Connie had moved to me and plopped herself on my lap. She straddled me and my cock was now firmly pressed against her pussy. I groaned and she smiled sensuously. She leaned forward and pressed her lips to mine.

It was as if someone had flung a bucket of ice water on me. "What the fuck am I doing? I shouldn't be doing this, goddamnit. I'm a married man," I said to myself. The fact that my wife had been unfaithful, had committed adultery and, damnit, actually made me watch, seemed almost secondary to me now. My head twirled in confusion. 

I suddenly rose to my feet, tumbling Connie to the floor. I staggered a bit and shook my head, trying to clear the cobwebs clogging my mind. Then, suddenly, the tears came. Shit, I was embarrassing myself. Suddenly I found myself in Connie's arms; she was whispering, "It's okay, David. It's okay." She led me to a chair and sat me down. My head was down, my eyes closed.

Connie was back in seconds. I saw now that she had a robe on. She coaxed me out of the chair and led me to her bedroom. "David, listen to me. Use my room, get some sleep. This whole thing got out of hand, but no harm done. You're exhausted. Get some sleep, please. I'll bunk with Susan tonight. We'll see you in the morning," she whispered as she closed the door behind her.

I stood there, wondering that the hell was wrong with me. Was I that much of a morality prig, did I really have that holier-than-thou manner? My marriage was shit, it was over - I could have had a fuck fest in there and I chickened out. My mind was in turmoil, my thoughts chaotic. I also realized that I was wiped out, I was so goddamned tired that I couldn't think straight. I collapsed into the bed and was asleep in seconds.

**********************

When I awoke light was starting to creep in around the window coverings. I didn't know what time it was, but I wearily rose from the bed, standing a moment waiting for the nausea and dizziness to pass. I staggered to the bathroom and put my head under the cold water faucet. It seemed to help. I also gobbled some aspirin that I found in the cabinet. My thoughts returned to the previous evening. Shit, I had hoped that the liquor would have at least clouded my memory, but every facet of the evening was etched into my brain. I felt embarrassed again, ashamed to face Susan and Connie.

I found that my clothes were on the chair next to the bed, folded neatly. It was obviously that Connie had come in to check on me. I vowed I would do something to make amends for what I did last night. I could just imagine her humiliation at how I had rejected her.I dressed and slipped quietly out of the condo.

Returning home, I shucked my clothing and stood under a steaming hot shower. I knew that I needed to do some heavy thinking. I had come to the realization that I was just stumbling from pillar to post, my thoughts a jumble of unrelated crap. I also realized that I had spent a lot of time just feeling sorry for myself. I needed to get away where I would have the time to delve into my inner most being and come to some decisions as to my future. Right at that moment I had no idea what tomorrow would bring, let alone where I would be next year.

I called Hal Burns at City Hall. I had to go through two secretaries before I had him on the line.

"Hello, Mr. Burns. This is David Lannister. I just wanted to tell you that I really need some time to get away by myself. I'll have my cell phone with me, so if you need me, just call. I can't just sit around here waiting."

There was a short pause. "Okay, Dr. Lannister. Just make sure that your cell phoine is on at all times, and please, don't go too far."

It was early in the month and spring break would be here soon. I wouldn't have classes to worry about. Charles would cover for me until the break and I would have plenty of time by myself - time I felt that I desperately needed. I would use whatever innate intelligence I had and would decide on a course of action based on reason and not emotion.

Lyle and Millie had a small cottage on the Jersey coast that I had often used. I packed a bag, got in the car and headed for that small, sleepy seaside town. I would call Lyle or Millie and tell them where I was. I wouldn't have to say too much, they would figure out what I needed to do.

(Concluded in Ch. 03) 



The Ties That Bind Ch. 03



(Concluded)

The drive down to the shore was uneventful. I tried to keep my mind clear, not thinking of anything in particular, keeping my eyes on the road and refusing to give my problems any thought at the present.

I arrived at the cottage a couple of hours later, unlocked the door and turned on the heat to get some of the chill out of the place. It wasn't large. There was a cozy living room, a small dining area and a galley kitchen. There were two bedrooms with an adjoining bath. I plugged in the fridge, opened a cupboard and was relieved to find an unopened can of coffee. I promised myself to do a little food shopping. With the coffee brewing, I stepped out on the porch and gazed at the rolling surf about 30 yeards to the east. It was chilly, but the sea air felt good.

Suddenly, from next door, I heard a shout. "Hey, David. Good to see you. Where's Shelly?"

I smiled and waved. The man calling to me was George Malone. He and his wife Betty had lived there since he had left the Army around 10 years before and we had gotten friendly with them. He had retired as a Brig. General and they both had vowed that as soon as that happened they would move somewhere along the south Jersey coast ,especially since Betty had been born and raised in Longport. Sadly, Betty had passed away about six years later from cancer, but George continued to live in the small, seaside cottage.

"Hi, George. I'm here by myself this time." I shouted back. I could see a question in his eyes. I knew what he was thinking, Shelly was always with me - why not now?

George left his porch and strolled over, walking up the few steps to me. I shook his hand, glad to see him actually. "David, since you're here by yourself, I'm going to insist that you have dinner with me. Please, you know it's no imposition and I would be glad for the company."

"Thanks, George. I'll take you up on the invitation. I'll do a little food shopping tomorrow and stock the place for a few days."

He nodded and told me he would see me around 6. I watched him walk slowly back to his house, noting that his gait had gotten a bit slower. I knew that he was now in his mid 70s, but he was still a vigorous man. Tall, well built with a full head of hair that was just now starting to turn gray. He had always fascinated me, especially since I had discovered, quite awhile ago, that his job in the Army had to do with psychological warfare. In fact, he had headed that unit at the War College for quite a few years. I liked George - there was no bullshit about him. You always knew where he stood.

I was at his door at 6 as promised. He welcomed me with a Heineken and a pat on the back. "Have a seat, David. The steaks are almost done and the baked potatoes are in the warming oven. I've got a fresh rye bread and that's dinner. No substitutions," he laughed.

We had a good and filling meal and I helped him clear the table and get the dishes in the dishwasher. The steaks were broiled in one of those disposable broiling pans and that was quickly disposed of. I liked that idea, no muss, no fuss. I would have to remember that because I suspected that I would be cooking my own meals from now on.

We got ourselves comfortable in the small living room, George in his easy chair and me sprawled on the sofa. We had replenished our beers and I felt full and relatively content for the first time in quite awhile. That wasn't to last long though.

"Okay, David. What happened?" George queried. "Obviously, something massive has come down. It's written all over your face. You know that the two of you have become very dear to me and you also know that Betty doted on the both of you. We're friends, David. This is what friends do," he concluded quietly.

I sat quietly for a moment. "Shit," I thought. "Lyle and Millie know, as well as Susan and Connie. No sense in keeping it a dark secret." I looked at George fondly and nodded. "Yeah, George. I'm totally screwed up," and then proceeded to tell him the whole story. He listened quietly, only interrupting once or twice to clear up a point. I finished and the silence was almost palpable. George seemed deep in thought and I had no idea what was going on in his mind. 

He looked up at me and asked, "David, do you know yet what you want to do? Have you decided on a course of action?"

I was taken aback for a moment. I was surprised that George had asked me a question like that. Had I made a decision? Hell, yes. I wanted a divorce. I wanted out of this marriage, and I told him that very emphatically. 

George sighed and settled himself deeper in his chair. "David, I fully understand how you feel. But some of the details of what you told me give me pause. You mentioned words such as maniacal, hysterical and manic. You said something about - devoid of emotion. You also said something about her eyes being blank, as if she weren't really there mentally. You also mentioned something about a tube of K-Y jelly. Think about that, why would she have K-Y jelly? Was it because she was dry, not aroused?

"You also told me about Shelly's condition when you finally were able to go to her in the bedroom. I was also very interested in Lyle's reaction to this event - his opinion that it was rape and that an Asst. DA concurred. I really think that you should hold off any action until you get a hell of a lot more information than you now have," he said quietly.

He paused and my mind went back to the conversation I had had with Connie. She also had cautioned me to hold off until I had a better grasp of the whole picture. George must have seen the indecision on my face because he rose and got a couple more beers from the fridge. He put one in my hand and held up a finger, indicating that he had something to say.

"David," he began. "Get yourself comfortable. I'm going to tell you a story, a story that I've never told anyone before. It's rather lengthy and I'd appreciate it if you don't interrupt. This goes back many, many years and I may stumble on some of the facts, but you'll soon understand the theme." His face had turned grave and was there a faraway look in his eyes as he started his tale.

"This little story starts in my teenage years," he began. "I was born and raised in a section of the city that was decidedly lower-middle class and in a neighborhood that was almost all Irish Catholic and made up of working class men. I got into the usual trouble, no more or less than the rest of the neighborhood kids. The only difference was that, for some strange reason, I did very well in school. Learning was easy and I thoroughly enjoyed my classes. I rarely had to study hard to get top grades. Kids don't like a smart ass so I had to learn to defend myself and I did that quite well. The other kids finally decided that it wasn't worth the pain fighting with me and just accepted my quirk - that ability to do very well in school." George had a small smile on his face as he recounted that portion of his boyhood.

"Okay," he continued. "I was lucky. My uncle had, at one time, done a favor for Joe Kelly, the local pol. Joe was in tight with our Congressman and worked it so that I got an appointment to West Point. Yeah, I couldn't believe it myself, but my grades were excellent and, shit, I was going to West Point."

George paused and glanced at me. "Don't get too impatient with me, David. I'm giving you background so that you'll understand the rest of this story - okay?" I nodded and he resumed. 

"My first few months there were hell. Don't forget, I was a wise-ass kid off the streets and I didn't take too well to the massive doses of chicken shit that was coming down. But I also was not dumb enough to do anything about it, so I just sucked it in and did what I was supposed to do. Also, the school work was a lot tougher then what I was getting in high school, so I actually had to do some real studying. After awhile I got into the routine and as the years passed it got easier. It's always easier being an upper classman. 

"Okay, to cut this part short, I did well, my grades were above average and the four years went by quickly. I was also smart enough to appreciate the fact that the Korean conflict ended before I graduated from the Point." George chuckled and remarked, "No one wanted any part of that fiasco. We were all grateful. Graduation was coming up soon and we were all excited, awaiting orders letting us know what our next assignments would be. I was a bit shocked to discover that my orders read that I was to continue my education. It looked like the Army, for one reason or another, wanted me to pursue a Master's Degree with majors in Education and Psychology. A program had been running at the University of Oklahoma in Norman and I was to be part of the second class. My orders were to report to a Major Edmunds. Okay, bottom line was that I reported as ordered and spent the next year and a half getting my Master's Degree in Educational Psychology. 

"Now while I was "diligently" studying and keeping my grades above average, I was also getting tired of being alone in the company of men. In the four years at the Point, there was little opportunity to get laid and I knew enough not to mess with the local talent there. You have to remember, the Point was not co-ed at that time. Now in Norman, it was a whole different ballgame. Even though Norman is a college town, it was small and kind of parochial. No one would ever mistake it for New York or LA or Chicago. Despite the limitation of my studies and the paucity of hot, single women, I did okay in the "romance" department. There were plenty of cute, little co-eds who just "loved" a man in uniform." George chuckled again and I had to struggle to stop myself from laughing out loud.

"I met Betty Klein around the middle of that first year. She was from a little town near the Texas border and she thought that Norman was the most sophisticated place in the world. She confessed to me that she was awed when she first got to the university and it took her a bit of time before she really felt comfortable in this environment." 

George stopped for a moment, his eyes gazing inward, remembering. He resumed softly. "She was a junior in the school of Education and was going into her senior year. I'm sure you heard of "love at first sight" and believe me, that's exactly what happened to me. I thought that she was the most gorgeous thing I had ever seen. She was about 5'3, weighed maybe 100 pounds soaking wet, light brown hair, blue eyes ............" George had stopped talking. He sat, remembering and I was saddened to see the moisture in his eyes. He shook his head and continued.

"We were introduced and I spent the remainder of my time in Norman courting Betty, trying to convince her that we were meant to be together - together for the rest of our lives. I just couldn't envision a future without her. Fortunately for me, she felt the same way. We traveled down to her home town. I met her folks and her younger sister Emily and we got officially engaged. We graduated together; she with a B.A. in Elementary Education and I had my Master's in Ed. Psych. I also had leave time so we went back to Betty's hometown and got married. My folks flew down and it was like old home time. They loved Betty and got along well with her family..It was a small affair and there wasn't a lot of fuss, for which I was grateful. We honeymooned in Galveston and I knew, deep in my heart, that I was the luckiest man on the face of the earth.

"I had orders to report to Ft. Benning, Ga., one of the largest basic training centers in the country. The damn place was huge, like a city and Betty was again awed. You might think that I had taken her to Paris, France. She couldn't get over all of the amenities: supermarkets, hundreds of shops, restaurants, movies, name it and it was there. She was like a kid in a candy store. We were assigned housing, just a small place with a postage sized lawn, but it was fine for us.

"I was assigned to planning for programs for new recruits and was put to work almost immediately. I was being trained at the same time by two first lieutenants and a captain. Nice guys, but senior to me in rank. I was brand new, a second lieutenant, which is like a buck private. My only saving salvation what that I was a West Point grad., that saved me from a lot of grief. I didn't quite have to take a lot of the shit that a new shavetail would have had to.

"We were lucky in that Betty got a teaching position with the Dept. Of Defense teaching army brats at one of the bases elementary schools, so we managed as far as money was concerned. 

"I absolutely hated being a second Lt. and I started to work my ass off trying to get promoted, to win the silver bar. I was the liaison officer that would travel to the various basic training schools in the southeast and check on the results of the tests the recruits were taking - test that had been developed here at Benning. It really wasn't a lot of travel, but I was gone on an average about two days a week. So between the travel, staying late at the office and working my ass off, I had really started to neglect Betty, but you know Betty - sweet, patient Betty. I knew it wasn't fair to her, but I really wanted that promotion.

"So after a few months of this shit, Betty finally got really pissed and read me the riot act. 'Look, George,' she finally snapped. 'I really don't give a shit about your promotion, especially not if it's going to screw up this marriage. Do you know how long it's been since you've made love to me?' she asked.

"David," George looked straight at me. "David, do you know that I didn't know how to answer her. I had actually forgotten how long it had been, that's how fucked up I had become. I hemmed and hawed and tried to weasel out, but I was caught. She then told me that it had been almost two months. I promised that I would ease off, and I did for about a week, but that didn't last long. I was right back in my old habit of trying to be all things to all people, even though I knew that Betty was really outraged. I shrugged it off figuring that once I got the silver bar, everything would be ok."

I shifted a bit in my seat. I was becoming a bit uncomfortable with the direction George's tale was taking and I didn't understand the point of it. He saw my unease and put up his hand. "Please, David. Bear with me, there is a point to all of this. Just relax and let me finish, ok?" I nodded.

"Okay, where was I? Oh, yeah. So life went by. My job performance reports were outstanding and my marriage was slowly dying. I vowed that once I got that promotion I would really make it up to Betty. I kept that thought in my mind as I continued to fuck up my marriage. It got so that we barely spoke to one another - it was living with a stranger, a roommate, whatever.

"It was about a month later. It was driving back from one of the bases. I due to return on Wednesday evening, but there was power problems and I got to leave a day early. I was really happy about that. I figured I would drive home, and we would go out and have a great late dinner and some loving at home after. I had called Betty's school and left a message for her, letting her know that I would be home early.

George stopped, his eyes unfocused, his mind obviously elsewhere. He shook his head and continued. "I was driving through Columbus, which isn't far from Benning and I was caught by a yellow light. I stopped and waiting for the green. I happened to glance to the left and across the road, in the parking lot of a motel, I saw a red Miata. I watched as Betty got out of the car and walked toward the entrance of the motel. Coming through those door was a strange guy. They met, and he caught her in a tight clinch and they mashed lips. I saw there in shock. I didn't believe my eyes. Suddenly horns started to blare and I saw that the light had turned. I quickly drove forward and then made a quick U turn and then back to the parking lot. As I drove in I saw the two of them enter a room in front of where the Miata and another car was parked. I sat there as I watched the door close. I don't know how long I sat there. Shit, it could have been seconds or minutes - I just don't know.

"I then started to think. What was I going to do? Should I pound on the door? I had an idea - I would start the car up and drive it into the fucking room, right through the door. I actually started to move the car, until I settled down and regained a bit of sanity. I was totally stunned, my mind couldn't focus, I was so fucked up - I really didn't know what to do. Finally, my brain started to function. Not well, I admit, but some semblance of rationality had returned. Damn, I had to see, I actually had to see her being unfaithful to me. Despite what my eyes had already seen, I really needed to see her. So I came up with a plan. It was ridiculous, but shit, I couldn't think of anything else.

"I straighten my uniform, squared my hat and entered the front entrance of the motel. There was a young girl on duty there. Oh well, I thought. Here we go. I approached the desk quickly with a very serious expression on my face. She wore a small name tag on which was printed 'Denise.'

'Denise,'I said gravely. 'My name is Lt. George Malone and I'm with the Military Police at Benning.' I flashed her my ID card on which there was my photo. It was a quick flash and I put it back into my pocket. 'Young lady, it appears that we have evidence that this motel is being used as a procurement center for prostitutes. I have to tell you that I am now going to call in the local police and cordon off the entire area. Now I understand that this will, of course, create havoc with your innocent guests, but I really don't have too many other options. ' 

I saw her face blanch and she just looked around for some kind of help. It was obvious that she was on duty by herself at the moment. I continued, 'Look, Denise. I really don't want to have to mess everything up for you. You can do one of two things: you can stand back while this hotel is being ripped apart, or you can just give me the key to Room 112. If you do that, I'll try to keep this very quiet and not even get you involved. Otherwise, all hell is going to break loose and you know it'll reflect poorly on you.'

"I don't know what did it. I really didn't believe that the shit I was giving her would work, but it did. I really expected her to laugh in my face and call the police. Maybe it was my uniform, the prospect of police all over the place plus fear for her job, but she pulled a key with a tag that read Room 112. In all this time she had not said one word. She just pushed the card to me and stood there with her mouth slightly open and her eyes wide.

"I took the card and then put my finger to my lips, indicating that she was to keep her mouth shut. I quickly moved to Room 112. I put my ear to the door but heard nothing. Suddenly, I got cold feet. Did I really want to see what was going on in that room? I stood there undecided for a moment and then smiled bitterly. I knew I was going in. I used the key and opened the door. There must have been some kind of vacuum device attached for the door opened and closed silently. I was in a short hallway with a bathroom on my right. A few steps put me into the room itself. There, lying on the bed, lengthwise, corner to corner, was a naked guy pumping slowly into a broad's pussy. I could see between his legs, his shaft wet and rigid, plunging into and withdrawing from that cunt. I leaned sideways and looked at the face of my wife, lying there with her eyes closed, and her mouth opened slightly."

George stopped, taking deep breaths. I blurted out, "George, for God's sake. Why are you torturing yourself like this, Enough, goddamn it, enough." I really didn't want to hear anymore and I didn't want to see George putting himself through this.

"Wait, David. Let me continue. I assure you, there is a point here to this. I just needed a moment. Let me continue," he repeated. I cringed and resigned myself. I couldn't stop him.




The Ties That Bind Ch. 03



"I stood there for a moment. I wasn't terribly shocked, I knew what I was going to find, but it felt as if my life had ended. I really felt that. I felt that there was going to be no tomorrow. Something inside me died at that moment. I knew that no matter what I did or how hard I tried, I would never get the sight of Betty being fucked on that bed out of my mind - it would stay with me until the day I died.

"What I then said was mechanical. I remember, there was no emotion in my voice. In a dead tone I spoke. 'Don't come home tonight.' There was sudden movement, the guy had jumped off of her. Betty was looking at me, her face pale. I also noticed that there was a well of deep sadness there, which, at the time, I thought strange. 'You can come home tomorrow and pack whatever you want to take. After that, make sure that I never see you again. Lawyers will handle the details of the divorce. Now you can stay here tonight and fuck yourself to death.'

"I turned, went out of the door, got into my car and drove the rest of the way to Benning and my little house. I didn't sleep that night, I sat up in the living room and tried to think, but my thoughts were totally fucked up. It was now almost 6 in the morning and I had been up all night. I may have dozed a bit, but I sure didn't get any real sleep. Betty never showed. I stripped off my clothes, took a hot shower and shave and dressed in civilian clothing. I wasn't due back until this evening anyway, and I really didn't want to go into the office.

I opened the telephone book, looked under attorneys and picked one out at random. G. Philip Howell,Esq, it looked legal to me. I copied down the phone number on a piece of paper, went out the door of the house, into my car and to a little coffee shop I knew would be open at this hour. I had coffee, nothing else. I knew that it would be difficult for me to keep anything down. I sat and waited. A little after nine a.m. I called the law office of G. Phillip Howell, Esq. A woman answered and I told her my name and that I needed to see Mr. Howell and I needed to see him now.

"I guess she sensed the desperation in my voice, but anyway, she told me that there was a cancellation and that I could come in at 10 that morning. Yippee.

"Okay, let's keep this short. I told him that I wanted a divorce and I wanted it as soon as possible. He asked me for grounds and I told him to use irreconcilable differences. It sounded good to me. I asked how long it would take and he informed me that he had a few hundred divorce cases piled up. He told me that Benning was a huge base and the divorce rate there was staggering and that the courts were clogged with them. I was informed that it would take months. Fuck it, I thought. I don't care - in my mind I was already divorced. I told him to proceed, gave him a check and walked out.

I returned to the house that evening and immediately saw that Betty had been there. All of her clothing and personal belongings were gone, down to the pictures on the end table. She had also taken a few pieces of furniture - furniture that she had had before we were married. I felt a wave of anger wash over me, recognizing that she must have had help moving all of her stuff, and I strongly suspected who it was who helped her. I was sure it was her lover, the guy in the hotel room. All of a sudden, I just broke down. I sat there and cried like a baby. I don't know where all the tears came from. I wasn't prepared. I just cried and sobbed until I couldn't catch my breath. It really felt as if my life was over. My touchstone, the rock that had kept me grounded, the woman I adored more than life itself, was gone.

"Okay, life went on. Weeks passed and life continued. My co-workers knew that I was getting a divorce and they were kind to me. The really funny thing was that I got that promotion a few weeks after I caught Betty cheating. I was promoted to First Lieutenant and the Captain of our unit was promoted to Major, and one of the other Lieutenants was promoted to Captain. The new Major was transferred, the new Captain was now in charge of our little unit, and a new Second Lieutenant was shipped in to take my place. All of a sudden, my travel responsibilities were shifted to the new guy and I now had a regular 9 to 5 job in the office. I was now able to relax a bit, not work my ass off as I had been doing and reveled in not having to travel all over the damn place. It was great, except that I really didn't give a shit. There was now no purpose to my life.

"I discovered to my puzzlement that Betty had not moved away. She continued to work at the school and I found out that she had rented an apartment in town. I figured that she wanted to be near her lover. Fuck them both, I thought bitterly to myself. I also was astute enough to recognize that I was deeply disappointed that Betty had never tried to contact me. No frantic calls saying she was sorry - it was just sex- she never meant to hurt me . You know, all that horseshit. I wouldn't have even accepted her calls, but I was again deeply hurt that she hadn't even made the effort.

"It was a few weeks later that I received a call from G. Phillip Howell, Esq. That's how I thought of him, by that name. He didn't have good news. 'Lieutenant, I have some information for you which I don't think you're going to like. Your wife may contest the divorce which could become very expensive for you. What she wants is a private talk with you. If you say no, she contests it - if you agree, she'll not fight it. It's up to you.' "

"I sat there for a moment and then I told him to arrange the meeting. We would meet in his office, I didn't want anything informal like my house or a coffee shop or whatever. I wanted to keep this very business like. Maybe she try to make me change my mind and I knew that wasn't going to happen. So the next week found me walking into the conference room of the offices of G. Phillip Howell, Esq.

"I have to admit, my breath caught in my throat when I saw Betty sitting there, patiently waiting. I could see that she was wan, her face grave and a bit drawn. I didn't say a word. I pulled out a chair across the table from her and sat. I just looked at her expectantly. Shit, she was the one who requested this meeting. Let her begin." 

George paused and looked at me steadily. "David, are you getting a sense of who I was at that time. Do you begin to see what a sanctimonious prick I was, and I that I didn't have any right to be so goddamn self-righteous. I'll tell you why in a moment. Let me get back to the story. I sat there and just stared at Betty. I was a little startled, those soft blue eyes were now like ice, boring right into me.

'Are you hurting, George?' she asked calmly. 'I know this is tearing you up. The hurt is deep and sharp, isn't it, George? The sense of betrayal, the humiliation. Now you know how it feels, George.' She smiled bitterly for a second.

'I've known, George. I had known for quite awhile that you were cheating, that every time you went on one of your trips, the chances were good that you were going to get laid. That hurt, George. That devastated me. You belittled me and our marriage and you didn't give a shit. Even when our relationship got so cold and empty, you just didn't give a shit,' Emily said quietly.

"'Christ," I said to myself. 'Shit, she knew? How the fuck did she know? It wasn't often and it was just sex, just a quick piece to relax me. What she did was different. A wife is supposed to be faithful,' I thought to myself. You see, David. I had placed our infidelities in two separate categories. What I had done was just a minor peccadillo, of absolutely no importance in my mind. Her infidelity was a different story. THAT was cheating. Do you understand, David. Can you understand what an idiot I was at that time?" 

"Let me continue, David. Betty didn't stop lashing into me. 'At first I didn't plan on cheating, George. I thought I could get your attention with false clues. I left motel matchbooks lying around. You ignored them. I went so far as to buy condoms. I tore the cover off of one and left that wrapper right on top of the trash. You picked the trash bag up and didn't even notice the goddamn thing. You just threw it in the garage garbage can. You were really frustrating me, George. I even went so far as to get out of bed one night, after we had made love, dashed into the bathroom and put on a new and sexy pair of panties. I let your semen ooze out of me into the crotch of those panties, and then I hid them.

'A day later, George, I took out those panties and just left them ON TOP of the hamper. Not inside the hamper, on top of the other soiled clothing, but ON TOP of the lid. A sexy, bikini pair of panties with dried cum in the crotch. I figured that you couldn't miss that, you dumb schmuck. You know what you did, George. You just picked them up and tossed them into the hamper. Sometimes, George, I wonder how you manage to get through the day, you're so dumb. I was at my wit's end. Then I got your message at school. You were coming home early. I made a drastic decision. I was going to get laid and rub your face into it. I was going to make sure that you recognized how you had hurt me. This was one clue that you weren't going to miss.

'I was going to go out, pick up some guy, get laid and then come home, find you waiting for me, and then I would shove my used pussy in your face. I figured, George, you couldn't miss that. I did just that, George.' She was spitting my name out like bullets into me. She had paused to catch her breath and then continued. ' I dressed up nicely, went to an upscale hotel lounge and picked up a visiting businessman. After a bit of noodling back and forth I followed him to that motel. He didn't want to use his room in the hotel. That's when you surprised me, George. You were too dumb to recognize the clues I was leaving for you, but you managed to catch me in the act of getting laid, of cheating on you. I cheated once, but I guess it was enough. It got your attention, you hypocritical bastard. How many times did you cheat on me?' 

"She paused and leaned back in her chair, catching her breath again. 'That's what I wanted to tell you, George. Now, guess what?' she said as she arose and started to leave. 'Now you can have your fucking divorce.' she said contemptuously as she closed the door behind her.

"I just sat there, totally stunned. I remember that at first I really couldn't think straight, my thoughts jumbled and random. I do remember one thing. I remember, vividly, one emotion that was sweeping through me, that almost overwhelmed me. It was a feeling of shame, of guilt. It was as if a blanket had been torn from my mind. It was as if I had suddenly grown up, had become an adult. I guess it was the shock of listening to Betty, but at that moment I fully and totally understood what she had just said. The shame and guilt just washed over me. I felt like crawling under a rock.

"I know, I know, people don't just change in an instant, but I did, David. I changed, I went from a self-centered, self absorbed, hypocritical prick to something else. I didn't know what that something else was at the time, but it was at that moment that I knew that I, not Betty, had screwed up royally. It was I that had caused all of this grief. My selfishness, my concentration on me, me, me. I knew that I loved Betty and at the same time I had destroyed our marriage. Was I fucked up, or what. This all came to me in a flash. I know, it sounds like fiction, but that's what happening to me. I sat there for about 20 or 30 minutes, most of that time was spent cursing, cursing myself.

"I then rose, went into the outer office and left a message with G. Phillip Howell, Esq.'s secretary. I told her to please inform the attorney that I wanted to drop the divorce action. I asked her to mail me a final statement and that I would send him a check. I then turned, walked out of the office and into my car. My actions were mechanical, almost robotic. I realized that I was praying, my mind was praying that it all wasn't too late. I wasn't too optimistic, but I knew what I had to do.

"I knew where Betty lived. I knew where her apartment was. Fearfully and slowly I drove and parked on the street in front of her place. I didn't dare hesitate, I would have lost my nerve. Whatever the result, I knew that I had to do this. I almost stumbled up the stairs and stood at her door. 

"Summoning up whatever courage I had, I kocked and waited. Betty opened the door and looked at me, her face expressionless. She then turned and walked away, but left the door open. I walked in and saw that she had seated herself in a chair in her living room. She said not a word, just looked up at me.

"I slowly willed myself to walk to her. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out. I couldn't speak, I was frozen. I then broke down, I lost it. I sank to my knees and put my head in her lap and cried and cried. I tried to get the words out, but they were mangled, indecipherable. I tried to apologize. I tried to tell her how sorry I was, what a jerk I was, but I was just uttering gibberish. 

After a bit, I felt her fingers in my hair, stroking me. "I heard her speaking softly, 'I know, George, I know. I'm sorry too. What a god awful mess.' I don't know how long we stayed that way. I didn't want to move. I wanted to stay there, my head in her lap, for the rest of my life. My tears had dried but I didn't want to hear her say that she didn't want me anymore. I just hugged her tightly and wouldn't let go."

George paused, looked at me and smiled wryly. "Okay, David, My story is over. You know how it ended. I promised Betty that I would spend the rest of my life making her happy - and I did, I think. From that day forward we never had one serious argument. We had learned to head them off by just talking to one another. It's that simple, David. You just have to learn to talk to one another."

I just sat there for a moment, overcome with emotion. George had narrated a hell of a story and I'm not ashamed to admit that I had tears in my eyes. I sat mute; I really didn't know what to say. His story had stirred hidden wells of feeling in me. 

George got up, came over to me and pulled me to my feet. "Go home, David. Think about my little tale. Think about how the ending could have gone. Think about your situation. You're an intelligent man, for god's sake, you're a Ph.D. Use your head." he said as he gently led me out of the door. Before he closed it, he again looked into my eyes and said, "The real question that you have to ask yourself is this: would you be happier with her or without her?"

I numbly walked the few steps to my temporary dwelling. George was right - I wasn't stupid. I knew what he was trying to do, what he was trying to make me consider and the emotional jolt of his tale did just what he expected it to do. It had moved me to a different level in terms of how I viewed recent events. I dropped into a chair, but left the lights off. My thoughts were buzzing in my head, but they weren't chaotic or random this time. I began to have a discussion with myself. 

I knew the points that George wanted me to go over - the parallels between his story and the horror visited upon me. Betty had cheated, but it was in reaction to his own philandering - she was driven by desperation, goaded into showing him how devastating infidelity was, despite how misguided her attempt may have been. But, Shelly had cheated when there had been no infidelity on my part. George was guilty, I was not. Wait.........wait, Shelly had cheated because she was convinced that I HAD been unfaithful. In her mind I was doing just what George had done, and she had reacted exactly how Betty had.....well, maybe not exactly. Shelly's reaction was perhaps a bit draconian. Damn, I was getting a headache. Why was I beating myself up - I knew that I had to answer George's last question. 

********************

I didn't get much sleep that night. I got showered and dressed early the next morning and made the trip home in record time. I entered my apartment and immediately picked up the phone and called Lyle.

"David, it's good to hear from you. Are you enjoying the beach house. I hope it's doing you some good."

"Lyle, I'm home now, and yes the trip was worthwhile, very worthwhile. I've come to some decisions, but I would really like to speak to Shelly's doctor. Is that possible?"

"Of course, David. He's been waiting for you to request a meeting. In fact, he anxious to speak with you. Hold on, I'll get his number for you," he responded. I heard him ask his secretary to find the doctor's telephone number.

"By the way, David. It looks like our friend Mr. Fallow has had some bad news. He has lost his position, of course, and I doubt that he'll find one any time soon. He has also lost his family. His wife is divorcing him and will probably take him for a bundle. He has hired a good attorney to fight the rape charge, and that will probably totally wipe him out financially," Lyle chuckled. "It looks like the rape charge is only one of many problems he now has.'

"Do you think that the rape charge will stick, Lyle?" I inquired. I didn't think I was being too vindictive, but I really wanted the bastard to suffer.

"Who knows, it's certainly not a slam dunk, but a lot of damage has already been done, so even if it doesn't, his life will never be the same. Oh, here's the number. Write it down, David."

I sat back, took a deep breath and called the number that Lyle had given me. "Hello, this is David Lannister. May I speak with Dr. John Biscoe............."

********************

Two hours later I was seated in Dr. Biscoe's office. He was a short man with a short, gray beard and a short haircut, but he had a smile that seemed to brighten the entire room.

"David....may I call you David?" I nodded. "Good, please call me John. I am delighted that you're here, I was looking forward to meeting you. I consider your cooperation vital to Shelly's recovery and future health."

He saw the hesitation in my eyes and he smiled and continued. "You may not be aware of it, but I was Shelly's psychiatrist years ago, after she had divorced her first husband. She had serious trust issues and I thought we had pretty well worked them out. It seems that I was a bit too confident," he said softly, his eyes now a bit sad.

"Look, David. I'm not going to sit here and spout a lot of psychobabble at you. I'm afraid that too many of my colleagues are guilty of that. Let's talk about the 'incident' which, I am certain was totally humiliating and devastating for you. I truly believe that at that time, and perhaps even days before that, Shelly was experiencing a distinct disconnect from reality - she was effectively in a psychotic state. No, no, it isn't a permanent condition, but it can be extremely destructive.

"Mr. Fallow, had amazingly chosen the ideal route for his seduction. Without having a clue as to how effective his moves were, he hit upon exactly those things that tore down Shelly's touch with reality. His insidious innuendoes leading finally to his 'certainty' and his 'proof' found a woman ripe to believe his lies. You have to remember that Shelly had very serious issues when it came to trusting a man with her heart. She lost her father due to his cheating which was devastating to a young and impressionable girl, and then with her brand new husband. She divorced him and started to see me. I thought that she was well on her way to a complete recovery. I was, obviously, much too optimistic. Then, even more traumatic if that was possible, she went through the same agony with the man with whom she intended to spend the rest of her life - you."

Dr. Biscoe had lost his smile and his face was grave and troubled. I suddenly felt a cold chill run down my back. My mind wandered a bit, recalling bits of George Malone's story. Dr. Biscoe continued slowly.




The Ties That Bind Ch. 03



"The 'incident' in question was Shelly's most extreme plunge into her psychosis. Her actions during that time bordered on paranoid schizophrenia. I believe though that the shock, the horror of what she had done to you finally penetrated her consciousness and brought her back to reality. You realize that I have been seeing Shelly frequently during the past weeks and I have spoken to both Lyle and Millie. Their hearts have gone out to Shelly. Think back, David. What did you find when you finally were able to free yourself? You went to her, did you find her cogent, lucid, rational? Was she still enraged,vindictive, bitter?"

I shook my head. Dr. Biscoe smiled sadly and nodded. "No, David. She was almost comatose with horror and with self-loathing. She was wrapped in a cocoon of shock with the realization of the pain she must have caused you. It took time, and will continue to take much more time, to peel away those layers of self-hatred."

Dr. Biscoe sighed and went quiet for awhile. "There's quite a bit more for us to talk about, but I'm not sure that this is now the time for that. I have to know what you intend. Lyle has indicated that you were pretty set upon divorce. I fully understand why you wish to proceed with that, and perhaps that would be wisest course of action. I must caution you though. While Shelly would probably be able to handle that now - in fact she fully expects you to go ahead with it and will now fully accept it - you must know that it will impact on her recovery. Don't misunderstand, David. She will be able to learn to deal with that. I don't want to influence your decision. If you truly want out of the marriage, then I would encourage you to do just that. Staying in this marriage out of pity is the worst thing you could do.

"Okay, David. Don't give me an answer just yet. Think about what your feelings are for your wife then let me know. We'll talk again.

*******************

I sat in my car, mulling over my next move. I knew what I had to do, or more accurately, what I wanted to do. Yet, I was still uncertain, unsure...no, perhaps just a bit fearful. I realized that it's a little difficult to be decisive when you're not the only player in the game. I started the car and began to drive.

I walked to the front door of our townhouse. I entered silently, stood still for a moment, but heard nothing. I looked around, it all seemed so empty and somewhat forlorn, or was that my mood? I walked to the kitchen, my steps muffled by the soft carpet. I saw Shelly sitting at the table, her hands clasping a cup of coffee. She visibly started when she saw me standing there. Her face paled and she lowered her eyes to the table.

I sat down opposite her, not saying anything. I saw her begin to tremble a bit, obviously agitated. "How.....how can you stand to look at me?' she said in a whisper. "I know I must disgust you, almost as much as I disgust myself."

She sat there, pale and trembling, but stoically accepting the fact that she had destroyed our marriage. There were no tears though her eyes were moist. I imagine she must have cried herself out. I became certain, at that moment, that what I wanted to do was absolutely the right thing to do. I had answered George's question. I reached over, removed the cup from Shelly's hands and enfolded them in mine, then leaned over and gently kissed her soft lips.