68 comments/ 59632 views/ 7 favorites Truth of the Matter By: WantABWriter Connie was driving home. It was almost noon Saturday. She knew full well Martin would be waiting for her. That was what she wanted. She took a deep breath. In a way it was over, but there was still one small part that needed to be played. She smiled when she thought of how it would be. Yes she had gotten her pound of flesh and she would display it like a trophy. In the bag beside her was the green dress she had worn the night before. In fact all her ensemble was there along with her clothes from work Friday. The evidence was there and it would leave little doubt as to just what had happened. She smiled. Oh she felt so good. Her phone rang. It was Ann Barton. "Hi, how was your night Ann?" "Bout so so...he was kind of a dud. How was your date? Over yet?" "Yes and I'm heading home now. I'm sure Martin will be there." "Connie he's going to be pissed deluxe!" Ann offered. "Oh I know he'll be mad, but that's why I did it. I want him to know just what it feels like." Connie quipped. "You might be playing with fire." "I can handle Martin, his conscience will get the best of him." "I don't know about that, he might be too mad to think about much else," Ann cautioned. "Yes. but if I know him he'll finally confess when he sees how serious I am." "Be careful, he might get violent before the thinks." "Don't worry Ann, I know Martin. We've been married over 8 years." "But what you did..." "Yes I know that, but I know the buttons to push. All men are the same, us women have to stick together." Connie said with a less than sincere laugh. "Be careful. This could turn serious. Sure you don't want to give him time to cool off?" "I'm sure, and besides he deserves it with what he did to me and to you." Connie's anger was flaring. "Look, I'm sorry it happened and I wish I hadn't told you. I never imagined it could happen and it wasn't my fault." Ann was feeling a little guilty. "Yes I know it wasn't your fault." "I can be a flirt but I just didn't mean for it to get carried as far as it did." Ann said in her own defense. "OK but he should have stopped. Some men think with the wrong head." "Sometimes I don't think either...well I mean what all might happen. But you're not mad at me?" "No I'm not mad at you, it was him that should have stopped." Connie stated as her ire grew thinking of her husband's actions. "But we had been drinking. Me a lot more then him," Ann conceded. "I know you can be a flirt, and you were both drinking, but that didn't give him the right." "Call me if you have any real trouble. If you need a place to stay while he cools off." "I'll be alright. I can handle my husband. Got to run am almost at the house." Connie turned into the drive with confidence. She was more than ready to make the announcement. She pulled in the garage and parked. His truck was there. She knew it would be. Walking into the kitchen she didn't find him waiting there but he was in the house somewhere. On into the master bedroom she marched throwing her bag on the bed as she passed. Just as she went into the bathroom he appeared. "Where have you been?" he asked sharply. She smiled. "I had things I needed to do. Now I need to shower. I'll see you in a while." She closed and locked the door. She did that for spite. Martin could pick the lock, for it was only for privacy and had no real key. But as she guessed he didn't. He allowed her the time alone. And if she knew him, he was searching her bag at that very moment. She smiled thinking of his reaction to the contents. After the shower she put on her makeup. She wanted to look her best. Then it was time to dress. She picked a push up bra and French panties. Over that she wore shorts and a light blouse. On her feet she had platform sandals. Now it was time to complete the last of her plan. Connie walked out of the bathroom to see the contents of her bag spread on the bed, just as she had imagined. That inspired confidence the rest would go as she had planed. She walked into the kitchen. Martin sat at the table, a coffee mug nearby. He looked tired and nervous. In fact he was spinning his phone on the table much like one might spin a domino. Serves him right she thought. With a cup of coffee in hand she faced him. She was ready. "Where in the hell have you been?" "Well to tell you the truth I had a date." She took a sip of her coffee and let her statement sink in. "A date? What do you mean a date?" he demanded. "I told you, I had a date. I went out with a man. I see you helped me unpack my bag. Want to thank you for that." "You had a date?" he screamed. "Yes and I won't lie about it like you. I want to be open and honest." "What in your crazy assed mind are you talking about!" "You just won't admit you....you....you fucked my best friend. You continue to deny it." "I did not! I've never touched Ann or any other woman!" "Oh come on, I know what happened. You gave Ann a ride home; you followed her up to her door." Connie was getting mad and losing her temper. She hadn't wanted that but couldn't help it. "You just barged in and want 'payment' as you put it. You just raped her. You took what you wanted!" "I didn't do anything of the sorts....Ann is a lying bitch!" "You can continue with your story but I know the truth and I got even." He just glared at her in disbelief. "Yes I got even! I had a date and he was a gentleman. He took me to dinner, then dancing. You haven't taken me dancing in years. And I want you to know he is a much better dancer then you." "A date?" he repeated in anger. "Yes and dancing is not all he can do better then you. He is quite the lover. He took me back to his place. He took his time and made slow gentle love to me. And he gave me several powerful orgasms orally. You might want some tips in that department too." "A date, a gentleman, orgasms? I don't want to hear this." "Well you might as well know all. I won't lie like you. He made love to me and he is....shall we say better endowed. He filled me; he touched places inside me you have never come close to." "You fucked another man?" Martin shouted but it was in pain. "Yes and he filled me full more than once. Let me tell you that man can put out a string of pearls. I felt them in me and I swallowed some. It was the least I could do. So you see I can do just the same as you, but I won't hide it or lie about it." Martin was angry and hurt. He would have never imagined his wife could be so cruel and callused. She was actually confessing to an affair and she still had the notion he had screwed Ann. No she said 'raped' Ann. He was in shock. He did pick up his phone and put it in his pocket before he headed toward the master. He walked in and was greeted by the green dress lying on the bed. He shook his head and felt his eyes fill with tears. Connie didn't follow immediately but did enter the room as he started out with a hand full of clothing. She was a little shocked. She felt he would realize that he couldn't get away with adultery, that she would make him pay. But she wasn't prepared for this reaction. She followed him to the spare bedroom where he had been sleeping for the past few weeks. Sleeping there yes but his clothes were still in there room. And he still used their shower. She hadn't invited him back to their bed but was now ready to. That is what she felt would happen when she told Martin of the 'date'. He would realize how close he came to losing her and take her to bed. Prove to her his love and promise never to stray again. Seeing him remove his items from the bath she saw that too as just a minor setback. She would let him cool down and come back to his senses. Connie gave him space that afternoon. She did call Ann to report the confrontation and expressed her disappointment that he hadn't confessed. But she knew he would and it would be all better tomorrow. Ann listened and cautioned that it might not go as she had planned. "Why not? He cheated, I know you wouldn't lie about that. He might have convinced himself it was your fault so he doesn't have to face it. But he will know I won't stand for it." "But some men are stubborn. He might never admit it." Ann stated knowing it was all her lie. "That's doesn't matter. I'll have him back by morning. I know we'll patch it up this evening." Later in the afternoon she went looking for her husband. He was setting on the back deck with a beer. She poured herself a glass of wine and joined him. He was so deep in thought he didn't seem to notice or he was ignoring her. Connie played along for a while then spoke. "Isn't it a beautiful sunset?" When she said that, she saw him jump. 'Well at least he wasn't ignoring me' she smiled. "Guess so...sad in a way," he said "Really, to me the sun setting brings the end of one day and the promise of a new day tomorrow." "If you say so." "Yes it does and it can be a new day for us. We can go to bed tonight make new vows and start our life over tomorrow." He turned and looked at her. She didn't like the look in his eyes. "Woman you're crazy. Why make new vows you didn't keep the old one." Connie was getting mad, she hated to be called 'woman'. How dare him. "Listen to me Martin Raymond Jamison, you go dip your wick in any woman you want and come back to me. I'm just to spread my legs and welcome you as if nothing had happened. But now that I have had another lover....I'm a tainted woman, damaged goods, is that it?" "No I think the word is whore!" That shocked and angered her to frustration. "What does that mean you son of a bitch!" He didn't say a word he just got up and left. He slept in the spare room and was glad she hadn't come in that night. It would not have been pretty. Sunday they avoided one another. Him from hurt and pain, her from anger and frustration. Connie got up and went to work on Monday without a word to her husband. On her way in she retraced the step that had led up to the weekend. It had been just over a month since she had learned that her husband has slept with her friend. She and Ann Barton had been best friends since grade school. They had gone through so much together. Discovering boys, their first broken hearts, becoming women, and all the up and downs friendship brings. Connie had to go out of town about 7 months earlier for several days. It was needed to advance her career. She worked in marketing and every contact was of value. It didn't hurt that she was very attractive. She smiled thinking of how she could manipulate men. Just a smile or a wink would get her about anything she wanted. She took good care of herself with exercise and diet. She was just over 5 ½ feet and able to wear heals without towering over the men in the office. She had coal black hair that shined and was her pride. She had dark eyes with a pretty face. And her breasts were always prominently displayed. They were even more enticing with her 25" waist and her 35" hips. And she knew how to use all her assets. True she had never been unfaithful to her husband but she did hint to men sometimes. She did it to close a deal or to get her foot in the door. She knew it was perhaps more than Martin would have approved of but she never crossed the line until. Never crossed the line until she learned of his indiscretion. Ann had confessed. She had told the story in the best of light for herself but still Martin had crossed the line. Ann had needed a ride home and had asked Martin. With her out of town he suggested they stop for a drink. He didn't want to go home to an empty house he said. Ann admitted she drank more than one but insisted it was all his doing. Then after they left and got to her apartment, he followed her in. With the alcohol and all he swept her off to the bedroom. She knew it was wrong but didn't know what to do she said. They were already in bed and he was on top of her. She thought about screaming but that would bring the police and problems. So to save all of them a lot of embarrassment she conceded. What a story she had told. Connie knew her friend. She knew her ways. She was a flirt and she loved to tease men. Ann had been that way since she was left at the altar. That too was partly her fault. She had enticed the best man into bed the night before the wedding. She felt it was her last chance as a free woman. When the groom was informed early the next morning he came to the wedding. When asked if he would take Ann as his wife he said no. He wanted no part of a whore that would fuck another man the night before her wedding. He took her rings off the pillow and walked out. All were stunned to say the least, especially both sets of parents. It turned into a real scene and would have been best handled in a different way. It let her totally humiliated. After then Ann seemed to take it out on all men. She would use and discard them at her leisure. She had probably led Martin on but he should have been strong enough to say 'no'. He was the married! He should have never broken his vow. But now she had extracted her revenge. It was not as wonderful as she had imagined but it wasn't horrid. Roger was a good lover but he had insisted on a blow job. And he did fill her mouth. She had swallowed it all, a thing she hated to do. But he did take his time and make her feel wanted and desired. He give her two orgasms orally and then several more during their intercourse. She had wanted him to wear a condom but he wouldn't. It had felt strange to have another man's semen deep inside her. When she got home she used not only soap and water but douche trying to remove the feeling. The line about him being bigger was a lie. He was no larger than her husband but it just wasn't the same. And he took her to a hotel not his place, because he was married too. That didn't bother Connie for she didn't want it to be any more than a one time thing. A married man wouldn't be likely to want to try to continue the affair if the female refused for fear it might get back to his wife. So all in all it had worked well till Martin moved his things out of the master. True they hadn't slept together for the past two weeks but he hadn't moved his clothes. And even with her offer to patch it up he didn't want to come to bed with her. What should she do next? She loved her husband but she had to make sure he would never stray again. At lunch she met Ann. "He moved out of the master," she informed her friend. "He did, but he's still in the house, right?" "Yes but ever since you told me...I wanted him to confess but he just didn't. I wanted him to beg for forgiveness. I wanted to know he will never do it again. But all I got was him sleeping in the spare room." "But you said he moved out over the weekend?" "Yes he just slept there but now he lives in the other room. What should I do?" Ann thought. What advice should she give? She was in it pretty deep and she knew it. The story about her and Martin was a lie. She had offered and he had refused. She even questioned why she told the lie to her best friend, but it was too late to analyze it now. "Men can be stubborn. It's a test of wills. If he can break you and make you beg him to come back into the master he as won. And he will never have to admit what he's done. It's up to you but I wouldn't let him get away with it. I stick to my guns." "But what if....I love Martin. I know that he shouldn't have done it and your drinking didn't help. But he did it and I have to live with that." "We both do," Ann said but she was thinking of her lie. Things didn't improve at their home. In fact it became worse. There was angry words when they passed in the hall. Both seemed to keep longer hours away from home. And on the weekends each tired to stay out later then the other. It was coming to a head. Connie had talked to her mother. She didn't go into the full details but described the problems. Her mother was a wise woman and had been married for 40 years. She told her daughter she had best sit down with her husband and try to work it out. If not she had best prepare for one of two things, a divorce or a long unhappy marriage. Connie thought about that for two days. She had made up her mind. She was going to talk to Martin that evening. It was a Friday so they would have two days to put it behind them. I didn't matter any longer that she hear a confession, she just wanted her marriage back. She got home a little early. She did that to catch him before he headed out for the evening. She walked in calling his name. She froze in her tracts when she saw the suitcases. "Where are you going?" She was angry. She thought he was headed out for a weekend. "I leaving," he said calmly. "Leaving for where?" she demanded. He just looked at her. She suddenly felt cold. He picked up the bags and walked to the garage. He placed them in the back seat of his truck. As he did she saw he had several boxes and bags already loaded. She followed him back into the house. He got one last box. She looked at him. "What are you doing?" "I told you, I'm leaving?" "You don't need to take everything do you. You are coming back? This is just a weekend trip with some..." but she didn't finish the statement. It was the look in his eyes that stopped her words. "I'm tired of all of this Connie. I need to get away. It's best." He stopped before his voice broke. "But when will you be back?" He couldn't answer, her just walked past her. She followed asking him to stay and at least talk about it. He didn't seem to hear. He put the box in the cab and walked to the drivers door. He got in started the motor and back out. He paid no attention to her words as he backed down the drive. Then he was gone. Connie went to pieces. After an hour of crying she called her friend. Ann tried to comfort her and assure her Martin would be back. He was just angry but he would realize he had too much to lose. They had been together for 8 years, that wasn't easily abandoned. It was a long weekend for the two. Connie upset about her husband leaving and Ann with worry the truth would come out. Monday Connie called in sick and began trying to locate her husband. She called his cell but it went to voice mail after two rings. Sitting in the kitchen she though she heard it ring in the house but decided it was just an echo. By the end of the day she found a phone under the sofa in the den. It wasn't Martin's I-Phone, but it responded to his number. Tuesday she tried his office. She found he had been transferred. The receptionist didn't have any further information so Connie asked to speak to his boss. After a moment she was told the man was busy but if it was important he would return her call. He didn't. Wednesday at work she was served divorce papers. She cried and left early. The papers were only a surprise to her. Although her co-workers had no idea of the divorce they did know something was seriously wrong the serving only confirmed it. Connie called Ann. She was hysterical. "What have I done?" she moaned. After she had cried herself to sleep Ann tied to call Martin but found the number no longer worked. The next day Connie changed. It was like Jekyll and Hyde. That Thursday morning she as furious. "How dare that asshole divorce me! It was him that all but 'raped' you. It should have been me that filed and I should have done it the day you told me. Why would I want to live with a rapist?" "Connie calm down. You both have let your stubborn pride get you to this point. Martin loves you and you love him. If you can find him, the two of you can work this out." "Work it out? Work it out? Could you love a man that raped me?" Ann was on the spot. "We had been drinking. I am a flirt. I just didn't think. I mean it shouldn't have happened. It was kind of my fault too." Ann admitted to defuse the situation. Truth of the Matter "You're just saying that. When you told me....you just didn't want me hurt. Now you try to take the blame, well some of the blame to make me feel a little better, but it won't do! The man is an asshole, a pervert and a rapist. I should have kicked him out. He never loved me, he just used me! I'll show him! It's early I'm headed to work. I have a life to live and I don't need him now, and I never did." Connie went to work but couldn't hold it together. She went home after a few hours. From there she called Martin's boss again. She didn't get through. That made her angry. She began to imagine all the hateful things Martin must have spread about her at his office. She could play that game too. The weekend was hard for Connie. Her mother came to spend a few days. She wanted to see if she could help. But she couldn't because she never found the true reason for the pending divorce. But it did help and by Monday Connie could face the world. The following Wednesday she found that Martin had transferred to Minneapolis. Thursday morning she called. "Well hello Martin, guess you didn't think I would find you. Well I do have your number now!" "How have you been?" he asked in a flat voice. "Well let me see. Where do I begin? Oh yes I had this asshole of a husband that raped my best friend. The he walked out on me! I find his...an old phone under the sofa. It took me 40 calls to find that. You sure are cute sometimes. Oh yes and then to top it all off I get papers served. Now the whole office knows. Have you told you co-workers?" "No things are pretty normal here," he replied. "Well...Well..." then she began to cry. "I have to go," was all she heard before the line went dead. Connie cried in her office for an hour then pulled herself together. "If he wants to play hard ball, I can to. I'll get a divorce attorney." With that she set out to find the best. She did find an attorney but neglected to tell him all the circumstances leading up to her husband filing for divorce. Sean Wilson didn't really buy her story but she was paying the bill so he set out to protect his client's interest. He made contact with Martin's attorney, Jerry Lewis. Sean knew of Jerry's reputation and played it by the book. Within a week he had all the information on Martin Jamison. He had his address, place of employment, and phone number. He passed that along to his client thinking they might work it out before it got to court. In the mean time he prepared all the documents needed to justify Connie's claim on the joint assets of the marriage. Connie was still on a roll-a-coaster ride of emotions. With the change in her, she found she had few friends at work. Men that use to do anything for a smile sidestepped her. The women ignored her and only spoke with her on work matters. She read that as the office was against her. They were taking her husbands side. That only led to more friction at her work. In truth it was her unpredictable mood swings that had make all want to keep their distance. With the alienation at work she sought comfort elsewhere. One she leaned on was Roger Smith. She had called him regularly before she slept with him. She did that to get to know him. She didn't want to sleep with a man she picked up at a bar. There was too much risk of getting more than she wanted. Ma He might turn into a stalker or have an STD. With her life shattered Connie needed reassurance she was desirable. She wanted men to want her like they had in the past. Roger was understanding and would meet her for lunch or dinner when he could. She had even given in to him several times. It was a Friday and Connie was ready to go to work. At her front door she changed her mind. She was going to Minneapolis and face her husband. This had gone far enough. She was miserable and knew he was too. All she needed to do was see him and explain. She called in sick and headed to the airport. She wasn't happy to find no direct flights. She had to change planes in Dallas or Denver. She chose Denver because if left first. As she flew she thought about what Roger had said. She had taken comfort in his company, his arms and his bed several times. It didn't really fill her ache but it did console her a little. It made her feel wanted and desired. But it just wasn't as rewarding as it had been with her husband. But Roger had suggested she make the trip. It would help bring closure one way or another he advised. She arrived in Minneapolis just after noon. She had the address and was soon on her way to Martin's apartment. She had to go in the main lobby. There she found a security door that would need a code to pass through. She waited and was lucky to grab the door after a mother with children made their way through. She smiled to herself. She felt good and knew the weekend would get their problem settled and behind them. She would even move to this god forsaken ice box if she had to. She just wanted her man back in her life. It took a lot of walking but she found Martin' apartment on the fourth floor. She looked at her watch and saw it was just past 2. She put her suitcase on the floor and sat down on it. She would wait. It was Friday. He would have to come home, if for nothing else but to change clothes. An hour passed with little activity in the hall. Connie had a lot of time to think. Why had this happened? Why had they let it get this far. It had just gotten out of hand. She would change her story. She would say she went on the date but she had declined sex. She had just said she screwed the man to get even. She was hurt and wanted to lash out. Yes, she would lie. Wasn't he guilty of the same? Continuing too deny he had...she didn't want to think about it anymore. About that time she became aware she was being watched. A woman three doors down the hall was giving her the eye. When Connie returned the glare the woman stepped into an apartment. Connie felt her ire begin to rise. Ten minutes later the woman stepped back into the hall. She was dressed in shorts and a snug top. The two eyed one another for a few seconds before the woman approached. Connie stood. Each gave the other the once over. Connie didn't like the woman at all. She was about her height, and redheaded. She had green eyes and a nice figure. In a beauty contest it might be a tossup. Finally the woman spoke. "Why are you sitting in front of Martin's door?" "Who the hell wants to know?" Connie answered not realizing how angry she had become. "Just think of me as the 'Hall Monitor'. Do you tell me or do I call security?" "If you must know, I'm Mrs. Connie Jamison. Do you need ID?" "No if you say so, I guess I'll take your word for it. Have a good day." But those words weren't sincere and it was obvious. Connie sat back down and felt her blood boil. What or rather who in the hell had Martin been doing up here? He already had one girlfriend, that was obvious. He hadn't bothered to tell her he was still married. But the news did register on her face. Connie felt a little victory in that she had dampened the 'Hall Monitor's' ambition toward her husband. It was almost five that night before Martin came home. He wasn't happy to see her and Connie took that as his feeling she was interfering with his social life. When he was close she smiled. "Surprise, I just had to come and talk with you. I still love you and you.." He cut her off. "Let's go inside." He opened the door. She stepped in and turned to face the door. He picked up her bag, stepped inside and closed the door. Connie stepped to her husband and kissed him on the mouth. He didn't respond. That hurt her. "What's the matter, I got bad breath?" "No, it just didn't feel right." "Does it feel right when you kiss that redheaded bitch?" she fumed. "When I kiss who?" "That big boobed, log legged trollop that calls herself the 'Hall Monitor'. She asked why I was outside your apartment. No make that 'Martin's' apartment. If you don't know her, how did she know your name?" "I don't know what the hell you're talking about but come here." He opened the door. "See my name is right there on the door." "I told her I was your wife, and she didn't like that one bit. Guess you didn't tell her you are married. From the way she left, you won't be getting any more of that." "I wasn't 'that', anyway." he said as a matter of fact. "If you don't know her, how do you know you're not getting any?" He just liked at her like the question didn't deserve an answer. "Martin I know you still love me. And I love you. We need to work this out and put it behind us. We can make it like old times again. We could even have a second honeymoon." "I don't think that will work. The damage is done." "Can't you forgive me? We both made mistakes." "I forgave you a while back." "Then if you forgave me and still love me, why are you being so stubborn?" "It's like this; you took my most valued possession and broke it. You did it by accident or in anger, but you did it. You can try and glue it back together again and it might serve a purpose. But it could never be the same. Each time I saw it I would be reminded of how it had been damaged." "Well you did it too! You fucked Ann, remember? I know all that happened. You both had been drinking and she can be a flirt, but damn it you should have stopped. You betrayed me first!" "The hell I did! I mean I didn't touch the bitch. Drunk or sober I know she is nothing but trouble." "Don't lie to me! I know you did and now your pretending you didn't so you can blame this all on me!" "I didn't touch her! I'm tired of repeating it. The bitch is lying!" "Somebody sure is lying. I know Ann might not tell the whole truth but she wouldn't lie to me about anything like that. Men are all the same!" So it went, arguing, shouting and some crying. It was a long and unproductive night and day. Finally Martin drove her to the airport and got her to security. There they said their good-bye. The trip back to Houston was filled with a restless sleep for her. She had been exhausted by the turmoil. They had to wake her to change planes in Chicago. She arrived in Houston more fatigued than she had been when she left Minneapolis. Sunday she slept, cried and screamed in anger. She knew she had lost her husband but it was all his fault! He just wouldn't admit his mistake and ask her to forgive him. Damn he was stubborn. He had always been stubborn. Why was he that way? It could only mean he didn't love her any more. Connie spent a sleepless night. Monday was no better for her. By Tuesday she was on a terror. Many in the office were avoiding her. Her boss called her in late Tuesday. He told her to take the next day off and get whatever it was out of her system or not to come back. It had gotten that bad. When Connie called her friend Ann, she knew what to do. They would go out and have some fun. By 10 they were drinking in a local club. An hour later they had men with them. At midnight they were back at Ann's place. Connie was paired with a nice looking man. They went to bed. He made love to her. All in all he was a good lover but somehow it didn't fully satisfy her. She rolled over and went to sleep after their first engagement. The next morning she found herself alone in bed. She was not surprised or angry. Getting up she showered and went to the kitchen in a robe. On her way she passed Ann's bedroom. There she saw where her date had gone. He and the other man were tangled with the Ann. A memory came back to Connie. It was of her Bachelorette Party. Ann had hired a stripper for her. And after a few drinks, a lot of drinks, he did his dance. Later he took her to bed. She had a little guilt but she was still single. She was not due to be married for a week. And what was Martin going to do his last few free nights? The sex wasn't bad, in fact it was memorable. But the next morning Connie awoke to find the man in bed with Ann. Was that a pattern? Did Ann see it as some sort of competition? Did she always have to have the man after Connie, as if to prove she could take him away? At the moment she didn't want to think anymore about that. For it could mean that Ann had enticed Martin intentionally, and it was nowhere near the unwilling surrender she had described. Connie went back to work on Thursday and did control her emotions. It helped she had lunch with Roger. Friday passed without incident. She felt she was over the worst of it. She would pick up the pieces and make the best of it. And when it was all over she would have a better life than she had ever enjoyed with Martin Jamison. Things settled in for her for the next month. Then it came time for depositions. She and Ann were both there. A charming lawyer named Jerry Lewis was representing her husband. His manors were disarming. That made her feel better but her lawyer knew better. He tried to caution her and explain how critical it was for her to be truthful. Jerry took both their statements under oath and didn't challenge a single word. Under oath Ann told of how Marin had forced himself on her. And Connie claimed she had always been faithful. All the time Jerry smiled that charming smile. When it was all over they were discussing having Marin come back to Texas for his deposition. That was when Jerry dropped the bomb. "I would like to take one more deposition," he stated. Connie's lawyer asked who and why? "The name is Roger Smith. And I believe he will have some interesting testimony. And I want you to hear this." Jerry pulled up his laptop and began a video. It was of Connie confessing her night with another man. The audio was excellent but the video had just a few pictures of Connie in the frame. However it left little doubt as to who was speaking. Connie looked at Ann then her attorney. He had an unhappy look. "I was just trying to make Martin understand how it felt to have the one you love....well have sexual relations with someone else." "Oh really, you didn't use the term sexual relations when you described your night now did you?" Jerry smiled that same charming smile. "I was mad and I just wanted to hurt him like I was hurt!" Connie defended. "Really, tell me how is it that you are still friends with the woman he slept with. I won't use the terms you used." "Ann is my best friend. She only did it to protect me!" "You still contend you had no sexual relations with any other man?" "Yes, I lied to get even." "Then you can explain these photos." Jerry with his standard charm passed several 8x10's of Connie and Roger Smith to her. Some were of them were at a restaurant and one was them entering a hotel. "And I have more of Mr. Smith with other women." Jerry said that as he looked at Ann. "I don't know what any of that proves. My client is a business woman and meets many for lunch, both men and women. And she has had to attend meeting at many hotels." Sean offered. Jerry smiled even larger. "Well let's get Mr. Smith in here and see if he can shed any light on these photos. I'm sure your client can explain her business relationship with her best friend's boss." Connie's attorney looked at her. He had a frown and was aggravated. "Shall we ask Mr. Smith in? He volunteered to come." True Roger Smith had come without a summons but he knew if he didn't, papers would be served. If that happened and he was taken to court he would lose his job and probably his marriage. He had an interest in keeping his name out of the divorce court. Jerry had made it plain he would call him as a witness and make sure he was served at his home. The lawyer explained 'that would keep him from being embarrassed at work'. Roger was called in. Jerry excused himself. Roger was extremely mad he had been caught up in the action. He was not mad he had slept with Connie, Ann and several others, but the thoughts of it being brought out would ruin him. He explained his situation then laid it on the line. "Connie if I am called into court I will swear this was a set up to break up your marriage. It was a way for you and Ann to have a threesome with me and other men. If I lose my job and family I will do all I can to ruin both of you! It was Ann that lined you up for me. I'll tell all. I even tell of Ann's bi adventures. And hint all this was to get you into bed with her!" Connie glared at her ex-lover then at Ann. Was any of it true? Could Roger prove it or would it be just his word about Ann plan and another woman? Even a lie in court would certainly damage her case. Her lawyer laid it on the line. If all that came out in court and Connie had only the testimony of Ann it wouldn't be good. The questions he would ask, and he was sure Jerry would be thinking along the same lines, were how could you remain married to a rapist? And if he had raped her best friend, it had been some set up. How could she remain friends with the woman her husband cheated with. And how did she come to be in bed with her best friend's boss? Yes it didn't look good. They invited Jerry back in. He was smiling but it was the same as when he had begun. "Shall we talk terms?" he asked. He laid out what his client's terms. He wanted 60% of all assets and release of all personal retirement accounts to the person holding them. That surprised Connie but not her attorney. Then Jerry added the insult. He made his fee payable by Connie. He was asked to leave the room. They talked about it. Connie could get the money for the house equity from her parents. The rest would be half of the value of the furnishing still no real problem. The division of their cash was easy enough. But the $25,000.00 legal fee was a blow. Connie demanded help from both Roger and Ann on that. When it was agreed, they call Jerry back in. With papers prepared and signed Jerry turned to leave. "I'll send these to my client and if they meet him approval I'll get them back and file them. He might want to make some changes so be prepared for that. At the best it will be a week, at the most two weeks, before I can file it as a final." That night Connie went home and cried herself to sleep. It just wasn't right. Martin shouldn't have been so stubborn. By the next afternoon she had convinced herself to make another try at getting him to see reason. The papers wouldn't be filed for a week or two. Getting home she went to work on her computer. She found his new phone number and called. She got a shock when the phone was answered. "Hello" but it was a female voice. "I'm looking for my husband! Just who are you?" Connie demanded. "I would have thought you would have remembered me. I'm the Hall Monitor." "And just why are you answering my husband's phone?" "Well it is nice to hear your voice Connie, but to answer your question, Martin is in the shower." Connie fumed and tried to make some words come out but before she could respond the woman continued. "Oh here is his now. Martin you could have at least wrapped in a towel. You're naked and embarrassing me. Here he is Connie." Then she heard Martin, "Why should you be embarrassed, you're naked too. Yes, Connie how can I help you?" "Martin Raymond Jamison, we're still married. You don't have the right to be...to be... fucking some old whore. Now I want you to know I have changed my mind. If you want to play dirty I can too. I'm coming up there and I'll straighten this out!" "You can come if you want Connie but we're divorced." "No we're not! It will take a week or two. I'll tell my attorney to block it." "No can do, it was filed with the judge at 6 this evening. It's official." "Damn you Martin, I see you in court....better I'll see you in person tomorrow! Maybe tonight if I can get a flight! You won't get away with this!" "Do what you want but as far as I'm concerned it's over and when can I expect my check!" Truth of the Matter Connie hung up on him. She didn't sleep that night and was on a plane the next morning. She was in Denver before she got through to her lawyer. After some checking he informed her that all Martin had said was true. The divorce was final. That didn't stop her. She went on to Minneapolis. She took a cab to this apartment and waited to get into the building. It took a while but she finally got to follow a man in the security door. She parked herself in front of his apartment and waited. She waited on Martin and that bitch that called herself the 'Hall Monitor'. Security came, then the manager. He showed her the empty apartment when she agreed to leave afterward. She saw that Martin had indeed moved but said she would stay and see the bitch. It took security and the police to escort her from the building. Once outside she was informed that if she ever returned she would be charged with trespass. The police were 'kind' enough to drive her to the airport. There she broke down. It took two flight attendants to get her on the first plane headed toward Houston. When she arrived she had to call Ann to pick her up. All she could do for the next three days was cry and sleep. Monday came. Connie got up and looked at herself in the mirror. "You look like shit Connie Jamison. Pull yourself together and go on with your life. That asshole and his bitch can't be allowed to get the better of you!" She dressed and went to work. She put herself into her job. She worked hard and did all she could to control her emotions. She did that to the most part, having few outbursts in the following weeks. She began to drink at night to help her sleep and party with Ann to chase away the blues. She did all she could to make her life tolerable. But the empty house reminded her of what she had once had. That was good and bad. Sometimes she felt hurt from the divorce and other time she felt anger for his betrayal and lies. All had been going well for six months and most in her office thought it was behind her. Then the package arrived. It was a Fed-Ex and was marked personal. The receptionist didn't note the return address and had she it would have meant nothing to her. Connie got the package and looked it over. When she saw it was from Minneapolis she didn't know whether to open it or not. The address wasn't the old apartment but she knew he had moved. She threw it in the trash twice and retrieved it each time. Connie had so many conflicting emotions that she didn't realize most in the office had left. Finally she opened the envelope. The first thing that fell out was a photo of Martin and the Hall Monitor. She was so mad it took her a minute to realize it was their wedding photo. In reflex she tore it into as many pieces as possible. She then examined the rest of the contents. There was a clipping from the newspaper. It was almost a full page long and had several photos. Connie read just enough to get the name of the bitch. Cathy Taylor Jamison it said. The next things were 6 different colored napkins with their names imprinted in silver. All that did was fuel her anger. Then there was a large envelope with a wedding invitation. A note on the envelope apologized for 'forgetting' to mail it. But the last was the most painful. It was a pending birth announcement. The reason that hurt so badly was she and Martin had wanted children but it never happened. They had both been to the doctor and the problem was with her. They were told it wasn't impossible for her to get pregnant but it was highly unlikely. Now Martin would have a child, a child with that bitchy 'Hall Monitor'. Reading the date it hit her. The baby was due in 6 months. They had just gotten married. "Damn that whore bitch," she screamed. A few minutes later she was on the phone. "Jamison residence," came that all too familiar and haunting voice. "Cathy Taylor you're a whore and a bitch!" "Well hello, how have you been?" "I'm great you whore and I'm not carrying a bastard child. Didn't think I could find you did you Miss Hall Monitor!" A sweet voice replied, "Glad you had no trouble getting our number, it is listed." The pleasant replies were fueling Connie's anger. "I really don't give a fuck you two bit slut. You aren't going to ruin my day!" "I'm sorry to hear that," came the ever sweet voice. "I got your cute little package today you long legged bimbo. It didn't get lost in the mail. But it doesn't really matter to me what you two assholes do! So all your efforts are for nothing whore!" "Yes I'm glad you got it." "I hope you got a paper cut on your finger you...you trollop and it falls off. And I'll send you your money back. I don't want to owe you a think you....you...you home wrecker." "Oh it was no real trouble or expense." "Why did you go to the trouble? If you think you're rubbing it in my face you're full of shit!" "Well I just wanted you to know. And I'm sorry I forgot to mail your invitation, but I did put it in the package." "I just love the photo. I would wipe my ass with it but I tore it into a million pieces." "Yes the photo. Yes really...that much you say?" "The card is priceless. It tells me you had to get knocked up before Martin would marry you. Are you sure it's his you whore? I'll make sure the kid knows all about the fact you were pregnant when you got married." "The card, yes I thought you should know. Actually you are the first. Martin just came in. Think I should tell him?" "Hell whore he already knows, you used that to trap him. He wouldn't have looked twice at a piece of trash like you if it hadn't been....if I was there!" "Really? Now now mustn't say things like that. But Martin and I do have something to discuss so I will have to let you go Connie. Do call again, it's always a pleasure." "I'll call again you slut whore. And I'll pay to have your cheating ass caught. I make sure Martin has the baby checked. A whore like you, no telling who it belongs to. Fuck you bitch it might not even be white. Hell the way you walked the halls you probable fucked any dick you could." "Now really you shouldn't say that, I was the hall monitor." "Hall Monitor, you mean Hall Whore. You stole my husband you filthy bitch. I hope you rot in hell." "Yes I understand your feeling but I do really have to go. Martin is here looking at me with bedroom eyes. Bye now." Connie was so mad when the phone went dead she screamed and threw the hand set across the room. That pulled the phone base off her desk. It took her a minute to calm down. When she did she tied to call back. She would demand to speak with Martin. But each time she dialed she got a busy circuit. After 20 minutes and a dozen tries on the land line and her cell she gave up. On her way home she fumed. She got in and called Ann. They would go drinking and find some men. But when she called she got a little more bad news. Ann told her that she needed to go to the doctor the next morning. She might have Herpes. Ann broke down and said she had contracted the disease and since they had slept with many of the same men, she might have also. True to her earlier prediction it was the worst night of her life. The next day Connie was given a clean bill of health but they scheduled a follow up in 30 days just to be sure. After leaving the exam room she vowed to never see or speak to Ann Barton again. Time heals all wounds it is said. It was a six months later but Connie was still feeling some of the pain. It wouldn't have been so bad had she not known of the child. She couldn't resist checking the birth announcements in the Minneapolis paper. It was easy doing so on line. Martin and Cathy had a boy. He was named Richard Chase. The day she read the news all of the pain descended on her once again. It took a month but she regained control. With that behind her, Connie again put herself into her work. She flirted with men but only teased. She wasn't about to give in to just any one. And she wanted to torment all of mankind for what Martin had done to her. Yes her life had been good till Martin cheated. And look at the mess it made for her. And in a way she blamed Ann's condition on him too. It had been over a year since she had learned of her ex-husband remarriage. She had given up dating but still went out. She would hit some of the single bars and milk men for drinks. All she wanted to do was tease and frustrate them. She looked upon all men as fools to be manipulated. Even her boss could be bent to some of her lesser whims. One day she walked into her boss's office after being summoned. "Connie I need you to go to Atlanta for a week." "Well sure anything for you Mr. Parks. What will I need to do for you in Atlanta." she said with a voice dripping with sex. "Don't waste that on me. I'm too old." "Oh you're not all that old Mr. Parks. Will you be going with me?" "No Connie, you'll be going alone. I wanted to send two from the office but the budget won't allow it. So I'm sending you." "Why me Mr. Parks? I mean surly there are others that are more knowledgeable. But you know I'll do my best." "That what I want Connie. Go to Atlanta and charm their britches off. I want you to get a list of all their contacts and customers. And don't forget their prospects. I want to get the jump on them." "Mr. Parks you want me to spy for you. We do all work for the same company don't we?" "Yes we do, so it makes no difference to the company what office makes the sale. So go there and get me what I want. You can do it." "Mr. Parks I do thank you for your faith in me. I'll sure do my very best." she said seductively. "Cut the crap Connie. Go there, shake your ass and flaunt your tits like you do here. You're a good employee but sometimes you can be a pain in the ass. Now take your charm and do some good for our department for a change." He said all that straight faced and serious. Connie realized he was serious and her little act had been wasted. She smiled and accepted the ticket. She left that Thursday with the next day off to pack and plan. Saturday she was on her way to Atlanta. She was met by the head of the Atlanta branch, Jeff Millican. He was charming and took her to dinner. He wined and dined her; before the night was over she was drunk. He took her to his apartment and put her to bed. Sunday morning she woke up naked in a strange bed. And to makes matters worse there was a man in bed with her. He was holding her and smiling. It was Jeff Millican. Feeling his naked body against her she looked at him in anger. "How dare you!" He smiled, "Dare me to do what?" "You...you...you shouldn't have...you raped me. I didn't consent to your taking me!" "Want me to call the police? I'm sure they would check you. That way you could prove your claim." With that he laughed. "It's not funny, and I will file criminal charges! How will you feel in jail? "Don't know, but don't plan on going," he smiled. "Well you will. I'll see to it." "You had better make sure you have been assaulted." Embarrassed Connie felt her sex. She found she hadn't had sex. She frowned. "Disappointed?" he asked "No I'm glad you didn't...didn't take advantage of me." "I would never take advantage of a sleeping woman. You know you tend to drink too much." "You didn't help, always pouring champagne. It was good, but now I have a splitting headache." He smiled, "Most women tell me that before I get them into bed." "Do you take many women to bed?" As she said that she was a little jealous and she didn't know why. "Oh not that many, and none as pretty as you." "You are such a charmer". As she said that she snuggled closer to him. It felt good to be next to him. "I'm just telling the truth. And I did all I could to help you." "Help me, how?" "You were sent here to...use your charms to extract a list of our customers, and our prospects. So I just helped you get started." "What do you mean? I was sent here to learn. I'm not some kind of spy." He smiled, "True you aren't Mata Hari. But I guess you did your best." She tried to roll away but he held her tight. She didn't fight as hard as she pretended. After a kiss he let her get up and shower. When she got out she found her suitcases on the bed. She dressed and they went out for a late breakfast. Sunday was a pleasant day and he asked if she wanted to check into a hotel for her stay. She smiled and thought of the money she could save. And how she could use staying with him to her advantage. Each day he showed her around the office and gave her free reign. Several times she saw lists of customers and prospects. She never picked then up, choosing to take a photo of the papers with her phone. Each evening Jeff would take her to a nice restaurant and then for some other form of entertainment. Once it was a walk in the park, another time it was a play at a civic theater. At night he always gave her privacy in the bathroom while he waited in bed. He slept nude and after the second night Connie did also. The thing that was unusual about the nights, Jeff never tired to make love to her one time. He did hold her and whisper in her ear, but he never put a move on her. More than once she felt his erection nudging her leg or back but he acted as if he had no urge for her at all. Thursday night they were in bed together. Her plane departed at 10:15 the next morning. Connie was snuggled close and was enjoying being with a man that didn't want just sex before hopping up to leave. She was a little startled when he asked the question. "Why do people have intercourse?" "What?" "Why do men and women want to have intercourse?" "It's what adults do. That's why we are all in a hurry to grow up. That and to drive and drink." "But why do adults want to have intercourse?" "I don't know; you tell me." "It is part of our nature. There are two parts to it." "Really, wham bam...then thank you ma'am," she replied. "No, not that at all. The first part is our internal need to reproduce. Each time our body moves us to engage in intercourse it is with the intent of creating a baby." "Oh really, then why do women line up for birth control pills?" "Because they know their body will entice them into sexual intercourse and they know their body does it to reproduce. So they are trying to fool their body. Wanting to relieve their hormones without worry." "So what you are saying is they, men and women, have a two fold reason. One is to fill the need to reproduce and the other is to keep from making a baby?" Connie asked. "Both of those are just the physical part of intercourse. The second is emotional. The need to be wanted for more then just the act of intercourse." He let her think about what he had said. "Why haven't you? I mean you're not gay are you?" He laughed, "Not at all. I've been wanting you since I first laid eyes on you." Connie looked toward him in the dark. "They why haven't you? Or at least hinted." "How old are you Connie 33, maybe 35?" "Jeff, you never ask a lady her age." "I understand but I'm 40. I'm a little old to just be thinking of only my physical needs. I want you for more than just trying to make a baby," "All you had to do was ask," she whispered before she kissed him. That kiss lead to another, then another. Before the night was over they did 'try and make a baby'. The next day Jeff drove her to the airport. At security he hugged her, kissed her hand, then turned and walked away. Connie was a little disappointed. Why had he done all that he had done? She was a little confused, but she would have a better understanding when she returned to work. She was called into the boss's office Monday morning. All the photos she had sent back by e-mail were of lists over 10 years old. It was obvious her office felt she had sold them out. By Wednesday she was furious with Jeff Millican. He had played her like a two bit fiddle. She fumed, 'that asshole fucked me in bed, then he fucked me at the office. Guess he's having a good laugh.' By Friday she was looking for another job. In two weeks she had one lined up though a friend. She would move to Denver. It took a month to get everything in order and ready to move. She left the house vacant and for sale. She rented a town house and started a new life. Three months later there was a knock on her door. It was noon on a Saturday. When she answered it she got a very unpleasant surprise. "What in the....are you doing here?" she shouted. "I finally decided to come." "Why? Just to get a good laugh? I can promise you that you won't get...no you had better leave." Jeff turned and looked at the cab at the curb. "I understand, good thing I had him wait. Cost me an extra 10 but I guess it was well worth it. I head back now." Connie calmed a little. The shock gone, her anger kicked in. "Send him on, you can always call another. Come on in and I'll really tell you what I think of you!" He took the invitation and waved the cab away. Stepping inside he put his bag down. Connie offered him a seat. "Want anything to drink? Coffee, tea, soda, arsenic?" "Water will be fine. It has been a long trip. I would have been here sooner if I had known were you moved." "Really, you mean if I had stayed in Houston I would have had the pleasure of your company sooner?" "Yes, I waited a month, when you didn't call I decided to swallow my pride and come." "What are you talking about, swallow your pride? You got a lot of nerve. If you had come to Houston I might be in jail now. And with you here visiting I might still see the inside of a cell. I can always claim insanity." "What are you so angry about?" "Let me think, you asshole! You screwed me every way you could. You got me run off my job. You caused me to have to move. I now live in a cracker box instead of my house. The house I have to sell. I have a job where I earn about half of what I did. I am starting all over. Now why should I be angry?" "Connie, had you thought about the truth?" "Truth?" she asked puzzled. "Yes you could have called on Monday and told your boss that I had met you at the plane. I made it clear that I knew just why you had been sent. If you had of done that I would have made sure he knew I had been warned two weeks earlier. In that way he would have known it wasn't you that had divulged his plan. You could have gone back with a clear conscience. But you had a misplaced loyalty. No, all I did was allow you make a fool of yourself." "You did help you know," she responded. "I will confess I wanted you to stay. I guess I wasn't as truthful as I should have been either." "So now you tell me Jeff Millican isn't perfect?" "You came with the intention of spying. I left the papers out and thought you might try and photo them. I figured you wouldn't try and copy them in front of witnesses. All I did was allow you the opportunity to send false information back to your office. I made 10 year old information available to you. Had you not been in such a hurry to steal, it you might have checked the date. When your actions didn't result as he had intended your boss discarded you like an old shoe. You see it was your choice." "Damn you asshole. Why are you here? What did you come for?" "Like I said I waited a month. I swallowed my pride. I tracked you here and came." "Why? You...you...what do you want, and I won't let you try and make a baby with me!" He frowned. "Well that is exactly why I came." "You have to be kidding me. Why would I ever even let you in my house?" He smiled, "Well you did invite me in?" "Only so I can throw you out without your cab waiting!" "You wouldn't do that to me now would you Connie?" "Oh yes I would, and" "And you forgot my water, I believe you offered." "You have a lot of nerve. How do you know I won't pee in the glass! I should you know." She did get up and bring him a glass of water.