husband's epic revenge on cheating wife when she returned from her business trip be prepared served as the Boy Scouts motto their code mandated traits like trustworthiness loyalty helpfulness friendliness courtesy kindness obedience cheerfulness thriftiness bravery cleanliness and reverence strangely naivity stupidity idiocy and Trust seemed part of the package Nick had no other Solutions but he rarely snooped on his wife's iPhone a fact she knew so she had added extra security being a boy Scout he valued honesty and respected privacy however with his wife's upcoming trip Nick struggled to recall her hotel's name hoping to dodge a potential argument about his forgetfulness a recurring issue lately their imminent separation the longest since their wedding 5 years ago prompted Nick's thoughts of romantic gestures like sending flowers yet Paris the city of love held a bitter irony he wouldn't be her love interest there Dwayne her trip companion would using their wedding date as the passcode Nick found himself bring work safe emails exchanged between his wife and Dwayne detailing romantic plans in Paris equally surprising as the affair itself was the use of work emails by Nick's wife Linda and her lover Dwayne both legal professionals they like Nick should have known better Linda was a lawyer and Dwayne worked as a pargal at her firm their shared experience in Document Handling and litigation exposed them to countless emails often uncovering Affairs lawyers would then assess if these were pertinent and how to minimize damage Nick hadn't paid much attention to Linda's trip details or the hotel's name due to a troubling feeling his legal experience sharpened his intuition and listening skills something felt off when Linda mentioned the trip initially describing it as a mundane arbitration case that would leave no time for sightseeing without meeting Nick's gaze her casual demeanor contrasted with their shared dream of visiting Paris Nick found her response odd catching him off guard with the worst case scenario he hadn't foreseen an email subject line struck him deeply why don't you just lose the Boy Scout so we can spend more time together and not worry this was Dwayne's recent message countered by Linda's unsettling Assurance I feel safe with him Nick feeling a mix of betrayal and arousal typed out his response followed by a smiley face emoji unsure of his next move he opted to print the email using the wifi printer in the basement viewing it as a precautionary step given his experience as a seasoned lawyer his primary concern was to preserve evidence by printing and stashing the email in his computer bag taking a moment to think Nick devised a plan he saw it as a win-win situation he contemplated feigning a romantic gesture toward Linda only to abruptly Collide his face with one of the trees in the woods behind their house conversely Dwayne he reckoned would show less Mercy in a similar situation Nick needed to strategize carefully it was his capacity for strategic thinking that defined him as a lawyer paid for his intellect not his physical prowess Nick had to act swiftly knowing Linda would soon return from her run but before delving into deep thought he had tasks to complete finishing an assignment and securing a hotel booking though not for sending flowers he wasn't sure why he needed the hotel information but he felt a sense of purpose in obtaining it he located leur eiel near the Trocadero a short walk from the international Chamber of Commerce where Linda and Dwayne would be involved in their arbitration case during the lovers anticipated breaks from their hotel trrs Nick hurriedly researched Virginia's divorce laws drawing from his memories of the bar exam 5 years prior infidelity he recalled was grounds for divorce and could impact alimon and property division yet there were defenses against infidelity charges such as reconciliation he needed to vacate the house swiftly avoiding confrontation for now his intention was to stun Linda into disbelief employing a strategic approach akin to shock and awe to terminate the marriage lies would be necessary despite their inconsistency with Scout Law this was War as Winston Churchill famously said in war truth is so precious that it must be accompanied by a bodyguard of Lies Nick saw his lies as serving a greater purpose now Unbound by oath returning to the bedroom Nick swiftly packed his belongings placing the suitcases by the front door he then gathered essential documents bank statements credit card statements retirement accounts car paperwor pay stubs mortgage statements and Linda's latest student loan balance upon hearing Linda in the kitchen upon her return from her run Nick put on a concerned expression as he ascended from his basement office seeing her drinking Gatorade with her brown hair tied back he couldn't deny her attractiveness though he found her actions despicable Nick came to the realization that love was no longer alive he conveyed his plans to go to Paris with a somber smile Linda's reaction was immediate her complexion turning pale her blue eyes losing their usual vibrancy she questioned him about the destination her initial shock fading quickly Nick explained that Sven had called informing him of the need to prepare a witness for his insurance case he mentioned the judge's frustration over a lost motion to compel which had disrupted the court schedule Nick anticipated being on the road for a few weeks but hinted at the possibility of stopping by occasionally for laundry Linda expressed sympathy suggesting that perhaps Nick's firm was hiring Nick expressed a desire to join her in Paris noticing a flicker of worry on her face before she teased him about sending his resume despite Linda's law school having a higher ranking than Nicks she made a motion as if to hug him but he avoided her and headed downstairs to his office battling visions of punching her and struggling to keep them in check as Linda asked about dinner plans Nick explained that he couldn't stay and would grab something on the road as Sven was eager for him to leave immediately Linda followed him to the door looking slightly concerned as he picked up his suitcases and left she declined a goodby kiss citing a sore throat and the possibility of a cold or allergies expressing concern about him catching anything from her Nick informed her that he wouldn't be back until Friday at the earliest mentioning their upcoming stops in Rowan Oak and Baltimore he couldn't shake the feeling that Linda was considering the unexpected possibilities his absence might bring he waved farewell and drove off he hoped she'd assume he was preoccupied with work and irritated about being called in on a Saturday his acting skills were limited to that extent but he suspected she was already planning to reach out to Dwayne Nick drove until he reached the nearest shopping center with a coffee shop like many lawyers he found clarity through pen and paper as he sipped his coffee he began listing cases it struck him that he had never considered reconciliation not even as an option retribution was the only path forward the question was to what extent his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the sound of a ringing phone originating from an unfamiliar number with impatience he answered only to be greeted by Sam Granger on the other end Granger swiftly introduced himself as someone in the business of purchasing old houses to replace them with Mansions acknowledging the general disapproval of his work but emphasizing the Allure of receiving a substantial check Nick found himself taken aback by the notion of tearing down their Cozy home however he soon regained his composure as Granger proposed buying their house for demolition citing the uncertainty of new construction timelines and offering a potentially lucrative deal if Nick and his wife were willing to sell Nick couldn't help but smirk at the prospect recalling how Linda had chosen the house shortly before their wedding it was a ranch nestled in a Serene setting complete with a Charming yard overlooking Woods in a creek with the added appeal of a treehouse visible from the bedroom window a symbol of their invisioned family life Nick found the location convenient with easy access to major highways and a manageable commute to work informing Granger of his busy schedule in the coming days Nick arranged to meet on Sunday morning Granger assured him that he had already assessed the property from the outside and didn't require access to the interior additionally he mentioned that he would likely handle the closing himself through a power of attorney for his wife who was occupied with work as they finalized the details Nick couldn't help but Ponder Linda perceived security with her boy scout unbeknownst to her Nick reflected the ideals of the Boy Scouts were rooted in military scouting emphasizing skills such as stealth and self-reliance it was a realization that Linda had unknowingly walked into a trap reminiscent of a military Ambush but before taking further action Nick resolved to conduct reconnaissance with his plan in mind he deliberately knocked over his empty coffee cup and stepped out to his car for privacy dialing a number on his cell phone then another he waited for a response eventually connecting with Frank Barry a former private investigator Nick had collaborated with during his time as a corporate lawyer Frank had often assisted with pro bono legal cases a reflection of Nick's commitment to Public Service Nick recounted the Urgent favor he needed explaining the situation involving his wife and another man Frank expressed disbelief belief at The Audacity Of Nick's wife and offered to handle the matter himself as a token of gratitude for Nick's past assistance in the Rivera divorce case which had garnered significant publicity Nick thanked Frank and proceeded to provide details about the house in the backyard mentioning its direct access to the bedroom where his wife practiced martial arts with the curtains open he suggested that Frank could use it for surveillance purposes accessible by traversing the woods and leaping over the creek after dark Nick also mentioned his intention to set up a camera outside aimed at the front of the house to monitor activities after finalizing arrangements with Frank Nick contacted Harry a lawyer he intended to retain for his divorce proceedings despite Harry's initial confusion about the purpose of the call Nick clarified that he needed legal representation due to his wife's infidelity following Nick's briefing Harry suggested meeting the next day to begin working on the case acknowledging the need to gather clear evidence of infidelity and navigate the complexities of the financial settlement given his wife's resources and support from colleagues at her firm Nick conveyed his assurance that he would handle the situation expressing confidence in resolving it amicably his next interaction involved a discussion about potential retaliation to which Nick responded that he was not planning to retaliate opting for a wait and see approach for his final call Nick reached out to Maggie employing tacted in his approach after some initial silence Maggie expressed pleasure at hearing from him after so long prompting Nick to request her assistance mentioning Linda's recent Behavior Maggie explained that Linda's actions had driven a wedge between them but she expressed willingness to help Nick as a friend Nick then shared his plan with her after a brief moment of silence Maggie responded with laughter indicating her amusement at the situation she agreed to assist Nick acknowledging his ability to make her laugh Nick expressed gratitude to Maggie promising to treat her and her partner to dinner once things settled down Maggie accepted the invitation confirming it as a date needing seclusion to strategize Nick found lodging at an extended stay hotel outside fairfax's Beltway far from their usual haunts settling in he ventured out for sustenance although not hungry he knew he needed food to counter the drinks he intended to consume the nearby restaurant El Mariachi sufficed despite the complimentary chips and cheese likely causing discomfort seated in a booth he noticed the bartender's gaze but pushed aside the thought preoccupied with his concerns noticing pusas on the menu hinted at the restaurant's Central American influence masquerade as Mexican unfazed Nick ordered tequila anticipating a brutal hangover the next day as part of the ordeal the waitress returned with topshelf tequila and a glass gesturing toward the bartender who acknowledged him pouring himself a generous serving Nick recall the bartender from Rivera's legal proceedings always sitting alone in the last row dining in silence he made notes and drank tequila after clearing his plates he visited the break room feeling the surroundings sway like a ship returning to the booth he found the bartender occupying the opposite bench awaiting him the bartender greeted Nick warmly expressing gratitude for Nick's assistance in helping his cousin Escape an abusive marriage despite Nick's attempt to downplay his involvement the bartender continued mentioning that his cousin's abusive husband had been severely injured in jail potentially facing permanent damage Nick was taken aback by the news feeling a chill run down his spine as the bartender relayed the information with a slight smile Nick replied that he hadn't been aware of the extent of the husband's injury to which the bartender nonchalantly remarked that it was yesterday's news curious about Nick's presence alone on a Saturday night the bartender inquired about his wife's whereabouts noting Nick's marital status with a knowing smile Nick realized that the bartender must have witnessed an unexpected encounter between him and Linda at a hearing followed by a kiss admitting to some marital issues including Linda's potential infidelity Nick saw no reason to conceal the truth the bartender responded with a familiar smile suggesting that while he might not be a lawyer he understood the importance of keeping secrets and hinted at Nick's exposed notebook containing incriminating details and a to-do list Nick Shrugged off the security laps noting that at least no client Secrets had been compromised the bartender questioned Nick about his desires aside from money suggesting the possibility of seeking Revenge Nick expressed his desire to physically damage his wife wanting to break her nose and black In Her Eyes the bartender cautioned Nick against such violent retaliation reminding him of the potential consequences that could lead to jail time Nick agreed nodding in acknowledgement acknowledging Nick's past assistance to his cousin despite her initial refusal of help the bartender insisted on repaying the debt owed to Nick Nick attempted to interject mentioning Frank's role in gathering evidence and the police's involvement in the case that he also enlisted a partner from his firm to ensure proper handling of the criminal proceedings accompanying his client to ensure respectful treatment by prosecutors despite Nick's objections the bartender commended his efforts in assisting those in need and offered his assistance in return When Nick expressed uncertainty about the bartender's identity the bartender revealed himself as Jose Garcia also known as El Diablo to some Nick jokingly asked if he had to sell his soul for a favor to which El Diablo responded with a chuckle stating it was merely professional courtesy El Diablo then instructed Nick to provide his address his wife's name and her daily routine he suggested getting a cell phone for easier communication and leaving a contact number at the bar El Diablo advised Nick not to return to the bar claiming it was for the best Nick briefed El Diablo about hiring a private investigator his intention to stay home until Linda's departure for France and Linda's travel plans El Diablo knew the location of the Paris hotel but kept the method of obtaining the information vague just one question Senor Nick is there any chance of reconciliation forgiveness Mercy I don't want doubts later El Diablo queried his smile replaced by a serious expression Nick met his gaze Nick took a deep breath reflecting on his emotions the path ahead was clear trust and loyalty were fundamental to him lacking in his marriage Linda's actions had turned love into hate in his heart while he might eventually become indifferent that time had not yet arrived no Nick affirmed El Diablo visibly relaxed okay don't Fred when the waitress presented the bill El Diablo dismissed her but allowed Nick to tip generously he also permitted Nick to take a bottle of tequila advising him to use it carefully Nick woke up Sunday morning without much of a hangover arriving at Harry's Law Office at 10: to find Frank already there Frank conveyed his findings informing Nick that Linda was indeed with another man in their bed he handed Nick a DVD containing evidence of their infidelity cautioning against watching it Harry expressed concern about Nick's decisions but Nick requested a summary of The Evidence Frank recounted how he had observed Linda and the man Dwayne Martin engaging in coidal activity in the treehouse as Nick had suggested they had identified Dwayne Martin as Linda's partner and plan to draft a report in an affidavit for Harry to file expressing regret for the situation Nick decided to file for divorce on grounds of infidelity but requested that Linda not be served immediately he instructed Harry to file the paperwork on Monday afternoon before the clerk's office closed Harry reminded Nick of his limitations in criminal law cautioning that he wouldn't be able to help if Nick got into legal trouble you'd be pleasantly surprised Nick mentioned as he exited his next destination was a meeting with Sam Granger it turned out to be an exceptionally productive session where Nick discovered they could sell the house for over $100,000 million sore than the mortgage and without any commission to the real estate agent Linda would be thrilled Nick assured Sam that he'd have all the necessary paperwork ready to close the deal promptly after leaving Sam's office Nick checked his phone no messages no calls she must still be occupied with Dwayne Nick sees the opportunity to call his boss Sven urgently requesting 2 weeks of vacation or he'd resign Sven realizing Nick's pivotal role in the ongoing case hastily agreed luckily there was a lull in sven's workload allowing Nick some leeway with the groundwork laid Nick returned to the hotel to dive into the real work by Monday evening he was fully prepared throughout Sunday night and Monday Linda left voice messages that he didn't respond to he was conserving all his energy for Tuesday morning thanks to Frank strategically placed camera outside the house Nick knew Dwayne had spent Monday night there estimating Dwayne's departure for work around 8:00 a. m. and Linda at 8:30 a.
m. Nick planned his move at 70000 a. m.