[Music] growing up in Lansing Illinois I learned the harsh realities of survival my father's misuse shaped my resilience and my mother's silence taught me self-reliance by my teenage years I had become Adept at navigating the rough streets of Chicago's South Side where ambition and guile often determined who succeeded and who failed While others clung to Hope In traditional Avenues I Found opportunities in in unconventional Ventures some less than legal this gritty upbringing forged the mindset I'd need for the battles ahead years later I poured my tenacity into legitimate Enterprises real estate vending services and a
coin exchange business spanning the region though my operations flourished my personal life faltered marrying lilan seemed like a dream initially but as her Ambitions clashed with my simpler desires our bond Unraveled her escalating betrayals and my refusal to accept defeat swed the seeds for storm that neither of us could escapee the Court ruled against me in almost every way possible I was ordered to provide $2,000 a month in alony $1,000 in child support and cover the mortgage and health insurance until my daughter Regina reached adulthood or longer if she pursued higher education the total burden
exceeded $6,500 monthly my ex-wife Lily whose Affairs with her firm's lawyers were no secret had managed to manipulate the system to bleed me dry I'm I'm Kurt D'Angelo my ex-wife is Lillian and our daughter Regina is my pride and joy daddy's little girl without a doubt I took her to fun places when I could she even told the judge she wanted to live with me but he ignored her the whole process was a farce Lily had a job and didn't need my financial support on top of the mortgage and other payments I Felt cheated and
I suspect the judge was biased I didn't take it lying down I started planning my revenge I can be vindictive when wronged a trait honed growing up and Lancing Illinois on Chicago's South Side people there know how to settle scores some call me an entrepreneur I just see opportunities and seize them admittedly not all my early Ventures were legal now I own rental properties vending machines and a coin changing business similar to Coin Star which operates across Chicagoland in Northern Indiana that business gave me an idea for how to pay Lily entirely in coins let
her haul them to the bank Lily worked part-time after Regina started school then became a pargal she climbed the ranks quickly helped by her looks I suspect at the time I supported her career clueless about the reality as she Advanced her attitude changed she wanted a fancier lifestyle pressuring me to move to an upscale neighborhood Reluctantly I agreed though I kept our Oak Forest house as a rental property we bought a $900,000 house in will met which she filled with expensive furniture I never felt at home there it marked the beginning of our downfall I
preferred a modest life while she wanted to flaunt her success after our divorce I decided to follow the Court's orders exactly but on my terms Regina's child support went into an account just for her she had excellent health insurance But Lily only got catastrophic coverage with a high deductible when the first spousal support payment was due I arranged for an armored truck to deliver it all in coins when Lily answered the door with one of her lawyer friends the drivers unloaded bag after bag of change onto her marble floor neighbors gathered curious about the commotion
I stood across the street filming as Lily screamed at me I waved and shouted enjoy your money strumpet before driving off On Tuesday a man approached me and asked are you Kurt D'Angelo I ignored him he repeated the question louder then snapped a picture of me holding a subpoena when I didn't take it he threw it on the ground said you've been served and left after making sure he was gone I picked it up I had court the following Wednesday a week to prepare I spent the week making calls setting appointments and planning I also
took my daughter Regina to lunch she was furious with her Mother calling her a terrible person Regina told me she wanted to live with me again but her mother wouldn't agree I told her I'd fight in court even if it landed me in jail she begged me not to get violent I reassured her explaining I'd set up a trust for her with her Uncle as trustee ensuring her needs were met none of it going to her mother she doesn't deserve anything Regina said showing her growing matur on court day Regina my lawyer and I Waited
for our case to be called Lily arrived with her lawyer sneering at me you better stick to the rules I simply replied wait and see when the judge called my name Regina stood first declaring she wanted to live with me not her mother the judge reprimanded her for her tone and dismissed her claim citing a psychiatrist's report alleging inappropriate behavior on my part I was stunned Lily had weaponized an old report from Regina's therapy session to Frame me as a carnivore my lawyer objected stating no charges were ever filed the judge shut him down refusing
to reconsider Lily's attorney then requested I be held in contempt claiming child support wasn't paid my lawyer countered explaining the money had gone directly to Regina for her needs verified by canceled checks Regina nodded backing up the claim frustrated Lily's lawyer shifted tactics complaining about spousal payments and Coins calling it an intolerable hardship the judge agreed saying payments should be made by check my lawyer quickly challenged this asking if the Chicago Police Department part of the legal system could insist on cash or card for fines the judge hesitated if they can refuse checks why can't
my client pay in legal tender my lawyer pressed embarrassed and defensive the judge retorted this is my court and what I say goes his bias was clear but I could see Lily and her lawyers scrambling this wasn't over my vindictive side was just getting started I'd had enough rising from my seat I glared at the judge you're the law or just here to please my wife's Law Firm was she a strumpet for you too the judge's face turned red as he exploded Mr D'Angelo you're in contempt of court 6 months in cookcounty jail unless you
apologize and comply with my conditions I shot back without hesitation who are you king of this Kangaroo Court the judge visibly shocked barked an order to the baliff take him into custody as the baliff LED me away I turned to Lily my estranged wife and sneered good luck getting your money witch her expression was a mix of Fury and confusion she had no idea how much her life was about to change once at the jail I was processed strip searched fingerprinted and escorted to a cell two guards tried to intimidate me asking why I disrespected
the judge but I wasn't Phased at 64 and 255 pounds years of hard labor had kept me strong and my time in juvie had long ago stripped me of fear the next day in the yard I kept to myself watching everything from the Shadows during the evening meal as I stood eating against the wall a familiar voice called out T I turned spotting ringer an old friend from my delinquent youth we embraced drawing curious glances from the other inmates what are You doing here he asked his voice low but amused told the judge heun's an
a-hole I said flatly ringer chuckled how long they give you 6 months unless I apologize which isn't happen happening we found a quiet spot to catch up ringer knew me too well especially my pension for Revenge I told him about Lily her lawyer friends and the judge who thought he could crush mekk regret Crossing me I vowed ringer gave a knowing nod you always had a plan Tex need help maybe I Replied but for now just having you here is enough ringer grinned well you know I've got your back for the first time since this
mess began I felt a sliver of control return that night in my bunk I reflected my rough childhood shaped me my dad was an abusive drunk and my mom never stood up for me I escaped to the streets finding others like me we weren't a gang just kids trying to survive we committed Petty crimes and stole cars which eventually got me Locked up oddly that experience turned my life around it forced me to rethink my choices and build a plan for the future now I had to plan again but this time for payback by age
20 I had saved enough to buy a foreclosed house in my neighborhood the first of many I renovated and rented out at 22 I was at a club trying my luck when I met Lily I barely remember the place it's since been replaced by condos that night I thought I struck gold Lily had just Moved to Chicago from Seymour Indiana a small town famous for being John melan Camp's Hometown her small town charm and fresh outlook on life intrigued me we hit it off opposites attracting a year later we married the following year Regina was
born named after Lily's mother I bought a house in Oak Forest intending to rent it out but Lily loved it and insisted we make it our home over the next decade we renovated it together raised our daughter and hosted Neighborhood barbecues it felt like the perfect life the American dream things changed when Lily got a job at a law firm she outgrew our simple life craving expensive clothes jewelry and fancy dinners with her colleagues instead of neighborhood gett togethers she also began looking down on the south side of Chicago where we lived her growing arrogance
led to frequent arguments eventually she pressured me to move to the north side 3 years ago we made the Move partly for the better schools but Regina hated it her new classmate snobbery made her miserable she wanted to go back and so did I but Lily refused to listen she was exactly where she wanted to be our marriage began unraveling one evening when she called claiming she was attending a dance with colleagues suspicious I tracked her phone and went to to check hidden in the shadows I watched her dancing provocatively with a group of men
around 9:15 I overheard two guys in the restroom boasting about their encounters with Lily including quick TRS in cars and plans for proper fun later that night when I returned I saw her making out on the dance floor with one of the men at 9:30 she texted me claiming she was too drunk to take the L and would stay with Paula a colleague then she sent another message saying I'm sorry she would be sorry I followed her as she left the club hand inand with a younger Lawyer they didn't notice me as they climbed into
his Lexus kissing and groping my anger subsided as I started planning my next move I followed them to his building noting every detail it was time for payback when I arrived I found Regina waiting anxiously I looked her in the eyes and said firmly we're leaving for good pack everything you want to take with you she hesitated for a moment then asked quietly what about Mom there are other gu is taking care of her now I Replied my voice cold but Resolute Regina's expression shifted she understood immediately without another word we worked quickly in 3
hours the truck was loaded and we left heading to my vacant House in Oak Forest the next morning my phone rang it was Lily Kurt what's going on where are you she demanded home I said bluntly why she pressed though her tone betrayed that she already knew the answer I don't know you anymore Lily and I don't want to I replied my voice flat with finality her voice trembled slightly where's Regina shek with me I said firmly she doesn't want to live with you anymore Lily tried to argue saying I couldn't just walk away no
Lily but your fun with other men is reason enough to leave expect divorce papers next week her response was venomous you southsider piece of crap my firm will destroy you maybe I said but you haven't seen my full wrath yet over 6 months Lily never tried to reconcile she openly bragged about dating lawyers and Regina told me Lily was out late almost every night badmouthing me and pushing Regina to find a rich husband someday Regina defended me saying she wanted to return to Oak Forest now lying in jail I imagine Lily thought she'd won but
I knew she'd struggle to manage the mortgage health insurance and spousal support without me jail wasn't breaking me it was giving me time to plan on Thursday Two guards summoned me to a video room I protested asking for my lawyer but they shoved me inside saying you're not meeting the judge you're being sentenced when I resisted they locked the door leaving me to yell and frustration minutes later they let six inmates in I knew their intent and prepared to fight you'll regret this I warned one lunged and I broke his nose then the rest attacked
I fought hard punching kicking and pinning some Against the wall but a larger man got me in a choke hold I swung until I blacked out I woke in the infirmary battered and in pain knowing what had happened the nurse approached her face calm but firm I'm here to help you she said you can accept it or suffer her honesty softened me I nodded and managed thank you she brought me breakfast and freed one hand so I could eat can I ask a favor I said cautiously that depends she replied my friend Randall Turner can
I see him We'll see she said leaving it vague later ringer visited seeing my condition he muttered crap I I described the six inmates and two guards responsible I need their full names not nicknames I said ringer hesitated what are you planning an eye for an eye I said but with a Twist ringer saw the look in my eyes and understood what it meant this wouldn't end well for certain people I'll get the info you need he said what else that's it I'll handle the Rest the next day ringer handed me the list he'd promised
what are you going to do with it he asked C curiosity and concern in his voice the less you know the better I replied firmly pocketing the paper Sunday brought an unexpected visit Lily and Regina Lily wasted no time breaking the tension so how's life with your new cellmates she sneered her tone dripping with mockery I scowled what do you want Regina insisted on coming she said with a shrug before Smirking ready to apologize yet not a chance I snapped and stopped spreading lies about me and Regina you know they're not true her eyes gleamed
with malice how do I know that she's unusually attached to you I stared at her in disgust you're disgusting go back to your boyfriends and leave me alone with a smug smile Lily turned and left but I caught the look on Regina's face anger and heartbreak simmering just below the surface once Lilly was gone Regina rushed into the room and burst into tears when she saw me don't cry sweetheart it looks worse than it is I said gently trying to reassure her I hate mom for this she sobbed for lying for making me live with
her she's horrible I know I said softly pulling her into a hug wiping her eyes she straightened up don't call me Regina anymore I'm Gina now I don't want anything to do with her or her family I looked at her proud of her Defiance Gina You're just like me I said with a small smile we'll show them we sat and talked for a while the weight of the visit slowly lifting then I leaned closer and asked can you do something for me she nodded without hesitation anything dad I handed her the list ringer gave me
she tucked it into her bra give this to Uncle Ken and tell him to visit me Ken my younger brother had always been the brains of the family while I protected him from our abusive father growing up He buried himself in computers and became an expert that divide made us a formidable team in our own way after sharing some final words Gina hugged me tightly before walking out deliberately ignoring lily as she left Lily called after her muttering stubborn girl before following her out the door on Tuesday Ken came to visit his eyes widened in
shock at my bruises and battered state looks better than Friday I joked flashing a crooked grin he smiled Faintly then glanced around to make sure no one was listening switching to the secret language we'd used as kids he said Gina gave me a list what do you need I I leaned forward and said evenly addresses of their wives are girlfriends Ken let out a low whistle oh crap just get the info and pass it to gummy tell him to come see me but without the list gummy was an old friend from the neighborhood someone I
trusted with certain tasks Ken nodded though his Expression was uneasy I'll take care of it anything else just visit when you can I said I could use a friendly face Ken frowned won't you be out soon not unless I apologize I replied firmly and you know I won't you've always been stubborn he said kept you safe from Dad didn't it I replied he smiled knowing I was right I'll check in soon he promised back in my cell ringer warned me things are about to get rough but they don't know Why yet the guards and the
six inmates who attacked me made their threat clear with their glares but they had no idea they'd soon pay the price gummy visited and asked Ken gave me this what the plan did Ken tell you what they did to me I asked he nodded return the favor hit their loved ones no DNA evidence you Steely Dan or his flexible cousins I said he understood do it all at the same time and make sure they hear Don't Mess with Texas I'll get my guys he said Leaving with determination a week later I noticed two guards were
missing and one of the six inmates seemed distraught I suspected the plan had been executed soon prisoner began calling me text and the sixes angry stairs confirmed it when one of them confronted me ringer group surrounded us for protection you're a piece of crap the inmate spat my girlfriend dumped me she said she didn't want to risk getting hurt and mentioned Don't Mess with Texas smirking I replied Sounds like solid advice now your women know what it feels like you hurt me I hurt those you care about next time it'll be your mother's his face
fell and he retreated to his group later two guard s confronted me threatening to make my life miserable then I guess your wives better get used to new attention I said coldly one guard snapped and started knocking me in front of the others I didn't fight back after a few minutes another guard pulled him away But not before prisoners and cameras witnessed it all I was taken to the infirmary where Beth the nurse greeted me so trouble again she asked I didn't fight he just started striking me I explained there'll be an investigation this time
he'll likely lose his job she said said while bandaging me one less corrupt guard I muttered guards are here to protect you whether you believe it or not she countered well they failed last time he let it happen I replied she kept Me overnight for observation meanwhile the suspended guard's partner glared at me but said nothing I could tell he'd gotten the message Don't Mess with Texas weeks passed and Gina hadn't visited Ken finally came with news Lily was refusing to bring her that enraged me even more my ex-wife was now keeping my daughter from
me and I was determined to fight back harder at the end of the month Lily came to visit dragging Gina along Gina Had refused to get out of the car until Lily relented when Lily finally entered the room she was already fuming your daughter is impossible she barely speaks to me and is just as stubborn as you she snapped you said that last time I replied evenly why not ask the judge to give her to me I'd gladly take herou not getting her Lily shot backk she needs a good education to succeed Oak Forest is
a good school and she loved it there I countered we'll Mets better she's Meeting people who can help her future Lily insisted our daughter will create her own future without riding anyone's coattails I said firmly Lily's tone turned sharper you're so stubborn you can't see the benefits I sighed tired of the same argument Lily we've had this conversation too many times you're not changing my mind and I'm not changing yours so why are you here I know it's not to bring Gina to me her name is Regina not Gina Lily corrected coldly that's not what
she wants to be called I replied don't you want her to think for herself you mean be stubborn Lily retorted no I said pointedly independent strong enough to make her own decisions not just follow someone with money or power Lily smirked recognizing the jab then cutting to the point she said I need spousal support I have bills to pay you'll have to figure that out yourself no paycheck for me means no payments I said calmly What I can't cover the bills with my income she exclaimed well maybe you should have thought of that before dragging
me to court I replied you made things worse paying me in coins she snapped and now you're getting nothing because I'm in jail I said matter of factly you have to pay she yelled no I don't what can they do jail me again I'm already here what about the bills she w mind ask one of your lawyer friends to cover them you deserve it I said icily That sent her storming out a moment later G walked in and I felt a wave of relief you really pissed her off Gina said with a grin she expects
me to pay support from jail good luck with that I replied how are you doing Dad she asked I'm fine how about you still not talking to your mom only when I have to Gina admitted when are you getting out I'm not apologizing to that judge unless gives you back to me that's not happening so I'll be here for 6 months Gina nodded sadly next month's my birthday I'd love to celebrate with you but don't go against your principles we'll celebrate when you're out her words tore at me but then she added something that caught
me off guard if a man has no principles he has nothing as Lincoln said important principles can and should be unbending where did you hear that I asked my school counselor Dr Hodges he's been great some teachers noticed my grades slipped and suggested I talk to him it's helped with Mom too even if I still don't talk to her much will Met's wealth showed in things like this in a district like hers even the school counselors had doctorates in Psychology well I said your mom seems upset with you too yeah she's getting on my nerves
I just ignore her I think it makes things worse but I don't care in a couple of months she'll have to start finding a new place to live I said the bank won't let the jumbo loans sit Unpaid for long her Mansion will probably be foreclosed on with in 3 months but Dad if the house is foreclosed on won't that hurt your reputation Gina asked her brow furrowing honey when you pay for most things in cash you don't worry about credit that dumb Mansion was the only thing I ever took a loan for really wow
dad even with all your leases and businesses you've never taken out a loan I use money from one to buy the next I explained Gina Smiled warmly daddy I've always respected you but now I respect you even more thank you dear I said smiling back you always know how to cheer me up spending time with my daughter was wonderful I really wanted to see her more often missing her birthday would be tough for both of us but I knew she'd be okay she's a strong kid the next week I learned the security guard who touched
me had been fired it was hard to argue with video evidence showing I didn't Even defend myself a few days later the other guard quit I'm not sure if he was transferred or not but at least he was gone several inmates thanked me for getting rid of the Badu I think I earned some respect more people started calling me TCH and I didn't have much trouble after that the sixes were still angry with me I heard one of their wives filed for divorce and three others were dumped by their girlfriends maybe even stupid people can
learn with the threat of more Retaliation and my increased standing among the inmates they realized it was better to leave me alone a couple of weeks later I got a subpoena to meet the judge via video when the guard came to get me I told him I wouldn't meet without my lawyer but the judge is way waiting he said I don't care I want my lawyer reschedule it my schedule's open the guard hesitated then walked off 3 days later they informed me the meeting was set for the following week I Requested 30 minutes with my
lawyer beforehand and they agreed when we met my lawyer said he hadn't been given any details about the meeting which he found strange I guess we'll figure it out as we go when the judge appeared on the video it was clear he wasn't happy about the delay I didn't care to me he was just another egotistical idiot who thought he was better than everyone because he wore a robe my lawyer spoke first your honor may I ask what this is About we weren't given any information just told to be here the judge replied your client
didn't need you I just wanted to see if he was willing to apologize to the court for his Outburst my lawyer glanced at me and I motioned for him to lean closer I whispered my response your honor my lawyer said heun's not willing to apologize and believes you owe him an apology he also requests primary custody of the child the judge looks stunned why would I ask Him to apologize of course he wouldn't do that my custody decision stands and I have no apology to make then we're wasting time my lawyer replied if my client
changes his mind we'll let the court know good day sir the judge stopped him one more thing I braced myself thinking here comes the real reason for this meeting your client isn't honoring the divorce decree the judge said when does he plan to make the spousal support and mortgage Payment my lawyer turned to me and I whispered my reply your honor my lawyer said he doesn't intend to make any payments while incarcerated but the house will be foreclosed on the judge said I responded bluntly it's not my house maybe my wife's Mansion but not mine
I never wanted it the judge warned it will destroy your credit and cost you all your Equity a small price to see my favorite ex-wife walking the streets Where she belongs I replied with a smirk the judge's face hardened as I added maybe her buddies can cover the payments I'm sure they can pull their resources I knew my words would enrage him but I couldn't resist implying the judge and my wife had a personal connection it worked you worthless Southside scum the judge spat who do you think you're talking to calmly I interrupted I think
I'm talking to the man who enjoyed my wife's company if I'm wrong I apologize I just don't see why anyone uninvolved would care so much standing I headed for the door as the guard prepared to escort me back to my cell I heard the judge shout counselor your client just earned two more months in jail if he keeps disrespecting me I'll make his life a living hell I smiled noticing the guard's shocked expression he couldn't believe what I'd just done back in my cell the realization hit me my wife had been discussing the mortgage with
her Friends and somehow that information had reached the judge what a mess but their time would come soon enough enough the following Sunday Lily couldn't resist visiting me in jail thankfully Gina insisted on tagging along I heard you pissed off the judge again and got two more months in jail when are you going to learn you can't fight the system Lily she said why don't you just talk to me anymore all you're doing is trying to act out against the north side I don't Need that all I care about is Gina visiting me regularly she
practically screamed it's Regina I turned away and stayed silent as Lily continued yelling eventually she stormed out slamming the door behind her moments later Gina walked in her face glowing with a big smile why are you so happy I asked raising an eyebrow because I'm going to see my daddy she said brightly that can't be the only reason I teased leaning back in my chair she grinned Mischievously I have a surprise for you but I can't tell you about it yet I need to think it through first dad do you trust me with my life
I replied without hesitation her grin widened as she pulled a folded piece of paper from her pocket and held it out to me then will you sign this without reading it first I looked at her cautiously what are you up to Gina Youk find out soon enough she said her tone playful I thought you Trusted me smiling at her confidence I signed the paper as she carefully folded it to reveal only the signature line there I said but you owe me an explanation later she tucked the paper away and shifted the conversation mom said you
did something to get two more months added to your sentence is it true yes I admitted and I'm sorry darling what did you do she pressed I confronted the judge again Gina smirked well whatever it was he Probably deserved it we chatted for a while about school and her mom she kept mentioning her school counselor Dr Alex Hodges and speculating about what was going on I tried steering the conversation back to her plans for the paper I'd signed but she shook her head it's a surprise she insisted before long I shifted the subject again I'm
sorry I won't be there for your 16th birthday I said softly but the next time you visit I'll have a present for you her eyes lit Up what is it it's a surprise I said with a grin I guess we're both keeping secrets as she stood to leave I asked can you do me a favor and ask Greg to visit me I need to talk to him about something important of course daddy she said warmly before heading out Greg had been my trusted pointman for handling business matters before I went to jail I'd left him
with a few critical cases to manage and now I had another task for him a surprise birthday party for Gina later that week Greg arrived for a visit he gave me an update on everything I'd assigned him and it was clear he'd been managing things well once we'd finished the usual business I brought up my new request I want to throw Gina a surprise birthday party I said Greg looked at at me skeptically are you sure he asked absolutely I replied it's perfect for her he nodded slowly all right I'll make it happen all right
I'll talk to our lawyer he said also I'll Visit Ken and give him what you prepared he'll know what to do if he has questions he can come to me if not I'll send him to gummy sounds good I replied grinning gummy knew how my mind worked and would handle things while I stayed guilt-free in jail by the end of the month my reputation among the inmates had soared word had spread fast likely thanks to a guard sharing the story of how I stood up to the judge in jail news traveled as Quickly as it
did in any organization and soon everyone was calling me TCH toward the end of the month I had another visitor walking into the visitation room I stopped short when I saw Lily annoyed I turned to leave but her voice stopped mekt please wait I need to talk to you she said her tone unusually Earnest I sighed and replied coldly I have nothing to say to you Lily she ignored my protest and pressed on we going to lose the house you have to give Me money to stop the Foreclosure I stared at her unflinching this is
your house Lily I never wanted it you nagged me until I gave in and now it's nothing but a financial sinkhole it means nothing to me there's no equity left in this market anyway let the bank take it her voice cracked Kurt you can't do this you have to help me I folded my arms ask your friends for help I'm sure they have plenty of money then you can fully embrace the role you've chosen tears Filled her eyes why are you doing this to me she cried I didn't hold back why did you lie to
the judge and accuse me of maltreating our daughter her face went pale and for a moment she was completely still then as the weight of her actions hit her tears streamed down her cheeks without another word I turned and walked out a sense of relief washing over me as the guard escorted me back to my cell he got a call on his radio take him back to visitation came the Instruction expecting to find Lily still crying I was surprised when I walked in and saw Gina instead Gina I said startled your mom didn't mention bringing
you she didn't bring me Gina said with a shrug I wouldn't let her come here without me I smiled grateful to see her I'm sorry I missed your birthday I said but I have a gift for you Dad she said her voice soft I knew you'd miss it and I don't care I love you anyway you don't have to get me Anything I smiled Pride swelling in my chest what an amazing daughter I have I thought I don't have the gift here I said and it's not immediate but I can tell you what it is
Gina the house in Oak Forest is yours it'll go into a trust for you when you turn 18 her eyes widened with excitement when I get out of here she asked eagerly can I stay there of course I replied with a grin I'll even pay the rent her face lit up and a huge smile spread across her face Daddy oh my God she exclaimed you just removed a huge obstacle for my surprise I still can't tell you what it is but you'll understand when I do I love you so much I love you too honey
I said My Heart full as I watched her smile I couldn't stop wondering what Gina's surprise could be it had to involve our home not the Mansion but our real home we both smiled as we kept talking she brought up Alex her counselor again was it possible she had a crush on him I Hoped he was professional and had no improper intentions toward her I'd have to meet this guy as soon as I got out of here as I was escorted back to my cell a huge grin spread across my face partly from the verbal
Showdown with Lily and partly from my uplifting talk with Gina the other inmates were puzzled as Smiles in prison often meant someone had been hurt one day gummy came to visit me everything was set we had video evidence of my wife some pargal from her firm Some of the married and corisan all being entertained by various lawyers at her firm Rising Democratic politician Ians and a certain judge I knew well they bragged about being Untouchable and doing whatever they pleased people often underestimate janitors they come and go unnoticed offering free rent for a year was
enough to convince one of them to install hidden cameras in the offices and conference rooms I knew we'd gather enough dirt to upend some lives my Brother acting anonymously would post the videos online with the slogan Don't Mess with Texas they'd send them to key websites and every major news outlet and tabloid in the state the media frenzy would turn these people's lives upside down as politicians and lawyers scrambled to contain the Fallout I smiled and told gummy in a week let the others know what to do next I will he said walking back to
my cell I was grinning ear to ear ringer saw me and Knew I had spoken to gummy holy crap he muttered I just nodded my grin widening when the tapes were released I lay on my bunk listening to the murmur spreading through the prison somehow the news had even reached this Grim corner of the world I heard inmates start to say Don't Mess with Texas not long after one of the sixes the gang I had Tangled with entered my cell he was a huge guy and seemed uneasy you're a bad fool he Admitted I'm sorry
for what I did to you calmly I replied I warned you all not to mess with me now more people regret Crossing me I respond to kindness with kindness and violence with violence I hope Youk accept my apology sure he said but remember just just because you're big doesn't mean you can't hurt yourself he nodded and walked out 3 days later I was summoned before the judge again my loyer had already been contacted and was on his way we sat in the video room Waiting for the connection wonder what this is about my lawyer said
with a Sly smile time will tell I replied matching his smirk when the judge appeared on screen his eyes burned with rage you did it he shouted did what I asked keeping my voice steady OU Tex aren't you he bellowed some people call me that I said evenly you're going to pay for this he yelled I've been in jail for 4 months how could I have done anything I replied unfazed you have friends we all have Friends your honor I said with a touch of sarcasm you're not getting away with this he spat I don't
know judge you might be out of a job soon I hear your wife's divorcing you call off your dogs he demanded calling my friends dogs it might not appreciate that corner a dog and you might get bitten is that a threat he asked no just a saying I replied I'll make your life a living hell when you leave this filthy prison youd better watch your back one day Someone will make you pay and I'll be thrilled to see it happen he abruptly ended the call I turned to my lawyer did you get that every word
he said holding up his phone perfect the bar association will love this last I checked intimidation is a crime in Illinois a few days later my wife showed up for another visit the moment I saw her my mood soured oh it's you I said flatly I thought I made it clear I have nothing more to say to you you fool she yelled Her voice trembling with Fury what now I asked calmly you got me fired my picture is all over the news and the internet how could you do this to me she whined you did
it to yourself I said coldly do you hate me that much she asked her voice breaking yeah and you're arrogant law buddies who think they're above everyone else I replied my words cutting when we first met you were a sweet small town girl with a great personality now you're just a selfish Uptown witch what Am I going to do she cried I don't have a job and no one will hire me I leaned forward locking eyes with her move back to Seymour and stay with your folks I suggested I can't she said the local paper
ran a headline local girl at Center of Chicago Scandal my parents are retiring early and moving to Florida to avoid the gossip well Florida sounds like the perfect place for you I replied coldly farther away from me they don't want me there they barely even talk to Me anymore wow I said my voice heavy with mock surprise your parents barely talk to you your daughter barely talks to you maybe the problem is you she looked devastated but didn't reply I continued I think you should move and start over but don't even think about taking Gina
with you as soon as I'm out of here I'll petition for primary custody with your reputation I'm pretty sure sure the court will rethink who's the better influence for a teenage girl You can't do that she said desperately she's all I have left Lily I don't care you did this to yourself we had a good life but then you decided to have fun with everyone I paused smirking here's an idea you could work as a strumpet for one of your lawyer buddies I bet there's still a market for a nearly 40-year-old she stared at me
tears streaming down her face then broke down completely resting her forehead on the table as she sobbed Sucks to be you I said without a shred of sympathy did you bring Gina she practically exploded it's Regina and no she's busy with that doctor friend of hers well I said standing up then I've got nothing more to say to you don't bother coming back unless you bring Gina I turned and walked away leaving her sobbing at the table for the first time I didn't feel any satisfaction seeing her so broken left me strangely Hollow the next
day I saw the night Report a fire had gutted the top floor of a five-story office building downtown thanks to the sprinkler system the lower floors were spared but the damage above was total I just smiled the following day Ken told me that the law firm's external server had crashed wiping out all their data again I smiled a couple of weeks later Gina came to visit she must have convinced her mom to bring her but as soon as she walked into the room I noticed the biggest smile I'd ever Seen on her face Gina I
said my my mood instantly lifting you look so happy what's going on I finally finished my surprise for you she exclaimed her excitement bubbling over you'll never guess what it is I chuckled well based on our last conversation it's something to do with the Oak Forest house don't tell me you and your mom moved there she'd live anywhere but there you're half right she teased her grin growing wider I frowned slightly trying to piece It together what do you mean mom's being evicted from the will met house she explained and I'm moving into the Oak
Forest house I blinked taking a back how can you do that the court gave her primary custody until you're of age Gina's eyes sparkled with pride I'm legally an adult now I stared at her completely stunned wait what she grinned triumphantly I got emancipated that's what Alex and I have been working on for the past 2 months once you put the house And Trust everything fell into place I needed a stable place to live and our old neighborhood is perfect for me so let me get this straight I said still processing you're officially an adult
now exactly she said when things got rough at school mostly because of issues at home Dr HJ has helped me work through it now once you're out of here you can come home I'm excited to go back to high school in Oak Forest I've already reconnected with old friends and they Can't wait for summer to end so school can start I heard you've been spending time with a counselor I'd like to meet this Alex guy I said still suspicious of why he was so involved with herou in luck Gina said Alex brought me here today
my concern deepened he was driving her around Chicago I needed to tread carefully I didn't want to upset Gina but I also needed to make it clear to Alex that there were boundaries he shouldn't cross when Gina returned I was Surprised instead of a man a stunning woman with Raven hair followed her in she smiled warmly and asked how are you doing I studied her closely and said Freddy she smiled knowingly I haven't heard that name in 20 years Freddy now Alexandria was from my old neighborhood she wasn't part of my gang but we went
to school together Gina looked between us clearly confused daddy how do you know Dr Hodes Freddy or Alex answered we grew up in the same neighborhood but he Barely noticed me turning to Gina I explained she was a couple of years behind me in school and we didn't really hang out and you were a juvenile delinquent she added with a smirk looks like some things never change you're in your 40s now and you're still behind bars my face flushed I've never been good at keeping my mouth shut clearly she teased I hear people call you
text now don't they why do you call him that Gina asked that was his nickname as a Teenager Alex explained he always got even when someone crossed him your mom did something terrible to him and judging by the news about the law firm I'm betting Tex had a hand in that I plead guilty I said with a A sly smile before we went further Alex addressed me I hope you're okay with me spending time with Regina it's Gina she corrected right Gina Alex said then turning back to me she continued when I started working with
Gina about 9 months ago she Was deeply upset about everything happening in her life I wondered if she was related to you and Ken since D'Angelo isn't a common last name when I found out her dad's name was Kurt I still wasn't sure until she mentioned you were in prison then I knew it had to be you I felt awful but I figured you must have turned things around since you had a house and will met it's just a house it was never home I said flatly Gina chimed in our real home is in Oak
Forest Southside but a much better area than where we grew up Alex added yeah I said feeling a twinge of regret if we'd stayed there maybe things would have turned out differently we all paused lost in thought before continuing the conversation I pulled Freddy aside and said I really appreciate you taking time away from your family to help Gina thank you for guiding her through emancipation it's made such a difference it's no problem Tex she's like family to me I've Grown really attached to her thanks again when I get out of here we'll all go
out to dinner I said I'll hold you to that if you ever get out she replied with a smile the next two weeks passed uneventfully just the usual grind of prison life Gina and Freddy continued visiting me every Sunday and I felt a sense of relief knowing Freddy was looking out for Gina during one visit Gina told me Alex had been helping her decorate the house buying new furniture And decorations curious I asked where's the money coming from from Uncle Ken of course she replied I've got money set aside for what I need right I
said nodding I just wanted to make sure Freddy wasn't paying for anything she's done so much for us already but this is something I needed to handle don't worry dad Gina re assured me it's all taken care of I just hope it's not all girly stuff in there I teased I'd like to feel at home too she laughed don't worry your Man cave is still a man cave she was referring to the basement which I had renovated into my personal Retreat living in a house with two women had sometimes made me crave a private space
and that basement had been My Sanctuary after they left I lay in my cell reflecting on how much Gina had grown she was an adult now taking control of her life soon she'd be off to college and who knows where life would take her I thought about what my life would look Like after her departure how I'd manage being alone and whether I'd meet someone who appreciated life's Simple Pleasures the following Monday I had another visitor Lily the moment I saw her I turned to leave Kurt wait she called after me we need to talk
reluctantly I stopped and turned back what now I thought bracing myself do you know what our daughter did she asked her tone accus accusatory what are you talking about Lily I said wearily she got Emancipation Lily exclaimed she doesn't have to live with us anymore she's already moved out and I don't know where she is oh that I said shrugging nonchalantly so you knew she said narrowing her eyes did you encourage her to do it no I replied she did it herself with help from her school counselor is she staying with the counselor Lily pressed
no she's back home on the South Side what about school Lily demanded her voice rising in frustration shek return To Oak Forest in the fall I said calmly she hated that school in wilmet Lily they treated her like an outsider a kid from the projects as they called it she never fit in with high society you took her away from a school she loved where she had good friends and placed her in an environment that hurt her self-esteem and gave her an inferiority complex you caused more damage than good I just wanted her to get
a good education Lily said defensively children learn more From their parents example than they do in school I countered we were her first teachers about life what lesson do you think your example has taught her Lily hesitated before saying quietly I hope it shows her what not to do our job as parents is to raise responsible law-abiding adults I hope we've done that and that she'll forgive our mistakes especially our failed marriage it wasn't all bad Lily said softly no but it ended that way Lily I hope you Find what you're looking for clearly I
wasn't it she looked at me sadness and regret etched on her face I stood walked away from the table and left for a moment I felt sorry for her again the day of my release finally arrived and this time I was summoned to an actual courtroom Gina Freddy and Lily were present as I waited I noticed it was a different judge I wondered if the previous one had lost his position the new judge reviewed my case before Addressing me Mr Angelo what do you have to say for yourself I replied I've served my original 6
months plus two more you could have apologized and walked free he said I didn't believe the other judge deserved an apology so I served my time I stated you are a stubborn man he remarked I prefer strong willed it served me well in business and life I responded the judge continued the divorce agreement remains in effect you must compensate for the months you Didn't pay my attorney intervened your honor my client is prepared to pay $20,000 today which covers his obligations and closes all Financial ties with his ex-wife Lily immediately protested what he owes me
more and must keep paying until Regina turns 18 the judge silenced her Miss I will handle this counselor explain your calculations my lawyer explained my client covered the down payment for spousal support mortgage and insurance he continued to Pay for his daughter's insurance and needs throughout his incarceration but could not pay spousal support or the mortgage due to lack of income with the foreclosure on the house and the child's recent emancipation spousal obligations ceased 3 months ago the final amount owed is $1,782 which he will round up to $20,000 the judge reviewed the documentation and
nodded if these figures are accurate I'll accept the Payment the judge addressed us both you share a daughter now legally an adult but still a teenager with needs she deserves a stable respectful environment can I count on you to remain civil he looked at me first Mr dangelo yes your honor I replied then to Lily Mrs D'Angelo yes your honor she said finally to our daughter and you Regina it's Gina your honor yes she corrected the judge concluded if the evidence holds this case will be closed Mr D'Angelo you're Free to go thank you your
honor my attorney said as we headed out Gina ran to hug me tightly Freddy smiled warmly but across the room Lily approached visibly bitter $2,000 that's all I get she spat why did you choose them over me they can help you but what about me remembering the jud's plea for civility I kept calm letun stay respectful for Gina's sake it's Regina Lily hissed our daughter I corrected fine she snapped but I have no Job no home what now you can get another job I said for housing I'll let you stay in one of my apartments
rentree for 6 months to help you get back on your feet move back to the souths side she sneered it's free rent I said take it or leave it she huffed and walked away I turned to Gina and Freddy ready to go of course they replied in unison Freddy I owe you a nice dinner I said how about RPM Italian I booked it as soon as I got my release date Lily's face Twisted RPM had Been our place ignoring her I added the reservation's for 6:30 want to take a drive first I need to feel
free again turning to Freddy I asked could your husband join us Freddy's expression froze Gina intervened daddy she doesn't have a husband anymore I'm sorry Dr Hodges I didn't tell him confused I glanced at Freddy's wedding ring she explained softly my husband died in a car accident 5 years ago I never took off the Rings it feels like letting go Of him completely I'm so sorry I had no idea I said it's okay she replied managing a small smile I'd like to join you tonight dinner was amazing real clothes good food and freedom as we
left I turned to Freddy when you're ready could I take you on a real date no rush just when it feels right Freddy smiled I'd like that Gina grinned daddy she stuck with us Freddy laughed wouldn't have it any other way later when we arrived home I was overwhelmed the house Was refreshed and welcoming I broke down tears streaming as Freddy whispered welcome home she removed her wedding rings and we embraced in the end Gina gained a new mother figure and later twin siblings named Frederick and Alexis in Freddy's honor Lily remarried a wealthy attorney
who gave her the status she craved but not the happiness as for me I finally found peace [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
