Wife's AP Paid Big Price For Her Cheating. When He Was Slipping I Did This To Him... Audio Story

Looking Back Now I can trace the path of my life to a series of moments that seemed insignificant at the time I was raised in a small town where everyone knew everyone else and your name carried weight my father ran an aluminum smelting company and my mother was a school teacher together they taught me about perseverance and the value of hard work I carried those lessons with me even when life veered off course after High School I left my small town eager to find my place in the world College wasn't in the cards for me

so I joined a local construction crew I like the rhythm of the work the way sweat and effort could create something tangible but what I really wanted was stability a family of my own I'd always imagined a life filled with love and laughter a home where I could build something meaningful Beyond just walls and Floors Haley came into my life at a time when I Was searching for something more she was beautiful and bold with a wit that could slice through even the toughest days we met at a friend's barbecue and from the moment she

smiled at me I was hooked we got married quickly maybe too quickly but I believed in us I thought we could weather any storm looking back I see now how naive I was my name is Charles Klein and for years one date haunted me April 20th 2010 that day changed everything I arrived home earlier than planned from a Work trip only to walk into a nightmare my wife of 6 years Haley was in our bed with Trent Miller a man whose presence I could barely tolerate on a good day while it was painful discovering her

Affair wasn't completely surprising Haley had seemed unhappy for a while unhappy with me and with our life the financial crash had only made things worse we bought our house right before the recession and now we were underwater on the mortgage Haley had been wanting Out and I thought it was just a rough patch but the worst part was that she'd pushed for the house in the first place and now she was complaining about the mortgage since Christmas when she was upset over the gifts I gave her Haley had been impossible to please the only bright

spot in my day was seeing our daughter Tina she always lit up when I came home it was a relief compared to the coldness I got from Haley I'm not sure why I married Haley it was a mistake from the start we were both coming off failed relationships and we just got married because that's what everyone else did but looking back none of those reasons held any real meaning the marriage was Rocky at first but I grew to love her when Tina was born I thought our bond had only gotten stronger but now I wonder

if Haley was just a great actress or a master manipulator until last year I thought Our life was good strong relationship good family but I was wrong I told Haley I'd be home Thursday but I showed up Wednesday she worked mornings and Tina was at school so I decided to take a chance I saw an unfamiliar car outside and when I walked in I heard noises from the bedroom it wasn't subtle I didn't need to sneak I stood there long enough to take a few pictures on my phone I wasn't angry at first just deeply

sad our marriage was over and I knew there Was no coming back from this betrayal my life was about to fall apart the financial strain was bad but it would only get worse I'd lose time with Tina and I'd never share closeness with Haley again but when Haley saw me instead of apologizing she screamed what the hell are you doing home early Charlie I lost it I grabbed her by the hair and yelled you're an idiot you're in my bed with him and you're asking why I'm home early I didn't even notice Trent behind me

Until it was too late he called emergency when the police arrived we were still shouting Trent wrapped in a sheet met them at the door and they rushed into the bedroom I was arrested for pulling Haley's hair though I hadn't hurt her it took me a few days to come up with baale and by then Haley had taken Tina and emptied our accounts I came home to an empty house the next week when I went to work a baith was waiting for me Haley had filed for Divorce accusing of misuse I countered with infidelity but

it didn't matter the court sided with her giving her custody of Tina and ordering me to pay alimony in child support after selling the house my credit was ruined but I still had my job though everything else felt shattered if it weren't for Tina I probably would have left town at least I was cleared of the attack charges but it didn't change anything most nights I found myself at Johnny's Tavern Listening to drunks talk about how they'd never let their wives cheat they'd laugh and tell me I wasn't a real man for letting another guy

steal my wife after hearing that too many times I started going to a different bar one night as I left Johnny's I couldn't shake the feeling that everyone was judging me at work my colleagues either pied me or treated me like I was pathetic I began to consider the Revenge talk I'd heard from those drunks about How I should get back at the two of them for ruining my life one Sunday I had Tina for the day and we decided to visit my parents after dinner Tina went to her room to watch TV and my

parents joined me at the kitchen table for coffee I wasn't planning on opening up but something about that moment made me I told them I felt powerless and needed to do something to feel like a man again my dad who had been quietly sipping his coffee was the first to speak are you Thinking about revenge Charlie he asked I'm not sure dad I just can't do nothing I replied he put down his cup and looked at me revenge is tricky it might feel good at first but it usually leaves you emptier you get your revenge

and then their friends come after you it's a cycle I respected my dad's wisdom but in that moment I wasn't in the mood to listen I wasn't about to look weak Charlie if you go after them I'll be very disappointed Let It Go violence Just makes things worse a few weeks later everything aligned one night after leaving the diner I saw Haley and Trent across the street they were leaving a restaurant sharing a kiss then got into Alexus as it pulled away Haley's head dropped into Trent's lap I stormed to my old Chevy and pounded

the steering wheel once I calmed down I started the car and drove off telling myself I was being smart about it planning every detail a few Weeks later I tracked Trent down and caught him alone at night I struck his ribs with a baseball bat making sure not to seriously harm him but to cause him discomfort I broke his leg and severed his arm before hearing someone shout from a house nearby stop I've called the cops panicked I threw the bat my jacket and mask into a dumpster when I picked up Tina next Haley confronted

me asking if I attacked Trent I just smirked saying nothing enjoying the uncertainty I'd left her in of course the cops started questioning me but I denied everything claiming I had been home alone the bat was never found but a drunk from Johnny's Tavern testified lying about me bragging about the attack the cops and da pressed charges for aggravated attack and attempted homicide I was stuck with a public defender and although the DA's case relied on circumstantial evidence and false testimony it was enough at trial I was Acquitted of attempted homicide but found guilty of

aggravated attack I Got 5 years in prison but there was some relief Trent injuries weren't as bad as they seemed then on October 16th I met my new cellmate Ronald iron Ron young I wasn't gay but in prison your options are limited Ron and his Aryan gang wouldn't let me live peacefully unless I complied it was simple submit or die six months later my mom visited she told me Haley had married Trent and moved to Texas they wouldn't let my parents see or talk to Tina my mom tried to reach Haley's mother but she just

laughed cruelty runs in their family she said I told my mom I never cheated on Haley she's the one who did this I'm working with a prison attorney maybe the judge will let me see Tina Again by the end of the visit my mom started to soften she promised to visit again but we didn't discuss the darker parts of prison life I won't go into all five years I didn't Change much I didn't use my time to better myself I spent my first year lifting weights channeling my anger toward Ron Haley and Trent by the

end I was a solid 210 lbs my 61-in frame hardened by rage a year in Ron got a new cellmate Kevin Johansson I was moved out and had defend for myself the first time two guys came after me they ended up in the hospital and I was sent to solitary for a month unfortunately my first parole hearing was that same month and Wasn't postponed 2 years later I stood before the parole board again after about 20 minutes I lost my temper when one panel member asked why I hadn't apologized for mistreating my ex-wife all the

bitterness I'd bottled up exploded I was married to Haley for 6 years I never touch her but she had an affair in our bed the only thing I did was attack him out of weakness and that's why I'm here in prison I had to fight for survival for my dignity the Justice system let her accuse me of misuse take everything and keep me from seeing my daughter how is that Justice unsurprisingly I served my full sentence for 5 years I heard nothing from Tina my efforts to regain contact with her went nowhere I didn't learn

much in prison except how to scam people online when I got out I worked at a warehouse unloading trucks it wasn't glamorous but it kept me busy meanwhile I created an online identity for Amy Carson a widow Raising money for an animal shelter through her fake website save our furry friends I collected donations and sold stolen credit card info within 2 months I made $21,000 enough to move forward with my post prison plans I needed to feel alive again so I decided to go all in I'd been without a woman for over 6 years and

was desperate for the experience armed with a medical certificate and $700 I went to a bar when I met candy suet I was taken aback by her beauty Charlie she said with a smile why the pants I asked noticing she wasn't wearing a skirt because tonight I'm spending it with a man who paid $600 plus tip she replied grinning I wasn't bothered by the fact that candy had a prosthetic leg even if some clients had asked for discounts I ordered a drink and sat beside her soon I noticed a guy staring at me but I

kept calm he offered To buy me a drink but I politely declined telling him I was waiting for someone candy put a hand on my shoulder signaling me to stay composed I stood up handed the guy a $20 and said I appreciate the offer but I'll take care of my companion's drink I made sure he saw the scars on my hands from years in prison after a tense moment he took the $20 and walked off saying enjoy your evening candy smiled thanks for handling that could have gotten ugly I raised an Eyebrow how do you

stay so calm candy grinned it's too soon to talk about me let's focus on having a good time tonight the bartender gave me a free drink it's on the house he said nodding I appreciate how you handled that situation had a fight last week cost me 400 bucks to fix the damage I raised my glass in thanks and sipped it slowly feeling the warmth spread after finishing our drinks candy and I walked outside I've got a room next door I said Want to grab something to eat before we head up no maybe later pizza or

Chinese she replied casually it's all on you I said with a grin leading her toward the hotel in the elevator I couldn't stop smiling candy looked up at me curious what she asked I smiled wider you're just incredible we entered the room and it didn't take long for things to heat up afterward we collapsed into bed resting for a bit that was unexpected I admitted Catching my breath candy glanced at me with a playful smile what was I didn't think it would be that good and I sure didn't expect you to enjoy it so much

I said still a bit stunned candy chuckled well I am a professional she said with a teasing laugh but there was no judgment in her voice I sighed I've never paid for this before I always assumed someone who did this for a living would be you know a little more distant like they'd be faking it but you weren't faking Anything thanks she said softly her tone warming you want to order now we settled on Chinese food and while we waited we both showered as I stood there I noticed candi's prosthetic leg now up close and

personal it was just below the knee made of metal I couldn't help but stare fascinated by it does it bother you she asked sensing my gaze I Shrugged looking up at her no not at all honestly it's amazing I didn't even notice when we were walking here you didn't limp or Anything she smiled a hint of pride in her voice I get that a lot it's just a part of me now later we made love again then lay in bed together the next morning after another shower candy caught me eyeing her prosthetic leg again it

was a motorcycle accident she said her voice calm as though she'd answered this question a 100 times your leg I asked still surprised everyone asks she replied almost in a detached tone you were polite enough not to but Now you're curious I nodded how did it happen she sighed I was with with this guy Randy he bought a new bike and wanted to show off thought he was some kind of expert I was dumb enough to get on the back he tried to impress me by speeding up lost control and we crashed I lost my

leg what happened to Randy I asked he didn't wear a helmet another stupid Choice he damaged his head on a lamp post he was in a coma for a week before they turned off the machines he Didn't make it candi's voice softened but there was still a coldness to it I guess I should feel sorry for him but he's the reason I'm like this he had no insurance didn't cover my medical bills and now I'm stuck paying for it all so yeah I'm a little bitter I didn't know what to say so I just nodded

the worst part was when my parents found out what I was doing she continued they disowned me I became a hoe in their eyes I looked at her my tone growing more serious There are worse things than being paid for Zex though she raised an eyebrow intrigued like what like my ex-wife I said the bitterness in my voice impossible to hide I then shared the story of Haley with Candy by the time I finished she was in agreement my ex was a piece of work even worse than her that made me laugh though it was

the first time I'd found any humor in the whole mess are you hungry I asked let me buy you breakfast that sounds great she said With a smile but then I've got to run to class she paused for a moment before adding I'm not going to do this this forever being a promiscuous for a living it's not my plan for the long run I looked at her hearing the finality in her words you know people talk about guys falling in love with women like you and with someone like you I get it but let's be

realistic here you're a corane even if you weren't what could I offer you what could I offer any woman the Next day I moved on to the second part of my plan I met up with Juan price at a Diner downtown Juan was an outside contact for major black prison gang after a brief negotiation we agreed on a price $155,000 with a condition when he cut the man's throat two names would be whispered into his ear mine and Johansson's Jan wasn't the kind of guy to mess around he'd been accused of things but never convicted

and I trusted him to keep his word I heard about what Went down inside he said his voice calm I can't blame you for wanting Revenge it's not Revenge I corrected him it's Justice Jan nodded but there was an edge in his voice when he mentioned Ron young the man who had been the Catalyst for all this Johansson didn't deserve what happened to him after a year of being Young's Playmate he ended up dead Rumor Has It Ron held his head too long strangled him Johansson deserved better after Johansson died young was thrown in Solitary

for two months and charged for not reporting it I added but that's the gist of it whatever the reason HEK as good as dead you don't have to worry about that Jan said his tone darkening our deal stays between us understood I replied locking eyes with him Jan nodded and left without saying another word I hadn't lasted 5 years in prison by running my mouth four days after the prison riot that claimed the lives of four inmates word spread that Arian Ronald iron Ron young had been fatally stabbed setting off the violence the suspect in

the homicide was eliminated in the chaos that followed and the prison was shut down for 3 days as a result Meanwhile my little online Venture with the Amy Carson website had run its course I pulled the plug on it before law enforcement could catch wind and start digging into it honestly the whole thing had become insignificant the amount of money Invested was too small for anyone to bother investigating my focus was now on finding Tina Haley's Facebook had vanished two years ago with the last post showing their family in front of Disneyland Tina had just

turned nine smiling happily with Haley and Trent and then silence out of curiosity I typed Trent Miller into Google imagine my surprise when I found out he was living in Chicago there was no trace of Haley but At least I had a lead it cost me $1,000 money I'd earned through less than legal means to hire a private investigator he dug up the info Trent no longer lived with Haley and he had a job in the city he also had certain Hangouts after work it didn't take long for Trent to recog recognized me when I

slid onto the bar stool beside him it was hard not to my appearance had changed drastically since the last time he saw me back during my sentencing that was when I'd left him a Bloody mess with a Louisville Slugger with my muscular frame broken nose and shaved head I must have looked pretty intimidating Trent studied me wearily before asking are we going to have a problem I'd anticipated this moment before approaching him I'd already prepared my response no I replied shaking my head Trent hitting me with a baseball bat was a mistake that mistake had

cost me 5 years of my life the hell of prison and the Chance to watch my daughter grow up I wasn't about to waste any more time clinging to the past I came to ask you one thing I continued my voice steady do you know where Tina is Trent looked at me for a second before answering his voice calm I'd tell you if I did Haley had left me for another man and the three of them had vanished I could tell from eyes something I'd learned to read during my time behind bars that he was

telling the Truth prison teaches you that eyes are the windows to the soul then Trent spoke again I need to say something Charlie I shouldn't have gotten involved with Haley when she was still married to you he began it was wrong I really loved her and I thought she loved me it hurt when she dumped me for that other guy that's when I understood how you must have felt when we started talking she fed me a pack of lies that I didn't catch on to until Later she told me you misused her and Tina said

your marriage was a joke that it would either end in divorce or end in life I thought I was the knight in shining armor and when you beat the hell out of me well it just confirmed what Haley had told me Trent paused to take a swig of his beer then looked at me with more sincerity I want you to know something else I didn't agree with Haley cutting you and your family out of Tina's life I thought it was a huge mistake but she insisted I back off Tina wasn't my kid and I had

no say I had a good relationship with her I loved her but I was never her father and Tina missed you Charlie hearing him say that nearly broke me but I forced myself to hold it together my eyes welled up but I didn't want Trent to see that Trent turned to the bartender asking for a pen and paper after scribbling something down he handed it to me I don't know Where they ended up Trent said his tone low but this is the guy who took my place Barry Stewart he's a carpenter working for a real

estate developer in Plano Chase Holmes Stuart was working on homes just a block from our house I don't know how he met Haley but the first time I knew about him was the day she packed up his truck and left I didn't even realize what was happening until a neighbor called to ask why Haley was loading stuff into a truck I got Home just as they were leaving we argued and then the cops showed up that's when I recognized the name in his work the cops didn't detain them and they drove off later I found

a note in the kitchen just said goodbye our accounts were drained I spent thousands trying to find her but nothing came of it a year later I sued her for infidelity and abandonment sold the house and moved here there was bitterness in Trent's voice as he finished and I could hear The grudge he still held against both Haley and me I just wanted to see my daughter he added quietly I thanked Trent for the information bought him another drink and left the bar feeling uncertain about my next move Trent had spent thousands searching for Haley

so why would I waste my limited resources doing the same thing but there was one person who likely knew where Haley and Tina were and that was Haley's mother it would be A risk though if I got caught I'd be back in prison but I couldn't think of any other way Margaret Turner was a creature of habit a woman who didn't change every Sunday she went to church at 9:00 a.m. and she always left a spare key hidden in the faux stone by the patio door she probably thought her Rottweiler Brutus was all the security

she needed at 9:02 I climbed over the fence from the alley behind her house the key was exactly where it should be So I unlocked the door and stepped inside hearing Brutus growl in the distance the low growl echoed through the kitchen a sound that would have sent most people running but not me Brutus rounded the corner and spotted me standing there and in a moment of recognition he reared up on his hind legs and licked my face 6 years had passed since he'd last seen me but that didn't seem to matter he remembered the

man who had adopted him from the shelter Trained him to sit stay and come and who'd given him treats every time I visited Margaret's house while Brutus was busy reacquainting himself with my face I casually walked over to the counter and grabbed a dog treat from the cookie jar that Margaret always kept there I tossed it onto the floor and Brutus eagerly scrambled to snatch it up I used the brief moment to look around the kitchen hadn't changed at all since the day John Turner passed away 9 years Ago the same cluttered desk the same

old bills and the same computer where Margaret paid her bills I sat down at the desk and turned on the computer a password prompt appeared on the screen after a moment's thought I typed in John 316 and the Machine powered up while the computer was booting I rifled through a few drawers and found some letters each with return addresses one of them confirmed Haley's new address in El Paso I slipped A flash drive into the USB port and copied over Margaret's photo folder her video files and emails I grabbed everything I needed powered down the

computer patted Brutus on the head and quietly left the house making sure to lock the door and replace the key that Sunday I spent the day watching old videos and photos of Tina she had grown so much and it hit me hard how beautiful she had become I felt like such a fool for missing all those years from the Letters and emails I learned that Haley and Tina were living under the name Turner now though they weren't married to Barry Stewart the man Haley had left me for Tina was in fifth grade by Monday I

had handed all the information I'd gathered along with a $500 retainer to a private investigator in El Paso he confirmed that the address and details were current Tuesday afternoon I found myself standing at my parents door it had been years since I'd seen my father The last time being at my sentencing he had looked at me with nothing but sorrow and pain that day now I stood on the other side of the door wondering if he'd let me in hi Dad I said he opened the door and pulled me into a tight hug he looked

me squarely in the eyes and then embraced me again as if making sure I was real Mary Charlie's home he called out mom appeared from the kitchen and wrapped me in her arms as well would you like some coffee she asked yes please I Replied we sat at the same kitchen table where I'd eaten countless meals as a kid the familiarity of it all Hit me hard Margaret Turner wasn't the only one who thrived on routine Mom Dad I owe you both an apology I began my voice thick with regret I've let you down I

should have listened to you I should have known better than to let a bunch of losers talk me into seeking Revenge mom walked over and hugged me tightly while Dad gave my Shoulder a firm squeeze I found out where Haley and Tina are I continued and I need your help to get back in touch with her I've got enough to make a trip to El Paso and hire a lawyer I need your support to at least get visitation rights will you help me Dad answered first his voice heavy with caution what exactly are you planning

to do this isn't going to turn violent again is it the question stung but I understood my past actions had made him wary no I Reassured him I'm Consulting a lawyer first I've done my time I'm no longer on parole so I have the right to petition for visitation but let's face it I'm an ex-convict I think it would help if you both came with me and we filed together I'd rather not go alone dad exchanged to look with Mom and I saw their silent conversation without a word from her he gave the faintest nod

when do we leave he asked can you be ready in a week I need to wrap up some things at work and Take care of a few errands can we use your car mom asked wek need it once we get there sure I replied I'll take it to the shop tomorrow to get it ready we'll leave Monday sound good with that settled I drank another cup of coffee and we fell into some light conversation catching up on family gossip it's felt comforting to be back in my parents home again in the days that followed I

used my free time to research the best family lawyers in El Paso after reading some Great reviews I called to make an appointment for Thursday that gave us three full days to drive there with an extra day for rest my parents especially mom who was a huge Matthew mccy fan agreed we should leave Sunday to break up the long one 500 Mile Drive and so on Sunday I set out on the road with Mom and Dad at 36 I found myself once again in the back seat of Dad's car heading for a destination that would

change everything as we passed through town dad Reminisced about his own road trips he told us how when he was just 3 years old his family had driven Route 66 to Los Angeles back then it wasn't all freeways just two lane roads and you couldn't drive more than 400 m a day it took them 7 days to get to California my grandfather had hoped for a fresh start after the war but my grandmother had been home homesick so they ended up moving back to rine Wisconsin dad's father had eventually become the CEO of An aluminum

smelting company he'd been successful until a heart attack took him at 58 I had never met him but Dad said he had named me after him and that's why I'd been given his name over the four days we spent on the road mom and dad told me stories from the past stories I had either forgotten or never paid much attention to growing up I had left home when I was 18 and it had been years since we'd spent this much time together the last family vacation I remembered Was when I was 14 on a road

trip to Washington DC on Thursday afternoon we sat in glattus Harper's office a far cry from my past experiences with the law this time things felt different positive even I laid everything out for the lawyer my conviction my prison sentence how Tina and I were kept apart how my parents suffered the same fate I shared the details of my divorce from Haley her marriage to Trent and my own divorce from him when I me Trent suing for Infidelity and child abandonment Miss Harper's interest peaked it didn't paint me in a flattering light but it certainly

didn't make Haley look like a saint either the moment my mother broke down unable to hold on to her granddaughter any remaining reluctance on the lawyer part vanished I paid her deposit and she immediately began preparing the necessary paperwork all we had to do now was wait we decided not to stay in El Paso over the weekend instead We headed to Big Ben National Park though our minds were still occupied with the legal matters in El Paso despite everything we were able to enjoy the Park's peaceful Beauty along the Rio Grand 4 days later miss

Harper called to inform us that we needed to meet her on Tuesday morning to prepare for a hearing before a judge Tuesday afternoon glattus Harper was in full swing she had even secured a signed statement from Trent Miller confirming that Haley had ended Their relationship and cut off his connection to Tina Trent however had made one stipulation that Tina be told he hadn't abandoned her and still loved her we reconvened in the courthouse Lobby heading toward the judge's office it didn't take long to realize that Miss Harper and the judge had a solid working relationship

we answered the judge's questions and then miss Harper made it clear that at this stage we were only seeking a preliminary meeting with Tina To reestablish contact she suggested having a court appointed social worker accompany us miss Harper also emphasized that due to Haley's previous actions in preventing the cines from seeing Tina and later doing the same with Trent we asked that Haley not be notified of the meeting she would likely try to delay it and manipulate Tina further I couldn't believe it when the judge granted our request and scheduled the meeting for the next

day we were to pick up Tina From school with the court order in hand accompanied by Miss Harper and a social worker we had 3 hours to speak with Tina at a local cafe and then return her home stepping out of the courthouse into the bright Texas Sun I felt lighter than I had in years it took all my willpower not to hug Miss Harper on the spot she assured me that she was already working on the follow-up paperwork to establish visitation rights for me and my parents we'll meet tomorrow at 1:45 she said the

Social worker will go with you to the school once you pick up Tina I'll step back and the social worker will stay with you until you return Tina to her home don't mess this up stay calm stay sober and no matter what happens especially if Tina's mom causes a scene stay composed expect her to make a scene especially in front of the social worker that could actually help our case treat the social worker like a friend she might become one when we go back to Court the judge has given us an invaluable opportunity don't waste

it with that she left us I hugged Mom and Dad thanking them for all their support the next 22 hours seemed to stretch on endlessly we stayed close to the hotel grabbing a quick meal at a diner across the street part of me feared something would go wrong what if Tina wasn't at school when we arrived my parents tried to reassure me but I could see the same concern in their eyes the next afternoon We arrived at Miss Harper's office at 1:00 p.m. 35 minutes later a short Stout woman Miss Marie Hernandez introduced herself she

explained her role as a social worker and how she would observe the situation without being intrusive she had clearly read the case files as she was particularly kind and understanding toward my mother almost as a fellow grandmother Miss Hernandez gave a helpful advice on how to approach Tina especially after such a long and Traumatic separation I was especially grateful for her guidance as I was anxious about how Tina would react to me we arrived at Tina's School 30 minutes before dismissal the principal and vice principal reviewed the court order consulted with the district office and

spoke with their legal department before agreeing to release Tina into our custody 10 minutes before the bell rang Tina was brought to the vice principal's office the first person she saw was my Mother and Tina's face lit up with recognition she rushed into my mom's arms and Mom dropped to one knee hugging her tightly and crying openly when Tina saw my father approaching she cried out daddy as a child she had mispronounced Grandpa and the name stuck daddy scooped Tina up into his arms kissing her on the nose and Tina turned her gaze toward me

her hesitant daddy showed just how much I had changed since the last time we saw each other it was exactly as Mrs hernand As had advised let Tina reconnect with her grandparents first as they still looked the same and shared a unique bond with her I knelt down arms wide silently praying that Tina would accept my hug to my relief she did throwing herself into my arms our reunion was abruptly interrupted when the vice principal walked in with Haley who had been waiting in the school parking lot to pick up Tina Haley looked around the

Room Furious what the hell is going on what are you doing here leave Tina alone she shouted Miss Harper stepped forward handing Haley a copy of the court order Miss Turner this court order grants Tina's father and grandparents the right to visit with her today for 3 hours they will be accompanied by Mrs Hernandez to ensure Tina's safety and that they return her to you within that time Haley barely glanced at the papers before tossing them aside I don't care what These papers say you can't just show up and take my daughter those people have

no business here she's my daughter Haley lunged toward Tina but Tina instinctively hid behind my mom Mrs Hernandez immediately stepped in front of Haley recognizing the shift in the situation Miss Turner Mrs Hernandez said firmly do you want me to call the police if you keep this up I guarantee you'll be arrested and held until you calm down and stop threatening people the tension In the room was thick but at least it felt like the first real step toward getting Tina back at that moment the assistant principal stepped in trying her best to calm Haley

down she ushered Haley into her office giving us a chance to slip away with Tina and Mrs Hernandez the four of us headed to a small Cafe a few blocks from the school while Mrs Hernandez sat at a nearby table keeping an eye on things earlier Mrs Hernandez had given us some advice On how to approach Tina after such a long separation we followed her suggestions and I believe it made all the difference Tina didn't seem scared but my heart shattered when she tearfully asked daddy why didn't you ever call me send me letters why

didn't I ever get birthday cards thankfully I had anticipated this question I reached into my mom's purse and pulled out a large manila envelope Tina I thought about you every single day we were apart I sent you cards postcards and letters they all came back to me though your mom sent them back she didn't want me or your grandparents in your life I showed her the envelopes each stamped returned to Sender with Haley's handwriting on them twice I hired lawyers to try and get her to let me talk to you why did she do that

Daddy Tina asked again confused I wanted to say because your mother is cruel but I held my tongue I took her hand gently and said one day You'll have to ask your mom about it but not today today let's just talk okay you me and your grandparents we all love you and want to know what's been going on in your life how's school do you play any sport Sports what are your friends names the 3 hours passed in a blur we drove to Haley's house making sure to respect the time limit when we arrived Haley

was waiting on the porch cigarette in hand clearly angry I pulled up to the Curb and before I could even Park Tina piped up from the back seat I want to show you my room looking at Haley standing there I hesitated I don't think today a good day for that Tina your mom doesn't seem too happy to have us here but it's my house and I should be able to show you my room Tina protested clearly offended my mom seeing the situation gently suggested how about you show me your room today next time we can

all see it Tina Reluctantly agreed Mrs Hernandez who had been quietly observing said she needed to stay with them so Mom Mrs Hernandez and Tina got out of the car and walked toward the porch dad and I stayed behind unable to hear the conversation clearly but it was obvious it wasn't a friendly one despite Haley's fire demeanor Mrs Hernandez was even more imposing a few minutes later mom Mrs Hernandez and Tina returned to the car Haley remained on the porch glaring at us we stood there For about 10 minutes when out of nowhere two patrol

cars pulled up one in front and one behind us my heart sank for a brief moment I feared the worst had the hidden run with Ronald Young been discovered was someone finally catching up to me for the fake internet scam just as I was about to panic four officers stepped out of out of the cars Barry Stewart pulled into the driveway and hurried up to the porch Mrs Hernandez was the first to meet the officers at The front door dad and I watched as the police cuffed Haley and Barry my mind was spinning what is

going on here stay in the car Charlie dad ordered his voice firm I wanted to jump out and run toward the scene but he stopped me let me handle this he said not giving me a choice before Dad could even open the door mom rushed out of the house and climbed into the back seat of the car I was dying to ask her what had happened but I could see the confusion on her Face too I don't know exactly she said shaking her head Mrs Hernandez was looking around Tina's room when she noticed something a

toy on the Shelf she picked it up and asked Tina some questions but I couldn't hear everything after that she called the police she told them to come fast but that's all I know just then Mrs Hernandez came over to our car I'm sorry but Tina is coming with me to the station we need to ask her a few questions you should call Miss Harper and have her meet us there Tina will likely stay with the social services family until everything is sorted out sort it out what's going on I asked feeling a sense of

dread Rising me we don't know yet Mrs Hernandez replied I don't think Tina's been hurt but some things in her room were concerning the police need to investigate and for now Tina will be safe with me please trust me this is for Tina's wellbeing call Mrs Harper we'll keep you updated it took Three long weeks weeks before we learned the full story thankfully thanks to miss Harper's expertise things ended in our favor the toy Mrs Hernandez found in Tina's room turned out to be a hidden camera once she realized what it was she immediately contacted

the police the camera was enough to secure a search warrant for Barry's computer which revealed everything it turned out Haley had no idea about Barry's spying however her behavior didn't help matters at one Point Haley insulted Mrs Hernandez as at school calling her derogatory names and making hurtful comments about her appearance and ethnicity dot that certainly didn't work in her favor judge Torres tried to maintain a neutral stance but Haley's situation only got worse Miss Harper's efforts ensured that Haley wasn't even granted visitation rights two months after arriving in Texas Tina and I were in

Dad's car with Tina safely buckled in next to Mom we Moved in with my in-laws for nearly a year following the therapist's advice to ease Tina into our new life we even allowed Trent to attend Tina's 11th birthday party following the therapist's recommendation that forgiveness was important for Tina's sake the hardest part was when Haley moved back to town we allowed Tina to visit her mom at her grandmother's house a few times but things soon took a turn Haley's mom Margaret called me one day with Troubling news I don't want to do this but I

have to tell you something she said her voice shaky Haley has been saying horrible things about you Charlie and Hank I can't believe believe the person she's become it breaks my heart but I don't want to lose my granddaughter I think it's best if Haley isn't around Tina anymore that was all I needed to hear I cut off Haley's access to Tina completely and in court she lost all rights to her the whole situation Was revolting but it was what needed to happen Haley's reaction was exactly what I expected she swore shouted and threatened everyone

including Tina and Margaret her lawyer embarrassed by her behavior had to escort her out of the courtroom our family life felt like something straight out of a bad reality show Haley ignored the restraining order showing up at our door at all hours Even after spending a weekend in jail she didn't change eventually when the police Failed to deter her I had to take matters into my own hands once again I sat across from Juan price at a Diner downtown leaning on her is worth a grand 2,000 if you're talking physical impact 10,000 if it's permanent

he said his face serious I don't want her hurt though just walk away we'll handle it politely ask her to leave town Juan took the envelope and left without hesitation 2 weeks later I wasn't shocked to hear that Haley had returned to Texas but I Was surprised a year later when I learned she'd move back in with Barry Stewart after he was released on parole the last I had heard from Margaret she and Barry had been living in Nicaragua after he violated his parole I ended up talking to Tina's therapist about Haley the therapist was

careful stating that it was impossible to diagnose someone without proper evaluation but based on haly's actions it seemed likely she had one or more Psychosis honestly I was glad to be rid of her for the foreseeable future amid all this drama I realized I had developed a new marketable skill during my time in prison my father had invested in me helping me start a small business I opened a shop in a local strip mall offering website design and personal computer repair services no regular firm would hire a former convict especially with all the sensitive information

they handle but with my own business it Worked out fine very few if any of my clients checked my background and I made sure to play it straight no shortcuts I was making around 50 to 60,000 a year which was more than enough to cover our apartment rent and take care of Tina and me it's been 4 years now over the past 3 years Tina has been training with me running and biking she's shaping up to be an excellent middle distance Runner the high school track coach is already keeping an eye on her and it

looks like She'll compete next year as a sophomore last Saturday Tina and I participated in a fun run at Crystal Lake a 25m bike ride followed by a 10k run we stuck together during the ride but the last 2 miles we trailed behind a woman who was pedaling fast even though she had a prosthetic leg Tina was impressed by how courageous it was for her to compete with such an obstacle the woman reminded me of candy though her prosthetic leg was different and her hair was short and Brown I kept my eyes on the road

and didn't look at her face as we passed the memory of candy made me uncomfortable especially since I was with my daughter not the best time to get sentimental we switched from bikes to running and 42 minutes later as we neared the Finish Line a woman passed us finishing just ahead Tina approached her while we caught our breath and introduced herself the woman stood with her back to me but smiled warmly accepting Tina's handshake That was amazing thank you Tina said I stayed back letting them talk it's just like Tina to make new friends wherever

she goes lately she's been trying to play match encouraging me to talk to women she meets after a few moments Tina turned back to me and said this is my dad Charlie Klein then she added Dad this is Casey Sweeney the name hit me like a ton of bricks Casey At first she didn't recognize me but when she looked into my eyes something flashed in her Expression nice to meet you Casey I said shaking her hand dad Tina said I told Casey we should stop at that place by the river for lunch Casey agreed sure

I love that place we're heading to the broken paddle you know it Casey smiled her expression softening as she remembered I think I should let you two have some fatherdaughter time she said I'll give you a break Casey that's sweet of you but we've been spending time together all week I said grinning I Think Tina would enjoy some company with someone closer to her age I winked please don't disappoint us join us are you sure she asked giving me a playful look do I need to beg I grinned if I don't Tina will okay I'll

meet you there Casey agreed as Tina and I packed our bikes into the car I silently hoped Casey wouldn't back out but she showed up and we spent the next half hour at the restaurant while I ate my burger and sipped on a beer Tina and Casey chatted Like old friends Tina was excited to hear that Casey had graduated from the Art Institute with a degree in photography Tina's favorite museum in Chicago Art is also her favorite subject at school I listened in on their conversation learning that Casey worked for a marketing company photographing products

for online retail catalogs most small shops without in-house photographers hire agencies like Casey to handle their web content Their conversation was interrupted when a young man asked Tina to join him and his friends for a bean bag toss Tina turned to us for approval sure I said go ahead it'll give me a chance to chat with your dad Tina headed off with him and I kept my eyes on her glad she was still in sight you're going to have your hands full she's already a beautiful young woman Casey said quietly I trust her I replied

she's got a good head on her Shoulders I appreciate you letting me join you to today Casey continued I didn't know what to expect when you recognized me I'm glad you recognized me I said sighing I need to be honest though I haven't seen Tina connect with someone this quickly in a long time I want you to know something Casey I paused when I was in business before I didn't react to men the way you did but when I saw you at that bar and you treated me with respect it threw me off Why didn't

you call me after that night I was hoping you would Casey said softly I decided to be truthful I needed to focus on getting Tina back in my life first when that turned into me becoming a full-time single parent I put everything into her and her well-being and honestly I'd just gotten out of prison it would have been too easy to fall in love with you especially with how beautiful you are she looked at me her voice soft but questioning and you Didn't want to fall in love with someone like me I quickly corrected myself

no no I didn't mean it that way don't think that I'm sorry she paused then asked are you still working as an escort she phrased it gently as if she was tiptoeing around the past I winced slightly but she just looked at me with quiet patience no she replied not since I graduated and got a steady job I have a good income now with health benefits I quit the day I was hired my medical Bills are paid and I even got a new prosthetic leg I nodded relieved for her before asking and how's your family

I remember you were estranged from them for a while she smiled faintly you have a good memory then her expression softened mom and I are talking again Dad still has a hard time accepting what I did but he's trying he'd rather mortgage their house than see me back in that life but I couldn't do that to them it's been 3 years years since my last date And while it's still hard for him I think he's starting to forgive me we spent the rest of the time talking about Tina and work when Tina returned to the

table we got ready to leave dad can Casey come over for dinner next weekend Tina asked her eyes sparkling all I could think at that moment was how proud I was of my smart thoughtful daughter little did I know that dinner would be the start of something much more Casey and I have been dating for Over a year now I've been thinking about proposing to her soon Tina loves her and the two have become best friends before I asked Casey though I plan to ask her father for permission hopefully it'll help them reconcile though it's

been slow goinging as for her father like most men he wonders why Casey's past doesn't bother me maybe it should but after talking it out with her we both agree that Fidelity in marriage is non-negotiable some might call me a fool For marrying a woman with such a past and allowing her into Tina's life but I don't see it that way 2 years before that race in Crystal Lake I was dating a nice woman and things were getting serious then one day she asked me about my missing front teeth I decided to tell her the

full truth about my past including my runin with Ron young she didn't take it well and soon became distant after a few months she disappeared from my life completely it Was clear she couldn't accept the things I had done to survive prison so when things got serious with Casey I knew I had to tell her the truth I told her everything hoping she'd understand she looked at me for a long moment then said said sometimes we do things we regret to survive but that doesn't mean we let it Define us you're still Charlie kleene a

good man and a loving father you're who you've always been if you need to forgive yourself for What happened in prison she said softly start today she hugged me and I didn't need to hear anything else sometimes the right person's forgiveness is all you need to start living a better life life has a way of coming full Circle doesn't it there I was standing in my living room surrounded by laughter and the smell of Tina's favorite chocolate cake baking in the oven Casey was at the kitchen counter her prosthetic barely Noticeable as she playfully argued

with Tina about which frosting to use watching them I realized something profound for all the twists mistakes and hardships I'd finally found a sense of Peace it wasn't perfect not yet there were still days when I wrestled with the shadows of my past but they felt more like Distant Memories than a weight on my chest Tina's accomplishments her track meets her art exhibits became the anchor that kept me grounded and Casey She reminded me that love when built on trust and shared understanding could heal even the deepest wounds later that evening as the three of

us sat on the porch watching the sunset Tina turned to me and said Dad I'm glad you're happy we deserve this for the first time in years I believed her maybe the road to this moment wasn't easy but it led me here to a family forged not by Perfection but by perseverance and in the end that was More than enough