[Music] around 2 a.m. aside from a few dim lights in the hallways it was mostly dark I could only make out Silhouettes and shadows in my 10x10 cell lying on my back with my arms behind my head I was deep in thought instead of sleeping like I should my mind wandered to things I wished I could forget hearing footsteps I started counting 7 8 9 10 then I saw him his face was hard and emotionless just like everyone else is here he was just doing his job making his rounds not looking for friends I wasn't
sure if he saw me but it didn't matter he was out there and I was in here when he passed by I stopped counting no point he wouldn't be back for another 92 minutes I looked at the ceiling planning what to do when I got out 5 days in a wake up and I'd be leaving for good I'd served about seven months of my one-year sentence my job was waiting for me but everything else would be different my older brother had fixed my car taken care of my house and managed my dwindling savings was I
still angry angry didn't even come close but I buried those emotions until I got out I realized why guys doing 10 to 20 years come out as empty shells all traces of humanity are left at the door when you check in survival is key and this place is a resort compared to the hardcore prison up north I closed my eyes again hoping to get a few hours of of sleep I missed my old bedroom with the blackout Shades but I knew my life would never be the same I'll pick you up next Tuesday my brother
Gary told me over the phone in the visitor center during our last visit we looked at each other through the plexiglass wall hopefully for the last time anything you want to eat your first night out a steak a big steak medium rare Gary grinned Steve you're too easy I thought you'd ask for something tougher to sneak past my wife you'll stay with Andy and me until you're s L there's no food or much Furniture left in your house this gives you time to get what you need it's not the Ritz Carlton but it's clean and
you can come and go as you please he smiled I didn't thanks I started before he cut me off forget it we're family that's what family does don't worry about Mom and Dad they'll come around once things settle down but we knew that wouldn't be anytime soon emotions ran deep on both sides seen my kids lately two weekends ago at Mom and Dad's Heather looks the same but Jon has this bull-shaped haircut that's all the rage it looks awful I told him so you know what he said said I wasn't his dad and didn't have
to listen to me I would have slapped him but mom was there you'll have your hands full with that one Jon wouldn't have dared say something like that if I was around even though I was his dad he and his sister would stay with their mom after I got out I had time plenty of it once I was out of this place I'd wait for the right moment no rush even though the divorce was Final I I still owned half the house Cathy owed me about $65,000 to buy me out she likely raided our bank
lock box grabbing all our bonds and CDs thankfully I gave my lawyer a list of everything so there would be no dispute when I got released which would be soon Kathy and my ex-friend Bob really screwed me over but that was in the past I was caught off guard the first time and it wouldn't happen again I was waiting remembering and looking forward to better days when I got out of this hell hole only then could I build my life and start fresh I hoped I could hold it together until then before jail life was
good because I never saw it coming weeks before some so-called friends hinted they knew something but never said anything what were they thinking did they think I knew and was okay with it everyone must have known I would never have tolerated it but people didn't want to get involved we had a great marriage I thought 12 years two kids a nice house and good jobs sure we had minor disagreements but I loved my wife and never imagined what she was capable of we didn't have many friends just a few Couples from the neighborhood most had
been married over 7even Years and we're about our age we all had at least two kids except Bob and his wife Connie they'd been trying to have a child forever with no luck Cathy probably knew why but I tried to stay out of everyone's personal business Connie started drinking heavily about a year ago at first she was just Melancholy but then it got ugly Bob drank little taking care of her Bob honey get me another drink she'd start by the end of the night she'd be demanding drinks and Bob had to carry her home it
was sad but his problem not mine Connie was a mess tonight I said getting ready for bed I think she passed out more than once Greg and Judy probably left early because she started undressing and asked Greg to help her no one was letting her near the pool I felt sorry for Bob my wife said Connie's devastated about not having kids but taking it out on Bob isn't the answer I told her she could adopt but she wouldn't hear it she blamed Bob for their problems they'll either work it out or get divorced I said
we're supposed to go out to dinner next week I hope she behaves but I'm not counting on it I'll talk to her this week maybe she'll cool it for one night my wife said trying to be optimistic Connie didn't cool it waiter how's a girl supposed to get a drink around here she yelled slurring she started on Bob again and he was about to lose it when I intervened come on Connie you promised me a dance said pulling her to the dance floor she tried to refuse but I insisted I danced with her for three
songs while my wife talked to Bob who looked miserable when we got near the hall Connie excused herself to the lady's room after 5 minutes I debated what to do I asked two women going in to check on Connie it wasn't good is she wearing a bright yellow dress one of the women asked peeking out of the restroom when I nodded she shook her head she's passed out in a stall if you want I'll stand guard while you you get her I went in propped her up by the sink and splashed cold water on her
face it helped for a moment but then she collapsed again I practically carried her back to our table Bob let me help you get Connie to your car she's out cold and won't wake up anytime soon I stood there holding a very drunk Connie Bob looked embarrassed and angry Steve I've got it sit down this isn't the first time but it will be the last despite his objections I carried her out while he grabbed her purse and said his goodby eyes I laid Connie on the back seat and patted Bob's back sorry man what else
could I say thanks for your help I'm at my wits end and don't know what to do you two need counseling you can't figure this out alone if you need support call Cathy and me we'll help however we can all right he replied though I knew it was lip service their problems seemed too deep to fix I gave them a couple of months tops I wasn't far off but no one expected the final outcome 3 weeks later just after 10:30 p.m. on a Thursday we heard sirens and saw bright lights at the end of our
block everyone ran outside to see what was happening Cathy stay here I'll check it out I joined the crowd and saw the fire rescue squad prying open Bob's car door what's going on is Bob all right it's not Bob it's Connie they were arguing she grabbed his keys ran out and sped down the street didn't get far Connie had rear ended a parked car at about 40 mph the ambulance arrived put her on a stretcher and drove off with Bob and toe their front door was wide open lights still on and the house in disarray
I called Cathy and told her what happened then locked up Bob's house leaving a note that I had his keys how's Connie my wife asked when I got home not good she wasn't wearing a seat belt and swerved before hitting the car the airbag deployed but her head smacked the driver's side window hard enough to shatter it she was doing about 35 milph Bob's with her at the hospital we'll wait should we go down there he's got his hands full we'll go tomorrow when things settle right now let's get to bed tomorrow we'll come fast
we kissed good night but barely slept worried about Connie at 11:00 the next morning my phone rang Steve Connie's on life support my wife yelled I'm leaving work Bob's a mess someone needs to be there meet me at the hospital she said frantically before hanging up damn the guy couldn't catch a break on the way I grabbed lunch for the three of us and called Cathy's parents to pick up the kids after school I walked quietly into the waiting room where my wife and others were consoling Bob how's she doing I asked not good my
wife whispered the doctor talked to Bob and he hasn't said much since Bob I said sitting next to him you okay it was a dumb question but I needed an opening line Steve she's not going to get better there's little brain activity I don't know what to do he started to cry I motioned for everyone to give us space has anyone told Connie's parents they're on their way Steve the hospital staff keeps asking about a living will and donor card it feels like vultures circling the doctor asked if I'd consider pulling the plug if she's
brain dead for Christ sake she's my wife not a piece of meat he was shouting now why can't they just fix her they're doctors can't they fix her I had no answer Connie's parents arrived shortly after and went into her room with Bob there was a lot of loud cry crying and cursing her father seemed to blame Bob for Connie's condition the doctor went in and about 20 minutes later everyone came out her parents left heartbroken knowing they'd never talk to their daughter again we left the hospital around 8:00 and picked up the kids from
Cathy's parents house I kept thinking God I hope I never have to make that choice 48 hours later with Bob Connie's parents and the doctor in the room they turned off the machine keeping her alive she passed away quietly we consoled Bob as best we could despite her difficult Behavior Bob truly loved her funerals tend to bring out the good memories not the bad ones the funeral was packed and everyone was in tears Bob took it hard eventually taking a month off to visit his family back East I assured him we'd take care of his
place I love you you know that don't you I said to my wife while getting ready for bed it had been an exhausting few weeks and things were getting back to normal if I'm ever like Connie just pull the plug I wouldn't want to be kept Alive by a machine Steve don't talk like that it could never happen to us Bob returned a few weeks later somewhat functional Kathy helped him sort through Connie's belongings after 3 months he seemed to be coming to grips with it we made sure he was included in social events neighbors
even set him up on a few dates but nothing came of them life went on or so I thought 6 months later Bob seemed to get his spark back seeing him smile and enjoy himself again was a relief he was socializing and we had our old Bob back looking back maybe I missed some signs Cathy and I were still close but something felt off we were physical engaged as often as before but something was different after a few months I asked Cathy if something was bothering her nothing really Steve why do you ask you seem
a little distant lately everything's fine she smiled maybe you haven't been getting enough love making if you want more just ask love making I thought she'd never called it that before always love making I smiled kissed her and shut down my thoughts I'll never forget Friday August 20th it was the day my world fell apart Cathy called me at work to say the kids would be with her folks for the weekend and asked what time I'd be home I'll make sure I'm home early need me to pick up anything no just let me know when
you'll be home all right a million thoughts ran through my mind it was 3:30 an hour and a half before I could leave I adjusted my pants thinking about the fun weekend ahead I drove home carefully to avoid a speeding ticket but still made it in 28 minutes I should have suspected something when I saw two cars in the driveway but one was Bob's hey honey I'm home I called out Bob and Cathy were in the kitchen hey Bob what's going on Steve I need to talk to you please have a seat Cathy looked nervous
her voice quivering I'll just stand I said Steve I wanted to tell you myself before you get the papers I was confused Kathy what papers she stepped back divorce papers she could barely say it my heart skipped a beat Cathy what are you talking about what divorce papers Steve Bob started but I cut him off Bob stay out of this this is between me and my wife then it hit me I looked at her then at him then back at her Bob you should leave now my hands clenched into fists Kathy you and I need
to talk now I shouted Bob stay my wife said Steve this involves him too Bob leave now or you'll be leaving in a body bag I warned he headed for the door Cathy we need to talk Steve there's nothing to talk about I'm in love with Bob I'm sorry you [ __ ] how long has this been going on even before Connie died Bob stopped his eyes burning with anger Steve you don't know anything oh I know enough while I was consoling you you were screwing my wife get out of my house both of you
Steve it's my house too Cathy said not anymore get out I'll get my things and leave no leave now Cathy let's go Bob said pulling her to the door listen to him I taunted Steve I'll come back for my stuff when you've cooled down you'll be dead by then I spat they left eyes fixed on me after they left I lost it two beers and a lot of Destruction later the house was a mess I threw all of Cathy's belongings on the lawn and set the sprinklers to run for 4 hours then I locked the
house and drank until I passed out the next morning I saw Cathy at taken her stuff I was still angry and devastated I didn't call anyone to tell them what happened but I figured the neighbors knew I called Kathy's parents to talk to my kids but her mom wouldn't let me Steve Cathy picked them up last night nonsense Fran she was picking up her clothes from the lawn let me talk to my kids she hung up on me I called back but she didn't answer Furious I canceled all our credit cards and withdrew all the
cash I could from the bank I made coffee ate some toast and planned my day ch the garage code get new locks and move anything valuable to my brother's house just as I was about to leave the doorbell rang I looked through the peephole and saw a man with a large envelope he stayed for a few minutes then left I told my brother Gary and his wife Andy what happened and asked them to keep it quiet then I headed to Home Depot for new locks on my way back I saw Bob's car in the driveway
and Cathy loading it I should have driven by but I was too pissed off for that instead of driving by I sped up with tires squealing I turned into my driveway and crashed into the back of Bob's Car Bob jumped into his car just as mine made contact pushing his car against the closed garage door I reversed about 15 ft and floored again driving his car through the garage door Steam billowed from under my hood and my engine made a terrible noise but It reversed again I backed up 10 ft floored it but my car
only moved Bob's a few feet before stalling heart pounding I grabbed my son's aluminum bat from the garage and started swinging smashing the driver s windows and the windshield I was about to open Bob's door when I heard loud voices behind me drop the bat and put your hands on your head a police officer ordered I complied dropping the bat and kneeling down they handcuffed me and put me in the patrol car Bob shaken and scared got out of his car I wanted to threaten him but couldn't my wife was crying talking to the police
and looking at me I smiled back taken down town I was booked and given one call I called my brother Gary since it was the weekend I spent two nights in jail before my court appearance on Monday I pleaded not guilty and the judge set my bail Gary bailed me out late that afternoon Steve they're talking about attempted homicide or at least assault with a deadly weapon I know first take me to the bank she's probably cleaned out the accounts but I need to check the cash was gone from our accounts but not the CDs
and bonds however a court order prevented me from removing any of them you could have at least left me $5 in our account you really are cheap I told Kathy when she answered her phone I needed that money for me and the kids doesn't Bob make enough money I've got a house payment to make maybe I should just make a little fire in the living room you know just to take the chill off Steve quit talking crazy I'm sorry about all of this but you're making it harder why can't you just accept it and move
on I'll move on when you send my kids back home Steve I can't especially in your current frame of mind I don't think you damaged them but I can't take that chance after this is over I'll let you see them as much as you want but I can't say the same about you and Bob this is the last time I'm talking to you from now on you'll have to go through my attorney I'm sorry it happened this way Cathy you have no idea how sorry you and Bob are going to be she hung up at
my court date my attorney pleaded temporary insanity arguing my actions were impulsive after Cathy's Revelation Kathy and Bob claimed they feared for their lives and mentioned a restrain order Mr Moore the judge said did you tell Mr Kelly that if he didn't leave he'd be leaving in a body bag I don't remember my exact words your honor it may have been something like that but how would you feel if a friend was with your wife behind your back the judge was unimpressed and my lawyer quietly reprimanded me Steve say nothing do you understand from now
on you don't remember a thing is that clear I'm trying to prove you didn't know what you were doing and your comments aren't helping he was right Chris my boss and main character witness backed me completely he testified that I was a model employee never losing my temper after his testimony the case closed we awaited the judge's decision which would come in a few days back at work my boss offered to have some thugs make Bob and Cathy disappear I declined preferring to handle it my way I wondered what that service might have cost 6
months and $112,000 later I ended up screwed by both my ex-wife and the system the divorce went through and she got 50% of everything the house and all valuable items were to be sold she claimed her jewelry was missing and accused me of taking it I countered that mine was gone too suggesting she took it all you're in jail are they nuts I yelled at my attorney after the judge's sentence Steve it could be worse you could have liquidated him and faced manslaughter with good behavior you'll be out in less than 8 months and your
record will be clean in 2 years do the time get out out and move on easy for him to say I wasn't looking forward to spending 24 hours a day in jail I appealed but got nowhere within a year my life went from great to terrible thanks to Kathy and Bob Steve your job will be waiting when you get out don't do anything stupid and watch your back Chris advised after a final visit with my kids I turned myself in I started my sentence in the county facility my brother put money in my inmate account
but most items available were junk without a cell phone or computer I wrote my thoughts on paper and made bi-weekly collect calls to my brother mom and kids to stay updated during a visit my brother said I'll have your car repaired before you get out I found someone to do it for the insurance payout I'm taking care of your lawn and installed the new dead bolts Kathy took the rest of her and the kids clothes but left the furniture after I insisted on a court order for removal I was glad my brother was looking out
for me Cathy allowed my parents to see the kids every other Sunday but badmouthed me and my family she called me their jailbird father and planned to set strict rules when I got out my parents tolerated her to keep Communication open after 7 days I confirmed my visitation rights every other weekend a full month in summer and shared holidays I informed my boss I'd need a week to readjust once released I was thrilled to trade my orange jumpsuit for street clothes Gary was waiting outside we headed straight to the nearest bar to freedom I said
clinking our bottles before Downing the first of three beers Andy has a steak din with all the trimmings waiting for us you can stay with us for a few nights until you go through your things at the house it's still up for sale but there haven't been any offers Cathy wants to lower the price but needs your approval I smiled all the furniture is still there but I trashed the master bedroom set as you instructed dinner was fantastic I ate more than I had in 8 months enjoying the freedom to do as I pleased I
drank too much vaguely remembering five or six beers and three glasses of wine I woke up after 10:00 the next morning and finally managed to get up and hit the bathroom by 11:00 in the kitchen I found a note on the counter if you're reading this you survived last night there's coffee made and everything else is in the fridge the spare bathroom has soap a razor shaving lotion a toothbrush and toothpaste if you need anything else we'll get it tonight the keys to your car and house are on the key rack by the back door
don't do anything stupid see around 5:30 my brother knew me well two cups of coffee and an English muffin were all I could manage after a shower and a shave I felt Almost Human Again Gary had laid out a fresh change of clothes and within an hour I headed to my house the outside looked the same I sat in my repaired car for 10 minutes before going in memories flooded my mind I saw the new deadbolt and with a turn of the key I was inside the place was a mess with things thrown everywhere clothing
pieces were scattered on the floor the kitchen was halfway clean and the refrigerator still had old food leaning against the sink I saw the damage from when my fist punched the wall and found a stud I rubbed my Knuckles remembering that night upstairs the kids closets were empty except for a few forgotten momentos my bedroom was almost empty except for my dresser and clothes the dark spots on the carpet showed where our bed and her dresser had been the room needed a complete redo before I could use it again the rest of the house needed
a thorough cleaning to be sellable but I wasn't in a hurry to sell I made a list of repairs and decided I just wanted it done done not necessarily by myself at the bank I confirmed she had emptied the lock box I needed written proof from the bank and was told they had video recordings as additional proof my attorney confirmed she had taken everything and filed a motion to get it back the court had already ordered Cathy to return everything she took from the lockbox Steve she's offering her share of the house for your share
of the CDs and bonds I told her to return everything as directed by the court or face arrest for non-compliance she can be mad all she wants my job is to protect your interests that's why you hire a lawyer I thought to myself back at my house I took inventory of what I still had I noted to call a local contractor to fix the walls and Mary Mains to clean the kitchen and dining room where I'd thrown the microwave in dishes utilities were still on so I could move back in once I bought a bed
I just needed a queen-size bed and found a decent set for $900 at least I wouldn't be sleeping on a mattress that my ex-wife had shared with someone else Hank the contractor came over Saturday morning to give me an estimate your walls are solid must have hurt when you punched that stud he said with a smile I just need the holes fixed and a Fresh coat of white paint nothing special I replied how about $200 that's low that's my price take it or leave it you did us a favor with Bob in the car most
of the guys in the neighborhood look up to you now Randy even told Linda he'd put her in the grave if she ever did what Cathy did to you you're a neighborhood hero I thanked him and told him he could start whenever within 6 weeks the bonds and CDs were back in the bank lock box and the house was repaired and cleaned life was starting to get back to normal when my kids spent their first weekend with me it was awkward I broke the ice kids I know this is strange but this is still your
home Say What You Need to my Skin's thicker now and I don't think anything could Shock Me Anymore Dad we love you and are sorry about what Mom did JN said Heather nodded we didn't know about Bob until mom said we were moving to his house we weren't happy and still aren't there was nothing you could do even without Bob your mom and I wouldn't get back together what we had is over I'm still your dad and I love you I'll always be here for you we hugged and spent the evening with pizza in a
movie I wanted to slam their mother but decided not to our first weekend was a success we ended up feeling like a family again though different I got John a decent haircut and life went on I went to work had a small social life and spent time with the kids John started soccer and Heather dance keeping me busy everyone except my brother told me to move on and start over you're still young you can find another girl get married and start a new life to them I'd just say forget it I wasted 14 years on
that witch if I want to stay mad that's my right they hadn't gone through what I had over the last 2 years sometimes you need that pound of Flesh to make the pain go away and that's what I was going to get one way or another Kathy wanted to lower the house price I refused she was pissed but I didn't care Steve it won't sell at this price in this market we need to drop it by at least $20,000 if you want to give up $20,000 of your share fine otherwise the price stays we eventually
divided the bonds in CDs she spent hers on a new car and a vacation with Bob I banked mine to start a nest egg 8 and 1 half months after jail Bob's house fire while they were at a soccer game someone had doused the electrical box and rear of the house with gasoline the back half was ruined and they had no power the next day two police officers came to my door at the station they got nothing from me I was at a neighborhood party with at least 10 Witnesses I said Steve you were only
a block away you could have done this one officer accused prove it I replied when I'd had enough I stood up charge me release me or I'm calling my lawyer we're releasing you but keeping an eye on you mentally I checked off my list one down two to go I volunteered to take the kids since they couldn't stay in a powerless house repairs would take at least 2 months so we had a mini vacation together Steve I know you did it no matter what the police say Cathy said picking up the kids one night I
don't know what you're talking about I was with our friends too bad you and Bob aren't invited anymore maybe I could put in a good word I suggested sarcastically don't bother we wouldn't go even if they They begged us she responded sounding bitter well you have each other and that's all that matters for now what's that supposed to mean she asked wide-eyed nothing just that you two are lucky to have one another I smiled not just on the inside this time the kids wanted to spend more time with me which didn't sit well with Cathy
or Bob I heard about shouting matches between Bob and the kids with them telling him he wasn't their father Cathy told me to stop stirring up trouble Cathy I don't bad mouth you to the kids you're their mother and I've told them they have to listen to you how about Bob him he's a backstabbing idiot who's lucky to be alive besides that he's a nice enough guy if looks could eliminate I'd be dead he's good to your kids stop badmouthing him to them not going to happen he's nothing to me and I pray I get
to piss on his grave one day she gave me a deadly look not that I'd injury him of course Steve so help me what are you going to do Kathy cheat on me divorce me put me in jail make my life hell oh wait you already did all those things you can't do any more to me go back to your husband and leave me alone without another word she walked away and to think I once loved her I watched her go shaking my head work was going great it took me just a couple of weeks
to get back up to speed Chris soon pushed me to take over four more accounts with no kids or anyone else at home I had the time after contacting the customers I scheduled two-day trips to each facility to get familiar with their operations three accounts were easy but tww Incorporated was different they were changing their manufacturing process requiring monthly trips to keep up the assigned person was knowledgeable but disorganized and arrogant when I pressed for needed data Chris if I don't get what we need it'll screw up their system after two calls I got an
intermediary between the engineer and myself from then on I met with Monica who worked directly with the engineer Steve Monica Bradley she introduced herself shaking my hand she had a degree in process engineering and had been with the company for about 5 years we worked well together and she got me everything I needed two weeks before finishing Phase 1 I asked her out to dinner Monica I'd like to take you and your husband out to dinner as a thank you the Hilton where I'm staying has a great restaurant how about 6:00 we shook hands and
I left the plant by 4:30 after catching up on paperwork and emails I headed to the restaurant at 6:00 Monica arrived alone where's your husband I asked parking the car Steve I'm not married oh sorry I assumed I said noticing the rings on her hand I wear these rings to keep things professional no one hits on a married woman avoiding maltreatment issues plus married people seem to get promoted faster I guess because they seem more stable how do you manage company functions I just say he's on the road or something they don't ask anymore well
you had me fooled we had a wonderful dinner and by the end I shared highlights of my last 2 years I can't believe they did that to you that really sucks tell me about it but it's in the past and I'm moving on with my life I was trying to rebuild my life though Revenge was still a priority Steve you're young and many women would love a guy like you she said smiling and blushing you're probably right but I haven't had the time or ambition to date again I'm still cautious well you asked me out
didn't you you and your husband I corrected if I hadn't been married would you still have asked me out probably you're easy to talk to and not a pathetic twit like my ex I'll take that as a compliment she said laughing dinner went great I left the next day and wouldn't be back for a month I asked her to call me weekly especially if anything came up I started feeling more at ease around women even those outside my inner circle we went out most nights when I visited which was every couple of weeks I still
had trust issues but was working on them phone calls and emails kept us in touch after a couple of months we started kissing and more I was finally ready to take it to the next level am I becoming normal again I wondered when Monica said she had a conflict Wednesday night I thought nothing of it we'd been physical engaged on Tuesday and I had forgotten to get contraceptives Steve let's plan for a whole evening on Thursday she said kissing me Thursday I'll remember to bring protection I thought Wednesday I looked for a new restaurant on
on the city map after six trips I'd tried all the local places I found a nice Indian restaurant about 25 minutes away and decided to give it a try I ordered a beer and the sampler platter and was ready to relax I heard a familiar laugh and to my surprise saw Monica with another man they were clearly on more than a first date holding hands and laughing I lost my appetite finished my beer paid and left she didn't seem conflicted I thought I avoided her on Thursday and went to McDonald's for lunch by 3:00 Monica
was shadowing me smiling and flirting you take care of your conflict last night I asked yes and tonight you're all mine I found a quiet physical engaged Indian restaurant with a fabulous sampler platter I looked into her eyes what type of food is it Indian food her face went pale I was there last night and saw someone I knew what are the chances Monica I never blinked Steve I can explain no need I got of one lying witch I don't need another I walked away and cut my trip short After ignoring four emails I never
got another one trust issues still plagued me and Monica had worsened them I was reassigned to someone else thankfully a guy 3 months later I got an early Christmas present Bob was run over by a car while crossing the street Witnesses only saw a black four-door car with tinted windows which matched my black BMW Saturday night the police came to my house my neighbor Tom watched as they approached Mr Moore we'd like a word the shorter officer said sure no problem Tom I'll talk to you later I told my neighbor Mr Moore do you own
a 22 320i black BMW the other officer asked yes what's this about I replied joking about a parking ticket but they didn't laugh is the car here yes it's in the garage what's this about I asked sir we'd like to see the car now I opened the garage one officer retrieved a camera and started taking pictures of the front right side of my car can you explain these scratches and marks on the bumper not a clue after 8 years some Nicks and scratches are normal now that I've answered your questions what's going on and why
are you interested in my car Mr Moore there was a hit and run yesterday and Witnesses described a black sedan with dark Windows like your car and like a million others in town I replied annoyed why me did my license plate match or did anyone identify me as the driver the witnesses only saw the car well as you can see there's no significant damage to the front end I can account for my whereabouts from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. yesterday why pick on me your history with the sufferer and past threats prompted this visit thank
you for your cooperation we'll be on our way wait I called as they walked back to their car who was hit Mr Robert Kelly I smiled is he dead no but he's in critical condition they walked away and I went inside opened a bottle of wine and and ordered a pizza I ate most of the pizza and drank the entire bottle of wine in celebration the neighborhood buzzed with gossip about Bob some said the guy just can't catch a break While others declared he got what he deserved I was in seventh heaven 2 Days Later
Bob took a turn for the worse and died I looked sharp in a new suit fresh haircut and Polished shoes I even had my car washed and waxed the funeral home wasn't packed but there were many people outside when I arrived conversations stopped as I walked in I didn't sign the book just walked down the aisle Cathy saw me and looked shocked my children smiled at me Kathy tried to stop me before I reached the casket but failed from the moment I entered I'd been preparing when I reached the casket I had plenty in my
mouth I looked at Bob lying peacefully and spat in his face enough to dribble down onto his shirt Kathy screamed crying and calling me every name in the book this time I smirked openly two down one to go I said to her she froze fear placing her tears I warned you I said softly and walked out of the now silent funeral home over the next month the cops questioned me twice more at Cathy's insistance just because it wasn't my car doesn't mean I wasn't involved she claimed they never caught the driver and after a few
months it was old news when the patrol car arrived at my driveway I was expecting it I locked up my house as my neighbors watch me being taken to the police station again Mr Moore do you know David Kent one detective asked asked showing me a picture sure do I replied how do you know Mr Kent I hired him to watch my ex-wife he's been on and off for about a month I pushed the picture back why did you hire Mr Kent to watch your ex-wife since she took up with her now late husband she
seems to have bad luck my kids live with her so I hired David to ensure their safety mostly at night well your ex-wife reported being followed she saw Mr Kent several times and called us when we picked him up we found out you hired him the detective said sarcastically Mr Moore this bord on maltreatment and you might be charged if it continues I'm just looking out for my kids I don't care what happens to my ex but my kids are different if this is a problem I'll rely on your department to ensure their safety it's
not illegal but it's pushing the limits why don't you talk to your ex and work something out last time I tried that I went to jail they let me go but warned me they'd keep an eye on me they needed a better line I didn't pay David to be inconspicuous I wanted Kathy to see him the next guy I hired was even more noticeable looking like someone from a Hell's Angels movie he cost $30 an hour and worked three hours every fourth night but he had the effect I wanted I wanted to drive my ex
over the edge if she had a breakdown I'd get the kids full-time I wanted my family back Steve what the hell do you want a distraught Cathy screamed into the phone I want you to choke on your spit and die Kathy she hung up immediately shocked I was waiting on my porch when the police arrived you're late I told the officers Kathy was charging me with threatening her life but I had already contacted my lawyer who was waiting at the station my client did not threaten his ex-wife my lawyer told the police he expressed a
wish not a threat she took it as a threat because she's still being followed by people hired by your client it's not illegal to have someone watched unless you have a recording of Mr Moore threatening to eliminate Mrs Kelly you have no case Mr Moore why don't you move on she left you it happens if she snaps and someone gets hurt we'll come for you is there a way to end this I asked my lawyer my client wants his children back if Mrs Kelly gives up custody he'll back off that's for the court to decide
then we're done here my lawyer said and we left the following Sunday morning while having breakfast and reading the newspaper on the deck the doorbell rang I opened the door to Cathy's parents Steve do you have a minute to talk sure come on in I said they were dressed for church can I get you a cup of coffee no thank you what brings you here I asked Cathy's father spoke up Steve we know what our daughter did wasn't right especially with you going to jail but she's our only child and we don't want anything to
happen to her look I'm not trying to injury her she made bad choices and is paying for them I want my my children back they're better off with me especially since she's having bad luck I'd hate for something to happen to them if something happens to her they stared at me unsure of what to say Steve we'll talk to her but you know how she is Cathy's mother said trying to ease the discomfort that's where you're wrong the woman I married would never have cheated or thrown me to the Sharks I don't recognize her now
except as the mother of my children I want her to suffer a horrible and painful end of life I don't forgive and I don't forget they left quickly I think I made my point Thursday evening the visitor I had been expecting finally arrived it was just after 700 and getting dark she must have walked because I didn't hear a car she rang the bell I looked through the peephole and let her in she was already angry when she walked through the door I had expected a phone call but seeing her in person was better come
in Kathy want a drink acid Hemlock on the Rocks I said shutting the door very funny you really are in prick you know that I open the door I think we're done here nice of you to stop by have a short miserable life I said holding the door open I'm not leaving until we talk she replied sitting down gingerly in the living room suit yourself I responded closing the door and going to get a glass of wine what brings you here our humble abode I still own 50% of this house she stated less what I've
paid since the divorce I reminded her I want this place sold what's it going to take to drop the price she asked an act of God are you willing to cover the loss with interest I countered I just want you out of this neighborhood and away from me she declared that's never going to happen I said firmly you still hate me that much she inquired more than you can imagine it was awful how it all went down but I never intended to get involved with Bob it just happened she explained she couldn't think I was
that stupid or naive nonsense Kathy nothing just happens unless he put a weapon to your head you went willingly was he so much better in bed that you destroyed our marriage and family my anger flared it wasn't about the love making he needed me he had no one we fell in love because we needed each other she said defensively what were you doing charity work I needed you our kids needed you our marriage needed you but you chose your needy puppy over us now he's dead and a lot less needy I retorted smiling as I
relished the memory I only wish I had been the one driving the car that liquidated him she confessed Steve you've become so hateful taking pleasure in someone's Misfortune is sick she admonished I'd like to say I did this to myself but you and your lover played a big part that's a copout Cathy 60% of marriages fail not all spouses go around hating the other I pointed out I don't care about anyone else's marriage but mine how long was I the fool she asked does it matter I questioned to me it does 2 months 3 five
she probed about 5 5 months it just happened the first time and I almost told you I was devastated she revealed calmly sounding rehearsed but you didn't tell me and you weren't that devastated because it kept happening how many times did you screw him in our bed I demanded never I wouldn't do that to you she said angrily so it was okay to screw him everywhere else many of our friends saw it but never told me you proved you couldn't be trusted I retorted so where do we go from here this house is our last
connection she said what about the kids I'm not giving them up nothing you say will change that I asserted my mind raced Kathy I'm not going to convince you you got full custody because of what you drove me to do if I hadn't gone nuts on Bob and his car I might have had a chance Bob got what he deserved now it's just the two of us her eyes widened Steve are you threatening me she asked me deprive my kids of their mother I said dripping with sarcasm never but if something should happen like a
heart attack lightning strike or an accident I'll make sure the kids always remember you if you have any last requests you might want to write them down soon you never know what might happen I borrowed that line from a movie where a Hitman advised his Target to get his Affairs in order I'm out of here Kathy said standing up we had 12 good years I'm kind of sorry it ended she tried to kiss my cheek but I pushed her back almost knocking her over don't ever touch me again I warned you're a 304 she was
taken aback I'm sorry I just thought she began you thought what that we're okay now you make my skin crawl I said my eyes burning with anger sorry she said flustered and horrified don't be because I'm not I retorted she walked out and started down the driveway by the way you know that look you just gave me Bob had the same look right before the car ran over him too bad I didn't have a camera to show you I added I shut the door watching Cathy run for her house in truth I was the one
who started the fire at Bob's house two Gatorade bottles of gasoline and a lit cigarette were all it took I made sure everyone was out of the house I hoped it wouldn't be reported to the fire department until the house was fully engulfed so much for that plan it took less than 5 minutes from start to finish including tossing the plastic Gatorade bottles into a neighbor's recycle bin I had excused myself to go to the bathroom slipped out the side door and went through the backyards to the back of Bob's house no one even missed
me I'd like to take credit for Bob's end of life but I can't it was Bob being in the wrong place at the right time or just plain dumb luck if he had looked both ways like his mother probably told him to as a kid he'd still be alive no matter what I say Cathy and her family still think I was involved and in a way I'm sorry it wasn't me but I would never have done it I'd been locked up in jail once and I never wanted to go back especially not to the join
up north Anyway by now Cathy was probably at home locking the doors thinking she's next on my list am I going after her not a chance I'll just drop hints and innuendos until I dri nuts and the Court gives me back my kids I will however tell any prospective home buyer about the arsonist in the neighborhood who still hasn't been caught you see I like living right where I am especially with my two children just up the street who knows when they turn 13 they might just decide to live with their old dad well I
can hope the only good thing that has happened to me during all of this was meeting someone I think I may have a future with her name is Ellen and she works for the State Department of Corrections I had to check in with her the first year after I was released to make sure I was adjusting rehabilitated and doing okay Ellen is tough and takes no crap after getting the formalities out of the way we began to talk and found out we might have feelings for each other ethically Ellen couldn't date me until my year
of probation was up but finally we were able to go out on a real date I told her I had major trust issues and she W up to me by telling me that most convicts lie to her in one way or another so now we're both trying to move forward and in the process deal with our trust issues together while getting to know each other better Ellen got me thinking about what I've been doing ever since that 304 of a wife walked out on me she showed me my actions were keeping me from having any
kind of real life and meaningful relationships she told me it was time to move on she further convinced me when she said if I messed up and got thrown back in jail my rear would be be hers to do with as she wished and darling I wouldn't wish that on my worst enemy she explained with a smile that made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up and you know what I believe her I really do and when I'm with her she keeps things interesting because as tough as I think I am
Ellen is one lady I would never cross even better though is knowing in my heart she would never cross me either I think I am finally ready to move on with my life and open myself up to love once again [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]
