[Music] the day began like any other with the usual routine that felt more automatic than intentional as a former soldier that discipline stays with you even in civilian life morning workout quick breakfast and straight into the day's tasks it was all mechanical yet underneath that calm there was a nagging feeling that something was about to change though I couldn't pinpoint what looking back I realized that feeling was a warning I should have heated for years I thought I had built a stable life marriage a steady job a secure home but life throws surprises when you
least expect them in hindsight I should have seen the cracks before everything collapsed but you can't change the past and all you can do is brace yourself when the impact comes that day I was caught off guard by a betrayal I never saw coming during my time in the Middle East as a marine I survived three ambushes each teaching me crucial survival lessons first stay vigilant and anticipate threats unfortunately I missed the signs with Tracy and Stanley cross second seek immediate cover which I did by retreating to my bedroom lastly develop a plan to extract
yourself from danger I quickly formulated a plan changing into casual clothes and discreetly placing my iPhone in my shirt pocket to record I went to my dressing room retrieved a hidden key from an old shoe box labeled Captain BC Ramsey USMC and found my Marine Corps Beretta 9 mm inside I had been married to Tracy for 7 years with three wonderful children Tyler age seven and twin six-year-old girls Beth and Emily my family was my world and I tried to ensure work didn't interfere with our time together we lived in a four-bedroom home in a
great neighborhood our parents lived nearby and often visited the grandkids and Tracy's sister lived close as well life seemed perfect until the kids started school and Tracy returned to work I should have seen the signs but I was blinded by my belief in Tracy's loyalty she started dressing more provocatively our closeness declined and she spent more time at work when I asked her about it she brushed it off saying it was a great career opportunity that would benefit us financially I had met her boss Stanley cross several times at social events and Christmas parties he
was the senior partner at her firm arrogant and disrespectful I never trusted him the few times I visited Tracy at work he seemed possessive and reluctant to let her leave the office I hadn't been paying attention to the potential romance between Tracy and her boss things fell apart just as the twins finished kindergarten the kids were spending the weekend with my parents and I looked forward to rekindling our relationship but when I came home that evening Tracy was already dressed up looking stunning clearly ready for a night out wow you look amazing if I'd known
we had a date I'd have rushed home just give me a few minutes to freshen up and I'll be ready where are we going I asked with a smile Tracy smirked a look that didn't suit her we not going anywhere I am but not with you she said I was stunned what what are you talking about I asked I have a date with my boss Stanley cross and that's just the start from now on there will be new rules Stan's picking me up and I'll be staying with him in a downtown Suite tonight and tomorrow
I'll be back Sunday afternoon she said calmly what the hell are you talking about I shouted calm down this is how it's going to be I'm leaving and I'll be back Sunday she replied coldly nonsense if you think I'm putting up with this you're wrong you're out and don't come back I said anger Rising no Blake I'm coming home we're staying married and I'll still live here I love you but I need more if you make this difficult you'll be the one leaving it would be a shame for our kid's father to end up broken
in jail let's sit down and I'll explain the changes before Stan gets here in 30 minutes if he has to explain it you'll like it even less Tracy said confidently if that a hole shows up he'll get his back kicked in 31 minutes I replied you won't want to do that Tracy warned you need to listen to what he can do to you if you don't cooperate and he'll have Max with him his driver and bodyguard Max is Big mean and won't hesitate to put you in the hospital I felt a familiar sense of danger
like I was back in the Middle East ambushed on one side my wife on the other Stanley cross they had the advantage and I was trapped I squeezed past Tracy and headed upstairs where are you going she demanded I need to clean up I'll be down in 5 minutes I said trying to regain my composure as a Marine I learned three rules for ambushes anticipate take cover and plan and Escape I missed the first with Tracy and Stanley but I retreated to my bedroom then I devised a plan I changed into casual clothes set my
iPhone to record and slipped it into my shirt pocket I went to the dressing room and retrieved a hidden key inside an old shoe box marked Captain BC Ramsey USMC I found my Marine Corps Beretta 9 mm a pistol that had saved my life in combat as I loaded the weapon I heard Tracy call from downstairs get down here Blake or you'll regret it I'll be right down get me a beer I replied loading the chamber I tucked the weapon behind my belt and pulled my shirt over it making it invisible I then activated the
phone's recording placed it back in my pocket and prepared to confront Tracy I was determined to let her talk to get her to reveal her plans and how she saw the situation using the interrogation skills I'd learned in the Marines when I entered the Living Room Tracy was at the dining table with a glass of white wine and a cold beer set out for me it's about time she said we need to talk before Stan arrives sounds like you have a lot to say Tracy tell me about this new reality I have to accept I
replied she started I want you to remember that I love you more than anything I want to grow old with you and I don't want to hurt you I cut her off no more sweet talk Tracy just call me Blake and I'll call you Tracy she seemed offended but continued as of tonight things have changed and you need to accept that Stan and I have been having an affair for almost 7 months it started with flirting and now we're very close I was flattered by his attention and eventually it led to more clearly you haven't
thought about the consequences I said I'm sorry Blake but that doesn't mean I don't love you you're still the person I want to spend my life with she replied good luck with that I muttered why confess now after months of lying I asked we were tired of hiding it we want to enjoy our relationship openly sleeping together traveling and spending time together as lovers the only way to do that was for you to accept it she explained good luck with that I repeated no Blake we're staying married you just need to accept that I'll be
spending time with Stan staying overnight traveling and attending events it will be good for us financially think of the benefits vacations college for the kids upgrading the lake house if you think I want anything paid for with that money you're wrong I shot back I'm not a strumpet Tracy said angrily I'm an asset to the company and proud to be Stan's mistress this won't last forever maybe a few years and then things will go back to normal she added Stan also wants to be your friend he believes we can share as long as everyone gets
what they want he knows I love you and still want you in my life he might even become a family friend maybe an uncle to our kids I was Furious but kept my composure he will never be around my kids ever do you understand then I asked why would he want to get close to my family doesn't he have his own Stan is married to a younger woman from a prominent family but she can't have children Tracy explained maybe he should adopt and stay out of other people's marriages I said Stan wants his own kids
an heir for his law practice he'd prefer a son but would accept a daughter too Tracy replied then why doesn't he just use a surrogate and have as many kids as he wants I asked he mentioned it Tracy replied but he feels he'd be a terrible father he wants any child he has to grow up in a loving family she added lowering her head I felt my anger Rising so he wants to get you pregnant and have me raise his kid it wouldn't be illegitimate Tracy insisted it would be my child too and I'd love
them just like you would because you love me the baby would have the last name cross and Stan would pay us a lot of money to raise them covering all expenses until they graduate from college are you pregnant yet I asked no she answered but he wants me to stop taking the pill soon I told him I wanted you to be okay with this new Arrangement first this just keeps getting better I muttered Tracy got angry stop saying that she demanded I know you're upset now but we hope you'll come around eventually before I could
respond the doorbell rang Tracy rushed to open the door and her boss Stan entered wrapping his arm around her and kissing her this just keeps getting better I said again under my breath how did he take it Stan asked not well I think you need to explain the consequences Tracy replied Stan a tall slightly overweight man with graying hair stepped into my personal space exuding confidence Mr ramsy we need to talk he said firmly talk I should kick your back I retorted you can try he smirked but my driver will be on you before you
know it you'll be in jail tonight so why not sit down I glanced at the large man outside at the door sighed and reluctantly sat down great now we can talk like civilized people your wife agreed to be my personal assistant which includes some additional responsibilities we've enjoyed our relationship for 6 months but we're tired of hiding you two will have a new Arrangement I'll handle Tracy's needs most of the time at the hotel or office but occasionally at your home when you're not here you think I'm going to accept this I'll divorce her before
I put up with this crap I snapped Stan remained calm Mr Ramsey I suggest you rethink that I'm a powerful attorney with the biggest law firm in town if you try to divorce her I'll make sure you lose everything your house your money and your kids you'll be paying alimony and child support while she continues to enjoy life with me you might even end up in jail and lose your job your family and friends will turn their backs on you I sat there stunned realizing how far Tracy and Stan were willing to go Stan knew
I wouldn't act rashly now he warned me that any attempt to fight back would bring serious consequences including physical damage be a good boy and accept this new Arrangement he concluded your wife is a great assistant I turned to Tracy and asked ould you really do this to me she responded I don't want to Blake but I won't have to if you cooperate over time this will feel normal and you won't even think twice about it still in shock I watched them head toward the door just as they were about to leave I spoke up
before you go I have a few things to say annoyed Stan rolled his eyes make it quick I began after a couple of drinks to mourn my marriage I'm calling your wife and telling her everything then I'll call Tracy's sister Lucy and let her inform your parents Stan seemed surprised as this wasn't the response he expected what did you say he asked ignoring him I continued tomorrow morning I'll change all the locks afterward I'm taking Kate down the street out for dinner and dancing she's been flirting with me for months and until now I wouldn't
have considered it but things have changed Tracy looked hurt Blake you can't do that I pressed on when you return Sunday you'll find all of Tracy's belongings in the yard pick them up before the sprinklers go off Monday morning Stan turned red with anger clenching his fists as he realized his threats had no effect Tracy looked pained one last thing I added Monday I'll meet with a divorce attorney I'll file for divorce on grounds of infidelity and name you Stan as a codefendant i I'll also sue you for alienation of affection and for violating your
firm's policies even if the lawsuits don't stick they'll publicly embarrass you and damage your reputation Stan exploded in Anger throwing the overnight bag against the wall and stepping into my personal space jabbing me in the chest I resisted the urge to retaliate listen betrayed man he sneered you have no idea who you're dealing with I'm Stanley cross head of the largest law firm in the county I could destroy you legally in a day by the time I reach the hotel you'll be arrested on false charges you think you can fight me you can't I know
the police the da the judges they all owe me favors if you step out of line your life will be over Stan was on a roll and I let him continue if you go out with Kate tomorrow the police will stop you find pills in your car and you'll spend years fighting charges no lawyer will take your case against me and I'll still be enjoying your wife while you're ruined do you understand betrayed man I believe you I replied sarc ically Stan glared at me show some respect call me sir or Mr Cross one more
insult and Max will teach you manners he tried to punch me but I did it to him first pushing him onto the couch Tracy rushed to his side as he screamed you'll pay for this Max get in here the door opened and Max a large intimidating man entered the room yes Mr Cross he said take care of him Stan ordered and Max Advanced toward me Tracy tried to protest but cross dismissed her with a wave I expected trouble when Tracy mentioned cross would bring his bodyguard so I stood my ground as Max swung his fist
at my head as the pain hit I wondered if I'd need a new carpet for the blood stains Max hesitated unsure whether to keep striking me and looked across for guidance punch him Max cross ordered realizing I couldn't take more I taunted Max saying you knock like a girl his pride wounded Max prepared for another punch before he could react I managed to defend myself and the situation took a sudden and shocking turn Max looked stunned realizing he was in a weapon fight as he fumbled for his weapon I warned him to stop and the
tension in the room escalated further I crawled over grabbed his weapon and pocketed it how much respect do you think I have for you I asked Max he shook his head exactly none I said no reason not to destroy you right Max groaned in pain I told him if I didn't get him to a doctor soon he might not make it as I focused on Max Tracy suddenly shouted a warning and I turned just in time to see cross approaching with a fireplace poker I instinctively tried to block it with my arm but the force
left me in severe pain the weapon fell to the floor and in the tense moment I managed to grab it first preventing further escalation Now where's your phone I demanded cross hesitated then pointed to his coat pocket I pulled out the phone and told him to unlock it with shaky hands he didow call your wife on FaceTime I ordered cross's wife answered confused Stanley why are you calling who is this Mrs cross I said I'm Blake Ramsey you don't know me but your husband knows my wife Tracy they've been having an affair for months her
shock was clear as I showed her husband's face on the floor oh my God she screamed don't hurt him Mrs cross I explained your husband and my wife planned a weekend together when I objected he had his driver try to take care of me unfortunately for Max I had to defend myself she stammered Stanley told me he was working in Palm Springs this weekend he lied I replied he's here with Tracy who was ready to spend the weekend with him I showed her Tracy pale and trembling on the couch this is what's really happening Mrs
cross after a pause she whispered I'm surprised too I have to go now the police will be here soon it was nice talking to you I said tossing the phone aside turning back to cross I added well now your wife knows about your little side activities what were you planning if I told her send Max and his friends after me right cross didn't respond to focused on clutching his injured leg as blood seeped through his pants I'll make this clear cross I said my voice low if you send anyone after me I'll destroy them and
then I'll come for you understand cross nodded pale and sweating then I noticed a foul smell did you just [ __ ] your pants I asked mocking him Tracy looked horrified as the situation unfolded Tracy bring me my briefcase I calmly requested still holding the weapon on Cross nervously she retrieved it and I pulled out my laptop holding it up I asked is this the computer you were going to load with evidence cross he said nothing I turned it over placed it near his head and fired two bullets into it the fire shot echoed in
the room filling it with smoke leaning in I whispered in his ear try loading it with anything now a hole satisfied I stood up and walked into the kitchen my mind was racing and my head hurt badly I splashed water on my face realizing I might have a concussion when I returned to the living room everyone was still in place stay put until the police arrive they should be here any minute I said sarcastically before stepping onto the porch outside several neighbors had gathered one called out Blake were those fire shots yes did anyone call
emergency I asked and a couple of people raised their hands Colonel Orson Sage a retired marine and my best friend was among them are you hurt Captain he asked with concern you should see the other guys I replied with a grim smile hearing sirens in the distance Colonel I called I need your help of course Captain he replied stepping onto the porch help me unload my weapons and put them on the table I don't want to be holding one when the police arrive I said handing him Max's weapon the colonel quickly disarmed the weapons and
placed them on the table Kate a neighbor noticed my injuries and approached to help turning to the colonel I said I wish I could explain everything but there's no time I had a fight with my wife's boyfriend a powerful lawyer he threatened to plant pills in my car and have me arrested after after this is over could you hide my car if the garage isn't taped off the code is my street address oh we'll do Captain he replied Kate added Blake you don't look well my head is spinning I admitted maybe I got knock harder
than I thought Kate help me sit down just as two police cars arrived Sirens blaring the officers made their way through the crowd weapons at the ready the colonel assured them there was no immediate danger and pointed to the unloaded weapons on the table one officer looked at me and said you need medical attention two ambulances arrived and Medics rushed into the house to tend to Max Meanwhile my head was spinning more and Kate told me to lie down a medic examined my face and arm suspecting it was broken I lost Consciousness and only vaguely
remember Max being carried out on a stretcher and cross limping to the ambulance a female officer then escorted Tracy outside toward a police car she stopped when she saw me lying on the porch tears streaming down her face as she looked at my injured condition Blake I'm so sorry this isn't what I wanted Tracy cried I never meant for you to get hurt she tried to reach out to me but I pushed her away go to hell Tracy I said coldly her Handler quickly escorted her to the police car I'm not sure if I passed
out or if the medic gave me something but I was out for 3 days when I woke up my vision was blurry but I saw a nurse who seemed like an angel and white though she turned out to be about 60 years old Mr Blake can you hear me she asked I'm so so glad you're back with us I must be in a hospital I said weakly yes she confirmed you're at Mercy General Hospital you've been asleep for 3 Days 3 days I exclaimed yes I'll get the doctor just relax my name is Rose she
said kindly left alone I assessed my injuries my right forearm was in a cast my face was bandaged and my left eye and nose were painful to the touch aside from these injuries I was hooked up to machines including a saline drip and a blood pressure cuff I also had catheter Rose returned with the doctor who introduced himself as Dr York he explained that I had a fractured forearm a broken nose and a black eye he kept me sedated due to a minor concussion since it was late he gave me something to help me sleep
until morning when I woke up again I found my left wrist handcuffed to the bed rail what the hell I exclaimed tugging at the cuff relax Mr Ramsay said a voice from across the room a middle-aged man in a suit introduced himself as Detective Sergeant Hardman we were worried you might try to run run in this condition why would I run I asked bewildered you're under arrest Hardman replied calmly what for I asked shocked attack with intent to commit liquidation attack with a deadly weapon and several other charges including unlawful discharge of a firearm these
charges were filed by Stanley cross on behalf of himself Max Angelo and your wife Tracy he explained I should have known I muttered cman then Read Me My Rights and left the room Rose returned quietly to check my vitals I asked her if she knew about the handcuffs and she confirmed she did apologizing softly I tried to lighten the mood by joking about taking her to dinner when this was all over later Dr York reassured me that my injuries would heal and mentioned that I'd be moved to another room with a different doctor shortly after
detective Hardman and some orderlies wielded me up to the third floor past a police guard once in my new room the handcuffs were removed and I was reconnected to the machines before leaving Hardman informed me that I'd appear in court via video in a few days to enter a plea he also said he'd arrang for a public defender to meet with me as I lay in that hospital room I reflected on how quickly my life had turned upside down I grieved for my marriage and worried about my children where were they what were they being
told who was taking care of them I also wondered about my job having been absent for 4 days without notice the hospital staff couldn't answer my question on the fifth day a young public defender Named Sam Wilton visited he outlined the charges against me which were the same ones detective Hardman had mentioned he asked how I plan to plead and suggested I might negotiate with the da if I admitted to some minor charges I interrupted saying I'm not guilty of any charges Sam seemed surprised but continued he informed me that Tracy had been staying with
her sister Lucy and the kids were with them the children were only told that I'd be away for a long time when I asked about my job Sam offered to contact my company and explain the situation as I reviewed the charges I noticed one for spousal misuse Sam explained that cross added it after Tracy claimed I had slap her showing photos of bruises on her face and arm I didn't do that I protested but Sam seemed doubtful I didn't trust him enough to explain further fearing cross's influence Sam you have to plead not guilty for
me I insisted he reluctantly agreed but warned that I'd need to post bail due to the shooting charges he seemed skeptical of my innocence I didn't mention that I had evidence proving self-defense as I didn't want that information getting to Cross or the da instead I asked Sam to contact my uncle jack Carter a retired Navy attorney for help I instructed Sam to keep this confidential and only inform Uncle Jack of the charges and my plea later that night Sam confirmed that my uncle would arrive soon and advised me to say nothing except not guilty
at the trial the next day I was arraigned via video from the hospital I plad not guilty to all charges the prosecutor wanted me held without bail but the judge allowed me to stay in the hospital for two more days before being transferred to Jail the day before my transfer Uncle Jack arrived he officially took over my case and got permission to visit me seeing him brought me to tears realizing the weight of my situation after a brief reunion Uncle Jack got down to business he arranged for privacy to discuss the case and updated me
on Family Matters he reassured me that the kids were fine and staying with Lucy until the house was cleared by the police Lucy was confused Tracy had told her what happened and the charges against me but Lucy knowing me for years found it hard to believe she was relieved that Uncle Jack was there to help Uncle Jack then asked for my side of the story in a whispered conversation I told him everything including how Stanley cross Max Angelo and Tracy had likely concocted a false version of events after my arrest I also revealed that I
had a videotape of the entire incident on my iPhone hidden in a kitchen drawer Uncle Jack didn't show much emotion but seemed relieved that there was potential evidence he assured me I'll be your guardian angel through this you focus on getting better while I build your defense and look into bail I also asked him to check on my children and he promised to coordinate with Lucy after my discharge from the hospital I was transferred to County Jail 3 days later I appeared before the judge where Uncle Jack managed to get me released on bail though
under house arrest Uncle Jack had rented a townhouse in a gated community where I would stay he lived there too and while I couldn't leave the community at least I was out of jail Uncle Jack was busy working on the case including hiring a private investigator to follow leads the toughest challenge was retrieving my phone from the house without risking legal trouble he promised to find a way but knew it would take time meanwhile Uncle Jack set up new cell phone accounts for both of us ensuring we could communicate I called my neighbor the colonel
who mentioned some strange activity at my house when I told Uncle Jack he suggested inviting the colonel over for beers and steaks the colonel shared that about a week after the incident he saw two men in dark clothing trying to pick the garage door lock he called emergency grabbed his dog and a bat and confronted them surprised The Intruders backed off but threatened him the Colonel's dog growled and he took a batter stance with the bat which scared them off they fled in a black SUV with a smudged license plate the police arrived took a
report and left I recalled cross's threat to plant pills in my car so I was relieved that the colonel had moved it to a safe place the colonel had another Story 2 days after Tracy returned to the house he saw a black SUV parked in front two men were talking to Tracy by the open garage pointing to the spot where my car usually was after a brief conversation they went inside then left 45 minutes later the colonel made sure to note the SUV's license plate number Uncle Jake checked the license plate against his sources and
found it registered to a company called unique Services a private investigation firm the company employed only Jose Gonzalez and Miguel ortego both former police officers with checkered pasts Jose had resigned over a theft issue and Miguel was fired for falsifying records Stanley cross's Law Firm was one of their clients retrieving my cell phone from the kitchen became urgent Uncle Jake decided Ed to call Tracy suggesting a meeting to discuss resolving the situation and possibly dropping charges Tracy knew Uncle Jake from family gatherings but was suspicious she agreed to meet the next day but insisted that
one of her lawyers assistants be present Uncle Jake agreed at 6 p.m. sharp Uncle Jake arrived at my house Tracy greeted him warmly and they exchanged a brief hug she was dressed modestly in a skirt and blouse her hair and a ponytail inside a young man named Gordon Merritt an associate from cross's Law Firm was introduced they all sat in the family room and Tracy offered to get coffee Merritt suggested getting straight to business pulling out a tape recorder Uncle Jake did the same and they both smiled Uncle Jake started by expressing regret over the
situation stating he had always admired Tracy and me as a couple Tracy responded sadly saying she never intended for things to spiral out of control Uncle Jake continued implying he believed the charges against me he mentioned that I claimed Tracy and cross were having an affair which pushed me over the edge when I saw cross at the house Merritt interjected stating that the evidence seems solid against me Uncle Jake suggested that perhaps I wasn't in my right mind during the incident due to the belief that cross was taking Tracy away Meritt considered it but said
they might only entertain that idea if I pleaded guilty Uncle Jake responded by asking if all charges needed to be admitted or if some could be reduced or dismissed Meritt said he'd need to consult cross who had influence with the D a and might prefer a quieter resolution to avoid damaging his reputation in business before leaving Uncle Jake reminded Tracy that I loved and missed the kids he also warned her that if my story was proven true she could face charges for perjury and obstruction of justice he directed a similar warning at Meritt suggesting that
if he knowingly supported a false narrative he could also be prosecuted with that Uncle Jake stood up and asked if he could get some water Tracy pointed him to the kitchen unaware that retrieving my hidden phone was the real objective Uncle Jake went to the kitchen making sure he couldn't be seen from the family room he noisily opened the refrigerator then quickly searched the drawer by the sink finding my iPhone hidden among dish towels he pocketed it poured himself some ice water and returned to the family room about 2 minutes later before I leave Tracy
is there anything you want to say he asked Tracy looked nervously at Gordon Merritt who replied we have nothing more to add now Mr Carter we'll let you know about any changes to theart chares and you'll need to cooperate if you want this case to go away Uncle Jake thanked them for the meeting and left he didn't bring the iPhone back to the townhouse but instead had it analyzed by digital analysis Solutions Das he explained the importance of the video and audio recordings for my defense and Das agreed to handle it carefully they promised to
get back to him in a few days when Uncle Jake and I visited Das they had transferred all the phones data to their server they found the crucial video and made multiple copies ensuring it couldn't be lost or tampered with we watched the video which clearly showed the events including Max pointing a weapon at me despite some blurry sections Das also discovered 97 unopened emails and 64 text messages sent after the incident most were from friends and family but one suspicious message contained 27 photos that would have automatically downloaded to my phone's photo files if
opened it appeared that cross had tried to plant evidence after I destroyed my computer Uncle Jake thanked Das and decided to leave the phone with them for safekeeping taking a few copies of the videos with him as we reviewed the evidence Uncle Jake considered our next steps he pondered whether to present the evidence to the DA now which might lead to all charges being dropped and possibly implicate cross Max and Tracy however if cross's influence was as strong as suspected the da might make the case disappear quietly alternatively we could wait until the hearing where
the prosecution would present its case and then reveal our evidence forcing the da to prosecute the conspirators for perjury obstruction of justice and more that would mean significant jail time and a better chance of getting custody of my kids when Uncle Jake asked how I wanted to proceed I replied let's burn them all he was pleased I was hoping you'd say that Blake I want to expose them publicly and have my Perry Mason moment in court with 3 weeks until the hearing Uncle Jake focused on preparing our case he noted that revealing the video to
too early might lead to it being suppressed so he decided to keep it secret until the right moment a week before the hearing Uncle Jake took a brief leave to return to San Francisco for his court obligations and family time during that time I received a call from the gate guard informing me that Tracy was at the gate asking to see me I immediately called Uncle Jake who advised if she wants to talk hear her out but be polite and don't touch her remember she's dangerous don't worry Uncle Jake she's poisoned to me now I
replied you know what you have to do Uncle Jake saides Uncle Jack I do I confirmed after finishing my call with Uncle Jack I contacted security and asked them to let Tracy through with a few minutes before she arrived I quickly tidied up the townhouse I cleared the legal papers from the dining table and tossed them on the bed gathered up the beer cans cleaned the kitchen and loaded the dishwasher I changed into Dockers and a knit Sports shirt combed my hair and left my 3-day stubble which gave me a more serious look when Tracy
knocked I opened the door door she looked great clearly putting effort into her appearance with a red pleated skirt and a pink cashmere sweater her hair was styled in a loose updo and her makeup was subtle come in Tracy I said you look great thank you Blake you look good too she replied complimenting my slim figure I've had time to work out and eat healthier I said inviting her to sit on the couch I brought her a glass of white wine and sat with a glass of red after a few sips I asked why she
wanted to see see me Blake despite everything I still love you I never imagined things would go this far I thought you would accept my relationship with cross and we could have had a lot of money and a good life in time things would have returned to normal I'm sorry I ruined your plans I replied sarcastically it wasn't my plan it was cross's he thought he could intimidate you like he does with others neither of us expected you to fight back guess he underestimated me I said out of nowhere Tracy asked where's your car I
smiled slightly I moved it when cross threatened to plant pills in it by the way what were those men doing at the house after you returned they seemed interested in the garage and my missing Car Tracy hesitated before admitting they wanted to plan evidence I didn't want it but stanle insisted you don't seem to mind stacking evidence against me if you really love me just tell the truth and the charges will be dropped I can't Blake I'm In Too Deep Stanley controls everything guess I'm out of luck I commented then I asked what with the
accusation of misuse I saw pictures of your injuries but I never touched you Tracy explained it was Stanley's idea he came up with a story that you went crazy accused us of having an affair and attacked me Max tried to help but you shot him to make it believable Stanley punched me to create the injuries we've been rehearsing the story ever since I'm sorry Blake she added I didn't want this to happen I want things to go back to how they were that's not going to happen I said Tracy then offered a way out Stanley
knows about your PTSD he wants you to plead guilty based on that he'll use his influence to get you into a veterans hospital for treatment in a year or less you could be released and we could start over with the kids so that was the real reason she came to talk to me she wanted me to volunteer promising that cross would help me get a minimal sentence in a veteran's mental institution I didn't believe any of it but I didn't let Tracy know instead I went along with her that sounds good to me Tracy but
I need time to think about it plus I need to talk to Uncle Jack I think he might agree he doesn't have much evidence to help me compared to the testimony of you cross and Max please do this for yourself Blake Tracy added do it for you me and the kids in a few years it will seem like it never happened it'll just be a bump in the road I doubt that I said You' been with another man for months wanted me to be a betrayed man for your boss threatened to take my kids away
if I didn't play along and made false accusations that will put me in jail for years that's a big bump in the road that's why I want you to accept Stanley's offer it's the easiest way out for all of us Tracy said with tears in her eyes like I said I'll think about it I replied one last time we were done I assumed it was time for her to leave but Tracy put her hand on mine and said maybe we could rest together for a few minutes I've missed you in my bed is there any
chance we can fall asleep together tonight and forget about everything for for a few hours that's not going to happen Tracy I replied firmly she got the message please accept Stanley's offer she said as I walked her to the door before leaving she gave me a hug it felt sincere but I didn't return it the hearing's purpose was to determine whether I would be held for investigation the prosecution was confident predictably they put cross Max and Tracy on the stand where they shared their well- rehearsed stories Uncle Jake asked each witness just one question do
you swear your testimony is truthful all three answered affirmatively Uncle Jake wanted to go after Jose Miguel and the main Witnesses but proving their attempt to frame me wasn't relevant to the charges against me especially since their efforts had failed when the prosecution settled down it was Uncle Jake's turn with the Court's permission he began the defense would like to introduce a videotape of the events as evidence this tape is exculpatory your honor just then the assistant prosecutor objected stating this was new evidence that hadn't been presented for review there's a reason for that Uncle
Jake explained the defense fears bias from the district attorney and the court and that our evidence will be unfairly blocked do you have proof that the district attorney is compromised Mr Carter the judge asked the proof is on the video your honor Uncle Jake replied the judge starting to rise said then you and the prosecution will come to my chamers where I will review the tape and decide on its admissibility Uncle Jake interrupted no you're honor we won't do that why not the judge demanded his anger rising at the Defiance because your honor Uncle Jake
explained the defense doesn't trust the court to be impartial and we won't risk you suppressing our evidence the judge visibly perturbed asked are you accusing the court of corruption Mr Carter possibly your honor Uncle Jake responded can you prove your accusation Mr Carter or is that proof also on the tape the judge pressed it is on the tape your honor Uncle Jake confirmed Med however I can demonstrate my point if you answer a few questions the judge skeptical clarified let me get this straight Mr Carter you believe you can prove the Court's bias against your
client by asking me a few questions is that correct yes your honor Uncle Jake affirmed the judge now curious said very well Mr Carter ask your questions but if you fail we'll review the tape in Chambers and I'll rule on its admissibility I accept your honor Uncle Jake agreed but know that if this videotape is deemed inadmissible and my client is convicted based on the testimony of the three prosecution witnesses I will release the tape to the media and online regardless of the Court's ruling furthermore the tape contains evidence that will call your integrity into
question if you don't release it the judge feeling threatened remarked I feel like I'm being threatened Mr Carter before the judge's anger could escalate further Uncle Jake quickly asked your oldest son is in college isn't he your honor heun's attending the Air Force Academy correct yes the judge replied HEK a freshman getting into the Air Force Academy is very competitive isn't it Uncle Jake continued the judge nodded it is Uncle Jake elaborated first your son had to apply through your District's Congressman or Senator afterward he was scheduled for a civil service exam based on the
results he was selected along with nine others he was sent to a nearby Air Force base for a medical exam physical fitness test an aptitude tests as a pilot and Navigator additionally he had to take college entrance exams is that all correct your honor yes the judge replied Pride evident in his voice he got an A minus in high school and was on the swim team every year you're understandably very proud of him your honor growing impatient the judge demanded State your point Mr Carter Uncle Jake pressed on your son's application packet also included three
letters of recommendation correct quite correct Mr Carter the judge confirmed who are those letters from your honor let's see one was from his swim coach another from his math teacher who wrote the third letter your honor Uncle Jake asked pointedly the judge hesitated before finally admitting Mr Stanley cross wrote my son a recommendation for admission to the Air Force Academy Uncle Jake sees the moment stating Mr Cross must have known your son very well unless he fabricated a letter full of falsehoods the judge clarified my son worked in Mr Cross 's office during his sophomore
and Junior years of high school he wants to be a lawyer someday so Mr Cross is a family friend Uncle Jake inquired further he's more of an acquaintance than a family friend and a professional associate in some legal organizations I belong to so now you're honor you can understand the defense's concerns about your impartiality in this case Uncle Jake concluded his questioning the judge responded you've put me in a position that questions my Integrity counselor let me assure you that any association with Mr Cross will not influence my decisions but you've raised a matter of
perception the judge paused for a moment then looked up and said turn on the video counselor Uncle Jake instructed the baith to dim the lights and lower the projection screens on either side of the judge's bench Uncle Jake turned to me and said Showtime Blake he pressed the enter key and the video began to play the entire scene unfolded before the judge the prosecution and the courtroom audience as cross threatened me saying I personally know most of the top police officials I'm friends with many of the attorneys in the DA's office I've even had fun
with some of them there was an audible gasp from the prosecution bench the assistant DA put her head down on the table and began to sob we all stared at her for a moment before she gathered her things and quickly left the courtroom still crying Uncle Jake continued watching the video cross Max and Tracy tried to quietly leave the courtroom together but they were easily noticed the judge explicitly ordered them to remain seated the remaining Adas watched the video to the end the lead prosecutor stood up quickly clearly wanting a break but before he could
ask Uncle Jake said I have another video without waiting for permission Uncle Jake queued up the second video and explained that it had been recorded 2 weeks earlier when my wife visited me at my townhouse he then pressed enter and the video began Tracy realized the full impact of the video it showed her confessing every cross had tried to do to me she screamed Blake how could you do this to me after a few minutes cross also grasped the gravity of the situation you stupid fool you stupid stupid fool you let him record you what
were you thinking he exclaimed Tracy had no idea that when she visited me I had set my iPhone to record everything she said the phone was on the coffee table in front of her hidden by books and papers I turned it on just before opening the door to let her in the Ada requested a recess to review the New Evidence Uncle Jake handed the Ada copies of the videotapes on DVDs the trial was adjourned until the next morning the next morning three prosecution witnesses were conspicuously absent instead of the acting district attorney the County's real
district attorney sat at the prosecution table the judge allowed him to speak first I'll be brief your honor he began first all charges against Mr Ramsay are dismissed we believe he acted in self-defense when he defended himself against Mr cross and Mr Angel it was a rather violent self-defense but it was self-defense second my office has issued arrest warrants for Mr Stanley cross Mr Max Angel and Mrs Blake Ramsey for conspiracy to commit perjury bribery perjury attack with intent to cause Grievous damage making false statements to police filing false complaints and obstruction of justice additionally
my office was informed that Mr Cross attempted to plant false evidence against Mr Ramsey Mr Angel and Mrs Ramsey were aware of this we have also identified two suspects working for Mr Cross who attempted to plant false evidence and we are in the process of arresting them Stanley cross Max Angel and my wife were arrested but later released on bail the district attorney was Furious to discover that his office had been compromised by Stanley cross over the years and he began rooting out all his colleagues involved with cross eventually all the defendants were convicted Stanley
cross was the only one who pled not guilty which proved to be a mistake as both Max and Tracy pled guilty and testified against him cross was sentenced to 11 years in prison Max received a 7-year sentence and Tracy was sentenced to 5 years Jose and Miguel were arrested for attempting to obstruct Justice and tampering with evidence the district attorney played them against each other until Miguel broke down and confessed hoping for a lighter sentence both ended up serving long prison terms Stanley cross was held in County Jail until he was transferred to State Prison
Max and Tracy however were given two weeks to get their Affairs in order before surrendering to the sheriff ma spent that time preparing his family for his 7-year absence hoping to be paroled in four years with good behavior as his lawyer had advised [Music]
