Drinks Later Pt 02

LEGAL OPTIONS

"OK," I said. "I'll bite - what is 'Scorched Earth'?"

We were still sitting in Bob's conference room.

"Before I get into that, a question - do you know a good divorce lawyer?" Bob asked. His tone was cold and hard.

"No," I said, feebly. "We don't have one at the firm and I have never considered the thought."

"Brian?" Bob turned to face him.

"Not really. I've met a few, but don't have any suggestions."

"Then I'd like to recommend one of the best, Jack Parsons," he said, looking back at me.

"Oh, yeah, I do know him!" said Brian. "Pretty tough but a great guy. I've run into him a number of times. And I'm in love with his secretary!"

"Want me to call him?" asked Bob.

"Well," I stammered, "all of this is going to depend on money. We haven't begun to discuss money."

"We will shortly," said Bob, laying down his pen. "Let me get Suzy to call him." He left the room again.

"I don't know about any of this," I muttered to Brian. "I'm so tired."

"I know," he responded. "But we've got to get you on solid ground, and it had better be today."

"You're right," I said with resignation.

Bob came back in the room and, grabbing a conference phone that was sitting on a credenza behind his chair, placed it in the middle of the table between us. He connected the line.

"Hello, Jack!" he bellowed into the phone as he sat back down.

"Bob, my boy!" said the voice on the other end. It was raspy, but strong. "How can I be of service?"

"Jack," started Bob. "I'm sitting here with Alex Evans and our mutual friend, Brian Smith."

"Hello, gentlemen," said the voice.

"Hello, sir," I said back. "It's a pleasure to speak with you."

"Jack," Bob began introductions. "Both Alex and Brian are attorneys over at Skylar & Duggan."

"Good firm," said Jack. "Carl Duggan and I play golf together."

"But" Bob continued, "the reason for the call - it seems Mrs. Evans has been a bad girl."

"Um hmm," mumbled Jack. I could tell he, too, was taking notes.

"Yes, it seems that she has been using sex to close business deals on trips she takes monthly."

"How can you be sure of this?"

"Because she's recorded the trysts and Alex has the videos."

"Ouch!" said Jack. "Very sorry, Mr. Evans!"

"Alex," I corrected him. "Thank you."

"So, Alex, how did you find out?"

"Jennifer, my wife, is currently out of town. Our kids swapped our computers - in helping her get work files last night I stumbled on another file - in essence I found eighteen sex tapes."

"Wow! Eighteen?"

"Yes."

"Then at least that many months," he stated. "Alex, how old are the children?"

"Two girls, ages five and three."

"They yours?"

I fell back in my chair. "Yes!"

"You sure?"

"I'm sure!" But suddenly, I wasn't. I began to feel sick. "I'm sorry, gentlemen - Bob, is there a restroom nearby?"

"Sure, down and to the right."

"Thanks, be right back!" I couldn't get out of that room fast enough.

I stared at myself in the mirror over the sink. I had just splashed water on myself to calm down. This was the worst day of my life! A perfect storm. I splashed more water on my face. Snap out of it! I buried my face in the paper towels I was holding for a moment. Then, with a deep breath, I headed back to the conference room.

"Are you OK?" asked Brian.

I nodded.

"I know this is rough, Alex," said Bob. "But we've got to continue."

"I understand." I sat back down. "Rough day and no sleep."

"You have to pull it together, Alex," said Jack over the phone. "I understand your wife returns home tomorrow afternoon. You've got to have a plan in place by then. Understand?"

"Yes, sir, I do," I replied. He was right. At least it was clear what was in front of me.

"Alright," said Jack. "Let's jump to the endgame. Bob, have you given him some options for the situation?"

"I started to," said Bob. "I laid out some simple and cheap options for him."

"Like?"

"Ignoring the problem, because she'll eventually tire of it and come home to stay."

"Alex?"

"Sorry," I said. "I told Bob I can't be that passive."

"Got it." Jack was writing.

"Then," continued Bob, "I painted potential scenarios for confronting her tomorrow when she gets home. She'll either stop, continue with his blessing, or she files for divorce. Of course, the third scenario involves you, Jack."

"Yes," he said. "Got it!"

"Then I brought up 'Scorched Earth'," said Bob. "I haven't explained it yet. We called you first. I thought we could explain it together."

"OK," said Jack. "Alex, Bob and I want you to get a good nights' rest and then tomorrow morning you're going to call us with your decision. With me so far?"

"I am," I was nodding. I liked Jack. Both Brian and Bob were now leaning back in their chairs. I was the only one leaning forward to take it all in.

"So," he continued. "Here is the decision you must make: One, you're going to take Bob's option number one and do nothing. You're going to call each of us in the morning and say, 'Thanks but no thanks, I'm going to get through this on my own'. We'll wish you well. Needless to say, that's the cheapest option."

"Bob's option two," Jack continued, "will depend on your wife. Again, it may be the best option and little out-of-pocket for you. It'll only cost if she announces that it's time for a divorce. Then you'll need me, and we'll go forward from there. Follow me so far?"

"I do," I said. He was making sense.

"Now," he proceeded, "before I go on, let's have a quick conversation about divorce. There is an offensive divorce and a defensive divorce. The one who files and has laid out plans is on the offense. The one on defense may have some catching up to do because they are caught flat-footed at the beginning."

"So," he continued, "if you confront her and she has already planned this, you will be playing defensive catch-up."

"But we've got the videos," I countered.

"If I'm her lawyer, I get them suppressed. And you are a bad parent. So, she gets the kids and the house, and you get to pay."

I fell back in my chair. "Yeah, that makes sense."

"So, you can file first. But you're not ready to do that, are you?"

"Twenty-four hours ago, I was a happily married suburban husband and dad with typical life problems," I sighed. "Now I'm being asked in all seriousness about divorce. I'm sorry, I don't have any answers now."

"Didn't expect you to," said Jack. "Because we haven't yet discussed the final option - Bob's 'Scorched Earth' method."

"Yes," I asked. "What is that?"

"The question is," Bob joined the conversation, "how much do you want to know?"

"Everything."

"Are you sure? Right now, these guys are figures on a screen. But if we make them real, you're going to find out they probably also have wives and families."

"I need to know," I stated.

"Then what?" asked Jack.

"Pardon?"

"If Bob gets you their names, what are you going to do with the information?" asked Jack.

"I don't know," I admitted.

"Here is your 'Scorched Earth' answer," said Bob. "You're going to hire me to hunt down all these guys. I will get you their name, wife's name, addresses and email addresses, and company's they work for. This part is up to you, but I suggest you send a copy to each wife and each place of business."

"But there will be severe consequences with this idea," Jack piped in. "There are possible divorces, firings, business deals wrecked, families broken up - including your own. If your wife's bosses don't know what she's up to, she'll surely be fired and probably sued for the broken contracts that'll undoubtedly occur."

"This is 'Scorched Earth'," said Bob, quietly. "There won't be much left standing."

"At that moment, we file divorce papers," Jack continued. "Her lawyer won't be able to squash the tapes because they will already be out there. You will most likely get the kids - assuming you want them."

"I definitely want them!" I responded to his last remark. "But this is awfully cold-blooded."

"Tell me," Jack asked. "When was the last time you saw a doctor?"

"For a physical?"

"Yeah."

"About four or so months ago," I guessed.

"They check for VD or any sexually transmitted diseases?"

"What!?!" I again came forward in the chair. "What are you talking about??" I glared at Bob and Brian and at the phone.

The silence was deafening.

Slowly, it started to hit me. My beautiful wife was having unprotected sex with other men, then coming home to me. I really felt sick. "Damn," I muttered slowly, "I get it. I need to get back to the doctor. ASAP."

"While there," said Jack, "get a paternity DNA test with your kids so you know they are yours and you can prove it in a court of law. Then get an appointment for every month thereafter that you let her continue. Because right now you're playing Russian Roulette having relations with your own wife."

I could feel the walls caving in on me. Everywhere, everyone, everything. All pointed at me.

"Gentlemen," I stood up. "I have a lot to think about. A lot to digest."

"Alex," said Jack. "A reminder on your next step; like I said earlier, kick around this conversation and get a good nights' rest. Tomorrow morning you need to make a decision. I want you to call us in the morning and let us know what you want to do. Understand?"

"I do," I said, looking at the phone.

"And Alex," he said, "if we end up working together, I want you to know I'll do my best."

"Thank you, that means a lot."

"Just sorry for the circumstances. Bob, thanks for the call - I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good day, gentlemen." The line went dead.

Bob and Brian also stood up.

"Thanks for everything today," I said, shaking Bob's hand. "I've got a lot to consider."

"You do." Bob glanced at the computer on the table. "If you decide to proceed with me, I need access to that machine. That's why you need to decide by morning. I need it before your wife comes home tomorrow. Take care and we'll talk soon."

With that, Brian and I left.

DECISION TIME

Brian and I sat in a corner booth of one of his favorite corner taps, munching on chips and drinking cold beers. The dark atmosphere felt good - I could hide from the world in here. The bartender and a couple of patrons at the bar were watching some sports talk on the overhead TV. Our cute waitress had brought us the beer and chips, then left us alone. I like this place.

"What time do we get the girls?" he asked.

"In about an hour," I said, glancing at my watch.

"OK, then one or maybe two and done," he said, tapping his beer. "Then let's get the girls and take them out for pizza. They can play and you can think."

"Brian, you've done enough today," I started.

"The hell I have!" he snapped. "I'm here for you. And right now, we need to start laying out a plan."

I smiled. "A good friend. Thanks."

We clicked glasses in mutual agreement and took a swig.

"So," he started. "What are you thinking?"

"That I want to erase the last twenty-four hours! Ignorance is truly bliss." I leaned back against the booth and closed my eyes. My hands stayed wrapped on the beer mug.

Brian stayed silent as I tried to zone out from this reality. It felt good. A noise from another patron made me flinch. As I regained my bearings, Brian was simply staring and smiling.

"What?" I stammered. "I just closed my eyes for a minute!"

"Try fifty minutes," he countered.

"What??" I glanced at my watch. "Damn! We've got to get the girls!"

"I know," he said. "I've already settled the check. Let's go."

I looked down at my now warm beer still cradled in my hands. I took one final long swallow. Warm, but still good. "Sorry, I can't believe I did that!"

"You needed it, buddy," he said as we got in the car.

I drove us through evening rush hour traffic, but we still made good time back to Brenda's. The girls were thrilled to see 'Uncle Brian'.

"How about some pizza?" Brian asked the girls.

"Yes!" was their screaming response.

So, we ended up scarfing down a great pizza and listening to the adventures of school and daycare that day. It felt wonderful to hear my girls giggling and chatting and bouncing around. After dinner, we let them go running around the play area set up on one side. Being a good Dad, I had switched to soda. Brian and I moved over to the parent seating area to watch the girls.

"I'm just not sure what to do," I said to Brian, but watching Cassie go flying down a slide.

"I know," said Brian, also watching the girls.

Carrie yelled to us to watch her climb over a blue horse.

"I suppose we do a quick pro/con list," said Brian.

"Yeah."

Cassie ran in front of us and waved enthusiastically. We frantically waved back.

"In their order," Brian said, "the first was to do and say nothing. That she'll grow out of it."

"Yeah," I acknowledged. "If I could be sure she would, I'd definitely do that. But I can't be sure. And now that I do know, every time she leaves is going to kill me a little more. That'd be a very painful, slow, agonizing death."

"The positives I see," he countered, "are number one, no cost to you and number two, you keep this family together."

"I agree with you on number one," I nodded. "But number two is a maybe. You heard them today - she may be planning on a divorce and if I'm not prepared, I could lose everything."

"And there's the health thing," he added.

"Yeah," I agreed. "That, too. I could be dead-man-walking right now!"

"Nothing like a good morbid sense of humor, is there?" he laughed.

"Figured it was a good time." I was laughing, too.

Carrie was again climbing with other kids. Cassie was enthralled with the slide.

"Also," I added, "like I said today, I can't be that passive. I want to strangle the guys she's already been with, let alone anyone new. I just can't do it."

"Alright," said Brian with finality. "That option is off the table. So, the second is to confront her when she gets home and let the cards fall where they may."

"That's what I'm leaning towards, but I'm scared of the outcome." I waved to Cassie.

"I think she'll stop," said Brian. "Once confronted, she's got no choice."

"You're probably correct," I sort of agreed. "But some of what Bob and Jack asked and said today has me scared."

"Care to share?" Brian sipped his drink.

I smiled as I watched Carrie attempt a chin-up on another of the plastic animals.

It suddenly dawned on me what a surreal moment this was. Here I am, talking with a good friend, watching my beautiful daughters play, while plotting the destruction of my most treasured marriage.

"It makes me sick to admit this," I was in a confessional mood. "But Bob's question cut me deeply. I saw Jen doing and enjoying sex acts she and I have never done. Even when I've asked."

"Maybe..." Brian started. Then he gave up and looked away. "Oh, hell, I've got nothing."

"Well," I completed the thought. "Bob did say the thrill of a stranger allows you to do and try things once or twice without judgment. It just worries me that now that she's tasted life outside of marriage, what can I offer her?"

"Love," said Brian. "Your ace in the hole is love. None of those guys are offering that."

"I'm just not sure that's enough."

"I think she'll stop," he repeated.

"The only way she'll stop is if she leaves her job," I stated. "Because if she doesn't, there's no way I can trust her to be good."

"Probably right," he agreed.

Carrie was leading Cassie over to one of the teeter-totters. They looked up and waved to us. We smiled and waved back.

"I really love those girls." I watched as they went up and down giggling the whole time. "No matter what, they must be protected."

"Sounds like you've come to a decision," said Brian.

"Yeah," I was still watching the girls. "I don't have much choice."

We rounded up the girls soon after and they fell asleep on the way home. Brian helped get them to bed then wished me well and left. Again, I was alone with my thoughts.

I grabbed a beer from the fridge and headed for the office. I stopped cold as I caught sight of Jennifer's damn computer. I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment as I contemplated my next move. "Might as well," I muttered to myself, reaching out and grabbing the machine with one hand and the beer in the other.

I set it up on the desk again, sat down and opened the file. I just clicked on a random video.

Again, there was my Jennifer standing in front of a bed with a negligee that I bought her. And there she is, asking, "So are you ready to sign tomorrow?"

And the overweight, gray-haired guy saying, "Yes, I'll sign."

And Jennifer, "Good, then let's celebrate tonight!"

At that point, my cellphone rang, so I quickly paused the video. It was Jennifer.

"Hi, honey," I answered.

"Hey, babe," she said. "Just checking in - how are the girls?"

"The girls are great," I said, happy to deflect the bad thoughts. "Brian and I took them to Pizza Time tonight and let them play. Wore them out. They are asleep."

"That's good," she said.

"But I couldn't sleep last night," I continued, "and I woke up this morning feeling like death-warmed-over, so I stayed home today."

"Honey!" she sounded concerned. "Why didn't you call me?"

"Because" I countered, "you're busy, you're out-of-town, and there's nothing you could do except worry."

"Dear," she said calmly, "That's what a wife is for! We worry about our man! So, how are you now?"

"Better," I said softly. Staring at my wife's beautiful body on the screen in front of me with her voice in my ear was disconcerting. "I miss you."

"I'll be home tomorrow, and I'll make my husband feel better," she cooed. Then she perked up. "By the way, they signed the account today!"

"That's great!"

"Yeah," she continued. "So, if you feel better tomorrow, maybe we could celebrate?"

"I'd like that."

I stared at the screen a second and it dawned on me what I had just heard. Time for my inner Sam Spade to get to work.

"But you got the account, huh?" I asked.

"Yeah, it was tough, but they signed today."

"They? Was this a committee?"

"No, the two owners, Gary Torken and Bobby Halvors," she added.

I wrote down the names.

"Are they the guys you met with last night? Should I be jealous?"

"Ha!" she laughed. "Yes, it was them and I'm glad I met with them, but no, you don't need to be jealous! Besides, I'm coming home to you. And I want to apologize for being so abrupt last night. I really was in a hurry, but I'm sorry."

"Apology accepted," I said, still staring at the screen. "I just want you to come home - for good."

"Honey," she said quietly. "Now's not the time. We'll discuss it later."

"I really need you," I was pleading.

"I know, and I'll be in your arms tomorrow night. Honey, please get some rest tonight and we'll talk later. Please go to bed. I love you."

"And I love you."

"Good night."

"Till tomorrow."

The line clicked off. I stared at the screen as I put the phone back in my pocket. Letting out a long sigh and reaching for my beer, I figured I might as well watch my wife suck and fuck more strangers before I go to bed. I clicked 'play'.

DECISION MADE

I woke up the next morning feeling good. I sure needed the rest, and I don't think I lasted thirty seconds after my head hit the pillow the night before. I even watched and counted down the seconds till the alarm clock started buzzing. That doesn't happen often.

I got up and around quickly and a simple "Mommy's coming home today" was enough to get the girls moving. I dropped them off with Brenda at daycare then headed for the office. I brought the infamous laptop with me.

"Feeling better?" asked Cori as I passed by.

"I am, thanks!" I smiled back at her. "Finally got the sleep last night that I didn't get before."

"Good! And Jennifer's home tonight," she added.