This story is part of a developing series. Search by author name for others.
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The Motion Alert appeared on the lock screen of Rich's iPhone. They appeared every time Jen walked in front of the master suite Nest Cam and transmitted HD video that Rich could view on his phone or tablet. The husband had installed Nest Cams for home security well before the separation. He hadn't showed Jen the remote viewing capability, only because he knew she'd have no interest.
The motion alerts always caused an unwelcome rush of adrenaline but had become predictable as to what time of day they occurred. There is one generally just after 10 PM each night as she goes to bed and just before 7 AM each morning when she gets up. He generally never opened the app because he knew it was her and her daily routine was of little interest.
This one was different. It was 1:47 PM on a Wednesday. Wouldn't Jen still be at her 12:30 yoga class? Rich reached for his iPad and opened the app to view the broadcast. He pressed 'RECORD'.
There on the screen was the Macy's bedspread they bought together at a President's Day sale, on the other side of the bed was her dresser on which sat a Seiko World Clock given to them as a wedding present.
And there she was - coming from out of frame to sit at the end of the bed, hurriedly stripping her yoga clothes off for someone just out of view. Smiling and laughing she pushed back and centered herself on the bed. And there he was, playfully jumping on top of her as she spread her legs with an excited giggle.
Rich felt stricken. With adrenaline coursing through him, he was nauseous but could only dry heave painfully. All the muscles in his stomach and throat seem to spasm in concert. He gasped for air, his mouth suddenly dry. He turned away from the screen.
But he could not look away long. Foreplay, if there had been any, must have occurred in the living room or the family room. The mystery partner simply pushed himself into the young wife's receptive folds and began to thrust vigorously. He supported himself with both arms and kept his face close to hers, smiling and talking, but not kissing.