If you haven't already read Devil or Angel you should do so now or Part II will make no sense to you.
*****
The votes have been tabulated...
The envelope please...
And the winner by a landslide is Devil. Based on the comments I received, both posted and by e-mail, there's a lot of people who demand an eye-for-an-eye Old Testament vengeance...and that's just for an appetizer. For the main course nothing less than a burned bitch with a side order of the adulterers testicles, neatly sliced and diced, will do.
Many gave a spirited defense of their belief that a woman who committed adultery in her heart would never stop until she debased herself physically. Of those that picked angel a sizable number said they did so because they like a happy ending.
Michelle had a choice to make, one which would change the course of her life. Most angel fans were pulling for her to come to her senses and see how good she's got it. But people are funny and seldom do the logical thing.
The devil makes his temptations look mighty attractive. If you don't believe me spend an afternoon in divorce court and listen to the tales told. It will shock the fidelity into the heart of most any wavering spouse.
Michelle actually chose the path of light. Yes, her angel won. But the story doesn't end there as his halo got a bit tarnished.
Our story picks up as the sun is breaking the horizon. It's Saturday morning and the Vernors have been talking for almost five hours to see if their marriage could be saved. Michelle looked like hell; her eyes were red and swollen and her nose was running. A pile of soggy tissues lie on the floor.
Brian was an experienced poker player. He had his game face on and knew how to bluff. He knew what she had done and, more important, what she hadn't. Knowing all of your opponents cards certainly made that easier.
He stared at his wife without saying a word, watching as she tried to craft the sentences which would save her marriage. Most began with, "I'm so sorry."
Brian kept answering he wasn't sure he could overcome Michelle's betrayal. "I don't know if I can stay married to someone who I can't trust. I don't want to be watching the clock and interrogate you if you come home a few minutes late."
"Please, I'll accept any punishment without complaint. Give me a chance to prove I've learned my lesson."
"What about all of the shit you said about me? When you were supposed to be defending me, our marriage, you...".
"I'm so sorry. I screwed up. I betrayed you...our marriage. I..."
A lot of their sentences trailed off to silence as though neither wanted finality.
"I can't begin to tell you how badly your betrayal hurt me."
"Please, I swear I'll make you forget the pain. I will never...
The time had come to lay our cards on the table.
I took my wife's hands in mine and said, "I believe you are sorry for what you did. I also believe you are sincere when you say you learned your lesson and nothing like this will ever happen again." I squeezed her hands tightly. "Your second, make that your last chance, begins now.
"I am. I'm so sorry I hurt you," Michelle broke in.
"Please don't interrupt while I'm speaking."
Michelle looked ready to say something but wisely didn't.
"Let's consider this weekend an audition for resuming our marriage. You screwed up real big and are going to have to earn back my trust. You can start now."
Michelle let loose a scream of joy and leapt into my lap. She rained kisses all over my face. "I love you! You are the most wonderful husband in the whole world. I love you!"
Her sweatshirt and shorts were soon discarded and she ground her naked body into mine.
I fully intended to take advantage of Michelle's defeated mindset while I watched her like a hawk. I might forgive but I would never forget.
"But actions have consequences and I'll be..."
"I'll do anything you say."