(Disclaimers: Thanks to the minority of you who enjoyed the previous version of this story or at least provided criticism that was constructive. I decided to simply write another version of the story with a different ending and a sex scene that is a lot less subtle. It still involves the narrator discovering his wife cheating on him. If that offends you, well, I'm not quite sure why you'd read this type of story to begin with. However, this time the narrator is far less forgiving and seeks justice like the dutiful detective he is. I liked the original's perverse and deliberate subtly, but I also enjoy this more action-oriented masculine version as well which derives more payoff from the protagonist.
There are insignificant changes to a few of the opening paragraphs. Otherwise, the beginning of the story is the same. If you read the first version, it should be obvious when the plot will diverge from the original. Feel free to skip ahead to that point.)
As an officer, I know things. From experience I can drive around my neighborhood and recognize certain realities that are invisible to regular people. That's why I find all this so disconcerting. My unwitting victimization every morning. Never would I have known what she was up to. Were it not for those infernal taxes.
My wife and I procrastinated with the taxes. They were due today. Luckily, I was able to persuade the family accountant to set a meeting. Before tomorrow when we'd owe a penalty for being late.
I could not be there because of my work. We were about to execute a search warrant on a drop house. As lead narcotics detective, I'd be working all afternoon probably well into the morning the next day. There wouldn't be any time for me to fuck around in an office.
My wife could make the appointment though. Right after her workday was finished. When I was dealing with the search warrant, she could meet with the accountant. Of course, she would need all our tax forms. The documents she forgot at our house when she left early in the morning.
My wife was a very dutiful, meticulous person. It was in her conscientious nature. Of course, we all become habituated to our routines. The daily rituals that get us through our hectic workdays partially on autopilot. It's like when I first arrive at the station. I always check all my equipment to make sure I'm not missing anything before confirming my handgun is loaded and in proper duty carry. She must have woken up and focused on getting ready while forgetting all about the tax forms.
My face pinched together, and I sighed with exaggeration when I saw the papers sitting there in the kitchen. The papers crinkled as I scooped them up in my arms. I guess I would have to drop them off at my wife's office on my way to the station.
It seemed like a maze. Those small medical offices bunched altogether. It took me forever to find the right one. Dr. Anderson's Psychological Services.
They tried there to help drug addicts there. A noble but ultimately foolish endeavor. These people needed to be arrested and incarcerated. Taken off the streets and sent to prison. Institutionalized until they changed their wicked ways.
All the available covered parking said reserved. I'd have to leave my car in the hot sun. The pavement sizzled against the soles of my boots. I approached the tinted front doors of the office.
The landscaping was sparse. Just some decorative rocks and a cactus. Fake but sleek-looking brick paneling bordered the bottom of the office exterior and extended approximately waist high. The remainder of the walls were made of sand-colored stucco. The office was well windowed yet entirely hidden through matching closed blinds. Red Spanish tiles stacked together formed the roof of the building.
When I opened the door, it triggered a bell to ring. The receptionists droned on into an office phone as she examined her painted nails. The flooring was tiled atop of which a few leather seats rested in front of the receptionist's long desk. To the left I could partially see down a long hallway. I could see no other person.
The receptionists looked over at me. Her eyes gazed at the police vest hanging over my chest, the badge dangling from a chain around my neck, and the 9mm handgun holstered to my hip. She blinked twice before clearing her throat. "Give me one minute," she said into the handset before lowering it down from her face. "Uhm, good morning, officer. Is there something I can help you with?"
I nodded my head as I approached the reception desk. "My wife Katie," I said. "She's a behavioral therapist here. I need to speak with her for a minute." My eyes gazed over at a ticking clock that hung over the reception desk. It shouldn't take long to just drop off some paperwork.
The receptionist's eyes jerked over towards the hallway before the top of her teeth bit down on her lower lip. "Oh, uhm, yes. I just saw her come in. She's just getting situated right now. It'll just be a few minutes and then I'm sure you'll be able to speak with her. Just go ahead and take a seat." The receptionist raised the headset back to her head and resumed speaking to whoever she was on the line with.