A work of fiction
*
Neil Marsh drove toward the Imperial Hotel. He smiled to himself. In just a few hours he would be rid of his cheating wife. The trap had been set and it would be sprung this afternoon. Yes this day would be a real awakening for an adulterous spouse.
Neil was 44 and a handsome man. He had dark wavy hair that had yet to see any gray. His height of 6' 2" carried his 210 pounds well. He had expressive eyes and a warm smile that he used in business and in social life. He was successful in business, being a partner in a well established distribution company. And even though he was a junior partner George Gregory would retire in the next few years most probably allowing Neil to take the helm. By that time their exporting operation would be in full swing. Yes, things looked good for Neil March.
He thought back over the last six months. He had begun to notice a difference in his wife of 20 years. Vickie was still an attractive woman; maybe even better looking now than when they married. She stood just over 5' 4" tall and had long blond hair. Her blue eyes could sparkle when she was happy and her smile could light a room. She had a nice figure, even before she shed those extra ten pounds. Now at 115 pounds, her 34C breasts looked spectacular. And her hips and firm bottom only added to her beauty and charm.
Was it just familiarity that had caused their sex life to fall away? Vickie had asked if she no longer exited him. That is why she said she stated going to the gym to work and look better for him. Yes that was 6 months ago but thing had gone downhill. It was the little things, the small changes. The way she sat and brushed her hair every night and the new lingerie she purchased. In fact snooping Neil found several thong panties he had never seen Vickie wear. And speaking of panties, the way she hand washed them every night before bed. She had given the excuse the washing machine ruined them too quickly. Vickie had even commented she was going back to basic cotton panties as soon as these were worn out.
Wore out? Neil had to laugh, who was Vickie trying to kid. She wore them out every time she left the house. He wondered how long she wore them. He smiled with the thoughts of catching her at the Imperial this night with her panties off. All was in place and the trap would close.
Neil realized he owned a lot to Wellington Styles and his detective agency. Three months earlier he had been approached by a man as he drove out of the parking garage. The man stopped him in the exit drive as if asking directions. He handed Neil a photo of Vickie at what appeared to be a hotel door. The man told Neil if he wanted to discuss the matter to meet him at the coffee shop on Middleton Blvd and Clark Street. With no further words the man turned and walked away.
Neil was shocked but as he drove to the location he remembered the subtle changes in his wife. Yes the signs were there. He had noticed them but hadn't connected the dots. So what did this man want? Neil was angry but had time to control his temper before he arrived at the meeting.
He found the man sitting in the coffee shop waiting. Neil approached.
"Mr. Marsh, I see you are interested enough to come and meet with me."
"Yes, wouldn't any husband that was handed such a photo want to know what was going on?"
"If you will sit down Mr. Marsh I'll explain. But first do you want anything?"
"No, I just want to know why you handed me a photo of my wife outside a hotel door."
"Let me introduce myself. My name is Wellington Styles."
Neil just looked at the man, for the name meant nothing to him.
"Of the Wellington Styles Detective Agency, we specialize in unfaithful spouses."
"You mean to say my wife is having an affair?" Neil asked to confirm his suspicion.
"We don't have all the evidence yet but we are working on it."
"Why did you come to me?"
"I was hired by the spouse of the other person. They want enough evidence to ensure they get an uncomplicated divorce. You know, no messy trial, no hassle over assets."
Neil smiled. Yes it would be good to be rid of a cheating spouse without having to divide hard earned assets. He nodded his understanding.
"What I am here for is to first enlist your help, and second to extend an offer."
"I'm listening," Neil responded.
"My client will share all evidence with you if you will split the cost."
"How much will that be?"
"Mr. Marsh we are not cheap. And to get what we want will cost several thousand dollars. Right now the bill is just over $5,000.00 and it might more than triple that before we are through."
"What you are saying is it could cost me $7500.00 to get the evidence?"
"I'll say this, if we haven't got it by then, we won't ever get it. I'm not guaranteeing anything, but I'll say we won't go past that amount without your approval. But win lose or draw you pay!"
"I see, then it's a gamble," Neil thought out loud.
"Yes it is, but so is life. But with your cooperation it will be much easier and less expensive. But if the operation is given away the affair will stop before we get all we need. They will just stop this affair. Cheating spouses never really stop. The individual will just hold off for a while and become more cautious."
"I see what you mean. If Vickie gets tired of this man, she might be faithful for a while till she finds a new one. And if she works it right it will take me a while to even suspect."
"Now you understand why I contacted you. I only did it after discussion with my client."
"May I ask your clients name?"
"Sorry I can't do that. I have tired that in the past and the husband got angry drunk and went to the other man's house. That blew the whole thing and caused everyone a world of problems. Us included. So you see why I can't and won't tell you the name of the other man."
"Yes I guess I see that but I assure you I wouldn't get drunk and do anything rash."
"I know, but you might mention his name not meaning to, if you got angry. We tend to not think clearly in the heat of the moment."
"I need to think about this. I hope you understand."
