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Caught My Wife Cheating: My Revenge Left Her Completely Shocked.Story Audio Book
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Transcript
00:00In the quiet of the night, I checked the bedside clock.
00:04It read 2.30 a.m.
00:07My wife lay beside me, fast asleep.
00:10I was relieved that this time I hadn't disturbed her, and apparently I hadn't been talking
00:15in my sleep either.
00:17I kept having the same dream, a hazy recollection of an event two years ago.
00:22In it, I sat at my study desk with a half-empty bottle of scotch, an empty glass, and a colt.
00:27I'd pour a glass, gulp it down without tasting it, and check the loaded cylinder, contemplating
00:32ending lives.
00:34Thankfully, these dreams had become less frequent.
00:36Now, less than once every two months.
00:39In the dream, everything felt real, but in reality the details were different.
00:44There was a bottle of scotch, but I was on the living room sofa.
00:48There was no colt.
00:49I don't own a tool.
00:51I never made any threats.
00:52I just got very drunk and passed out.
00:55To understand this, we need to go back two years.
00:57In 2002, everything went downhill.
01:00My wife Kathy and I fought city inspectors over our home's design until an engineer finally
01:04approved our blueprints.
01:07Even then, we struggled with the contractor to stay on schedule until we moved in August.
01:11Meanwhile, we were both busy with our careers.
01:14My name is Fred Alpin.
01:16On March 6, 2002, Kathy and I celebrated our sixth anniversary.
01:20Despite house construction issues, everything else was fine.
01:24I've worked with Independent Investigations Corporation, ISE, in Indianapolis for eight
01:29years investigating fraud for large insurance companies.
01:32As a lead investigator, I choose and assign cases, and the work is profitable.
01:38At 30, with some gray in my dark brown hair, I'm 6 feet 2 inches tall and 185 pounds.
01:45People describe me as confident with average features and a slightly crooked nose from
01:48a college boxing match.
01:50Kathy, 29, is 5 feet 8 inches.
01:53With dark brown hair and blue-green eyes, she manages the accounting department at DCH,
01:58overseeing 20 accountants.
02:00DCH specializes in mergers and acquisitions and has been successful, but early 2002 brought
02:06issues to their Indianapolis office.
02:08In February, Greg Bartlett became the new manager of the Indianapolis DCH office, replacing
02:13the previous one.
02:15Greg, about 5 feet 5 inches and slightly overweight, was likable and admired by Kathy.
02:20Along with Greg, VP Jack Hansen was transferred from New York.
02:24Hansen, a fit and friendly man in his mid-40s with gray hair, had a wandering eye which
02:29made me wary, despite his professional reputation.
02:34By summer, the house construction was on track and the DCH office disruptions had settled.
02:39Kathy credited Hansen with the business improvements.
02:42We moved into our new home outside Indianapolis in early August, excited about the fresh start.
02:47On moving day I joked about making love in every room.
02:51Kathy playfully led me to the kitchen, where we shared an intimate moment, though our busy
02:55lives limited us to the bedroom, we maintained our connection there, finding time for each
02:59other despite our hectic schedules.
03:02During one of those nights while we were making love, I brought up the idea of starting a
03:05family.
03:06We had discussed it before, and Kathy had previously mentioned wanting to start trying
03:10in the fall, so we could have a baby in the summer.
03:14I think it's time you stopped taking your birth control pills and we start trying to
03:17get you pregnant, I suggested.
03:19I think we should wait a little longer, Kathy replied.
03:23Jack suggested I wait until next year.
03:26He said I might be up for a promotion by the end of the year, so I want to wait until after
03:30that.
03:31Jack?
03:32I asked surprised.
03:34Since when are you on a first-name basis with corporate vice presidents?
03:37He seemed pretty casual around the office, she explained.
03:40Why did you discuss our family plans with him?
03:43I questioned, feeling a bit irritated about her sharing our personal matters with him.
03:49He asked if we were planning to have children, so I told him we planned to start in the fall.
03:54That's when he suggested I wait until next year.
03:57I wasn't thrilled about it, but I agreed to wait until January.
04:01As the year ended, Kathy and I were swamped with work, leaving little time for each other.
04:06Promotions were meant to be special, but work often interfered.
04:09Kathy's department at DCH was busy with a major merger contract, while I managed three
04:14investigations needing closure by year-end.
04:17On the last weekend of November, we both had time off and did our Christmas shopping.
04:21Over dinner, Kathy shared good news.
04:23We're likely to close a deal with National Pharmaceutical by December 20th, which means
04:27I should get my promotion, she said.
04:29That's fantastic.
04:30Then we can start trying for a baby.
04:33How about tonight, I suggested?
04:36Not tonight.
04:37I'm still on the pill, and I want to settle into my new job first.
04:41And don't tell anyone about this.
04:43It could jeopardize the deal, she explained.
04:45Though disappointed, I understood.
04:48You know I won't say anything, I assured her.
04:51December is known for company Christmas parties, and both our companies had theirs.
04:55IISeq's party on December 6th was a standard event with drinks, appetizers, dinner, and
05:00dancing, but it wasn't very lively.
05:03Most IISeq employees are field investigators, so we don't know each other well.
05:07My only close friend there is Bill Ripley, with whom I've worked on many cases.
05:11The rest of the team are just acquaintances, unlike Kathy's close-knit group at DC&H.
05:17At the party, Kathy and I sat with Bill and his wife Susan, enjoying ourselves despite
05:21the subdued atmosphere.
05:23We stayed until midnight before heading home, where I led Kathy to our bedroom.
05:28After intimacy, we discussed our family plans, agreeing on having two kids spaced two years
05:33apart.
05:34Kathy planned to stop birth control in February for a November baby, aligning with her hoped-for
05:38promotion.
05:39Though I wasn't thrilled about the wait, I understood.
05:43Saturday took a turn when I came home from work to find Kathy staring out the window,
05:47clearly troubled.
05:49She didn't acknowledge me lost in her thoughts.
05:52I waited until after dinner to ask about her mood.
05:54We had a deal, whoever cooked could relax after dinner while the other cleaned up.
05:59Kathy had cooked, so I cleaned the kitchen and then joined her in the family room.
06:03Sensing she wasn't going to bring it up, I gently started the conversation.
06:07Kathy, what's going on?
06:10It's obvious something's bothering you, I said gently.
06:13Is there anything I can do to help?
06:16Kathy looked at me with sorrowful eyes.
06:18There's a problem with the national pharmaceutical deal, she said.
06:22Mr. Benson, their president, is making unrealistic demands.
06:26If we can't meet them, we might lose the contract.
06:29It could ruin everything for us.
06:31It won't ruin everything.
06:32No matter what happens, we have each other.
06:35Try not to worry too much.
06:37What's the worst-case scenario, I asked.
06:39You don't get it, she replied.
06:41If this deal falls apart, it could be because of me.
06:44And if I mess this up, I could lose my job.
06:46But how could it be your fault if you're not in sales?
06:49I asked.
06:51I can't say more.
06:53I'm not supposed to talk about it outside of DCNH.
06:56All I can tell you is that I didn't do anything wrong.
06:59If you didn't do anything wrong, then why would you lose your job?
07:02I pressed.
07:03I've said too much already.
07:05I could get into trouble just for telling you this much.
07:08Please let me handle this on my own, she insisted.
07:11I wanted to say more, but the look on her face told me the conversation was over.
07:16On Sunday I hoped Kathy would feel better but she seemed even more down.
07:19She avoided looking at me, and any attempt at conversation was met with silence.
07:24Monday morning I woke up early and made breakfast, but Kathy hardly touched hers.
07:29She drank her coffee quietly and headed for a shower.
07:33I cleared the snow from the driveway, and when I returned inside Kathy was already preparing
07:37to leave for work.
07:39Why are you leaving so early?
07:41It's only 6.30, I asked.
07:43I have important meetings to prepare for, she replied, giving me a quick kiss as she
07:48hurried out to the garage.
07:50Monday morning our neighborhood had its trash collection day so I had to gather all the
07:53waste baskets and take the trash out to the curb.
07:56I brought the baskets downstairs to the kitchen and emptied them into a trash bag.
08:01While dumping the bathroom waste basket something fell out and disappeared.
08:05I searched for a few minutes but couldn't find it.
08:08I took the trash outside, placed it in our large plastic can and rolled it to the curb.
08:14Returning inside, I quickly scanned the kitchen again for the lost object from the bathroom.
08:19Finding nothing, I went to take my shower and prepare for work.
08:22Kathy still seemed down so Monday evening I tried bringing up the topic again.
08:27Is work any better now?
08:28I asked.
08:29I can't discuss it with you, she replied.
08:32I'm under a lot of pressure, but I'll manage.
08:34By Wednesday Kathy began to improve.
08:36When I arrived home that evening, she kissed me and said she loved me, which hadn't happened
08:40since Friday night.
08:42She wasn't completely back to normal, no smile, but she seemed less distant and preoccupied.
08:46Can we talk about what's happening now or is it still off limits?
08:50I asked.
08:51I shouldn't say much, but it seems we've figured out how to please Mr. Benson, she said.
08:58Jack mentioned things might turn out alright after all.
09:01I sensed relief or determination in Kathy's voice, though she didn't smile, showing her
09:06stress.
09:07It always bothered me that she called Hanson by his first name, while referring to Greg
09:10Bartlett as Mr. Bartlett despite Hanson being a VP.
09:15That night Kathy sought comfort but wasn't interested in intimacy, and her issues weighed
09:19heavily on me.
09:20I held her until she fell asleep but couldn't sleep myself.
09:24After tossing and turning, I went downstairs for a drink.
09:28At the kitchen island, I sipped water and glanced through the mail, then noticed Kathy's
09:32briefcase.
09:33Feeling compelled, I opened it, finding papers, but no clear answers.
09:39Her day planner revealed a busy schedule with meetings involving Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Hanson
09:44and Mr. Benson, the president of National Pharmaceutical.
09:49I began to understand why Kathy was under so much pressure.
09:52However, I was puzzled why she, an accountant, was meeting with the client.
09:57She hadn't been involved in negotiations for previous deals.
10:00I wondered if this meant Kathy might be shifting from accounting to sales after her promotion.
10:05Kathy's planner showed more meetings set with Bartlett and another one with Hanson on the
10:08morning of December 20th.
10:10Additionally, she had written 10pm.
10:13On that day, the only thing that stood out in her planner was on the month at a glance
10:17page for December.
10:19There were some entries that didn't make sense to me.
10:22On December 6th, Kathy had written started, and each day after that was numbered 1-14.
10:28The number 14 was marked on Friday, December 20th, circled and underlined.
10:33I wondered if this had to do with her meeting with Hanson, or perhaps because it was DCA8's
10:37Christmas party day, or maybe they expected Mr. Benson to sign a contract then.
10:43I was still puzzled why she numbered the days from December 6th to 20th.
10:47I knew I needed time to figure that out.
10:50I put Kathy's planner back in the briefcase and closed it.
10:53When I returned to bed, the briefcase was back on the chair where I found it.
10:57Over the next few days, Kathy's mood improved, but she remained distant.
11:02Using my skills as an investigator, I pieced together that the 20th was crucial, likely
11:06the day Mr. Benson would sign the contract.
11:10On Friday, December 13th, I closed one of my three cases, and was close to closing another.
11:15That evening I met Bill Ripley for a beer to celebrate.
11:18I mentioned what I found in a planner without revealing it was Kathy's, describing the numbered
11:22days and the significance of the 20th.
11:25Bill couldn't help but suggest that I talk to Mary Farrell, who was among the top investigators
11:29for a woman's perspective.
11:31I dropped the topic so Bill wouldn't think I was fixated on it, and start questioning
11:35why.
11:36After a bit more chatting, I headed home.
11:38It was another frustrating weekend.
11:41Kathy was attentive but distant, and we went over a week without intimacy, which bothered
11:45me deeply.
11:46Monday morning I told Kathy I'd likely be working late to finish my cases.
11:50She reminded me about the party on Friday and said I needed to be home by 7 to get ready.
11:56I closed my second case on Tuesday and took Kathy out to celebrate, but she claimed she
12:00wasn't feeling well, and we still didn't connect.
12:03Wednesday night was the same.
12:05I knew she was stressed with work, but my patience was wearing thin.
12:09I resolved to wait until Friday when Kathy would know about the national pharmaceutical
12:12deal and her promotion.
12:14On Thursday I almost wrapped up my last case.
12:17I hoped to finish it quickly on Friday morning but worried it might take all day, making
12:21it hard to be home by 7 as promised.
12:24During dinner I mentioned this to Kathy.
12:26She got upset, reminding me of my promise.
12:28I apologized and suggested she go without me if I was late.
12:32She reluctantly agreed to wait until 9 but insisted she couldn't be any later I promised
12:36to do my best to be home by 7.30, and if not I'd meet her at the party Kathy didn't say
12:41anything more on Friday I invited Mary Farrell to lunch Mary nearly 6 feet tall with short
12:45blonde hair and piercing.
12:48Green eyes had been at IIC for 4 years and was both attractive and formidable over lunch.
12:53I explained about the notations on Kathy's calendar without revealing whose calendar
12:56it was and...
12:59After some thought she smiled.
13:01What's making you smile?
13:02I asked.
13:03The numbers, she said.
13:05It took me a bit but I think I figured it out.
13:07You said she wrote started on the 6th and then numbered the days 1 through 14 with the
13:1120th circled and underlined, right?
13:14That's correct, I confirmed.
13:16The 20th was highlighted.
13:17I think she wrote started on the 6th because that's when her last period began and then
13:21she counted 14 days to the day she's most likely to conceive, Mary explained.
13:26She's tracking her cycle because she's trying to get pregnant.
13:29Does that make sense in your case?
13:30I was surprised.
13:32Mary not only figured it out easily but it never crossed my mind before.
13:35I'm not certain but it could make sense in this case, I replied.
13:40Thanks for your help.
13:41I suppose a pastrami sandwich was a fair trade for the little help I gave you, Mary chuckled.
13:47After lunch Mary and I returned to the office.
13:49I spent the rest of the day on paperwork puzzled by why Kathy was tracking her menstrual cycle.
13:54She wasn't planning to stop her birth control so it seemed odd.
13:58A tight feeling grew in my gut as fragments of information didn't add up.
14:02From my training I knew the importance of patience and gathering all facts before drawing
14:06conclusions.
14:08Acting hastily could have serious consequences and patience had always been a virtue of mine.
14:13By 5 o'clock I finished work and headed home through rush hour traffic feeling accomplished
14:17for closing significant cases and gaining some clarity about Kathy's planner.
14:23I arrived home around 5.30pm parked in the driveway and fetched the mail.
14:28As I approached the front door I noticed the hall light was on.
14:31I peeked through the window and saw Kathy at the top of the stairs completely undressed
14:35holding a towel and a can of shaving cream.
14:38I leaned back not wanting to startle her and wondered what she was doing with shaving cream.
14:44Once Kathy reached the bottom step she turned into the living room and paused next to a
14:47wing chair appearing momentarily lost in thought.
14:51She looked stunning and I couldn't take my eyes off her.
14:55Not wanting to startle her by opening the front door I decided to enter through the
14:58garage so she'd hear the door and know I was home.
15:03I lingered for a moment savoring the view then hurried to my car.
15:07I opened the garage door, drove in and waited until it closed before entering the kitchen.
15:13Inside I thought I heard another door close elsewhere in the house.
15:16I moved through the kitchen, dining room and finally the living room but there was no sign
15:21of Kathy.
15:22Kathy, I'm home, I called out as I headed upstairs.
15:26Entering our bedroom I called her name again and this time she responded.
15:30You're home early, that's great, I'm in the bathroom getting ready, why don't you use
15:34the shower in the guest bathroom?
15:37Kathy suggested, why?
15:38I asked.
15:39I'm busy in here, she replied, I pretended not to hear and walked into the bathroom.
15:44What did you say?
15:46I asked.
15:48Kathy was sitting on the edge of the bathtub.
15:50When I walked in she hurriedly tried to cover herself but not before I saw what she was
15:54doing.
15:55Her hair down here was covered in shaving cream.
15:58She was about to start shaving.
16:00It was supposed to be a surprise, she explained.
16:03A surprise for who?
16:05I questioned.
16:06For you of course.
16:07I wanted to surprise you when we got home from the party tonight, Kathy said.
16:12Did I ever tell you I wanted you to shave down there I asked?
16:15No but I thought that I don't recall you ever mentioning wanting to do this I interrupted.
16:19Where did you get the idea that I wanted you to shave?
16:22I've never said anything like that.
16:25I told her firmly.
16:27Kathy struggled to find an answer and I could feel my anger rising.
16:31I thought it might be something new.
16:33A lot of women are doing it these days and I thought you might like it, she explained.
16:37Don't you think we should have talked about this first to see how I feel?
16:40I asked.
16:41Maybe, but it's not a big deal.
16:44It's my body and if I want to shave, it's my decision.
16:47It'll grow back if we don't like it, she reasoned.
16:51Her point made sense but I wasn't ready to give in.
16:53There was more to this than just her wanting to shave.
16:56Don't do it now, I insisted.
16:58Let's discuss it later.
17:00If it's that important to you, you can shave tomorrow.
17:04Kathy's expression showed not just anger but also fear.
17:07I understood the anger directed at me, but her fear puzzled me.
17:10I'm ready to do it now, so why should I wait, she demanded.
17:13Because your husband is asking you to wait, I replied.
17:17I don't want you to shave.
17:19I don't want to feel like I'm with a child.
17:22Why is it so urgent that you do it now?
17:24I was all set to do it and I want to do it now.
17:27It's my body and if I want to shave, I will, she asserted.
17:32Fine, go ahead and shave, but if you do, you'll have to go to the party alone, I stated firmly,
17:38turning to leave the bathroom.
17:39Why are you being so unfair?
17:41It's something I want to do, so why are you making such a big deal out of it?
17:45Kathy pleaded.
17:47I'm making a big deal because I don't think you're being honest about why you want to
17:50shave.
17:51You know I like your hair, so I know this isn't about me.
17:54If you can't tell me the truth, then I won't discuss this any further.
17:59You can leave it alone and we'll go to the party together or you can shave and go alone.
18:04It's up to you.
18:05Kathy gave me a moody look as she set down the razor and got into the shower.
18:09After she finished, I showered and then relaxed in my bathrobe, sipping a beer while she did
18:13her makeup.
18:14She remained silent, clearly angry, so I avoided conversation to prevent further tension.
18:19Instead, I discreetly watched her dress provocatively, suspecting it wasn't for my benefit but perhaps
18:25to provoke jealousy or for someone else.
18:29Kathy put on black thigh-high stockings, seemingly unaware of my gaze.
18:34She then slipped into a black cocktail dress, heading to the bathroom to fix her hair.
18:38When she finally stood before me, my anger softened, but I resisted fully letting it
18:42go, unsure of what the night would bring.
18:45At 7.30, I asked if she was ready.
18:48We drove silently for the first 15 minutes before Kathy finally spoke up.
18:52I'm sorry about the shaving thing, Kathy said.
18:55I thought it was a good idea at the time and I got nervous about tonight.
18:59I guess I snapped when you gave me a hard time.
19:01No worries, I replied.
19:04We can talk about it over the weekend.
19:06Let's just try to have fun tonight.
19:09I was trying to lighten the mood a bit.
19:12The party was catered at the company's offices in a large first-floor classroom.
19:17As soon as Kathy and I arrived, Hansen greeted us and pulled Kathy aside.
19:21I watched them closely, feeling my tension rise.
19:25Kathy nodded and shook her head during their conversation which seemed to upset Hansen.
19:29He smiled and suggested something to her.
19:31And although she didn't look pleased, she nodded.
19:34When Kathy returned, she said the national pharmaceutical deal was closing that night,
19:38with a meeting at 10 o'clock with Jack and Mr. Bartlett.
19:42If it went well, she'd get her promotion.
19:44Despite the news, she seemed unemotional.
19:47I asked if we could start trying for a baby afterward, and she agreed without much enthusiasm.
19:52Entering the party room, Kathy linked her arm with mine.
19:56The room was nicely decorated with tables along the perimeter, a band for dancing at
20:00one end, and a buffet at an open bar at the other.
20:04I scanned the room, recognizing most faces from my six years of occasional encounters
20:07with DCNH.
20:10Then I spotted him, a man around 35, 6 feet tall, with a trim build, dressed in a dark
20:15blue double-breasted Armani suit, standing alone by the bar.
20:19I pointed discreetly and asked Kathy, who's the guy over by the bar?
20:22I don't know, she replied, but her body language hinted otherwise.
20:26Why don't we grab a drink at the bar, I suggested.
20:29Some of my colleagues are here, I want to say hello to them.
20:33Could you get us drinks and I'll wait here, she countered.
20:36I headed to the bar, ordered a glass of red wine for Kathy and a beer for myself, then
20:41turned back towards the man in the Armani suit.
20:44Mr. Benson, how's your evening going?
20:48I greeted him, he looked briefly surprised.
20:51How do you know me? he asked.
20:53It's part of my job, I answered.
20:55I need to take this wine to Miss Alpen first, then I'd like to chat with you, if you're
20:59okay with that, Mr. Benson studied me for a moment.
21:03I could sense his wariness, though he didn't seem afraid.
21:07I briefly wondered if he recognized me but dismissed the idea, it must have been something
21:11else about me that caught his attention.
21:13Sure thing?
21:14I'll be right here, he replied.
21:17I brought Kathy her drink and mentioned I'd mingle while she caught up with her friends.
21:22Don't wander off, she insisted, stick close tonight, I won't be gone long.
21:28Not in the mood to hear shop talk right now, I replied.
21:31Kathy looked at me sadly as I left the table, but she didn't stop me.
21:35Once I was sure she wasn't watching, I headed back to Mr. Benson.
21:38I'm Fred from DCH Security, I introduced myself, just ensuring everything goes smoothly tonight.
21:44Looks like Mr. Hansen's planned an enjoyable evening.
21:48That's what he's saying, Mr. Benson replied.
21:50I'm just passing time until things kick off.
21:53Sounds like that starts around ten for you, I remarked.
21:56You seem to know a lot, he said nervously, part of the job.
22:00Tonight, I'm here to make sure you're undisturbed, especially later I added with a wink and
22:04a smirk.
22:06You're into brunettes, right?
22:08Love them, especially with long hair, he confirmed.
22:11Like Miss Alpen, I asked knowingly, exactly, he said with that same smirk.
22:16I wanted to punch him, but held back.
22:18I bet you're like me.
22:20Prefer a lot of hair up top, but none down below, huh?
22:23I said, winking again.
22:26Bald is nice, he chuckled.
22:28With that information gathered, I knew it was time to move on before I lost my temper.
22:31I need to circulate now.
22:34Make sure everyone's where they should be.
22:36If you run into any trouble, find me, I said firmly.
22:40As I walked away from him, I muttered curses to myself.
22:43When I returned to the other side of the room, the band had started playing, and a man approached
22:47Kathy, asking her to dance.
22:50She politely declined, then grabbed my arm and pulled me onto the dance floor before
22:54I could sit down.
22:56As we danced, I kept an eye on Mr. Benson to make sure he wasn't watching us.
23:01I didn't want him to realize I was Kathy's husband yet.
23:04I was still planning my next moves and didn't want them ruined before I was ready.
23:08I was still trying to piece together the final parts of the puzzle I was dealing with, and
23:12it was already 9.30.
23:15Nervous stress was making my stomach churn.
23:17The song ended, and I started heading back to our table, but then the band started a
23:21slow song.
23:23Kathy pulled me back onto the dance floor, holding me tightly.
23:26Kathy always liked dancing close, but this time it felt suffocating.
23:30At one point during the dance I noticed Benson watching us looking tense.
23:34I smiled at him and gave a thumbs up, then tried to ignore him.
23:38I wondered if seeing me dance with Kathy had made him suspicious about my identity, but
23:42at that point I didn't care anymore.
23:45After that dance we returned to our table.
23:48I had just sat down when Greg Bartlett approached us, holding a small package.
23:52He pulled Kathy aside, whispered something, handed her the package and left.
23:57Kathy came back to the table, hiding the package behind her back, and leaned down to speak
24:01to me.
24:02I need to go to the restroom, she said.
24:04When I looked into her eyes I sensed something troubling.
24:07Don't do it, I warned.
24:09Do what?
24:11She asked innocently.
24:13I grabbed her arm and held it firmly as I stared into her eyes.
24:17You know exactly what I mean.
24:19I'm not stupid.
24:20I know what's going on here.
24:22Stop it now, I demanded.
24:23I don't know what you're talking about, she insisted.
24:26I just need to go to the restroom.
24:29Kathy pulled her arm away from me and walked off without looking back.
24:32While Kathy was gone I pieced together the troubling details.
24:35It started when she began calling Mr. Hanson-Jack, which bothered me and worsened with her sudden
24:41depression over the national pharmaceutical deal.
24:44Despite her not doing anything wrong, she blamed herself.
24:48Her numerous meetings with Bartlett and Hanson, her tracking of her menstrual cycle despite
24:53being on birth control, and our argument about shaving all added to my suspicions.
24:59Earlier that evening, I saw Kathy undressed in our living room, through the window.
25:04Hanson's hand reached out from a chair and touched her, causing her to tense and then
25:07relax.
25:09Realizing the situation, I went to the garage to give them a chance to stop.
25:13As I headed upstairs to confront Kathy, I peeked out the front door and saw Hanson scurrying
25:18across the street to his car like the rat bastard he is.
25:21My guess was that Benson saw Kathy and decided he wanted her and made that clear to Hanson.
25:27She was the deal breaker.
25:29I figured Benson must have demanded that she shave herself for him.
25:32I didn't waste time trying to understand why this was all happening.
25:36I just knew I had to stop it before it went too far.
25:40Knowing Bartlett and Hanson were deeply involved, I had to mess up their plans and try to screw
25:44them over in the process.
25:46The final piece of the puzzle was Kathy going to the restroom.
25:50I was certain Bartlett's package contained shaving cream and a razor.
25:54Kathy was probably in there shaving so she could give Benson what he wanted.
25:57Well, screw her too.
25:59It was 9.45 and Kathy still hadn't returned to the table.
26:03I was getting anxious because time was running out.
26:06Without a clear plan, I decided to find Kathy and physically take her home.
26:10Deal with the consequences later.
26:12As I headed toward the door, the band announced a break and an idea struck me.
26:17Seeing Benson, Bartlett, and Hanson together at the bar, I knew I had my audience.
26:22I walked over to the band as they were setting down their instruments and spoke to the lead
26:26singer.
26:27Can you keep your mic on I asked I need to make a few announcements.
26:31Sure, no problem, he replied, handing me his wireless mic.
26:36It's already on.
26:37Just flip the switch on the side and you're good to go.
26:39Thanks.
26:40I paced back and forth trying to gather my thoughts.
26:43Then, taking a deep breath, I switched on the microphone.
26:47Can I have everyone's attention, please?
26:50I began.
26:51Many guests turned to look, but the room was still noisy.
26:54Can I have your attention, please?
26:56I repeated louder.
26:57Gradually, the chatter died down to a few murmurs.
27:01Spotting Kathy returning from the restroom, I glanced over at Benson, Bartlett, and Hanson,
27:06who were watching me with curious expressions.
27:09Can I get everyone's attention?
27:11Now the room was quiet and Kathy stood in the doorway, staring at me.
27:17I just want to take a moment to speak on this special occasion.
27:20First, I want to say what a fantastic party this is.
27:24Let's give a round of applause to those who organized it.
27:27Almost everyone started clapping and Kathy slowly walked toward me, her face showing
27:31fear.
27:32I've had a few drinks and I'm feeling good, so I hope this comes out right.
27:36I want to share some things about my wife Kathy and me.
27:39I smiled at Kathy and then turned to the three men at the bar.
27:43I couldn't tell what they were thinking, but they didn't seem pleased.
27:46First, some good news.
27:50Kathy and I are expecting a baby.
27:52Applause broke out among the guests.
27:54Kathy covered her face with her hands, looking mildly embarrassed to anyone unaware of the
27:58truth.
27:59Hanson appeared angry, Bartlett puzzled, and Benson's expression was unreadable.
28:05There's more good news.
28:06Kathy informed me tonight she's getting a promotion for her work on the National Pharmaceutical
28:10Deal.
28:11I hear Kathy, Mr. Bartlett, Mr. Hanson, and Mr. Benson will be upstairs signing the contract.
28:18Isn't that great?
28:20More applause filled the room.
28:21God, please stop.
28:23Kathy's voice reached me.
28:24She halted about ten feet away and slowly sank to the floor.
28:28The first two jerks looked furious while Benson seemed almost amused.
28:32This evening started off so oddly that I figured I'd share it with you.
28:37When I got home from work tonight, I found my wife in the bathroom about to shave, and
28:40not her legs or armpits.
28:42Some laughter rippled through the crowd, but most sat in stunned silence.
28:46We argued about it.
28:48She said it was supposed to be a surprise for me, and I told her not to do it.
28:52I thought I'd won that argument, or at least I thought so.
28:56Now I realize she wasn't shaving for me, she was doing it on Jack's orders.
29:01Kathy just came out of the restroom and I believe she shaved herself while she was in
29:04there.
29:05Now I'm sure you're all wondering why Jack Hanson would demand Kathy shave her pussy.
29:09An audible gasp echoed through the room.
29:12Kathy was now lying on the floor crying, and most guests stared at me as if witnessing
29:15a disaster unfold.
29:18Now there were only two jerks left.
29:20It seemed Benson had bolted.
29:22Hanson's face burned red and he trembled.
29:25Bartlett strode toward me as if he thought he could make me stop.
29:28Kathy shaved because she was supposed to be a gift to Mr.
29:32Benson tonight, and he wanted her shaved.
29:35Apparently your company's management thinks it's good business to encourage employees
29:38to sleep with potential clients to secure contracts, even if it wrecks a marriage.
29:43Bartlett was now right in front of me, trying to rest the microphone away.
29:47I yanked it out of his grasp and switched it off.
29:49Listen, jerk, you try grabbing this mic again, and I'll drop you like a sack of bricks.
29:56Now that I've finally come to think of it, I might do that anyway.
30:00Bartlett stepped back from me and glanced at Hanson.
30:02While they exchanged looks, I switched the microphone back on.
30:06Lastly, this is for Bartlett and Hanson.
30:08I'm filing a lawsuit against this company for what you did to my marriage, and I expect
30:12a decent settlement.
30:14Part of that will be your termination you two a-holes, and anyone else involved in this
30:18mess.
30:19Good night, everyone.
30:20Enjoy the rest of your party.
30:21The room fell into complete silence as I set the microphone down and walked over to where
30:25Kathy lay on the floor.
30:27I squatted beside her.
30:29Kathy.
30:31She looked up at me, tears streaming down her cheeks.
30:33Fred, I'm so Kathy, don't say anything.
30:36I cut in.
30:37Do you still think you'll get that promotion?
30:41I stood up and scanned the room.
30:44People stared at us, but when I looked back, they turned away.
30:48I glanced down at Kathy one last time, then left the room.
30:51I grabbed my coat and crossed the lobby toward the exit when Hanson blocked my path.
30:56Do you have any idea what you've done?
30:58He demanded.
30:59Yeah, I replied.
31:01I screwed you before you and DCNH could screw my wife, and I hope I cost you millions.
31:05I'd hate to think we went through all this for just a few hundred thousand dollars.
31:09You're going to pay for this, Hanson warned.
31:12Actually I think you'll be the one paying, I retorted.
31:14Along with my lawsuit, I'll be having a chat with the SEC.
31:18They might find your company's business practices interesting.
31:21I turned to leave, but Hanson grabbed my arm.
31:25Just a minute.
31:26I'm not done with you, he insisted.
31:29I shook off his grip.
31:30Touch me again, and you won't be walking out of here tonight, I warned.
31:34As I walked away, I heard him cursing under his breath.
31:38When I got home, I headed straight for the liquor cabinet and grabbed a bottle of scotch,
31:43drinking slowly to drown everything out.
31:45By my second drink, I noticed something blue in a potted plant.
31:48It was a blue plastic case hidden under the leaves.
31:51Opening it confirmed my suspicion.
31:53I had seen something fall from the bathroom wastebasket earlier in the week, but hadn't
31:57thought to look in the plant.
31:58I placed the case on the coffee table next to the scotch, and poured myself another drink.
32:03It's completely full, I muttered, staring at the contents.
32:09After more drinks, I woke up Saturday morning on the sofa, the scotch bottle nearly empty.
32:13My head throbbed and my mouth tasted awful, dizzy, and with a protesting stomach, I started
32:18the coffee maker and took a shower.
32:21Upstairs there was no sign of Kathy and I didn't expect her to be home.
32:25She was likely scared or angry after I had disrupted everything at DC&H.
32:29The shower helped and after two cups of coffee, I sat back on the sofa pondering my next move.
32:35It pained me to think about how much I had loved Kathy.
32:38Her willingness to be intimate with a customer for a deal, and even shaving for him on Hansen's
32:42orders was devastating.
32:45I doubted I could forgive her, but felt she deserved a chance to explain if she wanted
32:49to.
32:50I wouldn't chase her down for an explanation.
32:52If she didn't feel the need to explain, maybe I didn't need to know why.
32:56The why would only matter if she wanted another chance with me.
32:59I couldn't think of anything to do except wait and see if Kathy reached out to me.
33:03I started wondering where she had spent the night, remembering how she looked when I left
33:07the party.
33:09I felt a pang of guilt for leaving her on the floor like that.
33:12I realized I should have taken her home with me.
33:14I wasn't proud of myself, but in the moment I was hurt and angry, and I felt no sympathy
33:19for Kathy.
33:21The more I dwelled on it, the worse I felt and the more I wondered where she was staying.
33:26I was still sitting on the sofa at 11 o'clock when the phone rang.
33:30I figured it might be Kathy calling and I debated whether to answer.
33:34I picked up on the sixth ring.
33:37Mr. Alpen?
33:39Yes, this is Special Agent Mark Walker of the FBI, the voice on the phone said.
33:44Is your wife with you?
33:45My wife isn't home?
33:46I replied.
33:47I wondered why the FBI wanted to talk to Kathy.
33:50No problem.
33:52I need to speak with you, Agent Walker said.
33:54Me?
33:55I asked.
33:56What's this about?
33:57I'd prefer not to discuss it over the phone, he said.
34:00Can you come to my office this afternoon?
34:03I suppose so, I said.
34:05Where are you located?
34:07Agent Walker gave me directions to his office and we agreed to meet at 2 o'clock that afternoon.
34:12After hanging up, I tried to figure out why the FBI would be interested in me.
34:17I guessed it might relate to one of the cases I'd recently worked on, but if that were true,
34:21why couldn't he just tell me over the phone?
34:23Over the years, I'd spoken with various law enforcement agencies about cases I was involved
34:28in and it never bothered me.
34:30But for some reason, this invitation from the FBI left me feeling uneasy.
34:35At 1 o'clock, I dressed in jeans and a sweater and drove into town to meet with Agent Walker.
34:40I parked my car in a garage across from the high-rise where the FBI offices were located
34:44in downtown Indianapolis.
34:47I took the elevator up to the 7th floor and told the receptionist my name.
34:51I'm here to see Special Agent Walker, I said.
34:54Have a seat and I'll let him know you're here, she replied.
34:57I waited only two minutes before he entered the lobby to greet me.
35:01Unlike the expensive Armani suit from the night before, Special Agent Walker was now
35:04dressed in blue dockers and a white Oxford shirt without a tie.
35:09Mr. Alpen, thanks for coming in, he said, please follow me.
35:14I followed him into a conference room and as I sat down, Agent Walker offered me a cup
35:18of coffee, which I accepted.
35:20He poured two cups from the coffee maker on a nearby table and handed one to me.
35:24After taking a sip of his own coffee, he sat down across from me.
35:28Should I call you Special Agent Walker or Mr. Benson?
35:32I asked.
35:33Why don't you try Mark?
35:35He replied.
35:36And may I call you Fred?
35:38Fred will be fine.
35:39I imagine you must be pretty confused right now, Mark said.
35:42Yes, I am, but I think I'm starting to understand what's going on, I said.
35:46So you are undercover as Mr. Benson?
35:49That's correct.
35:50I'm relying on your discretion to keep everything we discuss here confidential, he said.
35:55I'm an investigator myself so I understand the importance of confidentiality, I said.
36:00I'm still unsure if you're on my side or not.
36:02I hope you can explain all of this to me, including how my wife got caught up in this
36:06mess.
36:07I'll tell you what I can and answer your questions, as long as it doesn't jeopardize our investigations.
36:14All right, I'll listen, I said.
36:15But I have to tell you I'm really angry that my wife was manipulated like this.
36:19This situation may have ruined my marriage.
36:22Things might not be as dire as you think, Mark said reassuringly.
36:26Let me fill you in first, and then you can ask your questions.
36:29That works for me, I replied.
36:31Earlier this year, the Security and Exchange Commission contacted the FBI, he began.
36:35They received troubling information about DCH's business practices from an insider and
36:39asked us to investigate.
36:42After following up on the SEC's lead, we found enough evidence to warrant further inquiry.
36:46I can't divulge details of our investigation, but it led us to conduct undercover operations.
36:52Mark stood up and started pacing as he continued talking.
36:56During our investigation, we discovered that DCH was attempting to interest National Pharmaceutical
37:00in a merger.
37:01Mr. Benson, concerned about DCH's methods, spoke with one of our agents, since no one
37:06from DCH had met Mr. Benson.
37:09He agreed to cooperate by allowing me to assume his identity.
37:12I convinced Mr. Hanson and Mr. Bartlett that I was Mr.
37:17Benson and led them to believe I was interested in their merger proposal, possibly even signing
37:21a contract.
37:23As they eagerly anticipated millions from the deal, I pretended to hesitate, expressing
37:27interest in talking to other firms first.
37:30The goal was to see how they would try to persuade me to sign with them.
37:33So, you involve my wife?
37:35I asked.
37:36Not exactly.
37:37During my initial visits to D.C.
37:40An H. I met your wife as I was escorted to the conference room to meet with Bartlett
37:45and Hanson.
37:46I mentioned to Hanson that I wanted to speak with Mrs. Alpen.
37:50His response was, she's quite attractive, isn't she?
37:54I agreed, but that wasn't my reason for wanting to talk to her.
37:58Why did you want to talk to her?
37:59I inquired.
38:00I told Hanson that, because Kathy was head of the accounting department, I wanted to
38:04discuss the financial health of the company I was supposedly planning to merge with.
38:08The real reason was that your wife had alerted the SEC about how D.C. and H. was conducting
38:13business.
38:14Kathy knew you were working undercover for the FBI?
38:16I asked.
38:17No, she didn't.
38:18I couldn't tell her, Mark replied.
38:21The information she provided to the SEC implicated people higher up in the company than Bartlett
38:26and Hanson.
38:27She implicated the company president and the CEO.
38:30Given that my mission was to investigate Bartlett and Hanson, I couldn't be sure she wouldn't
38:34expose me to protect them.
38:36So Kathy blew the whistle on the company executives.
38:39I didn't know what that meant for me.
38:42If she didn't know Benson was a fake, was she planning to have closeness with him at
38:45the party?
38:47I had questions for Mark, but I decided to wait until he finished to see if he would
38:50provide any answers in his explanation.
38:53As I was saying, I hinted to Hanson that I might back out of the deal, so...
38:57He asked what it would take to secure my commitment to D.C.H.
39:02I inquired what he had to offer.
39:04That's when Hanson said, I noticed you found Kathy Alpin attractive.
39:08How would you like to get with her?
39:10I was taken aback by that.
39:12I expected a bribe.
39:13Curious to see where this would lead, I indicated I might be interested, but I didn't commit.
39:18The next part may be difficult for you to hear, but it's crucial to the story.
39:22There's nothing you can say that would be more upsetting than what I've already been
39:25through, I said.
39:26Okay then.
39:27I waited a few days and then met with Hanson again.
39:31He asked if I had thought over his offer.
39:33I clarified if his offer meant arranging for me to have closeness with your wife, and he
39:37confirmed.
39:38Trying not to seem too eager, I replied that I was interested but still unsure if she would
39:42be worth it.
39:44Hanson reassured me she would be, and mentioned she had a shaved it.
39:48Wouldn't you like that?
39:49He asked.
39:50So you never suggested that Kathy shave herself?
39:52I asked.
39:53No, since I hadn't planned on having closeness with her.
39:57That idea never crossed my mind.
39:59I was also unsure how Hanson could deliver on his promise.
40:02So I asked him how he planned to convince a married woman to agree to this in exchange
40:06for a contract signature.
40:08Don't worry about that.
40:10If you want her, she's yours, shaved and all, was his response.
40:14That despicable guy, I said.
40:17Who does he think he is?
40:18He's a sleazy bastard.
40:20The more he talked about me having closeness with your wife, the more excited he seemed.
40:24I got the impression he had more reasons for pushing his offer than just securing the contract.
40:30I let him continue, and then asked when he could arrange for me to meet with your wife.
40:35He immediately said we could do it at the company Christmas party on the 20th.
40:39So...
40:40You were really going to go through with it?
40:43I asked.
40:44You were going to have closeness with my wife just to keep your undercover investigation
40:48going?
40:49No, that wasn't my plan at all, Mark clarified.
40:53Firstly it would be unethical for me to do so.
40:56Secondly I was almost certain the room where I was supposed to meet your wife would be
40:58bugged with hidden cameras and microphones to gather evidence.
41:02They wanted to use it not just to persuade me to sign the contract, but also to potentially
41:06blackmail me.
41:07How were you planning to get out of it?
41:10I inquired.
41:11I planned to back out at the last moment, claiming the conditions weren't right.
41:16Then I would propose closing the deal under the condition that Mrs. Alpen would join me
41:20in my hotel room after the party.
41:23Once alone I intended to reveal my identity and bring her here for questioning.
41:28Our plan was to arrest Bartlett and Hanson today.
41:31By this morning we expected to have enough evidence to charge them both.
41:35Then last night you approached me and introduced yourself, saying you were with security.
41:39I knew who you were and feared you might be involved in their scheme.
41:42I wasn't sure which side you were on until your speech, Mark continued.
41:46Oh damn, I said.
41:48I hope I didn't mess up your investigation, but...
41:52I couldn't just stand by and let my wife be used in some business deal.
41:55I understand, Mark reassured me.
41:57You actually helped.
41:59Your actions prevented me from having to attend the meeting with them last night at 10 o'clock.
42:04I left with my cover intact and was able to talk to Hanson again this morning.
42:08He offered me a large sum to sign today.
42:11I agreed to meet him in his office on Monday, where we plan to arrest him when he hands
42:14over the money.
42:16That's when we'll shut down DC&H operations and thoroughly investigate every deal they've
42:20been involved in over the past three years.
42:23I still don't know where Kathy stands in all of this, I admitted.
42:27Your wife was trying to do the right thing by reporting the company, he said.
42:31Regarding her involvement in the offer made to me, I suspect Hanson may have been coercing
42:35her, possibly blackmailing her.
42:38Did they mention using protection?
42:39I asked.
42:40Yes, once I agreed to the deal, Hanson emphasized that Kathy insisted I wear protection.
42:45We wouldn't want to get the poor girl pregnant, would we?
42:48Hanson said.
42:50Now I knew I needed to find Kathy.
42:52I wanted to hear her side of the story.
42:54She wasn't entirely innocent in this mess, but there were circumstances that might explain
42:58her actions.
43:00That's about all I can share for now, Mark said.
43:02Do you have any other questions?
43:04Not at the moment.
43:05Good.
43:06Again, please remember not to discuss any of this investigation with anyone.
43:09Also, I advise you not to tell your wife anything yet.
43:13Wait until we have Bartlett and Hanson under indictment.
43:16Before you reveal that this was all an FBI sting operation, that should only be a couple
43:21of days from now.
43:22We'll want to speak with her then anyway.
43:24I agreed to keep quiet about the investigation.
43:27Mark told me he would call when it was okay to tell Kathy about the FBI sting.
43:32He also mentioned they might want to depose me to get my side of the story.
43:36We shook hands, and I left the building.
43:39When I got home, there was a message from Kathy asking me to call her.
43:43I dialed the number she left, and a woman answered.
43:46May I ask who's calling?
43:48The voice inquired.
43:50Tell her it's her husband, I replied.
43:53Kathy's voice sounded nervous when she got on the line.
43:56Where have you been? she asked.
43:58I've been trying to reach you all day.
44:00Not all day, I corrected her.
44:01I was home until 1 o'clock this afternoon.
44:03Oh, that's about when I started calling you then.
44:06I wasn't going to make it easy for her.
44:09She needed to prove she was ready to explain herself, so I stayed quiet.
44:12Fred, can I come home? she asked.
44:15This is your home, isn't it?
44:16I replied.
44:17You should be here now.
44:18I'll be there in an hour.
44:20OK, I said, then hung up.
44:22I checked the clock.
44:24It was already 5 o'clock.
44:25I decided to have dinner ready when she arrived so we could talk afterward.
44:29I started cooking, and then went upstairs to prepare for what I anticipated would be
44:33our conversation.
44:35Returning downstairs, I grabbed the blue case from the coffee table and put it in my pocket.
44:40I cooked spaghetti with meatballs and made a salad.
44:43Then I opened a bottle of Chianti.
44:45Kathy walked in at 6.05 and dinner was ready.
44:49When she saw the meal and the wine, some tension visibly eased from her face.
44:53She realized things might not be as bad as she feared.
44:56We sat down at the table without speaking at first.
44:59I poured the wine and we began eating.
45:02After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence, I asked Kathy where she had spent the night.
45:06One of my friends drove me home after you left, she answered.
45:09I couldn't resist a slight jab.
45:11So you didn't stay for the rest of the party, I remarked.
45:15You pretty much ended the party with your speech, she retorted.
45:18I suppose I owe some people apologies for that.
45:21Not to you and certainly not to Barlett or Hanson.
45:24I guess you're right.
45:25I owe you an apology, she conceded.
45:27I interrupted her, suggesting we finish dinner first and then talk.
45:32We fell silent again, with nothing else to discuss between us.
45:36After dinner, Kathy began loading dishes into the dishwasher, but I interrupted her.
45:41You can clean up later.
45:42We need to talk now, I insisted.
45:44We moved to the family room and sat facing each other.
45:47Do you want to tell me everything or should I start asking questions?
45:51Either way, I need the truth, I said firmly.
45:55I'll tell you everything, she replied.
45:58You probably know when it began.
46:00It was the day after your Christmas party.
46:03Jack called me and said the big deal they had with National Pharmaceutical was in jeopardy,
46:07he said Mr. Benson insisted he'd only sign if I agreed to have closeness with him.
46:13I was furious and couldn't believe he'd ask that, but Jack said the deal was crucial for
46:18the company, promising a big reward, money and a promotion.
46:21I didn't want to, but Jack pressured me, saying many depended on me.
46:26I said I needed time to think.
46:28They stressed me out so much I couldn't think straight.
46:31When you came home, I couldn't bear to hurt you like that.
46:34Jack and Mr. Bartlett kept pushing me all day Monday.
46:38Mr. Hansen warned it'd be my fault if the deal failed and they'd fire me if I spoke
46:43up.
46:44I tried to tell you what I could.
46:46I knew if you knew everything, you'd do something rash and I'd lose my job.
46:51By Tuesday I refused again, so they told me to reconsider.
46:55Then Mr. Hansen claimed the company was missing over $100,000.
47:00He threatened an audit that'd make me look like a thief for years.
47:04Jack said I'd go to jail unless I cooperated.
47:06He promised the money and promotion if I obeyed, but threatened charges if I didn't.
47:11In the end, I had no choice but to agree to what he wanted.
47:15Jack and Mr. Bartlett kept pressuring me daily to make sure I didn't back out.
47:20They insisted I was doing the right thing and tried convincing me that you'd understand
47:24if you knew how crucial this deal was.
47:27I had been listening quietly until then, but I was starting to get angry.
47:31You can't think for a second that I would have ever been okay with what you were doing,
47:34I said.
47:35You should have told me everything.
47:38I would have found a way to help you out.
47:40I know, Kathy replied, once I made up my mind to go through with it I felt a bit relieved,
47:44but I felt so guilty about what it was doing to you.
47:47You have to understand, I was terrified of going to jail.
47:51I felt like I had to take the risk.
47:53On Friday, Jack called me into his office and said, Mr., Benson wanted me to shave all
47:57my hair off.
47:58I told him I couldn't do that because you would be upset, but he said it was non-negotiable.
48:05If I didn't shave, Mr., Benson would walk away from the deal.
48:08Jack told me to do it before the party without letting you see, and later I was supposed
48:12to tell you it was a surprise.
48:15He said if you got angry.
48:17All I had to do was apologize and let it grow back.
48:20The problem was, you came home earlier than expected and caught me getting ready to shave.
48:25So was I right?
48:26I asked.
48:27Did you shave in the restroom at the party?
48:29Kathy looked down at her hands.
48:31Yes, Mr. Bartlett sent someone to buy a razor and shaving cream and I went into the restroom
48:35and did it.
48:37When I came back to the party, I saw you with the microphone trying to get everyone's attention.
48:42I was so scared.
48:44I had no idea what you were doing, and I didn't know if there was any way I could stop you.
48:49I couldn't believe you said I was pregnant.
48:51I didn't say you were pregnant, I clarified.
48:54I said we were planning to have a baby.
48:57We had discussed this, right?
48:58Well, yes, but, but what?
49:00Are we going to start a family or not?
49:02I asked.
49:03Yes, we are.
49:04I'll stop taking my birth control pills tomorrow, and then we can begin.
49:07One more thing.
49:09Did you tell Benson he had to use a protection?
49:11Jack said he would make sure Benson used a protection, she replied.
49:15I'm glad he did because I hadn't thought about it.
49:17I was so stressed that I wasn't thinking clearly.
49:21Then you gave your speech, which pretty much ended my career at DCH and likely killed the
49:26deal with National Pharmaceutical.
49:28So what you're saying is Bartlett and Hanson pressured and blackmailed you into agreeing
49:31to have intimacy with Benson to close a business deal.
49:35They also insisted you shave yourself, but I messed things up by catching you in the
49:38act.
49:40Despite me telling you not to, you still went ahead and shaved.
49:42In the end, the only reason you didn't sleep with Benson is because my speech ruined everything.
49:48Is that about right?
49:49Yes, but I don't blame you for what you did.
49:51I understand your reaction, she said.
49:53Oh, good.
49:54So you forgive me for trying to stop my wife from sleeping with another man, I said sarcastically.
50:01That's not what I meant.
50:03I know you had every right to react the way you did, and I shouldn't be upset with you.
50:07I'm upset with myself.
50:08I should have been honest with you from the start.
50:10Do you think you can ever forgive me?
50:12Kathy asked.
50:14That depends, I replied.
50:16Is that everything?
50:18Have you told me all I need to know about what's been going on?
50:21Yes, I've told you everything.
50:24I love you, and I can't bear the thought of losing you because of this mess I got myself
50:27into, Kathy said.
50:30Well things don't look as bad as they did at first, I said, watching Kathy's smile slowly
50:34return.
50:35I just have a couple of questions I need answers to, and then maybe we can move past this.
50:40Okay, what questions?
50:43I could hear the relief in her voice.
50:45I took the blue case out of my pocket and tossed it onto the coffee table.
50:49I found this in the trash the other day, and it's full.
50:53You threw away all your birth control pills last week, but you didn't tell me and even
50:57tried to make me believe you were still taking them.
51:00Just five minutes ago, you said you'd stop taking them tomorrow.
51:04Can you explain that to me?
51:06Kathy looked like I had hit her.
51:07Her mouth opened a few times, but no words came out.
51:10When she finally spoke, I could tell she was lying.
51:13You're right, I stopped taking my pills, she admitted.
51:16I planned to let you get me pregnant and then surprise you.
51:19I knew how much you wanted to start a family, so I thought it would be a nice surprise when
51:23I told you.
51:25That plan would have only worked if we were actually having closeness, but we haven't
51:28since the day before you stopped taking your pills, I pointed out.
51:31I was just so upset about what missed her.
51:34Bartlett and Jack wanted me to do that I wasn't in the mood for it during that time Kathy
51:38explained.
51:39Were you aware that last night was the most fertile night of your cycle?
51:42I asked.
51:43That question seemed to stun her again.
51:44No, I wasn't aware of that.
51:46I had too much on my mind to think about it.
51:49She said, it just strikes me as odd that you were planning to have intimacy with Benson
51:53last night, which happened to be in the middle of your menstrual cycle, and it never occurred
51:57to you to insist on using protection.
52:01But Jack thought to require it, I pointed out.
52:03What are you trying to say?
52:05She asked.
52:06That I knowingly risked getting pregnant?
52:08I would never do that, she insisted, clearly shaken.
52:11I could see Kathy was deeply upset.
52:14I decided to stop playing games.
52:16One more question Kathy I began.
52:18How long have you been involved with Hanson?
52:20What was all she managed to say?
52:22No more lies.
52:23I know you were tracking your cycle and marked last night on your planner.
52:27I know Hanson insisted Benson use protection.
52:30And since we weren't intimate, Hanson is the only one left.
52:33He wanted to get you pregnant, didn't he?
52:35I looked at Kathy.
52:36Tears streamed down her face, and she didn't try to answer.
52:40It was Hanson who wanted you to shave, not Benson.
52:44And you did it despite me telling you not to.
52:46It shows he has more influence over you than I do.
52:49And in case you think I'm guessing last night when I came home, I looked in and saw you
52:53without clothes in the living room with Hanson touching you intimately.
52:57He kissed your stomach the way a man kisses a woman he wants to have a baby with.
53:02Did you think I'd be so naive to believe it could be mine?
53:04Or were you planning to leave me from the start?
53:07You spent last night with him, didn't you?
53:10Kathy cried loudly as I stood up and left the room.
53:13When I returned to the kitchen with my suitcase, Kathy looked up at me.
53:16Seeing what I was doing, she jumped out of her chair and ran to me.
53:20Please don't leave me.
53:22I love you.
53:23I don't love Jack.
53:24I told you he blackmailed me.
53:25I had no choice but to do what he asked.
53:28Why didn't you just keep taking your birth control pills and lie to Jack about it?
53:32You had no problem lying to me.
53:34Honestly, I trust what you tell that rat bastard more than anything you've told me lately,
53:38I replied.
53:39By the way, I forgot to mention that last night while I was watching you, and that a
53:42whole.
53:43I heard you say I love you to him.
53:46So where does that leave me?
53:47I don't love him.
53:48If I'm pregnant, I'll have a termination.
53:50I love you.
53:51Please you have to believe me, she begged.
53:53No I don't.
53:54And as for the baby, don't abort it just because of me.
53:58Kathy collapsed on the floor, crying.
54:01When I glanced back from the garage door, she looked as devastated as she did when I
54:04left her at the party the night before.
54:06I felt no love for her anymore, only disgust.
54:10Leaving the house we worked so hard to build was hard, but it held no happy memories for
54:14me.
54:15Thankfully, we hadn't lived there long enough to form those memories.
54:19It's been over two years since I walked out on Kathy.
54:22After leaving her, I moved into a furnished apartment and tried to start fresh.
54:27That's when the nightmares began.
54:29Unhappy with my job, I quit and headed to California.
54:32Once settled, I started my own insurance investigation company.
54:36I reached out to Bill Ripley, who became my partner two months later.
54:41He mentioned that Mary Farrell wanted to join us when she heard we were starting our own
54:44firm.
54:45We moved out here 14 months ago, and two months later we started dating.
54:49After three months, we decided to move in together.
54:52I was surprised at how quickly I fell in love again.
54:55While I wasn't rushing into marriage, I enjoyed having someone special to share my life with.
55:00I've kept in touch with my friends in Indianapolis through several contacts, including special
55:04agent Mark Walker.
55:06It turned out that Kathy had exposed the company president and CEO at Jack Hansen's urging.
55:11Hansen hoped this would expose their shady dealings and lead to their dismissal by the
55:15board of directors.
55:16He assumed he would then become the company president of DC&H.
55:21It seems Kathy wasn't lying when she said she didn't love Hansen.

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