Hal's Story A Greenville Story

Hal's Story

Another story that came to me in the strangest manner. I have to figure out how to sleep all night. I had no attention of writing a story about Hal who was a very minor character in another story.

My usual disclaimer: No editor, bad English is my 1st language. I finally need to admit something that may get me banned on this site. I use Open Office. The Yugo of word processing programs. It has the worst spell check ever. So it doesn't catch 80% of the mistakes I make.

I hope you enjoy this story.

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I'm finally getting home at 5pm. I know most people get home at 5pm. But working in construction getting home at 5pm is really late. Especially starting at 7am most days. I'm late because we're trying to finish up this job we're on.

I've just started my own construction company. I left my old company and went out on my own 3 months ago. Starting a construction company is surprisingly easy. Getting the business to support it and grow it is something totally different. There are so many small solo businesses in the trades, sometimes supply out strips demand. These solopenuers get locked in with certain General Contractors and that's how they make their living. Its the breaking in that's hard. And it usually happens when someone drops the ball on a job. It happens when they get greedy and bid for a price but later try to demand more money to actually finish the job. Or they bid on to many jobs and one doesn't get done. Worst case scenario is they try to grow and hire the wrong people who either don't know how to do the job, or try to undercut the owner by taking on the job themselves.

I have 3 guys working for me. I've known 2 of them since I got out of high school and started in the business. Ramon came highly recommended by Oscar, considering he is his brother in law. They are guys I can trust and know how to do the job.

We got behind on the job because the GC didn't order the right material. We do framing on houses. If we get behind, the whole job gets behind. We've been putting in long hours the last few days to get caught up. Today was the last long day as we finally got caught up. We have another job starting next week. That's the key, keep the jobs coming one after the other.

Karin, my wife, was already home. She works at the Route 74 Diner as a waitress in the mornings. She does pretty well there as the tips are very good. She's bought home $700 to $800 a week in tips alone at times. Between the two of us we are doing pretty well. We have a nice 3 bedroom house I fixed up. I hope to start filling it with kids soon.

I finally noticed dinner wasn't ready or even cooking. Karin was sitting at the kitchen table with a Bud Lite. I'm not the most observant guy but I could see she had something to talk about. I walked into the kitchen and grabbed a Miller for myself and sit at the table.

"I'm leaving you Hal." She says without any emotion.

"You're what?" I really didn't know if I heard her correctly.

"I'm leaving you. I want something better, Someone who I can relate to better." She looks me in the eye as she says this. I can see the coldness in her gaze.

"Someone better, what the hell does that mean? I'm not good enough for you now? Is that what you're saying?" I'm passed being mad right now, I'm beyond pissed. She says she wants someone better than me. Really? "No wait, you wouldn't do this unless you had something lined up already. Who is the cunt?"

"It doesn't matter who it is. My choice has been made. I'm moving out today. You're a nice guy Hal, but I found I want more out of life than what a construction worker can give me. You'll be receiving the paperwork on Monday. I'm not asking for anything except 50% of the house and savings. I don't care about your little business." She's almost dismissive in her attitude as she gets up and walks to the door. I finally notice a small overnight bag by the door.

I throw my beer can at her I'm so mad. I've never been a violent man because I've never had to be violent. The beer can explodes against the wall by the door. She turns towards me with her eyes wide in fear. I've never raised my voice let alone threw something at her. "Get the fuck out of my house you stinking bitch. Get out before I do something I'll regret more than marrying you!"

"You bastard!" as she grabs her bag and runs out the door.

That stinking bitch, someone better. I'm busting my ass and this bitch wants better! The more I think about it the madder I get. I know she wouldn't walk out without a plan. That's not how she works.

We started dating at the end of our last year in High School. We had known of each other but never ran in the same circles. I played football, starting tight end at Booker T Washington, on a bad team. She played flute in the band. The marching band won more competitions than the football team won games our senior year. We were at a graduation party for a mutual friend. The old cliche of seeing her across the room. I don't know what it was, if she was dressed differently or what but I was attracted to her. So I approached her and started a conversation. An hour later we had a date for next Saturday to go bowling.

I told my friends and she told her friends and somehow it turned into a group date with 8 other people. We still had a great time but promised each other our next date would be solo. We dated for 9 months before we got married. Neither of us where going to college. I had worked with my dad and uncle in construction since I could hold a hammer. Plus I wanted to be able to help my mom more since my father died 4 years ago.

Karin had worked as a waitress part time and went to work full time after she graduated. Between the two of us we were doing okay for 20 year olds. I asked her to marry me and she agreed. We had a small wedding with only 50 friends and family. We lived with my mother until she retired to Florida to stay with her sister 2 years later. She left us the house to live in and the next 2 years I did some repairs and improvement. I upgraded the bathroom and rearranged some rooms for a more open concept. It increased the value by 30%.

I thought we were happy until tonight. We had even been talking about having kids. Then she hits me with this bullshit. We'll see who the better man is!

2 days, a case of Miller High Life plus a fifth of Jack Daniels later I got up for work with a massive hangover. The guys knew I was pissed off and hungover about something when I got to work. I got some good natured ribbing which helped me forget briefly about my marriage falling apart. At least until I got home and was met by an older guy in a suit. I remembered why he was there and took the famous, or infamous manila envelope with the divorce papers inside. I threw them on the table by the door, walked to the kitchen and got a Miller. Looking in the fridge I realized I had to do or at least start grocery shopping. I was coming to acknowledgment that my life was quickly changing. Doing my own shopping, learning to cook, laundry and house cleaning. Stinking Bitch. Whenever I thought about it I got mad all over again.

I finished off the Miller and ordered a cheesesteak and fries from Antonio's for delivery. I went and grabbed the envelope to see what the bitch really wanted. I know I would need to have my lawyer look it over. From what I could decipher it said what she told me Friday. 50% of the house and savings. She had already taken her share before she left. There wasn't much in the checking as the money from the last job hadn't been deposited yet. I checked the account Saturday between beers and found she had stopped depositing money into the shared account a month ago. Stinking Bitch. The business wasn't mentioned. One thing she didn't take into account was the house wasn't even in my name so it couldn't be included in the divorce action.

My food showed up and I found they put mushrooms on my sandwich. I hate mushrooms and when I called to complain I might have been a little more ruder than I needed to be. If that Stinking Bitch had been here to cook like a good wife I wouldn't have to deal with this shit. My food showed up 40 minutes later and I had lost my appetite by than but forced myself to eat anyway. I promised myself I wouldn't get drunk any longer. Doing so would mean she was winning.

Tuesday I told the guys what I was going through with Karin. Being good friends they offered to send her off to a whorehouse in Chiapas in southern Mexico. Jose says he knows someone who knows someone. Ramon knows a concrete guy and Oscar was quiet which was scarier than all the idea's I had been getting. I told them I appreciated the advice but I would let my lawyer handle it.

I made a call to my lawyer, Tom Pohl. He handled incorporating my business and he also did family law. Its just him and his boss Harry Spencer there but he does good work at a good price. We scheduled to met Thursday at 11am.

Meeting with Tom, I showed him the divorce paperwork she served me with. He thought it was a fair deal except the house which couldn't be included in the divorce since it was still in my moms name. We didn't have kids and she wasn't trying to get part of the business so it would be a pretty easy divorce. If there is such a thing.

Life went on the rest of the week. I still got some jokes from the guys about what was going on in my life. It was all in good fun. They never crossed the line.

A week later that Friday evening I got home earlier than usual to find a BMW parked in the front of the house. I pull in the driveway and walk into the house. I find some trash bags by the door. I hear talking coming from the bedroom. I know this stinking bitch isn't in my house with some guy. I run up the steps 2 at a time. I get to the top of the stairs and a guy, about 30 years old, 6 foot 2 maybe 190 pounds wearing a nice suit. This stinking bitch brought this motherfucker into my house and in my bedroom!

His eyes go wide when he sees me. I don't know if he realized how much of a beating he had coming. And a beating he got. He might have been 5 inches taller then me but I had anger and a lifetime of construction work on my side. I remember landing the first punch to his nose hearing a crunch and followed that up with several more to his face and stomach and then feeling something hit me on the back of the head.

I woke up in a hospital bed. I went to touch my head and found myself handcuffed to the bed rail. The nurse came in to check on me and told me the doctor would be in to talk to me later. She was very professional. I guess they treat you differently when you're in the prison ward or under arrest. The doctor came in I guess 30 minutes later and explained I had a concussion and a broken hand. They would keep me a day because of the concussion. They had to put my hand in a soft cast since I may be in jail. He talked to me the same way you talk to a stranger when you have no choice. He left without another word. The room was as barren as you could get and still not violate the Geneva Convention. No TV, no clock just 4 plain white walls.

Finally 2 police officers came into the room without knocking. They introduced themselves as Detective James Wilson and Detective Sargent O'Brien. They were even more matter of fact than the nurse and doctor. Wilson started off with reading me my Miranda Rights. Asked if I wanted an attorney present and I said yes. They said fine, took my attorneys name and left.

The only visits I got was the nurses that came in to check my vitals. None had much to say.

I was worried about my crew. I had no way to contact Oscar to let him know what was going on. These guys depended on me for their livelihood. That's another thing I can blame that Stinking Bitch for.

The next day my attorney, Tom Pohls and the police showed up. Tom told him he needed some time alone with me before they could interview me. Once the police left Tom got down to business. He asked me what happened that day. I told him about finding a strange car parked in front of the house and seeing some guy coming out of the bedroom. I had figured who he was but I told Tom I thought he was a burglar for something. So yes, I attacked him.

He explained the guy had a broken nose, fractured eye socket, concussion and 3 broken ribs. He might have died if Karin didn't hit me in the head with a frying pan, causing my concussion.

The police came back in. Asked the standard police questions and I told my story. I explained I didn't see my wife there but that guy coming out the bedroom. Having thought he was a burglar. The questioning lasted an hour. I found out the District Attorney was going for attempted murder in the 2nd degree and 1st degree Manslaughter based on the injuries sustained and that my soon to be ex-wife had let him into the house.

I talked to Tom about the chance for bail but wouldn't find out until I got out of the hospital and went before a judge. I asked him to call Oscar for me and have him finish the job if I wasn't out in time. I told Tom to write up a Power of Attorney so he could take care of making sure my guys got paid. Being a prisoner I wasn't allowed visitors. It really didn't matter much to me. The only family I had was my mom in Florida and some cousins that I wasn't close too. Karin's parents always treated me well. Especially her father. We would go to the Charlotte Knights baseball games. Once a year we would take 3 days and go to a couple of Nashville Sounds baseball games and visit Dollywood. I wonder what that Stinking Bitch told them. I know her brother and sister liked me. Oh well that's life.

Sunday afternoon I was released from the hospital and taken to the city jail. It was everything you did not know it would be. You had to have a medical examine. Which is weird for me since I just got out the hospital. It is what it is. I had to strip down and be searched. They didn't hose me down or throw disinfectant powder like in the Shawshank Redemption. I got my blues, including underwear. Why I couldn't keep my own underwear was another strange thing.

I wasn't put in a single cell but in what looked like a dormitory with 90 other guys. I found out this was the short time area. People waiting for trial, getting out in a few days or doing a sentence of 90 days or less. My goal was to keep my head down and get the hell out of there in one piece.

Monday morning came early. They served what they called breakfast. Grits, toast, a sausage patty the size of a quarter and milk in a bag. I was told tomorrow was bacon day. I found out breakfast had been served early because of people going to court. They lock the phones until everyone has left for court. Its so you can't arrange for an ambush like in a bad police movie.

I'm chained wrist and ankles and duck walked onto the transport bus. Every time I dealt with one humiliation after another I thought of that Stinking Bitch.

Tom came to meet with me once I got to the courthouse. I'm one of the few that had a paid attorney. Most are using Public Defenders or going Pro Se, meaning defending themselves. But you know what they say about a Man who defends themselves has a fool for a client. He explained this wasn't the trial. It was to get bail and I needed to appear as sincere and repentant as possible.

I went back to the holding cell until my case was called. I finally went in front of the judge. As I walked in I noticed Karin and the guy sitting in the, what, stands or whatever you call it. He looked like he got his ass beat like a drum. He might be better than me in some things but fighting isn't one of them. I gave a smirk as I walked past them. She gave me the finger.

Tom explained how I wasn't a danger to the public. I had never been in trouble before. I owned my own business yadda, make me look good, yadda, I'm really a peaceful guy and more yadda.

The Judge asked why I attacked Mr. Irving. "You honor, I came home and found a strange car in front of the house. I thought it might be someone visiting my neighbor so I didn't really pay it any mind. Imagine my surprise when I find who I now know as Mr. Irving coming out of my bedroom. My soon to be ex-wife had left the previous Friday so I didn't expect anyone to be in the house. I thought he had broken into the house and was stealing stuff and I was protecting what was mine. Next thing I knew I was in the hospital handcuffed to the bed. I did what any man would do your Honor."

The ADA was requesting remand due to the severity of the charges and how bad the injuries to Mr. Irving were. Karin and who I found out the full name was Robert Irving, who was a lawyer in Charlotte spoke of being afraid if I was let out. Tom rebutted they have nothing to fear as long as they don't break into my house. Which caused an uproar with Karin saying it was her house also. I loved the look on her face when Tom explained she had no claim to the house but that would be handled during the divorce proceedings.

The judge called for order and granted a $100,000 bail meaning I had to come up with $10,000. Tom said he would handle it and I should be out within the day. Giving Karin and Irving another smirk and getting the middle finger back from Karin I was escorted back to holding. To say she was pissed would be an understatement, Stinking Bitch.

I got out before we were served dinner. I was told I would miss out on the chicken thighs. I guess it was my loss. I got an Uber home.

When the car pulled up Ms Wilson, my next door neighbor, came over from sitting on her porch. "Hal, is everything okay? I was worried sick when the ambulance and police showed up and they took you out on the stretcher."

"It's okay Ms. Wilson, there was a little misunderstanding. Karin and I separated and are going to divorce." She didn't look as shocked as I thought she would be.

"I had seen Karin and some guy with his face all bandaged up taking things out of the house the last couple of days. I thought it was strange considering what happened earlier."

"Ms. Wilson, have you seen anything strange before all this happened? Like a BMW parked either in front of the house or in the driveway?"

"Yes, I was afraid to say something to you Hal in case I was wrong. But I've seen it at least 6 times in the last 2 months."

"That Stinking Bitch!"

"Hal, please language, I know your upset but watch your language."

"I'm sorry Ms. Wilson. I'm going to go in now. Its been a long weekend for all the wrong reasons." I had helped Ms. Wilson with some repairs around her house and I cut her lawn the same time I cut mine. She learned I wouldn't take money but I would accept oatmeal raisin cookies.

I went inside and immediately showered off the prison smell and ordered some food. I called the guys to let them know I was a free man and would see them tomorrow on the job. I still had to met with Tom about the damn trial.

I went to Tru-Value before they closed and bought some locks and changed everything that night. I also disconnected the garage door opener.

As I was getting ready to go to bed and the phone rang. I almost didn't answer it because I was dead tired. I didn't get much sleep in jail. I came to learn there are 2 types of people in jail. Those who sleep at night and those who sleep during the day. The TV is on 24 hours a day and has one sound level, loud. And there is always a lot of noise.

I answered the phone to find out it was Karin's Dad, Earl. "Hey Hal, sorry to call so late. I've been trying to get in touch with you. Karin says you been out of town. We still on for the game next week?"

Jesus, with everything that's been going on I completely forgot about us going to the game next Wednesday. "Earl, when did you talk to Karin?"

"Sunday night when I couldn't reach you. She said you had went out of town for business."

That Stinking Bitch, she couldn't even be honest with her parents. "Earl, I don't know how to break it to you but I wasn't out of town. I was in jail for beating Karin's boyfriend." I said, giving it some time to sink in.

"You were where for doing what? In jail, boyfriend, Karin"

"Slow down Earl, couple of Fridays ago Karin told me she wanted a divorce because she deserved someone who could do better and left. She had already packed her bags before I got home. She served me with papers last Monday after work. I came home early this past Friday and found her boyfriend in my house and I beat him up. She hit me over the head with a frying pan I guess to stop me from killing him. I spent a day and a half in jail. Plus a 2 days in the hospital."

"What the Hell, She's never said anything about this to me! Shirley!', he called his wife. 'Did you know Karin is divorcing Hal?"

I could hear her in the background. "She talked about not being happy with her marriage. I told her to talk to Hal about it. She said she met some guy at her job who was chasing after her. Some fancy lawyer from Charlotte. I told her several times she's a married woman with a good man. But it was like she had stars in her eyes and wouldn't listen. I didn't think she would really do it. I'm so sorry Hal."

"God Damn Hal, I'm so sorry too. We didn't raise her like that. I don't know what she's thinking but I'm going to find out. I'll call you later. I'm so sorry Hal. You're like a son to me."

"I appreciate that Earl. You've always treated me like family. We'll keep in touch." They were the closet thing I've had to parents in a long time. My mother and I don't talk that much anymore. She's living her best life in Florida. I was doing all things with Earl I would have loved to have done with my father and eventually my son.

Sleep took a while to come but it did eventually. I woke early with a dream that Stinking Bitch and That Punk Bitch were laughing at me as I watched them screwing.

I got up and dressed for work. I stopped at Dunkin for some coffee and donuts for the guys. I was hoping it would cut down on the ribbing I was going to take. That idea lasted 5 minutes and they started on me with jail jokes, did I need to see a probation officer, Did I drop the soap, was I wearing an ankle monitor? It didn't help when the plumbers and electricians piled on.

We worked the rest of the week. I thanked the guys for taking care of business while I "was on vacation". Something I learned in jail. You're not in jail you're on vacation. At least that's what your people outside are supposed to say. I treated them to dinner and drinks Friday.

I had talked to Earl and Shirley the day after he call me. He said Karin finally told him she had left me but tried to deny she was with another man already. She kept saying she was living with a friend. Earl asked if the friend was a man. She finally broke down and said she was living with her boyfriend but they planned on getting married as soon as she got divorced. Earl let her know how disappointed he was with her and her boyfriend would never be welcome in his home.

The trial for the assault was another month away. I hadn't seen the Stinking Bitch since I got bail and I wanted to keep it that way. We finished up the last job and the new one wasn't starting until the coming Wednesday. I usually do my yard work on Saturday but I decided to take a trip to the beach 3 hours away. I left early at 7am. Stopped and got something to eat on the way. I got a hotel room for the night. I hadn't been anywhere for quite a while. Karin and I hadn't been able to take a vacation since our honeymoon.

I spent the weekend relaxing on Wrightsville beach outside of Wilmington. I even got in the water, if going knee deep counts. Had some of the best BBQ at Moe's Original and great seafood dinner at place called Catch. Not The Catch, just Catch. Did some sight seeing and had a great breakfast at the Blue Surf Cafe Sunday before heading home.

About 90 minutes out of Greenville I got a call from a Detective Davis asking if I could stop by the police station in Charlotte. I asked why but he wouldn't tell me what it was about. Something inside told me this wouldn't be good. I decided to call my lawyer and have him meet me there. These lawyer fee's were starting to add up. I called and left a message to have someone meet me at the police station around 4pm.

I got a call back saying Tom would meet me at the station. I got there a little before 4 and sat out front. I had no idea what this could be about. I've been working and haven't went anywhere except for this weekend. I haven't even been grocery shopping. I either pick something up and order delivery.

I see Tom walking up and I go to greet him. I apologize for taking him away from his family. I had learned he just had a little girl, Cindy, a few months ago. I also tell him I have no idea why they asked me to come in and I had been in Wilmington at the beach all weekend.

At the desk we ask for Detective Davis and after 5 minutes he comes out and leads us to an interview room. Tom had already instructed me not to say anything unless asked. So we sat there looking at each other for a while. After 5 minutes I got up to leave without saying a word.

That's when Davis piped up, "Where do you think you're going?"

"Home, you asked me to come in and it seems you have nothing to say so I'm leaving, unless I'm under arrest." I say over my shoulder as I get ready to open the door to leave.

"Sit down Mr. Green, we're just getting started" Davis responded with some authority he really didn't have in this situation.

"Well get started then. I got stuff to do and my lawyer wants to get back to his family."

With a scowl he started the interview, "Where were you Saturday between 8pm and 11pm?"

"Why, What's this all about?" I can feel this is going to go sideways real quick.

"Just answer the question"

"I was at the Seaside Hotel in Wilmington until today when I checked out at 11am. Again, why, what happened that you need to know where I was?"

"Do you have any proof that you were in Wilmington at that time?"

"I have restaurant receipts, my credit card statement and gas receipts. I filled up before I left."

Tom added, "if you're not going to explain why we are in this interview is over. It will become a hunting expedition."

"Robert Irving was beat up Saturday night. He was coming out of a bar on the east side of town."

"Couldn't happen to a better guy, he should really learn how to fight. That's the second time he got his ass beat.' I said with more glee then necessary.' I looked Davis in the eye, 'I didn't do it. I was 3 hours away when it happened, I have proof."

"It seems pretty convenient you were at the beach, 3 hours away. That's a great alibi. Maybe you had someone do the deed for you?" Davis said with a smugness he may not have felt.

"If I wanted Irving beat I would do it myself. And why would I need to beat his ass a second time?"

Tom had been silent until then. "Look, you say he either did it or he had someone else do it. Don't make it sound like he's some mob boss who can contract a hit on someone. He's a small business owner and upstanding citizen until his wife did what she did. The only thing he's guilty of is loving the wrong woman. Do you have any proof he beat up this Mr. Irving or had someone do it? If not we're leaving." Tom waited a heart beat, then looked over to me and said we're leaving when Miller had nothing else to add.

We both got up and Davis told me don't leave the area. I laughed and said I already had my vacation this year. I thanked Tom for coming out on a Sunday. He laughed and said his wife will appreciate it when my fee will be paying for her next dinner date. I slapped him on the back and handed him $100 bill and told him to enjoy himself. So far, he's been worth every penny I've spent.

I stopped and picked up a burrito on the way home. Pulled my bag out the car as Ms. Wilson came to the car. "Hal, what is going on with you lately? You been gone all weekend. The police came by again looking for you. Do I need to worry. What are you involved in?"

"There's nothing to worry about Ms. Wilson just dealing with things between Karin and me. Her boyfriend was beat up again and of course they had to ask me questions. I've been in Wilmington all weekend at the beach. I thought I'd treat myself but now I'm thinking it wasn't worth it. I might need a vacation from my vacation.' I said with a laugh to try to calm her down a little. "Don't worry about me Ms. Wilson. Nothing has changed, you know what kind of guy I am. I was going to cut the grass tomorrow since I don't have a job starting until Wednesday."

"Hal, you're going to give me a stroke with worry. I have some cookies when you cut the grass tomorrow" She actually hugged me and went back onto the porch.

Monday I got up and cut the grass and did some things around the houses. Ms. Wilson's garden needed weeding. Around 1pm my cell phone rang. I was surprised to see it was Oscar.

"¿Qué pasa amigo?, esto es una sorpressa." He usually doesn't call me on his day off unless he's not able to come in the next day and he never calls off.

"Tu perra de esposa y su novio. La policía me interrogó por golpear a su novio."

"What the fuck would the police question you?" That stinking bitch was getting out of hand.

"Not only me, Jefe but Ramon and Jose too. Maria, Jose's wife, called me crying and cursing you out. They picked him up and kept him for 3 hours. They kept asking if we beat up the Punta's boyfriend. I told them I don't even know who the guy is which is the truth. We had to tell them were we where. They called Jennifer, Oscars wife, to comfirm that wer were together with her."

Oh jeez, Jennifer and Maria, this is going to cost me big if they got involved. "I'm sorry my friend you got involved in my bullshit of a life. I was at the beach this weekend and the cop thought I had hired someone to beat up that punk bitch. Like I needed help to do it again. Tell Maria I apologize for you being involved and I'll make it up to her."

"Don't make promises you can't keep. She was really pissed. Cover your bolas when you see her so she doesn't cut them off. She was already pissed off that Jose sold his truck and got a POS Chevy" I'm sure I heard some humor in there or maybe I was praying he wasn't serious. Maria can be very intense but she's a sweet lady deep down.

I spent the next hour apologizing to the guys for having them get involved with my mess of a marriage. By the time I was done it was dinner time. I went to Durty Bull Brewery. I haven't been drinking as much as I used to since this all happened. I keep myself to one beer a day. This place was known for a hand crafted pizza. I got the Queeny Kolsch and small Reginella pizza with almost everything on it. They had the news on a couple of the TV's and story about the punk bitch being beat up was featured. They had no clear suspects at this time. Turns out he's some connected lawyer in Charlotte. His firm does work for a lot of large businesses throughout the state. I guess that was what Karin wanted. I wonder what he was getting out of the deal besides a pretty wife. The news never mentioned his earlier beat down. I guess it didn't fit the narrative they needed to portray.

I had to admit Karin was a beautiful woman. I mean, I'm not going to marry some ugly chick. She wasn't the popular girl in school. She was a late bloomer as they say. Turns out her mother wouldn't let her dress in the latest styles as she thought they were sinful. Shirley, herself was a pretty yet plain woman.

When karin got it on her own she started wearing make up and getting her hair done. She's medium height for a woman at 5 foot 4 inches tall. She was slightly chubby in school. Not overweight mind you. When she started working full time the weight came off with being on her feet all the time. Long burnette hair down to her waist. She has an easy smile which helped her as a waitress. She did very well on tips. I guess her friendliness got us where we are today.

The new job went well. We had 3 houses to put up. I was going to have to hire a couple of more guys if things keep going this way. I went home to clean up and go pick up Earl for the game.

Pulling up to the house I go up and knock on the door. It's the first time I've been here since this fiasco all happened. Shirley opened the door and immediately grabs me in a hug. "Oh Hal, its so good to see you. How are you holding up?"

"I'm good Mom Shirley, besides the arrest and being questioned by police on Monday life is great. How have you been?" Returning the hug that only a mother can give.

"Shirley let the man breath before he passes out." Earl says with a hearty laugh. "how you holding up my boy?"

"I'm good Earl. You ready to head out?"

I give Shirley a kiss on the cheek and head out. We're not out of the driveway before Earl pipes up.

"I finally talked to my stupid daughter last week. She talked about how she deserves so much better than you can ever give her. She talks like she's royalty or something. Who the fuck deserves something. I thought you had to earn it. She'll realize one day what she lost. And have you met Prince Charming, Oh yeah you have.' he said with a laugh 'I mean when you weren't kicking his ass?"

"Never had the pleasure besides when we were in court."

"Well let me tell you, I can tell he's all hat and no cattle. He talks a good game but there's nothing below the surface. A pretty face with the right background. You know, the kind of guy they groom for political office. And keep a hand up his ass like a puppet. She bought him to the house when I wasn't home. Shirley let them in and I found them talking in the living room.

Let's say I was pissed when I found them inside. She said she wanted to explain her side of the situation. I told her I didn't care about her side. The fact that she cheated on you told me everything I needed to know. That's when whatever his name was jumped in. I shut him down real quick and told them both to leave. She had crocodile tears as she left. I haven't seen or talked to her since. She called Elina. It didn't go very well. You know how she feels about you. Especially after fixing her porch after that storm. Ted wasn't much better. He told her if Marsha had did what she had he would do more than divorce her."

The game was really good. Knights beat the Norfolk Tides 9 to 7 on a 2 run double in the 9th. Why Charlotte doesn't have a major league team is beyond me. Every game is sold out and the city is full of die hard fans. It helps that its the only winning team in the city. Panthers and Hornets suck, Charlotte U sucks in everything. The soccer team isn't bad but its soccer so does it really count?

My days out with Earl are some of the best of my life. We've always had an easy time with each other. He's getting ready to retire from working at an engineering company next year. He's a worker so I have no idea how he will deal with all that free time.

I was "asked" to stop at the police department again. I had Tom met me there again. They rehashed the same questions about the assault of Irving. They even hauled in Jose, Oscar and Ramon again. I had Tom represent the guys just in case. Irving's law firm was putting pressure on the department to find a suspect.

When he got beat whoever it was never said anything, was totally covered in black with a full face mask so he couldn't even say what color the guy was. Only that he was tall.

Tom told them once and for all, either arrest one of us or leave us alone. If not he will sue the city for malicious prosecution. We never heard anything more about it.

A month later I had the big trial for beating the punk bitch. Tom is a really good lawyer. He started by building a foundation of the kind of guy I am. Small business owner, helps neighbors and never broken a law. That after my wife ambushed me with a divorce and how I came home to find a strange man coming out of my bedroom thinking he was a burglar.

The District Attorney herself took over the case. I guess Irving's firm was putting pressure on her office for a conviction. She painted a picture of me being a violent man that had no reason to assault Mr. Irving. What burglar wears $1000 suits with Italian loafers.

Irving took the stand and talked about how he was helping his friend Karin get some belonging from the house when he walked out of the bedroom and was viciously attacked for no reason. He talked about the injuries he sustained during the attack.

When questioned by Tom he asked if his friend Karin was living with him? How long they had been in a relationship. Did the relationship start before she moved out. The DA objected to each question. When asked if he was carrying anything when he came out of the bedroom he said no. Which lead into how was he helping his friend Karin move if he wasn't carrying anything.

When pushed about the fight Tom asked if he tried to defend himself. The police report showed that the only injuries I had sustained was from being hit by a frying pan. He hesitated, saying he was caught unawares and couldn't defend himself from the attack. How he could have been killed and I should be put away forever.

Karin took the stand and parroted what Irving had said. She let him in to help her get the rest of her things. When asked what else they needed to get she just said some small stuff. Tom asked what was in the bedroom she needed to get that Mr. Irving would have to be there. She didn't really have an answer. Tom pressed that she was there to throw her new relationship in my face one last time. DA objected to that. Was she aware that the house did not belong to her or her ex-husband? She responded she always thought the house was in my name.

The police and EMT's were called to the stand to give what little testimony they could. EMT's painted a picture of how bad Mr. Irving's injuries were compared to mine.

The DA rested her case and Tom took over. I was called to stand and explained my thoughts during that day. How I didn't notice how Irving was dressed, I just knew some strange man was in my house. I was defending my castle. In Carolina you can use whatever force is necessary to defend your home. The DA tried to paint me as a violent man who was out of control. I answered her how should a person respond when they find a stranger in their home. I didn't have tea to offer him. That bought a laugh from the jury.

Tom called Ms. Wilson and some other neighbors to testify on my behalf. Ms. Wilson told the DA she should leave me alone as I'm a nice guy and told Karin she should be ashamed to have cheated on me. She knew she had been bringing Irving to the house for months while I was at work. The DA objected but what is heard can't be unheard.

My guys also testified on my behalf. The DA tried to bring up the 2nd assault and how they were suspects which bought Tom to his feet objecting and asking for a mistrial. There was a brief recess while they talked in the judges chambers. After 10 minutes they came out with Tom smiling and the DA with a frown. There wasn't declared a mistrial but the DA was reprimanded.

I felt it could go either way. It took the jury 2 days of deliberations to finally find me not guilty on all counts. I felt like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

2 months later I was divorced. The only issue that popped up was with the house. Karin thought she would get half of the value but my mom never changed the house over to my name. It was still in her name. So she walked away with the $4751 that was her half of the savings account.

I had a small celebratory BBQ the following Saturday. It was a small affair, some neighbors, my crew and their families and Earl and Mom Shirley.

You would think it was over and I could move on with my life. No, that punk bitched sued me in civil court for damages. Civil court is a whole different animal. You don't have to be guilty to lose. Just show that you were responsible for the damage to the plaintiff. He had his high powered lawyers from his law firm on the case. He sent the discovery packet that was 57 pages long. They asked everything except how long it took me to be potty trained.

Something strange happened a month before the court date. He dropped the case. I was called into the Charlotte police this time to be questioned about another assault on Mr Irving. The assault took place when I was on a job with 20 other people around in broad daylight. Same with my crew. I learned through Ted when he talked to Karin, Irving's car had also been vandalized several times, flat tires, spray painted, broken window and finally sugar in the gas tank. Each time they left a note. "Leave him alone". The straw that broke the camels back was when he was beat and they pinned a note on him saying "It will only get worse". He didn't know if Karin's and Irving's relationship would last. He thought didn't think all the pain and hassle was worth it.

Finally being free of the bullshit I was able to focus on business. I had hired another 10 guys. Oscar became a foremen of one crew while I ran the other crew. We got out lucky break 16 months later. We were working on a 5 house project when the General Contractor upped and quit leaving the developer at loose ends. I made him an offer to finish the project if he buys the materials and pay whatever is left on the contract. We not only completed the project early and but also under cost. Not only was he pleased but he gave me another contract for an apartment complex with 5 buildings. We became his go to contractor. I always say we because not only is Oscar still with me but also Jose and Ramon. They are all foremen with their own crews. Maria runs the office for me.

About 3 years later I found Ms. Wilson on her porch. She had passed away. I miss her so much. She was like the aunt I never had. She was always checking on me making sure I was okay. No one made oatmeal cookies like her. I found out she didn't have any close family and left her estate to me. She had quite a bit of savings and some investments. I donated it over time to various charities, mostly food banks around the region. I did keep the house and rented it out. This way I could pick and choose my neighbors. I rented it to a single mom with 2 little darling daughters. I've become Uncle Hal to them.

As we celebrated 5 years in business with a BBQ, Jose came up to me and asked if I had heard about Karin or Irving lately. I still got third hand info from her family. Earl and Mom Shirley moved to the Villages in Florida of all places. Karin didn't get married to Irving who finally realized she wasn't worth the hassle. She ended up moving to Morehead City and marrying a high school English teacher. Robert Irving had ran for city council when pictures of him and a hooker doing cocaine was released by an anonymous source. He hasn't been heard from since.

Jose just laughed and said, "I told you I knew people who knew people and you owe me a new truck", and walked away.

The End.... or is it?

Hal appeared briefly in Words and Actions (Loving Wives)

Tom Pohl was in Double Fault, Cancer 1 & 2 (Loving Wives) Plus One 1 and Trashman (Romance)

Baby Cindy (As a grown woman) was in Cancer 1 & 2 (Loving Wives)

Detective James Smith appeared in Double Fault (Loving Wives)