Miller's Trauma

Miller's Trauma

Yes this is another Greenville Story.

I don't know if I ever thanked you all for your comments, kind, constructive or even critical. Some authors say ignore the comments and I usually did but now I read them without taking it personally. But its hard. You need feedback. I have learned not to take them to heart. But the first time someone wrote that they enjoyed the story and to keep writing, I wanted to run outside and scream in joy. I did do a little dance in my living room My last story, Hal's Story 2. I was compared to qhm1 and I think I cried a little.. When someone wrote the story sucks, I promised myself to never write again. Hopefully they have made me a better writer. I thought I would do maybe 2 stories but this will be my 26th.

This story is another departure of my usual fair. Maybe I'm growing as a writer. It started as one idea and morphed into something else. This is the story of 3 people dealing with the trauma of a cheating spouse. My last story part 2 of Hal's Story was the easiest I've ever written. This story has been the hardest and by far the longest I've ever written. Still no editor.

This story idea has probably been done before and most likely by better writers than myself. This is a story that questions his manhood on many different levels and he faces them.

I hope you enjoy the story.

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The Beat Down

"Stop hitting my Daddy!" I could hear my 6 year old daughter yelling at the stranger that was beating me. Not only was he beating me, he was slapping my face back and forth. One of the worst things you can do to a grown man is slap him. Only one step from spitting on him.

How did I get to the point of being beat almost to death by some guy I never met? Easy he was fucking my wife and I walked in on them.

My daughter and I were out for the day. We had planned on spending the day with my parents taking Jill to the Zoo and than dinner. We weren't supposed to be home until 8pm. It was going to be a family trip but Heather begged off at the last minute saying her cramps were real bad. Since Jill was looking forward to it just the two of us went.

After visiting my parents as we were leaving my dad tripped on the steps and twisted his ankle bad enough to be needed to taken to the ER. We spent 4 hours waiting to see a doctor, get X-Rays, wait for the results of said X-Rays and again talk to a doctor. Luckily it wasn't broken but sprained pretty good. They wrapped it up and we took him home. Surprisingly for a 6 year old Heather was more worried about her Papa than going to the Zoo. He promised we could go when he was better. Once he got settled we headed home. I didn't feel the need to call Jill to let her know the change in plans.

45 minutes later we pulled up to the house to find a blue beat up Chevy Malibu in my driveway. For what ever reason I didn't have any strange feelings about the car. We went into the house with Heather yelling for her mother. She wasn't downstairs so I headed up the steps with Heather close on my heels. All the bedroom doors were open and I heard a noise that shouldn't be coming from the master bedroom of I wasn't in there.

I got to the door and there was some guy fucking my wife from behind. Without thinking I ran in and grabbed him by the hair to spin him around. I'm not a fighter. Never had been. I'm 36 years old. 5 foot 11 inches tall. I have been called lanky. I own a food truck for God sake. I have and never had a need to fight. So I grabbed him and spun him around and got one good shot. It wasn't a good shot, it was very ineffective glancing off his ear. He turned after being hit and proceeded to beat me like Tyson beat Spinks. He punched me in the face several times knocking me into the dresser. He followed up with more punches to my gut area. As I slide down almost out of it and unable to defend myself he started slapping me back and forth, forehand and backhand. Calling me a little bitch. Someone who can't satisfy his wife. That she needed a real man to fuck her.

I heard my daughter yell, "Stop hitting my Daddy!" than I heard her scream and hit the wall. Then silence and blackness.

The Hospital, meeting Cooper and Smith

"Sir, Sir, can you hear me?" A voice very far away. She sounded like she was talking to me but I wasn't sure. I tried to open my eyes but my lids wouldn't move. So I went back to sleep. My last thought was of my daughter. I hoped someone was protecting her because I couldn't.

"Mr Scales, can you hear me? Mr Scales squeeze my hand if you can hear me." This time it was a man asking the questions. I squeezed his hand. I opened my eyes and saw a short Indian man in a blue lab coat standing over me. "Mr. Scales, I'm Dr. Singh, your in the hospital. You been here since Saturday when a neighbor found you beaten. Its Monday. You have a severe concussion, both cheeks bones are broken. An orbital bone is also broken as well as 3 ribs and your left wrist. Are you able to talk? The police have some questions about what happened."

Clearing my throat, "Yes I can talk. I need to know where my daughter is, Is she okay? He hurt her."

"Calm down Mr. Scales, The police will answer all your questions shortly." The doctor answered without answering.

A nurse gave me a sip of water a few minutes later. After she left an indeterminate amount of time the door opened again and 2 detectives walked in and introduced themselves. Sargent Cooper, a tall Black guy with a bushy mustache and DC Smith with a swarthy complexion who would be better named Scalizi or maybe Martinez. Maybe he got his color from his mother side.

The first question, Can you tell us what happened. Before I answered I asked where my daughter was and if she was okay. After some hesitation they asked why I thought my daughter might be hurt. I told them the story of finding my wife having sex with some guy I had never seen before. There was the Blue beat up Chevy Malibu in the driveway when we got there. I know I was jumping around telling the story.

"My daughter ran into the room yelling not to hit me anymore and as I passed out I heard her scream and hit against something. I don't know if the guy hit her or not, I can only assume he did."

"What was your wife doing while this was going on?" One of the detectives asked.

"I don't know, I was fighting for my life. She didn't say anything the whole time. The fight seemed like it lasted for hours but was probably less than 5 minutes at the most. I'm not a fighter. He seemed to know what he was doing with his fist. I answered your questions now answer mine. Where the hell is my daughter? I'm not saying another word until I know!"

"Calm down Mr. Scales, We don't know where your daughter or wife is right now. You were found by your neighbor, a Mr Hubbard, after he heard some screaming and saw a blue car peel out of your driveway. A few minutes later as he was walking towards your house he saw your wife's car drive away. He went in when he noticed the front door was open. He called out and not getting an answer he checked the house and found you in the master bedroom unconscious.

The room showed signs of a struggle and the techs found 2 different blood types, yours and an unrelated female. It was found on the opposite wall from where you were found. The bed and living room sofa showed signs of sexual activity. We tried to contact your wife by phone without success and reached out to her relatives you have listed in your phone. So far we haven't been able to reach her."

"What do you mean unrelated female? There was only my wife and daughter there. Was there someone else there?" My mind was racing. My daughter may be hurt and no one knew where she was. My wife may have ran off. Either with this guy or from this guy.

"We don't have all the information to answer that for you. The investigation is still ongoing. Do you have anyone we can call for you?" Cooper was trying to sound sincere but years of doing this made it sound hollow.

"I don't have any family here. My brother lives in North Dakota and my parents are dead. Jill and Heather are... or were the only family I have." I was starting to understand that I may have lost my family. At the least my wife, at the most my daughter. Right now she was by biggest concern.

Cooper walked towards me, "Mr. Scales, can I call you Miller?' I nodded my head in the affirmative, "Miller, we're going to do our best to find your daughter. I have a 10 year old girl myself. I can understand how you feel. And the also the bastard that did this to you."

"I appreciate that guys, if I come up with something myself I'll let you know."

They both left and I feel asleep not realizing how tired I was.

Jill's Story A perfect life

I had such a good life, no it was great actually. My daughter is such a nice girl. Never a problem, always polite. Never gave me a hard time even as a baby. Even though everyone says she looks like me she's definitely a daddy's girl. She would run to Miller as soon as he came home and never leave his side. Go with him on the weekends to work on the food truck. He said tips tripled when she worked with him so the crew loved having her there.

My job was perfect. I was an accountant at Apex Accounting. It wasn't very stressful and I always had weekends off.

We lived in a beautiful 3 bedroom home in a lovely neighborhood. There were kids for Heather to play with. The neighbors watched out for each other. I had a yard with a huge flower bed in front and Koi pond in the back.

My husband Miller might not be every woman's dream but easily 85% of the women would love to have a man like him. I would get comments all the time about what a catch he was. He's tall and lanky. Its the best way to describe him, lanky. Full head of red hair from his mothers side and clean shaven. He is whip smart and funny. He's the kind of person that makes everyone feel good and comfortable. He's not the life of the party, never the center of attention. But you know where he is because of the laughter. People comment about how intently he listens to someone. They say its like the world stops and they are the only people that exist. He looks them in the eye and responds to what they said not what he wants to say.

He owns one of the cities most popular food trucks, Carolina Delights. He could make shoe leather taste good. That's how I met him, at a food truck He was working at, at the time. Called Ethiopian Delights ran by a nice African couple, Harriet and Nishan. They ended up opening a restaurant and sold Miller the truck 2 years later. He was just starting cooking and was only a helper at the time. They were closing up and I wanted to get one of their Pulled Jerk Chicken Sandwiches with red cabbage slaw. He was reaching up to pull down that little awning they have and I asked, maybe begged for a sandwich. He just happened to have enough for one more sandwich so he gave it to me. I was so pleased I ran off without even tipping or saying thank you.

I went back the next day to thank him for his kindness and noticed how handsome he was. I asked him out because he was not only cute in a boy next door way but very funny. We went bowling and ate bowling alley nacho's. It was the best date I ever had.

We dated for 8 months before he asked me to be Mrs. Scales and another 6 months before I was walked down the aisle. 2 years to the day we had Heather and life was complete. The next 8 years was the best of my life.

So why did I screw it up?

Sargent Cooper's Story A break in the case

Damn, how can someone disappear so completely? This Scales chick just fell off the face of the earth. Searching her house gave us no clues to where she could be, if she's dead or who she was having sex with. The last evidence we had of her whereabouts are 2 ATM withdraws from banks within the city and her taking out the maximum both times.

We ran the DNA found in the bedroom and on the living room sofa. Hers was on the sheets showing she had sex with someone. Lots of sex it appears. Besides vaginal secretions there was fecal matter also.

The seminal fluid didn't match anything in the database. On TV it appears everyone in America is in the crime database which isn't true. You have to have committed a crime, served in the military or have done a DNA test somewhere along the line. Whoever Joe Boxer was, he was a ghost so far. Not even fingerprints bought up anything.

The blood showed to be Miller Scales which was all over the dresser and carpet. Considering how badly he was beaten it was to be expected. Its been a while since I've seen a grown man that badly beaten, especially by one person. Either Scales can't fight worth shit or this guy is really good with his hands. Hence the aka of Joe Boxer for now of Suspect #1. Smith is checking out boxing clubs and gyms in the city. How do you ask for what you don't know. Jill Scales didn't belong to a gym or even work out. We had to check out every angle we had. Cutting down on the haystacks to find the needle.

The second blood sample showed that Jill Scales was the mother of whomever the sample belonged to. We're assuming it was or is the daughter. Sadly it also shows that Miller Scales is not the father. So not only does he get his ass beat like a drum he finds out he's not the girls biological father. The sample started in the middle of the chest of drawers mixed with hair and ended at the bottom with some on the carpet. It appears the child was either thrown or pushed against the chest and slide onto the floor. The hair and amount of blood shows she probably had a head injury.

We spent the next couple of days interviewing almost everyone at her job. Twenty five people all told. None admitted to knowing she was having an affair. She never took long lunches or even worked late. She talked about how much she loved her husband and family. Most people knew him as he would bring his food truck to the job for lunch once or twice a month. They even gave us permission to review her work computer which showed nothing. No strange or suspect emails. Another dead end.

Canvasing the neighbor yielded no clues except the next door neighbor Mr. Hubbard saw the Chevy leaving but didn't notice who was driving and the wife's car leaving a few minutes later. Nothing showed on any of the ring camera's.

Because of the missing and possibly injured child this became a priority investigation. We had reporters calling within hours. The Chief of Police and PIO thought it best if we put out as much information as possible with the child and mothers pictures as well as a description of her vehicle.

2 days after we spoke to Scales we got a break after getting her phone records. They showed an inordinate amount of calls to 2 numbers over the last 2 weeks. One belonged to a Clay Riggins. White male, 27 years old, 6'2" 195 pounds. Played Tight End at Appalachian State and in the Arena League for 2 years for the Iowa Barnstormers. He was a member of the App State team that beat Michigan. Now he was a gym teacher and football coach at Hunter Huff High School.

The other number went to a prepaid cell phone so we didn't know who owned it.

We went to interview Mr. Riggins. Stopping at the office we found out he had been off the last 2 days and had just returned to work today. As we went to his class the bell rang for class change. He came out with the students and seen us coming down the hallway. He's eyes got wide and he took off running. Why people run I have no idea. We have your name, picture and address. We will find you eventually. We got lucky and he ran into a group of girls and tripped knocking several over. Smith was right behind him. As he went to grab him Riggins reached up and punched at him. Caught Smith with a pretty good right cross but he was able to shake it off and follow up with his own one two to his nose which took the fight out of him. I guess he was one of those guys who can throw a punch but not take one. We grabbed him up and handcuffed him,

Since it happened in a high school and every kid having a phone it was all over social media before we got to the car in the parking lot. By the time we got back to the station is was on mainstream media. When we walked in the door the phones were ringing asking for information and interviews.

Miller's story continues, Who the hell is Clay Riggins

Its been 3 days since my beating and my wife and daughter disappearing. I was discharged a day after being interviewed by the police. I haven't heard anything from them since. I had to stay at a hotel because my house was still a crime scene. They let me get some clothes as long as I was escorted by a police officer. I was surprised by the amount of blood in the bedroom. Seeing the chest where my daughter was thrown into made me mad. I wanted to find the guy and this time do things the right way. With a gun or big stick. Nice and slow, a knee at a time, elbows and than hands. I wanted him to suffer.

I had called my parents to let them know Jill and I would be getting divorced. I explained that I had caught her cheating. They were really upset because they loved Jill like a daughter. I didn't tell them about the beating and Jill and Heather being missing. There was no need to worry them anymore then

they already are. I later found out they had seen the news reports after I called them.

I called Jill's parents, They had been contacted by the police asking if they knew where she was. They didn't have any contact with her for a couple of weeks. So they weren't surprised when I told them we would be getting a divorce.

A crime of this type, husband almost beaten to death, missing little girl made the news for days. I wasn't back to work. I was able to contact Ed, one of the chefs, and had him run things until I got back. He and everyone else were really upset about what happened to me. They went to the commissary kitchen like any other Monday but when I didn't show up they freaked out because it never happened before. They called and not getting an answer they drove by the house seeing it blocked off with crime tape. Mr. Hubbard told them what happened to me and they rushed to the hospital. I have a good bunch of people working for me.

I won't be able to work for some time. My ribs hurt whenever I move. My face is a swollen mass. And one eye was still closed. It wasn't physical damage that worried me. I had to admit I was scared of going out in public. They hadn't found the prep yet. What if he wanted to finish the job. I had to think about what he did with my daughter. Every time I think about her I cry. I've never felt so helpless in my life. I couldn't defend her or avenge my manhood. What is a man with a family? He supposed to be a provider, which I am, a protector with I'm not. My wife had to seek sexual satisfaction from another man.

As I'm laying on the bed in my hotel room my cell phone rings. I didn't know the number but have to answer in case its about Heather. Its a reporter from the Greenville Times. He's asking if I knew my wife was having an affair with Clay Riggins?

"Who the hell is Clay Riggins?" I ask bewildered.

"Mr. Scales, the police arrested him earlier today. Do you have anything to say about this?" The reporter said matter of factly.

"No comment for now." and I hung up. The phone rings again with another unknown number. I let it go to voice mail this time. It rings another 5 or 6 times. 3 radio stations and a TV station asking for interviews when I check the messages. None from the police.

I call the police station and ask to talk to Cooper. When he answers, "Why the fuck didn't you tell me you arrested the guy? I had to hear about it from the fucking newspaper calling for an interview."

"Mr. Scales Calm...

"Don't tell me to calm the fuck down. If one more person tells me to calm down I'll fucking kill someone. My daughter is missing and all you can say is calm down. This is bullshit."

"Okay Mr Scales, I get it. We just picked him up an hour ago. You know how fast social media works. We picked him up at the high school he works at and every kid had a video of the arrest. We're getting ready to question him in a few minutes. He have to wait for his lawyer. We do need you to come down to try to ID him for us."

"I'll be down in 20 minutes" and hung up. I had to shower and get dressed. I've been sitting feeling sorry for myself.

Jill's Story Continues, Meeting Clay Riggins.

I met Clay at the grocery store of all places. We literally bumped into each other in the condiment aisle. We both said excuse me at the same time. I looked at him and was shocked. He was tall, well built with piercing gray eyes. It felt like he was looking into my soul.

He apologized again for bumping into me and asked "Would you allow me to buy you some coffee for being so inconsiderate?"

I was surprised by the invitation but had to decline holding up my hand showing my wedding rings. That did not deter him. "It's only coffee, I promise to be the gentleman that a beautiful woman deserves. Plus there's a Starbucks in the front of the store." So we went and had coffee.

I found out he is a gym teacher at the high school and an assistant football coach. He played at App State and a couple of years in the Arena Football League, what ever that is. He had grown up in Spencer about 45 minutes away. He seemed pretty full of himself. We talked for about 30 minutes and I had to leave to pick up Heather at dance class. He asked for my phone number. I reminded him I was a married woman. He smugly said "You never said you were happily married." Here's my number. Give me a call some time and he handed me his card.

I know I should have thrown it away but I didn't. I put it my purse and headed to the dance studio. I usually did errands while she had class. She loves her dance classes. I hope she keeps up with it.

For some stupid reason I called Clay a week later, again while Heather was at dance class. We met for coffee and Brew Haha and just talked. He never came on to me. We did flirt a little but that was it. It went on for a month until he finally asked me out. He knew all about me by then. Where I worked, what my husband did, how long I was married and even some intimate things another man shouldn't know about ones marriage.

I told him it wouldn't be right for me as a married woman to go on a date with another man. "It's not a date Jill, its two friends getting together to eat, have drinks and talk. Whats wrong with that? It's nothing we haven't done already except its at night."

"I don't know Clay, its bad enough I'm meeting you now, but at night. What would I tell Miller? I don't think he would see it has two friends having a meal."

"Than don't tell him. Say you're going out with co-workers. All it will be is dinner. Maybe dome dancing afterward. What's the harm?"

What's the harm? How that phrase came back to bite me in the ass. I went out to dinner telling Miller I was going with some co-workers to celebrate someones birthday. I felt guilty lying to him. I know he deserved better. So why did I do it. Because I'm a stupid selfish woman. I had a younger man who wanted me. He never did anything untoward or obvious. But I knew and he knew that I knew.

We went to a restaurant outside the city in Fort Mill just over the state line at a nice Mexican Restaurant called El Cancun. He was a complete gentleman as usual. We had our usual nice conversation. He did occasionally hold my hand as he made a point. We ate then we went to a small club down the street. I didn't drink a lot because I had to drive home and I didn't want to get out of control.

While dancing I started notice how well built he was. I know he played football but he still kept in shape. During a slow dance as he was holding me tight I could definitely tell he was well built, if you know what I mean. That was the beginning of my downfall.

Sargent Cooper's Story continues, the interview

Riggin's attorney finally showed up and he had a chance to talk to him. While we waited Scales showed up. He was still pissed at not being informed that we had picked up a suspect.

"Miller, I'm glad you're here. I want to do a line up before we start our interview. Will you be able to identify him?"

"Yeah, I'll never forget that bastard."

"Okay good, come with me and we'll bring them out in a second." I took him to a room with a one way mirror looking into a larger room. Police use two methods, if we have the suspect in custody we do a line up as long as we have people who look similar to them. If not we do a photo line up. We had a couple of suspects and 2 officers that could do a line up so that's what we did.

I hit the intercom and told Smith to bring them out. I noticed Miller visibly shudders when Riggins walked out. "That's him, that's the bastard right there, number 3!" The whole line up hadn't even come out when he ID'd him. We had to wait until everyone was lined up to make the identification official.

"Okay Mr. Scales, can you identify the suspect that assaulted you?"

"Yeah, number 3 I said. Number 3. I will never forget that motherfucker for the rest of my life. Did he sat what happened to Heather? He knows where she is!" He started banging on the glass, "Where is my daughter? What did you do with her you bastard!" We had to drag him away into another room.

"We're going to find your daughter Miller, Give us some time to talk to him. Go home, there's nothing else you can do here."

"Go home, Go Home! How the hell can I go home when my daughter could be in danger and that bastard knows where she is!"

'I said we will find her. Give us some time. We're getting closer everyday. I promise to call you later tonight to let you know whats going on, okay?"

"I'll be waiting Cooper."

He left and I went into the interview room to talk to Riggins. He sleaze bag lawyer was with him. "You've been read your Miranda Rights, your lawyer is here. Any way you can help us get through will go a long way for you, Do you understand?"

He nodded his head, "I need you to say yes or no for the record."

"Yeah, I understand"

"Good, can you tell me what happened Saturday June 4th?"

"Saturday" June 4th? I can't remember what I was doing that day." he answered like we already didn't know.

"Does a Jill Scales ring a bell?"

"No, I don't know a Jill Scales."

"That's funny, her Husband just identified you as the guy he caught having relations with her that day. Not only that but also as the guy who savagely assaulted him on the same day. I notice you hands are bruised. How did that happen?"

"He's lying, I don't know him or this Jill woman. I hurt my hands working out this weekend."

"So that's how you're going to play it? I don't know, it wasn't me? How about this, you're under arrest for assaulting a police officer. Obstructing Justice and anything else we can charge you with. Once we get your DNA I'll add enough charges that you'll never see the light of day again. And that doesn't include being an Accessory to Kidnapping or Assault of a Minor."

He jumped up as far as he could consider he was chained to the table. "I didn't kidnap anyone or hit some kid. This is bullshit."

He attorney chipped in, "My client is done with any questions at this time."

"Fine with me. I got everything I need to put him away."

He was taken away but before he was out into a cell we did a DNA swap on him. Once we got a match everything else would fall into place. Except where the hell Millers wife got too.

Jill's Story continues, On the run to nowhere except madness.

Heather keeps asking about her father and saying her head hurts. I've told her that her father is okay and we will see him next week. That's all I can think to say. She saw Clay beating her father. I was so shocked I didn't know what to do. Clay had never shown any violent tendencies. But he went crazy when Miller attacked him. I thought he had killed Clay. He laid on the floor where he fell as he was beaten. There was blood everywhere. Heather came running in doing something I should have, She tried to protect her father. Clay swatted her away like a fly. It threw her into the chest of draws and she hit her head and it knocked her out. That's when I started screaming at Clay. He turned to look at me with a wild crazy look in his eyes. I thought he was going to attack me next.

"This is all his fault, he attacked me and I was defending myself. He's lucky I don't kill him."

I was terrified and didn't know what to say. I got out of the bed and went to see how Heather was. She was unconscious and bleeding from the back of her head. "You bastard, look what you did! I need to call an ambulance."

"No, if you call them they will have to call the police and I'm not going to jail." He started to gather his clothes and ran out the bedroom.

I had to get Heather some help. I didn't know how bad she was. I looked over to Miller. He was knocked out but breathing. His face had already started to swell up and there was blood coming from the back of his head also.

How could I explain what happened. My husband was near to death and my daughter seriously hurt after I was caught having sex with another man in our bed. I had to get Heather some help. God forgive, I got dressed, picked up Heather and ran to the car. My first intention was to go to the ER. But they would ask questions. Heather would say how her father was being beaten and the man hit her also. The police would get involved. I would lose everything. I might even end up in jail.

Clay had already drove off and was headed down the road when I came out the house. I put Heather in the back seat, got in and started to back out the driveway. I saw Mr. Hubbard, our neighbor coming across the yard. I didn't wait or say something to him. What could I say so I just drove away.

I had no plan of where to go. I didn't even pack a bag. Heather was starting to come around. I had to get her help but where could I go? I didn't want the police to get involved. So the ER or even an Urgent Care place was out. I stopped at a Walgreen and got some bandages and pain pills for her as well as some snacks and drinks. I drove away and parked behind a Walmart so I could check on Heather. Her head had stopped bleeding. She seemed to be better but said she had a headache. I cleaned her wound and wrapped her head the best I could. Anyone seeing it would question what happened to her. I also gave her some Tylenol. She was sleep in 10 minutes. I didn't know if that was good or bad. I took off driving again. I stopped at ATM's and took out as much as I could. I still didn't know where I was going. I decided to head west into the mountains.

I stayed off the main highways and took route 74. 3 hours later I was entering Tennessee. I was exhausted and needed to rest. I found what looked to be a cheap motel. I hope they took cash. For double the rate the clerk took cash. He probably didn't even log the room which was okay with me. I got Heather into the room and ordered a pizza. I was afraid to use my cell phone because I didn't want it traced.

Heather had woken up and kept asking for her father. I would tell her the same thing each time. We're going on a trip and she can see him next week. She wanted to call him to make sure he was okay but I told her my phone was broken. I said he was okay and would see us next week. I prayed he was okay. It was crazy to say considering everything that's happens but I love Miller with all my heart. I never loved Clay, I don't know if I even liked him.

The knock on the door startled me. I had forgotten I had ordered pizza. I realized I was getting paranoid. We ate the pizza in silence as she watched a cartoon on the TV. I needed to make a plan. We had to get more clothes. I only had $500 left. I was afraid to use my credit cards. I had to figure this out. I think I know what I have to do.

Sargent Cooper's Story, 2 nd Interview

With all the press we were able to get a rush on the DNA. It was a match to Riggins. So we could put him at the scene. The bruises also showed he had most likely been in a fight or did the assault. The neighbor identified his car.

We bought him in for a second interview. "Mr. Riggins, I'm going to ask you for the last time. Do you know a Jill Scales?"

"I told you I don't know a Mrs. Scales or any of these people you keep asking me about."

"Last chance Riggins" I say looking him square in the eye, unblinking.

His lawyers answers for him. I guess trying to earn his fee. "My client insist he doesn't know a Mrs. Scales."

I smile at his response. "So how did his DNA end up on the sofa and bed? Not only his DNA but his semen?" I stop and wait for him to say something. The room is filled with silence.

He looks at me than his lawyer. He's lawyer is trying to come up with a plausible rebuttal. I knew I had him.

"We also have a positive ID from a neighbor seeing you leave the house 5 minutes before he found Mr. Scales beaten pretty badly. The kind of beating that would leave bruised hands like yours. Also Mr. Scales was able to identify you positively as the person who beat him."

I leaned back. I had nothing else to add at the moment and waited for him to respond.

"Okay I know Jill, She invited me to her house. We both knew we were going to have sex. It was the first time we got together like that. We had been having lunch dates while her kid was at dance class. I didn't know anything about her husband coming home. She said he wouldn't back before 6 or 7 that night. I was fucking her when some guy grabbed me and tried to punch me. I only defended myself. I didn't know who it was. It was all self defense."

"If it was self defense why did you run out. Where was Ms Scales when this was happening?"

"As far as I know she was on the bed. She didn't say anything. If that was her husband getting his ass beat wouldn't she yell stop or at least say that's my husband. She didn't say shit. After he fell to the floor she yelled about her daughter. I didn't even realize she was there. I guess I might have accidentally in the heat of the moment push her away. Jill ran to her daughter and started screaming at me. She never went to her husband. I got dressed and got out of there. I knew it wouldn't be good for me. I'm fucking the guys wife, get caught and beat his ass and accidentally and I mean accidentally hurt that little girl. Why do you think I ran when you showed up at the school?"

"Okay so you admit to knowing and having sex with Mrs. Scales. 'accidentally" hitting the child known as Heather Scales and beating Mr. Scales on Saturday June 4th. I know before you say anything you allege it was self defense. Now, the only thing left is what happened to Jill and Heather Scales. You were the last person to see them."

"I don't know where she or the kid is. I left before she did. Anything else that happened is not my fault. I didn't threaten her or anything. I told her I didn't know that was her husband and I left."

"Have you been in contact with Mrs. Scales since you beat her husband almost to death?"

"The characterization that my client beat Mr. Scales almost to death is predujicial. He was simply defending himself by than unknown attacker." He lawyer said like he was in front of the Supreme Court.

"Yeah, defending himself with extreme prejudice to the point the man had to be hospitalized for 2 days. I'm going to talk to the District Attorney. I recommend he charge you with Assault with intent, Assault on a minor, Child abuse, Trespassing, Threatening bodily harm, Fleeing the scene of a crime, assaulting an officer of the law. Resisting arrest and just plain being an asshole for starters. The officer will escort you back to your new home." Now I just had to find the Scales woman and the kid.

Miller's Story Dealing with Trauma

Getting back to the motel I was exhausted. Dealing with everything was finally catching up to me. I kept going back to why would she cheat on me. What have I not done or could have done better as a husband. We made love 2 to 3 times a week. I thought she was satisfied when we did. Could she have been faking orgasms all this time? She never complained or acted differently during or after. I didn't notice her acting differently before this all happened. She didn't work late or go out on the weekends. No girls night out. We still went on dates at least twice a month. Sure things changed a little after Heather was born. We talked about having another child but it never happened for whatever reason. We were more than comfortable financially. She didn't have to work if she wanted. My food truck was one of the more popular ones in the area. I was getting request to set up all over the area. I was even thinking of getting another one because of the demand and having Ed run it. I probably could have 3 trucks really. Catering was getting busier. People had approached me about partnering for a brick and mortar location. People don't realize the work that goes into running a restaurant. The folks that owned the truck before me run one of the best restaurants in the city now, Almaz, a great Ethiopian place. I don't know how they do it since they also own one the busiest bakeries in the region that sells all over the southeast. The restaurant business isn't for me. I have the freedom to do what I want when I want.

Sleep finally came without me knowing. I don't know how long I slept until I woke myself up screaming. I looked around seeing a strange room not remembering where I was. The dream, no the nightmare that woke me up was still fresh in my mind. I found myself in my bedroom. I was tied to a chair while Riggins fucked Jill in our bed. They were laughing at me the whole time. Jill yelling how good it was to have a real man fuck her. Riggins saying she will never be satisfied by me again. Then he was slapping me and I couldn't defend myself. Jill was laughing, saying how not only could I not satisfy her but couldn't even defend myself. Heather appeared out of nowhere asking if he was going to be her new daddy. That's what woke me up.

I cried, I cried like a little bitch and couldn't stop and I hated myself for the weakness of crying. What could I do? No matter what happened he had already won. He beat me. He had my wife. I couldn't protect my daughter. He gave me the ultimate disrespect. As a man I would always be second best to my family. Even if I beat him later it wouldn't help. I couldn't do it one on one. I would need a metal pipe, or gun. Not man versus man like he did me. I couldn't reclaim my wife sexually because she gave herself to him willingly. What kind of man am I?

I looked at my phone seeing it was 4:30. I laid down afraid of what sleep would bring me. My mind was racing again, going over the last 72 hours. Again sleep crept up on me and I woke again at 9. Still tired.

I got up and took a shower which didn't help me. I had never felt so sluggish. I wasn't hungry but knew I needed to eat so I went to Eggs Up. I ordered the Grand Classic for some unGodly reason. Sitting in the restaurant I noticed people looking at me. I thought it might have been because of the way my face still looked. My eye wasn't completely shut but still pretty swollen. Both eyes were black from the fractures. I had a tendency to whence if I moved the wrong way because of my ribs. I couldn't even make the joke of "you should see the other guy". The news had gotten out even though my name wasn't mentioned but Jill and Heather's names were for the Ashanti and Amber Alerts with a description of her car. Quite a few people knew me from the food truck.

While I was eating several people I knew or knew me came up to ask how I was holding up, if they could do anything or to even offer prayers. A few where fishing for information that wasn't in the news but I calmly deflected. One person had paid for my meal. Some where sincere and others had a look of pity on their faces. Maybe it was me but I felt the men were looking at like I was a loser. A cuckold. Women were looking at me like I was half a man that couldn't satisfy his wife. Maybe I was projecting.

As I was leaving the restaurant my phone ring. It was Cooper. I answered, "What's up Cooper, good news I hope."

"Good Morning to you to Miller. I wanted you to know Riggins confessed to the affair and assault. He said it was self defense because he didn't know you were the husband. He said he didn't realize he had hit Heather."

"Does he know where they are?" I said interrupting.

"No, he said he left before Jill did. The neighbor, Hubbard, said the same thing, He saw Riggins car leaving before Jill. He said he hasn't had any contact with them since he left. I believe him, We checked his phone and email. The DA is throwing everything he can at him. When he's convicted he's looking at a minimum of 15 years."

"So I'm back to not knowing where Jill and Heather is."

"We will find them Miller. I don't think they have been harmed. I believe Jill took off on her own. Do you have any idea why she would run like that? One other thing you might want to know. He did say it was their first time getting together. They had been having lunch dates while Heather was at dance class."

"Besides cheating and getting caught, no. I thought we had a good marriage before all this happened. So now I know how she was able to hide her affair. Whether it was the first or tenth time she was still having an affair."

"Sadly that's what all husbands say before they find out the truth.' Cooper said with a touch of sadness in his voice. Maybe he had the same experience. Cops have a high rate of divorce. 'I'll keep you up to date if anything changes. Also you can go back home. They got everything they needed from the house."

"Thanks, Cooper, I appreciate it" and we hung up.

Jill's Story Revelations and Realization

Heather woke up screaming in the other bed. I didn't know what was going on at first. All I heard was her yelling, Stop hitting my daddy over and over. By the time I got out of bed to her she was crying asking for her father. All I could do was hold and try to comfort her.

She's always been a daddy's girl. Her first steps were to Miller. Her first words were Dada. I'm just the lady that gave birth to her. I know she loves me, never doubted that but she adores and worships Miller.

She was still complaining about her head hurting. I know I would have to get her some real medical care. I'm holding her and trying to reassure her she will see her father soon and he is okay. She finally cries herself back to sleep. I lay down next to her thinking about how I got myself into this situation.

I had been seeing Clay for about a month. We had that dinner which was my biggest mistake. I felt him getting hard against my stomach and started to wonder or fantasize how it would feel inside me. It had been years since I had been anyone else besides Miller. Almost 7 years ago. I was at a conference in Atlanta. I had met some people during the seminars and we would have lunch and dinner together. The last night things got out of hand. We all had to much to drink. The next morning I woke up next to one of the guys. I couldn't even remember his name let alone what happened that night. One thing I did know we had sex that night. I could feel his semen running down my leg.

I had never thought once about cheating on Miller. He was my world. We had talked about having kids. He was doing good with his job and I was doing well with mine. We had a beautiful house waiting to be filled with children. Now I ruined everything. I started to cry in despair which turned into wails. That woke up whatever his name was. He looked startled. He looked around the room trying to get his bearings. He reached over to try to comfort me. The thought of his touch only made it worse. I got up and ran into the bathroom. I jumped into the shower and ran it as hot as I could. He came into the bathroom to pee and left without a word. I don't know how long I stayed in the shower. I finally realized I had to face the world. I cheated on my husband. I couldn't even say I was raped. Saying I did because of the alcohol is a weak excuse. I cheated. I swore that I would be the best wife Miller could ever hope for. I kept that promise until I met Clay. When I found out I was pregnant 3 weeks later I prayed it was Millers. He had no reason to think otherwise. Her blood type matched ours so there wasn't any red flags. We went through life has the model of an American family. All we needed was a dog.

Why cheat with Clay, stupidity and selfishness. After that dinner I thought about him more and more. We still had our lunch dates while Heather was at dance practice. It was the only interaction we had besides phone calls. He started pushing for more. We had started kissing. First it was just a goodbye peck on the cheek. Then we moved to holding hands to eventually necking like teenagers in the car in the back of the parking lot. It was exciting because it was illicit and public. He wore me down and I agreed. We had planned on taking Heather to the zoo with Miller's parents. I begged off at what appeared to be the last minute but I had already planned on not going. I told Miller my cramps were really bad, which happened occasionally. Being the loving husband he believed me.

It was an hour to the In-laws house. 30 minutes to the zoo and they had planned on having dinner after the zoo. I figured they wouldn't get home no sooner then 6 or 7pm. That left me a long time to spend with Clay. It was our first and going to be only time. I promised myself that. He got to the house around 11. Parked in the driveway which I thought wasn't that smart. He blew it off saying the neighbors didn't know who's car it was.

We started in the living room. Kissing and touching. He was a good kisser. Totally different then Miller. He was more forceful. He took my top off and started sucking my breast. Its one of my sensitive spots and my pussy started to moisten. He stood me up and striped off my shorts I was wearing. No panties of course. He laid me back on the sofa and dove face first into my wet pussy. The first touch of his tongue made me cum. I never had a tongue that far into my pussy. It felt like a smaller wet cock. He did things to me that drove me wild. I actually squirted from him eating me out. I never squirted before in my life. I hadn't even touched his cock yet and I was wiped out. I laid there almost comatose after 15 minutes. If we stopped now it would have been the best sex I'd ever had. He wasn't close to being done.

He picked me up like I was a rag doll and asked where the bedroom was. I weakly pointed up the steps. I had planned and doing it in the guest room. He had other ideas and took me to the master bedroom.

When we got to the room and he threw me on the bed he stripped down. He still looked like he could play football. He not only had a 6 pack but he was sporting a thick 8 inches. Miller is a good 6 1/2 inches. I was always happy with what he had.

For the next 3 hours he did things to me I never thought could happen in real life. I came so many times I lost count. We stopped and rested twice to give him time to recover. With Miller its usually one and done. The third time after we had a quick lunch we were back at it. I was surprised and pleased. He was as hard this time as he was the first. I sucked and swallowed his cum. It tasted like lemons. I had even rimmed his ass. I had never done it before but wanted to do everything I always dreamed about. I was tongue deep in his ass and he was calling me his little slut. Every word made my pussy tingle. I rode him in the amazon position. I had tried it once with Miller but he wasn't comfortable with it. Clay told me to ride his big cock. Dared me to make him cum. Said I couldn't make him cum with my pussy. The more he pushed me the harder I fucked him. I started begging for his cum. He reached up, grabbed both nipples and twisted them. It sent me over the edge and I thought I had cum hard before. I remember screaming and squirting all over his cock and stomach. He was yelling 'cum bitch, cum on my cock' The more he yelled the harder I came. It was so overwhelming I was crying. He owned my pussy at that point.

I came to laying on my stomach. I looked over and he was smiling at me. I tried to smile back but I couldn't move. We screwed again in about 4 different positions. Took a break for lunch. I remember him hammering my ass. It had taken him 30 minutes to finally work it in. he took his time and was very gentle. He had been in for around 10 minutes when he went to pound town. I was losing my mind. I had never felt anything like that before in my life, again. I keep repeating that that's the way I felt. I was having a continuous orgasm with each stroke.

That's when everything went to shit. Clay yanked his dick out of my ass, at least I thought he did but I later found out Miller had come home and found us having a bedroom rodeo. He had grabbed Clay's hair and spun him around and tried to punch him. Miller is not a violent man and to my knowledge had never been in a fight. Clay proceeded to beat him up. Clay was shorter than Miller but in much better shape. He had muscles where Miller didn't. He just kept punching him and punching him. Miller tired to defend himself but was helpless after the first couple of punches. He slide down against the dresser almost unconscious and Clay started slapping him, calling him names. It had taken me a minute to get myself together. I was still mid orgasm when it all started. I had turned around to see Clay beating the hell out of Miller. I was so shocked I was speechless. Then this blur ran into the room yelling, 'Stop hitting my daddy'. Clay still slapping Miller swatted her away like a bug and she flew into the wall hitting her head. That's when I finally got my whits together and ran to Heather. She had been knocked out and was bleeding from her head.

I started yelling at Clay to stop and get out. He had a crazy look about him. I thought he was going to start hitting me. He finally stopped beating Miller. It was like he came back from where ever he was at. He looked around and cursed, He said he didn't know who that was. He looked down at Heather and asked what happened to her? I told him he did it. He freak and grabbed his clothes and ran out the house.

I looked around, Seeing Miller laying there in a pool of blood, looking half dead. My daughter laying there bleeding also, possibly seriously hurt. How could I explain this? What do I do? I did the worst thing I could ever do, I ran away. I got dressed. Picked up Heather and grabbed my purse and keys on the way out. I don't even know if I closed the door. Mr. Hubbard was walking across the lawn but I didn't stop, backed out the driveway and drove off. The only thing I could think of was get away and get Heather some help.

Here I am in a motel in Del Fucking Rio Tennessee. My phone had went off with an Amber alert for Heather. Most people ignore those things. It only takes one person to notice me or the car. I had no choice. Heather needed medical treatment for her head injury. I had to do whats best for her. I got her together. I told her she would see her father soon. We left the motel, stopped at Bojangles drive thru for breakfast and took the back roads to Asheville. It was the nearest city with a trauma unit in Carolina. I knew what would happen almost as soon as I walked into the hospital, nonetheless I had to do whats best for my daughter.

Miller's Story Reunion

Going back to the house was not what I expected. The master bedroom still had blood all over it. I stood there not looking at where I had fallen but where Heather had layed unprotected. I started crying over what I had lost. My manhood and possibly my daughter. I don't know how long I was there. I heard the doorbell. I got myself together and went to answer it. I was hesitant, not knowing who it could be. I remembered Riggins was in jail.

Opening the door Mr. Hubbard was there. "Miller, its good to see you again son. The Misses was worried about you. How you holding up?"

"I'm doing good Mr. Hubbard, I appreciate everything you did. You might have saved my life."

"Don't mention it boy, I did what any half decent man would do. Did they catch that bastard that did it?"

"Yes he's in jail, confessed to the beating and having an affair with Jill." Saying it caused a catch in my throat.

"Good, I hope he rots in hell. And Jill and the baby, any word about them? I see they have an amber alert out for them."

"No word so far. The police are looking. They are considering it a kidnapping right now. The guy, Riggins is his name, Said he had nothing to do with it."

"I figured as much. He hightailed it out of here about 5 minutes before Jill ran off. I didn't see the baby, I figure she was in the back seat. If you need anything Miller just stop over. The misses is going to drop you off something to eat. I apologize in advance, I couldn't stop her." He said trying to lighten the mood. Mrs. Hubbard was an excellent cook.

"Tell her thanks in advance. I'll be inside cleaning things up."

I went back inside. I had a couple of more visitors stop in. Some caring, some looking for news. I knew most of the people on the street. I didn't have or wouldn't tell them anything anyway. The media had stopped calling me days ago. It was old news now, even with the arrest of Riggins.

I decided to hire a cleaning crew to professionally clean the bedroom. I would stay in the guest room until it was cleaned up and I could replace the mattress. From what Cooper had said about finding sexual evidence on the living room sofa I would have to replace that also.

I called Ed to let him know he would be in charge for the next couple of weeks. Whatever he needed to do he could without running it past me. I trusted Ed, he had been with me since I bought the truck. He's the main reason I would feel comfortable running another truck. He can cook as well or better than me. He was glad I was up and about and would stop by to see me sometime. He said every had sent their prayers and good wishes.

I called my parents to let them know I was back home. We talked for a while. My mom shared her concerns about Heather and disbelief that Jill was the cause of all of this. She loved Jill like a daughter.

Mrs. Hubbard bought over a meatloaf with corn and mashed potatoes. It was delicious as usual. The first real food I've had in a while.

Mentally I was exhausted. It felt like I didn't have any energy. I went to bed after checking each door 3 or 4 times. I knew I had locked the doors. But in my head I felt like I had to double or triple check. For the first time ever I didn't feel safe in my own home. I took a knife from the kitchen to bed with me. As much as I hated the thought I felt I might need to get a gun.

I feel asleep around 9pm. Woke up again with another nightmare. This time Jill was laughing telling me Heather wasn't my child. Over and over. Heather was saying 'you're not my daddy'. I would rather die than hear her say that in real life. 4:30 again and I was wide awake.

I laid in bed making plans. I had nothing else to do. I would get a locksmith to change all the locks. Maybe get those reinforced doors. Possibly change the guest room or a place in the basement into a safe room. Get a good security system all around the house. I can't believe I've never thought about but I needed to talk to an attorney. I don't know if my business lawyer handled family law. If not maybe he can recommend someone.

In the back of my mind divorce was always going to be a end point of all this. How could Jill justify anything that happened. Even the Martian Slut Ray wouldn't cause this. It made me wonder who was this person she's become. She was always a loving and caring person. Would do anything for anyone. Everyone who knew her loved her. Was it all an act. Could someone fool not just me but everyone like that?

The non-related blood sample. That phrase kept churning in my mind. What does that mean? There were only the four of us in the house that I knew of. I heard Heather run in and then a noise like she hit against the wall. So the blood had to be hers. But why would it come up as unrelated? Please God she has to be my child. How could Jill do this to us. Was Heather mine? How could she not be? Than again I didn't know Jill was having an affair. Could she have fooled me and lied for almost 7 years? I know now anything is possible. Now I have to think how to move forward if she wasn't my child. NO, I have to stop thinking about that. She's mine heart and soul. They say blood is thicker than water. Love is stronger then anything. She loves me as much as I love her. She's mine, no one will tell me differently.

Eventually I fell back to sleep.

I woke to my phone ringing. Half sleep and still groggy I answered the phone without looking.

"Miller, its Cooper."

"Good morning to you Cooper. You got news for me?"

"I got good news finally. Jill and Heather walked into the Asheville Memorial Hospital this morning."

I was wide awake now. "The hospital, what happened, Is it Heather?"

"I don't have all the information. I know Jill is being held by the Asheville PD until we get there. They are treating Heather for a head injury is all I've been able to find out. Smith and I are leaving the station as we talk. I thought I'd call you first thing."

"I appreciate that Cooper. I'll meet you there. Thanks for everything."

"We're not done yet but we're getting close. Drive safely okay."

"I'll see ya soon."

Heather is safe. I cried again, this time tears of joy. My baby is safe. I went and pissed, wiped my face and threw some toothpaste in my mouth and ran out the house. I realized it was almost 10am. It would take me around 2 hours to get to Asheville.

I got in my car and headed out towards north towards 321., I figured I go north and hit I40 in Hickory and that would take me into Asheville figuring it would be the fastest route. I stopped at the Circle K to fill up and get some Coffee and a sausage biscuit. I was on the way by 1020.

I made it to the hospital in an hour and 45 minutes. I parked in the main lot and went to reception. I asked for Heather Scales room. The lady hesitated for a second. I showed her my license telling her I was her father. She seemed to relax and gave me the room number with directions and a visitors pass. Room 5West 302. I went to the west wing elevators. I almost took the steps I was so eager to see my baby. Its been 5 days and felt like a lifetime.

Getting off on the 5th floor trying to figure out which way room 302 was. I saw the sign for the rooms and headed towards the room. When I get there a doctor and nurse were inside looking her over. I went in and she saw me pass the doctor. She yelled "DADDY! Mommy said you would come. I really missed you!" I ran to her and got her in the biggest hug I could give.

We were both crying. It had been to long. "How do you feel baby? I missed you so much."

'My head was hurting but the doctor is making it feel better." She answered as only a 6 year old could. "I tried to stop that mean an from hitting you daddy. I'm sorry I couldn't help you." And she started crying again. We both did.

"Its okay baby. I'm safe and you're safe now. The nice doctor will make sure your head stops hurting. Let me talk to the doctor for a second okay. I'll be right outside."

"No daddy don't leave again please, don't leave!"

"I'm not going to leave, ever again. How about I talk to him on the other side of the curtain okay?"

"Okay daddy."

I looked at the doctor who waited patiently while we were having our reunion. We walked to the other side of the curtain.

Mr. Scales, I'm Doctor Greenwell, I've been treating Heather since she was bought in this morning. She had a concussion from the head injury and a slight brain bleed. Its not as serious as it sounds. It will heal on its own but that's what was causing her headaches. We're going to keep her a couple of days for observation. I understand this happened several days ago. Our biggest concern is how she was treated after this happened. We haven't been able to talk to your wife. I'll let you talk to our security chief about that. I'll let him know you're here. Did you have any questions?"

"Will there be any long term effects of the injuries I need to be aware of?"

"Physically no. mentally its hard to tell. Kids are very resilient and recover quickly. I do understand she had some trauma that may need therapy. Without knowing the full story and from what I just heard I think it might be best for both of you."

"Thank you doctor, with everything that's been going on I hadn't even considered that. I'll look into it when I get a minute."

He left and I went back to sit with Heather. She talked about what happened and where she's been. I still didn't understand what was going on with Jill. I wondered where Cooper and Smith where but I was just happy to be with Heather.

Cooper, Smith & Jill Answers and more questions

We pulled up to the Asheville PD HQ. A big old building from the 20's with very few updates. Walking in to the front desk we tell the Sargent who we are and why we were there. He made a call and we waited 10 minutes for someone to come out. We were met by a uniformed Captain.

"Good morning gentlemen, I'm Captain Armstrong. How was the trip?"

"Not bad, we missed rush hour and there wasn't any accidents on the way here. We lucked out. We appreciate you picking up Scales for us. I'm Cooper and this is Smith, were there any issues?" I asked after introductions.

"Nah, she came in on her own and seemed to know what would happened when she did. She hasn't said anything. Just wanted to make sure her daughter was being taken care of."

"Cool, here is the paperwork for the transfer."

"I'll have someone bring her out. We didn't mirandize her just to let you know."

"Okay, we'll take care of that. The only thing we have on her is Parental Kidnapping and Child Abuse. I understand the kid was admitted to the hospital?"

"Yep, I don't know the specifics of her injuries."

"I'll give the father a call later. He went straight to the hospital. He's probably there now."

They bought her out. She looked nothing like her pictures. She appeared to have aged 10 years. Her hair was unkempt and her clothes wrinkled. She shuffled as she walked and never looked up.

Smith read her, her rights and asked if she had any questions. She didn't respond. I instructed her she needed to verbally answer yes or no. She whispered a no.

We lead her to the car, put her in the back and headed back to Greenville. About 20 minutes into the ride I looked back and ask if she needs anything. The whole time she's been looking out the window. Again she doesn't respond. "Ya know, you most likely won't be charged with anything. It looks like you took pretty good care of Heather. At least you tried to treat her wound. It shows you're a good mother for bringing her to the hospital."

"I'm the worst mother in the world, trust me. There is no one worse than me." She said in a deadpan manner. No emotion, just a statement.

"Why would you say that?' Trying to get her to open up, 'You could have left her in the house but you didn't. You wanted to make sure she was safe."

"She should have never been in that position in the first place. If it wasn't for my selfishness none of this would have happened."

"What happened? We talked to Clay Riggins. He said it was all a misunderstanding. Was it a misunderstanding Jill?"

"The only misunderstanding was me thinking I could have it all. Miller is the best husband a woman could ever want. He was loving and caring. He's the best father ever. Heather loves him more than life itself. And he's the same way about her."

I look back at her in the rear view mirror. "Does he know about Heather?" I ask opened ended to see if she will get what I'm asking.

She looks me in the eye through the mirror. "He probably does by now, right?"

"How did it happen?" I say casually, like I'm asking about the weather instead of her darkest deepest secret. Not confirming if Miller knew or not.

"As cliché as it sounds a drunken night at a work conference. I don't even know the guys name. I woke up the next morning and there he was in bed. I didn't even think about being pregnant at that time. I was so upset about cheating on Miller. 3 weeks later I was pregnant. But Miller and I had had sex several times by than. So I put the thought of the other guy out of my mind. When Heather was born she had our blood types and the older she got the more she looked like me. So I never worried about it. I had promised myself to be the best wife and mother on this earth."

"So how did Riggins come in? He said you had been seeing each other for a while."

"I didn't see it as us seeing each other as he said. We literally ran into each other at the grocery store and ended up having coffee. It just became a thing. We would met while Heather was at dance class for coffee or lunch. We would just talk."

"How did you go from just talking to, well you know?"

"I told you I was stupid. I was curious and stupid. I gave up the best life that women dream about for some sex. Incredible sex sure, but if I could go back a week or a month and change everything I would in a blink of an eye."

I can understand that. We all make mistakes. But I wondered since I got this case, why did you run? You didn't assault Miller or Heather. That was all on Riggins. Why take off?"

"I panicked, I saw Miller laying there in a pool of blood caused by my lover. Heather was hurt. I lost it. I wasn't thinking right. I knew everyone would blame me. So I did the only thing I could think if and did another stupid thing, I ran. I left the love of my life laying there, possibly dying. I didn't even call 911 for help. He could have died because of me!" She lost it and started crying. She cried and whimpered the rest of the way back.

I had Smith take us to the hospital so she could be evaluated by a professional. An hour later he said she was being committed for 72 hour observation and placed on suicide watch.

Miller and Heather faces the past and bad memories

Heather was released and I had been given instructions to have a follow up visit in a week with her regular doctor. The Cat Scan showed the brain bleed had stopped. But if she had more headaches to take her to the ER.

I stayed with her the whole two days. She didn't want me to leave her side the whole time. Even when I went to the bathroom she would cry for me. I knew we both had issues that had to be addressed. I had to Instacart some clothes as I had ran out without packing any. I was able to use the Doctors shower while a nurse sat with Heather.

Smith called me to let me know they had picked up Jill and were taking her back to Greenville. She was facing parental kidnapping and child abuse charges for now. The DA may add more at a later date. I really didn't know how I felt about what was going on with Jill. Did I still love her, I loved what we had. I couldn't wrap my head around all that's happened. Maybe I do need to see a therapist.

I called my folks as well as Jill's to let them know what was going on. I didn't know what to tell Jill's parents about her future whereabouts. All were happy Heather was safe and doing okay.

The drive home was pleasant. I didn't rush to get back. We stopped in Lake Lure and got pizza at the Stagecoach Pizza Kitchen. We got home around 6pm. The Hubbard's were out front talking to the Nelsons who lived on the other side of their house. They gave us a wave and yelled that Mrs. Hubbard would bring something over for dinner.

Cooper had called before we had left the hospital to let us know Jill had been admitted to the mental ward in the hospital for 72 hour evaluation and a suicide watch. The latter surprised me. I would never have thought she would consider hurting herself. Maybe there was something deeper going on. I hope she got the help she needed. For Heather's benefit if anything. She still needed her mother.

I didn't know how Heather would react going into the house. She was okay in the living room. A little hesitant. She looked around and stood in the living room. I told her everything was okay and she was safe. I tried to sound confident even though I wasn't. I took her up to her room. I had closed the master bedroom door. She didn't need to see the blood. She was very quiet the whole time. Heather is a talker so this was different for her. I was going to give her the time needed.

She took a bath and put on her PJ's. We sat in the living room watching Frozen when the doorbell rang. We both jumped not expecting anyone. It turned out to be Mrs. Hubbard dropping off some food. She chatted with us for a minute than left. It was getting late and Heather was nodding off. I took her up to her room. She wanted me to stay in her room. I said I would and read a book while she laid in bed. She fell asleep shortly and I went to the guest room to sleep.

I was woken up by Heather's screaming. I jumped out of bed and went running. I thought she was in her room but she had went to what normally is my bedroom. She was standing there staring at the blood screaming.

"Its okay baby, its okay. Everything will be okay" as I grab and hold her. Taking her away from the sight of my greatest failure. She crying holding me.

"You weren't there Daddy, you said you wouldn't leave and you weren't there. I went looking for you. I thought that bad man had taken you away. I was so scared daddy!" I felt her trembling. I felt like the worst father ever. I should have foreseen this happening.

"I'm sorry baby. I won't leave you again. Come go to bed with me okay." And I lead her to the guest room where I was sleeping now. I held her as she cried and eventually went to sleep. It took me a little longer to fall asleep myself. Thinking how I failed as a father again.

Miller and Heather visiting the parents and answers to unasked questions.

The next day we both woke up at the same time. I noticed when she went back to her room she ran past the master bedroom without looking at it. We got dressed and went out to breakfast at Heather's favorite place, Fannie Cakes Cafe. For me it was the same as when I went to breakfast the other day. People looking at us. Heather's face had been plastered all over the media for days as a missing child. One person even called the police to report her location. We had several people come up and say how glad they were that she was found. People who knew me came up ad chatted a little. Heather being 6 didn't really understand all that was going on. She seemed uneasy at times when a man would come up to the table and and she would hold my arm. I was going to have to find a therapist pretty quickly, for both of us.

After Breakfast I wasn't looking forward to spending the day sitting around the house. So I decided to take Heather to see both sets of Grandparents. It had been a while since she seen her Papa and Grammy. That's what she calls Jill's parents. I made a call to see if they were home. They were glad to hear from me and happier I was bringing Heather over to see them. I know in the back of their mind they had to be wondering what type of relationship we would have going forward. They had always treated me like their own. I would never Stop Heather from seeing them. They lived in Kannapolis about 30 minutes away. I went back home and grabbed some clothes for us.

On the way up I called a friend who owned her own cleaning company. I arranged for them to come clean the bedroom while we were out. She said if they couldn't clean the blood from the carpet they would remove. I had no problem with that. She said getting it off the furniture wouldn't be an issue. I told her where the spare key was. I called Mr. Hubbard to let him know people were coming to the house to clean. I didn't need him calling the police on them.

We pulled into the long driveway of Doris and George Burnett. Doris was out the door before we came to a stop. Heather jumped out the car and ran to her jumping into her arms. Doris was crying as she held her. "Don't cry Grammy everything is okay now." Heather in her innocence said. Which made Doris cry even harder. George was standing in the doorway with a huge smile on his face. Doris carried Heather into the house.

As I said before, Heather is a talker. She was telling them almost everything that happened since she seen them the last time. After a while Doris asked if she wanted to help her make some cookies. Its their favorite thing to do together. Going into the kitchen they left George and I alone. I hadn't seen him in a while.

"Miller, I don't even know what to say to you my boy. Saying I'm sorry doesn't cut it."

"You have nothing to be sorry for George. Jill is a grown woman who made her own choices. I didn't think she would ever do something like this. The cheating was bad enough. But her leaving me like that. That's what bothers me the most. I could have died for God sake." I was trying to keep my voice down. I didn't want to upset Heather. "I just didn't think she was that kind of person. Then again most husband probably say the same thing when they find out their wife has been cheating on them."

"Well the cheating I don't get. She's never been that kind of person. But I think I can explain why she ran off like she did."

"What? You can explain it, what do you know George?"

"Nothing specific about this guy. But looking back when she was younger. She was one to take responsibility to a certain level. Lets say spilled milk was a level 1, Wrecking the car was a 10. Missing curfew was a 5. Got me so far?"

"Yeah, I think I'm with you." Waiting to see where this was going.

"She would take responsibility for the split milk or even missing curfew. But wrecking the car, forget it. She couldn't handle it. She would blame someone else, even ignore that it happened. She did have a car accident once while in college. It was her fault but she blamed the other driver. When the police tried to give her a ticket she fought the cop. We had to drive out to Lynchburg to bail her out. She never once took accountability for it. There's been other instances but not many. Overall she's a good person. I don't know where she got that from. We didn't baby her. We held all the kids accountable."

It gave me something to think about. "She's being held at the hospital on a 72 hours observation. I haven't gotten any more information. I wasn't ready to find out in all honestly. I've been concentrating on making sure Heather is okay."

"How is she doing?"

"Its been rough. I need for her to see a therapist. Also one for me if I'll be truthful. We both through a lot. She woke up and I wasn't in the room with her. She went to the master bedroom and seen all the blood. I had closed the door and was sleeping in the guest room. I woke up to her screaming. A father should never put his child in that position."

"Don't beat yourself up Miller.' He winced realizing what he just said reminding ourselves of what happened to me. 'It will get better over time. Children are resilient. By the time she's 12 if not sooner she won't even remember any of this happened. Its a one day at a time thing."

"I hope your right George. I really do."

Doris and Heather had finished the cookies and started on lunch. George and I talked some more about nothing in particular. Lunch was ham and cheese sandwiches with onion rings. Dessert was peanut butter and oatmeal raisin cookies.

After lunch, we walked to the car. I don't think Doris let Heather out of her sight once the whole time. I assured them nothing had changed between us and they could see Heather anytime they wanted. We would talk more when or if Jill was released. Doris thanked me with a hug and some left over cookies.

We took off to my parents place in Raleigh. It would normally be about a 3 hour drive. Of course there was the thrice daily accident on I85 outside of Lexington. So we stopped and picked up some BBQ. Lexington BBQ was made famous on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives. I mean its good but I'm not big on chopped barbecue. I picked some up for the folks. My father loves the stuff.

And of course there was another accident outside of Durham. We didn't get to my folks house until 7pm. By the time we pulled up in front of the house Heather was sleep. I carried her into the house. It was hard to believe it was only a week since I seen them and this all started.

I put Heather on the couch and went into the dining room with my folks. We sat down to talk and eat some Barbecue. My father was upset because I forgot to get the coleslaw. Luckily mom had some in the fridge. This is North Carolina. How does the commercial go, We put that shit on everything.

My mom asked how I was holding up. "As well as can be expected. Dealing with a lot of stuff I never thought I would to before. Heather's having some issues. We're both going to get some therapy when the dust settles. I'm calling around Monday to find someone. They arrested the guy who beat me up. Jill is in the hospital under psychiatric observation for I guess 48 hours now. The biggest thing I couldn't understand was why she left me in that condition. He father tried to explain it. It's still hard to understand and I definitely can't accept it."

"So you're going to get a divorce?" My mom asked. Not having a daughter, Jill was the closet she's ever come. Even though there was a 3 hour distance between them they talked almost everyday and got together at least twice a month.

"How can I not file for divorce. She cheated on me in my own bed. She had been seeing the guy for more than a month. And her boyfriend almost beats me to death and the topper is he also hits my daughter injuring her. And if that wasn't enough she leaves me seriously injured. So yeah, I'm filing for divorce as soon as I can."

"We get it, calm down son. We're on your side. And Heather's of course. You know how your mother feels about Jill. Its killing her that all this happened. Whatever we can do we will to support you."

"I appreciate that Dad, How's the ankle?" He had one of those walking boots on it.

It's getting better, still a little sore."

Just then Heather woke up and started yelling for me. I ran to her. She was still worried that I would leave her. She was still sleepy so we decided to go to bed at it was getting late. She kissed her Pop pop and Mom mom goodnight. We went to my old room to sleep. Luckily I had a full size bed so there was room for both of us. With me in the bed she slept soundly the whole night. Me, not so much. I had another dream but didn't wake up screaming this time. I was in a full sweat though. It was more in the same theme as the other ones.

The next day we spent a nice time with the folks. We spent most of it out in the backyard. We grilled some burgers for lunch. Heather appeared to be her old self for a while. I had received a call from Jackie letting me know they had been to the house was able to get all the blood cleaned up. I still wasn't going to sleep in that room until I got rid of all the furniture, especially the mattress.

We headed home at 2 and somehow there were no accidents so we got home at 5. Mr. Hubbard was as always out front in his porch. He told me some people had come to do some cleaning. I told him I appreciated him keeping an eye on things for me.

It was a quiet night. Heather slept with me again. Tomorrow was going to be busy. I had a lot to do so we both would have a good future.

Jill's Story Insight and Realization

I'm almost where I deserve to be. Not quite jail but close. They have me in the loony bin part of the hospital with 24 hour surveillance because they think I will hurt myself. Would I, I've never thought about that before. Maybe its like someone saying don't think about a pink elephant and all you can think about is pink elephants. Maybe given the chance I will hurt myself. Hopefully as badly as Miller was hurt or Heather. Its only what I deserve.

I didn't see a doctor for the first day. I was fed if you can call it that. A bologna and cheese sandwich, chips and juice in a plastic bottle for lunch and dinner. Nothing I could use to hurt myself. All I could do was sit and think. Like I haven't been doing that since this all started.

Have I really been thinking? I mean, was I thinking when I left my husband laying in a pool of blood possibly dying? Was I thinking when I ran out taking my injured daughter and not taking her immediately to the hospital. Was I thinking when I accepted that first cup of coffee with Clay. A man who isn't my husband. And I damn sure wasn't thinking when I invited him into my house to have sex.

Maybe I can get the doctor, if he or she ever shows up to help me understand why I started down this road to destruction.

Sitting in a room with no stimulation is torture. I see why prisoners become violent. The next day I was given a breakfast sandwich and hash browns, plastic jug of orange juice. Again, nothing I could use to hurt myself. When they came to pick up the tray I yelled at the nurse. Telling her if I didn't see a doctor or was let out today I would sue the hospital. I banged on the door and started tearing up the room. It wasn't much to tear up. I just threw the sheets and pillows around. A nurse and several security people came into the room. She had a needle and they had shackles. I was backed into a corner and they finally grabbed me and she put the needle in my arm. I guess I woke up hours later handcuffed to the bed.

A doctor who looked like he could have been 16 years old came into the room with a security guard. "Good afternoon Mrs. Scales. Are we going to have any more problems today?"

"Are you going to help me or are you going to let me sit in this damn room forever?"

"I'm here to help you Mrs. Scales. I'm sorry it's taken so long for me to get here. Can you tell me what lead you to be here?"

"I can if you uncuff me and treat me like a human being."

"We will if there won't be any issues okay?"

"No issues and then we can talk once I'm uncuffed.' The security guard gave me a look but came over and undid the handcuffs on the bed. 'Okay you want to know how I got here. Stupidity. Plain and simple stupidity."

"Can you care to expand? How does your stupidity get you here. From what I understand you're also being charged with child abuse, parental kidnapping and your husband was assaulted by your lover."

"Yes Dr. Obvious, I'm guilty of all of that and more. Though I don't know how a parent can kidnap her own child. But my actions caused all of that. My husband being beaten by my lover. My daughter being injured. Me running away. All because I was stupid."

For the next 3 hours we talked about all my issues. He even went back to when I was a child of all things. It was like in the movies. For a kid he was really insightful. We talked about my relationships in school. I had a boyfriend in high school that was on the football team. We had dated for several months which in high school terms was years. How, not realizing it at the time, I felt I didn't deserve him and had messed up the relationship before Junior Prom by cheating on him. I had completely forgotten it. Dr. Nolan said I had repressed the memories of how and why it happened. We talked about that and other cases.

We talked about how I had never taken responsibility or accountability for big things in my life. When I broke the neighbors window when I was 10 and blamed the boy next door. Having the famous car accident in college. It cost me having to call my father to get bailed out and 50 hours community service. I got lucky with that because it could have been worse.

Leaving Miller after the assault was me not taking responsibility for my actions. It wasn't about being scared or panicking. I was running from accountability. By the time we came to that conclusion it was almost 5pm. This time they bought me a real dinner with plastic fork and spoon. No knife still. Didn't need it since it was supposed to be meatloaf.

Dr. Nolan had told me he would be back in the morning. They could only hold me legally for 72 hours. Even so, with everything we had gone over I had hoped to be able to talk to him more. I felt I was coming to an understanding of why I reacted the way I did.

After dinner I was mentally exhausted. I went to sleep early, being tired and having nothing else to do.

Clay Riggins, gets his day in court or does he?

I've been sitting in this damn cell for the last week. I was denied bail which was bullshit. I didn't have a criminal record. Not even a speeding ticket. But because that punk ass bitch was well known in the community and them saying I almost beat him to death I was a danger to the public. It didn't help I had a Public Defender who still had tit milk on his breath. I told him it was self defense. I was attacked and didn't know it was the bitches husband. Its not my fault he can't fight.

My PD wanted to talk to me so I'm taken to a meeting room and shackled to the table. Of course he comes so I'll miss lunch.

"Okay Riggins' he begins in a voice that doesn't sound promising. "The DA has made an offer I think you should take."

"I hope its a good offer. I'm ready to get the hell out of here."

"If that's the case then no, its not a good offer. He will charge you with 1st degree Assault, 2nd Degree Child Abuse and Resisting Arrest but not Assaulting a police officer. He's offering you 10 years with possibility for parole in 5."

"What the fuck! 10 years! I'm not doing fucking 10 years! That's crazy, 10 years for defending myself. You gotta do better than that!"

"Slow down and shut up. Yelling isn't going to help you. Think about it this way. They look at you than look at Scales. You had him by 50 pounds and 8 years. Look at his injuries. You want me to list them? Its pretty long if you do. He's well respected in the community. Almost everyone knows the guy. And they all like him. And do I even have to bring up you hitting the kid. A cute little 6 year old girl who ended in the hospital for days. Even if I got this transferred to Durham you would still get the chair. Take the deal Clay. Stay out of trouble when you're in there and you'll be out in 5 years. Maybe sooner if there's overcrowding."

"Fuck, all because I wanted some pussy!" The guard comes into the room hearing yell asking if everything is okay. Perry Mason here just nods his head. 'There's nothing better you can do? Offer 5 years with a possibility for parole in 3."

He looks at me like I'm a child who can't have candy. "By law I have to take the counter offer back to the DA's office. I don't think they will accept. This is a big deal. The Scales woman and daughters pictures were all over the news. People wanted blood. It didn't help when you ran from the police and then punched one of them. They got witnesses of you leaving the house. Hundreds of videos of you punching a cop for God sake,. You want the deal or not?" he sits back with folded arms.

"Shit, all for some pussy. Yeah, I'll take the deal."

Jill's judgment day

I got released from the hospital. It was good talking to Dr. Nolan. He recommended I keep seeing someone to help me understand and deal with things better. I wasn't able to go home. I was taken to the local jail. I spent another week in jail until I saw a judge and my father was able to arrange bail, $200,000. It was only $2000 to my father but it cost me more than money. Dr. Nolan said I wasn't a danger to myself or the public. I also had a good lawyer. Something else I owed my parents for. I just had to wait for my court date. They were charging me with parental kidnapping, accessory to assault, fleeing the scene of a crime, reckless endangerment of a child and child abuse.

I couldn't go back to my home. Miller had a no contact order in place. So I stayed with my parents. They had picked up my clothes before I got out. To say they weren't happy with me would be the biggest understatement. My mother was barely talking to me. My father didn't say 2 words to me for almost 3 weeks.

Miller had bought Heather over to visit them a couple of times before I got out. I was glad of that. Once I started thinking about others I was afraid he wouldn't let them see her. Miller isn't that kind of guy though. Plus he and my father have a really tight relationship. I wonder how my relationship will be with Millers parents. His mother and I spoke all the time. At least several times a week. I couldn't worry about that now. I had to repair the relationship with my parents and possibly Heather. I know there's no coming back after everything we've been through with Miller.

Three weeks after I got out of jail I received the divorce papers. At least the waiting was over. I hadn't had any contact with Miller at all since everything went down. I was able to see Heather only in the presence of a court appointed supervisor for 4 hours a week. She was finally understanding why I wasn't going to come home. She was seeing a therapist. From what I later learned she was having nightmares daily. She didn't trust any men she didn't know. Only Mr. Hubbard, and her grandfathers. The nightmares only happen once and a while now. Miller still talks to my parents and they go to him to visit Heather. They let slip that he was also seeing a therapist.

I was talking to my attorney a month before my trial. He was one of the best working with law firm Spencer, Pohl & Dawson. He was also expensive. He said Clay had plead out to lesser charges and received a 10 year sentence. I hadn't even thought about being sentenced to that much time. Or any time really. I freaked out and starting hyperventilating. He gave me some water and got me to calm down.

Once I had settled down he said the Assistant District Attorney had offered me 5 years with possibility for Parole in 3 if I plead guilty to Child Endangerment. If I went to trial they would add the other charges and go for the full 15 years. He said most likely with crowding I would do less then 2 years with this deal.

I asked what would my chances be if I went to trial. He told me 50/50. With charges concerning a minor even though I wasn't responsible it could go wither way. He felt I would be better off taking the deal.

A funny thing happened before he could contact the ADA. He came back and said Miller had talked to the ADA and asked if I could get 10 years Parole with 100 hours community service instead of jail time. I was very surprised. I still hadn't talked to Miller in the last 4 months. He did talk to Dad weekly and they went to see Heather on the weekends.

Dad said he and Miller talked one day. Miller was worried how Heather would react with me being in jail. He knew I had been seeing a shrink since I got out of jail twice a week. He didn't ask for my behalf but for Heather. I took the deal, it was way more than I deserved.

So here I was, going to be divorced soon from the only man I ever loved. A felon so it would be near impossible to get a job in accounting so I'm also jobless and I'm living with my parents. Did I mention I lost all my friends.

I'm working at a diner as a waitress/bookkeeper for a restaurant in Rock Hill South Carolina. It's a

45 minute commute but its a job. The only job I could get. And only because he needed someone to help keep his books and he didn't do a background check.

My life is totally different then it was less than 6 months ago. I'm single, lonely, friendless and working way to hard for far less money. My hair is even going gray and I'm not even 40.

Was the sex worth it? Read the last two paragraphs again and you tell me.

Millers story finale.

That Monday after visiting the folks I called around to find a therapist for Heather and me. I found one that specializes in child abuse and trauma. She came highly recommended. I attended several sessions with Heather and now she goes on her own while I sit in the waiting room. Heather has made great strides. She's still not completely trusting of most men. The bigger ones still scare her. She doesn't have nightmares any longer and she sleeps in her own bed in the new house.

Yes, I decided to buy a new house for a fresh start for both of us. I had my own demons I was fighting. I attend sessions with my own therapist at first twice a week and now only weekly. I did start taking karate classes and going to the gym. I'll never be a musclebound guy like Riggins. But I'm in better shape than I ever been. Mentally I'm doing much better. No nightmares in months. I don't have that fear in the back of my mind any longer.

I went back to work in 3 weeks instead of 2. Ed did a great job. With all the notoriety business had picked up 3 fold. He had hired 2 more people to work the truck and 3 to help with catering. Everyone who worked those 3 weeks got a $3000 bonus. I did buy that second truck and made Ed a 70/30 partner in it. In 3 years he will be 50/50. Quite a few people were glad to see me back working. It took me a minute to get my feet under me. Especially with the new level of business.

Cooper called to tell me that Riggins had plead out to a 10 year sentence with a possibility for parole in 5. I would have loved him to spend the rest of his life in jail but I'll take what I can get. At least I didn't have to testify.

Heather was facing jail time herself. I don't know why but I went and talked to the Assistant District Attorney who was handling the case. He said he was offering 5 years with possible parole in 3. He was only charging her with Child Endangerment if she took the deal. If she fought it he would bring back the parental kidnapping and several other charges. I asked if he would be able to offer 10 years of probation and some type of community service without jail time. I explained how her serving time would adversely affect our daughter. He was taken aback by my request. He figured I would want the book thrown at her. I told him its not for her I'm asking him to do it for, its for our daughter. He agreed and she accepted the new deal.

Our divorce was final before the court date was going to happen. She didn't fight it. We never had any contact having our lawyers handle everything. She didn't fight it. She got 50% of the monies in the accounts. She refused her half of the house sale for whatever reason. She said out it in a college fund for Heather. I still see her parents. Her dad and I are even closer than before. Her mom picks up Heather from school and watches her until I get off work. Jill was finally able to see her without supervision. It's a little harder for her, She's working more hours than she did before at some restaurant called Hobo's. I hear they have good food. I'll never know myself. She finally moved out of her parents house but stayed close so she could see Heather whenever she had a chance. Her mom would pick her up if Jill wanted to see her.

Was Jill ever able to explain why it happen to me? I didn't care to find out why. It wouldn't make the beating less painful. The fear of losing my daughter less dreadful. The fact that she did it is enough for me. And that unrelated blood sample? Who cares, I don't.

Can I say my life is better. I'm a single father with a 7 year old daughter who loves me to pieces. I have a thriving business that takes up to much of my time. I'm physically stronger than ever. Mentally, everyday takes me further away from that awful Saturday that changed all our lives. I just tucked in my daughter, I'm going to bed because I have tomorrow to look forward too.

The End.