Revenge is Sweet

I woke up shivering as usual and pushed the cardboard I'd collected for insulation off of me, crawled out of the burnt-out car where I'd lived for the past year and a half and shuffled over to the oil drum. I was hoping it would still be warm from last night's fire. I poked about a bit and saw an ember, so I went back to the car for some paper to coax the ember into a flame. Once I achieved this, I fed it some cardboard and wood from our stack of broken pallets. When I was sure it was well alight, I went back to the car and shook Ivan (none of us could pronounce his real name, but he said he was Russian, so we all called him Ivan).

''Come on, you lazy bastard, get up the fire's going, and we need to get to the pickup point if we want any chance of getting a day's work, so move yourself NOW!''

Ivan slowly dragged himself from his cocoon of cardboard and went to the fire to warm himself.

''Fuck it's cold out here.''

''I thought you Russians were used to the cold?''

''I thought so too I must be getting old.''

We'd saved some of the Pizza we found in the dumpster last night and warmed that for breakfast. We then made our way over to the pickup point for day labourers. We would stand in a crowd with about a dozen other homeless guys, hoping for a day's work. A pickup truck would arrive, and the Foreman would pick up as many workers as he needed, take us to the building site for the day and drop us off at the end of the day. The money was shit, but we got a hot meal at lunchtime, and sometimes the regular workers would share their lunch with us. We may be homeless, but we wanted to work, and sometimes, if we were lucky, we would get offered permanent work. If that happened, we were allowed to sleep in the canteen in the warm for the duration of the build.

Today, we were in luck. We both got picked for a day's work, which meant we could afford to eat for the next couple of days. We were both big and strong (Ivan stood at five-eleven and weighed in at about 250lb. I'm six-three and weigh about the same) and were given hod-carrying duties for the day. We worked hard, hoping for a permanent position, and the foreman seemed pleased.

At the end of the day, we were given our $20 and were climbing into the truck when a man came out of the office and called the foreman over. They conversed for a short time, and the foreman motioned for Ivan and me to go over to him.

''Ok, you two, it's your lucky day, the boss was impressed with your performance today and has a proposition for you. First, though, are either of you illegals or on the run from the law?''

We said we weren't, so he continued. (I really wasn't sure as I have no memory further back than when I woke up in a box car in a siding in Euston)

The boss has a ranch that he's building a new house on and needs labourers to help build and construct an access road. The money's the same, but you get full board and lodgings. The job should take you through to the summer, so what do you say? Oh, and by the way, no drugs or booze on the premises''.

We both jumped at the chance of regular work, and neither of us did drugs, and we weren't great drinkers, me especially.

''So, do you need to get anything from your camp, or are you ready to go?''

''Ready when you are boss we both chirped.''

''Ok, tonight you can bunk down in the canteen and in the morning, we'll take you to get a shower and some decent clothes because you stink, and there are ladies where you're going.''

We couldn't believe our luck: somewhere warm to sleep and new clothes, it didn't get any better than this. In the morning, we were taken to Walmart and told to pick up toiletries, two pairs of jeans, some shirts, warm jackets and work boots. The foreman paid the tab and took us to a cheap motel for a shower and shave. Looking almost human, he then took us to breakfast at a local café; we had never had it so good.

Later that day, we were given another $20 each and bus tickets to Winchester Falls. (the name rang a bell, but I couldn't place it) After what I'm sure was the longest bus ride in history, we arrived and were met by a man in a Stetson and jeans. All he needed was a gun belt and duster, and he could have been a cowboy from the Old West. He told us to get in the back of an old pickup and introduced us to his other passenger, Blue. Blue was in the front and was the biggest dog I had ever seen, even Ivan was nervous. The driver introduced himself as Buddy, the ranch foreman and laughed at our reaction to Blue.

''Don't worry about Blue he's as gentle as a lamb so long as you don't upset him.''

Hearing his name, he pricked his ears pricked up, and he looked at Buddy for instructions.

''It's ok, Blue, their friends go back to sleep.''

And that's just what he did after giving us the once over. The ride to the ranch took nearly an hour, and we were thrown about quite a bit once we turned off the highway. I guess that's the road they want to be rebuilt, I thought. Once we turned off the main road, it took about another twenty minutes to reach the ranch. We stopped outside what looked like the main residence and got out.

An older man, also dressed like a cowboy, came out to meet us.

''Glade, you boys made it. Buddy will take you over to the bunkhouse and settle you in; there's plenty of room as roundup isn't for a few months when we hire more men. When you're finished, come back here for some chow, and we'll talk some more.''

The bunkhouse was spartan, but it was a palace compared to our burnt-out car. We quickly settled in and returned to the house. We were let in by a grey-haired lady named Grace, who said she was the housekeeper and cook. She ushered us into a huge room at the centre of which sat the biggest table I had ever seen. There were at least twenty seats around the sides. We looked a bit confused, and she said.

''Everyone eats together here, including Mr and Mrs Manning, Mr Manning says it improves the relationship between the boss and the hired help. Having said that, there are rules: no cussing, no smoking until after everyone is finished, no discussing politics, religion or women, and always come to each meal clean. Break any of these rules, and you eat with Blue in the doghouse. Now sit down, and the others will be here soon.''

We did as we were told, god help anyone who crossed Grace. Two more hands came in and sat down.

''You must be the new guys. I'm Tom, and this is Pete, we're brothers and do the day-to-day work, but we live in the town with our family, but we eat here to save Mom cooking.''

We introduced ourselves and continued our wait. Buddy came in and sat down, saying ''hi''. A short while later, Mr Manning came in with his wife, and we stood up until she sat down. He introduced us to his wife, who seemed genuinely interested in all of us, once we were all there, Grace started serving. There was water on the table or juice if you preferred, there were also biscuits in baskets to help yourself. She brought in huge tureens of mashed potatoes, mixed veg and plates piled with pork chops, there were also jugs of gravy. When it was all laid out, she sat down, and Mr Manning said to dig in. Ivan and I held back until everyone had filled their plates, and I saw Mrs Manning smile at our manners and nod to us to tuck in.

At the end of the meal, I was stuffed and found it hard to move, much to the delight of Grace. Who looked at Tom and Pete and said.

''I cooked it, you two can clean it up''. Then she looked at us and said, ''Your turn tomorrow.'' We thanked her for such a wonderful meal and said it would be our pleasure, which earned us a beaming smile as she left.

Mr Manning stood and said You two, follow me and we did as he ordered, we followed him out the back to what we were to learn was his smoking room.

''Ok, boys, you passed your first test, you were polite and courteous at dinner, I like that shows you were brought up right. Have a seat, and let's get to know each other. Drink?''

We declined as we both had a drinking problem in the past.

''Smoke?'' And he offered us a cigar.

We again declined, we had lost the habit over the past year, as all our money went on food.

''OK, me first. I own this ranch and about 1500 acres of prime grazing land. I also own a smaller outfit raising rare breeds and alternative meat animals such as ostrich and lamas. I started out as a commercial banker and made millions, but I was never home and had an ulcer. After a heart attack, Sarah threatened to leave me if I didn't change my lifestyle. So I retired at fifty and bought this place; that was twenty years ago, and I've never looked back. Ok, Ivan, your turn.''

Ivan looked uncomfortable at first but then started to relax as he told his tale, which I had never heard before. He told us he had come to this country with his parents to open a Russian restaurant. At first, it had gone well, but as soon as they started making money, the local gang had started extorting money from them. When his father reported it to the police, there was a fire at the restaurant and both his parents were killed. He was only sixteen, so he went into the system and was fostered out. The couple he was fostered to only wanted their check and beat him bloody, so he ran away. He's been living rough since then, he's now forty-five.

''You've had a rough life, Ivan, but work hard and keep your nose clean, and I'll turn it around for you. OK, Doug, your turn.''

''I don't know what to tell you. I woke up in a boxcar eighteen months ago with Ivan, and that's it. I have no memory before that, I don't even know if Doug is my real name. All I know is Ivan found me at the bottom of a cliff, all banged up.

''Haven't you ever tried to find out?''

''How I have no money and wouldn't know where to start.''

''Well, son, I may be able to help you out if you don't mind me involving the sheriff.''

''Mr Manning, I'd appreciate any help I can get.''

''You don't need to call me Mr all the time, I answer to Ted or Boss just the same, and you call my wife Mam, or some call her Mrs B. Now, you two go and bunk down it's been a long day, and I want you fresh in the morning. Breakfast is at six, so don't be late.''

The next morning, we were put to work digging the foundations for the new house. Halfway through the day, the backhoe we were using started to run rough, so we turned it off. I went into the machine shed, found some tools, and started to strip out the engine when Buddy showed up.

''What are you doing to my tractor boy?''

''The bearings have run dry and need to be replaced, there must be a blockage in the oil feed.''

''Are you a mechanic?''

''I don't know I just know what's wrong and how to fix it.''

''Ok, get to it, but if you fuck it up, it comes out of your pay.''

I stripped it all down and removed the bearings. The tractor was really old, and a rubber oil pipe had gone soft and collapsed, starving the engine of oil. I showed Buddy and said we needed new parts. Buddy went off to tell Ted, who came out to see me. After I showed him the problem and he finished swearing, he called the tractor dealer to see if they carried the parts. When they said they had the parts in, he said he would run me into town to make sure they were the right parts. While we were there, we would see the sheriff and see if he could help find out who I was.

We went into town, which seemed familiar somehow. After collecting the parts, we spoke to the sheriff. He took my picture and fingerprints and said he would send them to other town sheriffs to see what cropped up.

I had the backhoe up and running the same day, fortunately, it was only the bearings that were shot, the crank just needed cleaning. Just then, the dinner triangle sounded, and it was time to clean up.

The next few months were uneventful, and the house was beginning to take shape. We had finished the foundations and were working on the access road.

Buddy came over while we were taking a break.

''Simon, our neighbour, just called and said the fence was down by Big Bluff, and some of our stock are on his land. It's a two-man job, and Tom and Pete are on the south pasture and can't be reached as there's no cell service over there. Can either of you ride a horse as you can't get the Jeep up there?''

Ivan answered first, ''Fuck no; they scare the shit outa me.''

I answered without even thinking. ''Yeah, sure, I can ride.'' (where the fuck did that come from I can't remember ever riding a horse)

''OK, you and then you saddle up while I get the tools to mend the fence''.

I walked over to the stables, thinking, what have I just agreed to? When I got into the stables, it just seemed right, I quickly saddled two horses and led them out. Buddy and Ted were standing, waiting for me, Buddy examined the horses and nodded to Ted.

''Couldn't have done it better myself, Boss.''

Ted looked at me.

''Where did you learn to saddle a horse?''

''I don't know it just came to me when I walked into the stable.''

''Just like you knew how to fix that engine?''

''Yeah, I just knew I could do it without knowing why.''

''Must be some sort of subconscious thing, I suppose.'' Said Ted as he walked away, shaking his head.

When I got in the saddle, it felt like I had found my home, it felt so natural. I followed Buddy up to Big Bluff, and we found the downed wire.

Buddy dumped the tools and new wire by the remaining post and said we would have to round up the animals that had crossed into our neighbour's land.

When we spotted the errant cattle, Buddy said. ''Just try and copy me and try not to fall off of your horse, and laughed.''

It seems I didn't need to copy him, I knew how to wrangle steers, and I was herding them like I had been doing it all my life. When I looked at Buddy, he was sitting still, watching me with his chin on his chest. I herded them back through the break in the fence and about half a mile onto our land. When I returned, Buddy was digging a new fence hole. He looked at me, and it wasn't a pleasant look.

''OK, asshole, don't give me no shit where did you learn to ride and cut out cattle, what you just did takes a lifetime to learn day in and day out. Well?''

''Honest Buddy, I haven't the faintest; it just seemed natural.''

''I'm gonna keep my eye on you just the same, something about you just ain't right.''

We finished restringing the fence and headed home, every now and then, I caught Buddy giving me a strange look. We took the horses into the stable, curried them down and went to a late dinner that Grace had saved for us.

After dinner, Ted called me into his office.

''Buddy tells me you're a natural cowpoke and did most of the heavy lifting and that you don't know where you learned it?''

''Sorry, Boss, things seem to come back to me when I need them, but I don't know how I learned them in the first place.''

''Ok, I'll believe you for now, but if I find you are lying to me, your ass is grass, OK?''

''Boss, I swear I'm not lying. If I knew more, I would tell you.''

''Ok, Doug, I'll give you the benefit of the doubt just keep up the good work.''

Once again, things settled down, and we continued working on the road. The house was just about finished, and that weekend, a car I hadn't seen before pulled up in front of the new house, pulling a U-Haul trailer. A young woman and two young children got out and walked over to the big house, and disappeared inside.

That night, we were joined at the dinner table by the new arrivals and introduced. We learned that our newcomers were Ted and Sarah's daughter and grandchildren who had come to live here at the new house. Their daughter was Kate, and the twins were Sam and Becky, aged seven. Her husband had left her for another woman, and the woman's husband had tracked them down and shot both of them and then himself. Kate is a qualified accountant and will be taking over the bookkeeping from Sarah. We were warned to watch our language around the children or face the wrath of grace.

The new road was nearly finished, and Ivan was getting nervous about keeping his job. I knew my job was safe; I could ride a horse and fix machinery, but Ivan was just a labourer. I approached Ted after dinner one night and asked about Ivan. He assured me Ivan's job was safe and there would always be work for him on the ranch. When I told Ivan, he let out an audible sigh of relief and thanked me for my concern.

Come roundup time, the road was finished, and I would be out on the range with the other hands, or so I thought. Ted came over to me as I was servicing Kate's car.

''Doug, I want you to do me a big favour.''

''Name it boss.'' (should have asked what first because his answer nearly knocked me down)

''Buddy tells me you're the best rider he's ever seen, even better than him, so I want you to teach the kids to ride over their summer holidays. Can you do that for me?''

''Sure, but why me?''

''Doug, I've seen you playing with the kids, and they like and trust you. I've also seen the way you and Kate look at each other when you think no one is looking. I think you two would be good for each other and the kids. I don't want to rush you, so let's see how it goes.''

''Ted, I'm not a good bet I don't even know who I am, I might even be married with kids myself.''

''Son, we'll worry about that later let's just go with the flow for now, OK?''

''OK, Ted, but I'm gonna take it really slowly until I know more about myself. I keep getting flashbacks, but when I try to concentrate on them, they disappear. I have a recurring dream where I'm being held by two men, and then I'm flying, and I can hear a woman laughing.''

''Ok, son, you do what you gotta do, I've had flyers put up in neighbouring states with your picture on and a caption. Do you know this man? There's a reward for any information. No bites yet, but it's early days, so don't lose heart.''

So, the next day, I started teaching the kids to ride. Sam was a natural, but Becky was intimidated by the size of her horse. I had a word with Ted, and he sent me to a local horse trader, and I got her a sweet-tempered painted pony. After she met him, there was no stopping her. I took them out on the range every day. I also taught them how to saddle them up and how to cool them down at the end of a long ride. They weren't so keen on mucking out, but I explained they were responsible for their mount just like their mom was responsible for them. After that, there were no more gripes.

''One day, I was saddling up my horse and keeping an eye on the children when Kate came up to me.''

''Doug, is this a private outing, or can anyone join in?''

''Kate, I would be delighted if you came with us, I presume you can ride?''

''I can even saddle my own horse, you just watch me.''

And she did just that, the children were delighted and started showing off their riding abilities. I had to tell them to slow down as we had a long ride ahead of us. We left about seven AM, so I called a halt about mid-day to cool the horses off. We stopped at a creek one of the hands had told me was full of fish. So I brought three rods and tackle with me, we either caught fish or went hungry. Once we had cooled the horses and ground hobbled them, I put a nosebag on each to keep them happy.

Sam suddenly chirped up. ''What are we going to eat? We didn't bring a picnic?''

I showed him the rods.

''Do you know how to fish?''

''Dad never taught us.''

''OK, gather around for fishing lesson 001.''

I showed them how to assemble the rods and thread the line, then how to bait the hook with some worms I had dug up the night before. I cast out to a shady spot, and true to Pete's promise, I was landing a two-pound carp in a matter of minutes. Both the children were clapping and jumping up and down, screaming ''me next.'' Even Kate wanted a turn. Kate and Sam baited their hooks, but Becky didn't want to touch the worms, so I baited her hook for her. After a couple of practice casts and me getting Sam's hook out of a tree, they seemed to get the knack. I had brought tin plates, cups and utensils, but only enough for three. I also brought coffee for me and juice for the kids, I boiled water in a small billy and drank my coffee straight from that.

By the time I had a fire going, there were four more fish to clean. Sam had caught a Catfish, and I had to tell him to put it back in as they are bottom feeders, and without being marinated, they tend to taste like mud. Becky thought that was hilarious and laughed so much that she wasn't looking at what she was doing and put her hook through her finger. Laughter changed to tears, and when Kate went to tend to her, she refused to let her look at it and came over to me. The hook was embedded in her finger past the barb, which meant it would have to be pushed right through. So that I could cut the barb off before it could be pulled out. I explained what I had to do and said ''Count to three, and then I'll push it through.'' ''She said one-two.'' And I pushed before she was ready. She screamed, but the worst was over, I quickly removed the hook and cleaned the wound with the first aid kit I always took with me.

The tears soon stopped, and we were cooking fish over an open fire on bits of wood. We shared the fish and commented on their different tastes. Kate said it was about time to head back, so we packed up and were about to mount when Becky whispered in Kate's ear. Kate pointed to some bushes, and a red-faced Becky went behind them. We were all having a chuckle when Becky screamed. We all three raced behind the bushes, Becky was standing very still, looking petrified. In front of her was a very angry-looking Rattlesnake coiled and about to strike. Kate screamed as I jumped in front of Becky and took the strike on my ankle as I kicked the snake away into some bushes. We quickly returned to our mounts and searched Becky, looking for bite marks, thank god there were none. I took out my clasp knife and cut off my jeans leg, which I cut into strips to make a bandage and tourniquet to slow the blood down. I made a mental note to keep a snake bite kit in my saddlebag in future and hoped there would be one for me.

''Kate, I need to get back as quickly as possible, can you see to the kids and get them home? Don't worry, the venom is rarely lethal if treated quickly, but if I hang around, I may be unable to ride.''

''Go, Doug, we'll be fine thanks to you I'll call ahead as soon as I have reception, now go!''

I rode my mount hard for as long as it could take the pace, I lost track of time and was starting to feel sleepy when I saw our old pickup coming towards me. Kate must have made that call. When I got off my horse, I could hardly stand, and my leg was swollen and puffy. Ted and Buddy grabbed me and put me in the back on a mattress. I don't remember anything else until I woke up in the hospital two days later. I looked around the room and saw all the tubes and wires attached to me. I was about to press the call button when a voice on the other side of the bed said.

''Thank God we thought we'd lost you.''

I looked at the speaker, it was Kate, and I could see she had been crying by her puffy eyes. She reached over and pressed the call button and a nurse came in.

''You're awake, good, I'll fetch the doctor.''

A few minutes later, a doctor came in to check a chart and then my vitals.

''you're a lucky man Doug, it was a close thing. I've treated a lot of snake bites in my time and usually, it takes two to three days for the venom of a rattlesnake to kill its victim. That's why it's not considered a serious bite, but in your case, it seems you're allergic and you were going into Anaphylactic shock when they brought you in. As I said you're a lucky guy. Kate here hasn't left your side since you arrived and has hardly slept at all. So, Kate, now he's out of danger, I suggest you go home to those children of yours and get some rest.''

''Not a snowball's chance in hell, who knows what he'll do next to get himself killed? I go when he goes, end of the argument.''

The doctor raised his hands in surrender and backed out of the door. Kate looked at me.

''What are you smiling about buster if you get yourself killed, who's going to teach the kids to ride properly?''

She then leaned over me and kissed my forehead as darkness closed over me. When I woke up again, the room was dark and I was alone, I lay there wondering where I went from here. The door burst open and two whirlwinds launched themselves at me. Becky was trying to smother me with kisses as Sam did his best to crush my ribs. Kate was standing, looking amused at my predicament.

''Ok let Doug breathe, I know how bland hospital food so I got some Kentucky, enough for all of us. I only got sodas because their coffee's foul.''

''Turn around Kate.''

''Why?''

''Because I'm sure you're an angel and I want to check for wings.''

This statement caused so much laughter, the nurse came in, when we explained the merriment, she left saying.

''Try not to tire him out, he's still very weak and needs his rest. Oh, and by the way, visitors aren't supposed to bring food in unless they clear it with the doctor. But I didn't see anything and a portion of chicken breast and some fries will seal the deal.''

Then she left us to our meal, Kate took a breast of chicken and a packet of fries and left them at the nurse's station. I sat back totally stuffed and belched loudly, making both the kids laugh.

''Sorry about that but that's the best meal I've had since I arrived here.''

When everyone had eaten their fill, Kate packed everything up and they said their goodbyes. Kate leaned over me and I thought I might get another kiss on the forehead, instead, she kissed me tenderly on the lips with just a hint of tongue. I heard the kids say ''Yuk'' but Kate said ''there's more where that came from.'' Then they left and I sat there with a raging boner tenting the covers.

The next morning, the doctor said I could be discharged but would need to rest for another week at least. That afternoon Kate came and picked me up in the pickup truck. As we drove away I didn't know what to say about last night so I just sat there feeling stupid.

''What's wrong Doug cat got your tongue?''

''Sorry Kate, I'm a bit confused about last night and don't know what to say.''

''It's simple, you like me and I like you, A Lot, what's confusing about that?''

''I like you a lot too but it's not that simple. I don't even know who I am, for all I know I might be married with kids of my own and if I am kissing you, it would be cheating. I do know that is something I would never do and I don't want to lead you on. So can we shelve our feelings for now until we know more about who I am?''

''Dad said you were a decent man and you just proved it. I'll wait until you're ready and in the meantime, I'm hiring a PI to get things moving.''

0000000000000

Two hundred miles away, Jake Simpson had just driven into Sagebrush, New Mexico to report to the sheriff about having some of his cattle rustled. It was the second time this year and it wasn't just a couple of head he had lost nearly fifty head in the two raids. As he walked in he passed the notice board and did a double take. Right in front of him was a picture of his nephew Paul White. He stopped and looked more closely and was positive it was his nephew. He continued to the desk and reported the loss of his cattle and then asked what the serjeant knew about the poster. The officer explained that the man in the picture had been found badly beaten, by some Hobos and thought he was one of their own and took him with them. He had no memory before he woke up in a freight container and that was over two years ago.

Jake made a note of the number to call and left the office. When he got home, he called the number and asked for Ted Manning, saying he had information about the man known as Doug.

''Ted Manning here I understand you may have information about Doug.''

(He didn't believe there would be any useful information as he had had this conversation before. It was usually some asshole after the reward that hung up when he was told it would only be paid after it was verified.)

''Yes, I do I'm his uncle Jake, and his real name is Paul White. When can I see him and where?''

''How can I be sure this isn't some scam you're trying to pull?''

''Easy I'll bring some photos with me, is that good enough?''

''Sounds good, I'll text you my address, come by anytime just call when you arrive in town.''

Jake made arrangements with his foreman to look after the ranch while he was away and said he would call when he got there. Jake left the next morning and arrived at lunchtime having called ahead. When he got there he was shown into the ranch house by Ted who shook his hand enthusiastically.

''Before we go in, I have to tell you Doug has made quite an impression with everyone here, not least of all because he recently saved my granddaughter's life. He stepped between her and a Rattler that was about to strike and took the hit. He's recently back from the hospital and still needs to rest.''

''That sounds just like Paul, he wouldn't hesitate to give his life for a child. I brought some photos to prove his identity, Does he know I was coming?''

''Yeah, he got all excited and said he couldn't wait for you to arrive. I just have one question, is he married?''

''Yeah, a bit over five years why?''

''Oh shit, Kate's gonna be pissed she kinda wanted that job herself. She's fallen head over heels in love with him, and it was her little girl whom he saved. He said he feels the same but won't do anything in case he's already spoken for shit, shit, shit!''

''Well if it's any consolation there are no kids and she's a backstabbing, cheating, money-grabbing piece of trash, if that helps.''

''It sure does, Kate's gonna be so pleased to hear that, Let's go in.''

When Jake was shown into the dining room, everybody waited to greet him, and he was introduced. Doug recognised Jake but couldn't place him. Jake showed them the pictures, leaving no doubt about his identity. He then went on to tell them with Paul's permission all about his life.

Paul's father had owned a small working ranch of about 1,000 acres, mostly scrubland. But his Mom (Jake's sister) came from money and had a substantial trust fund, Amount unknown. Paul learned to ride at age five and was a natural, he always went to Jake's ranch at roundup time and helped his dad run the home ranch. He went to college and graduated with a degree in business management and accounting. He could also fix almost any mechanical machinery that broke down. This made him very popular with all the local ranchers and farmers. (Yes, they could probably buy new machinery but why waste money?)

He started his own business financing startup business. He found people with good ideas and helped them provide a business plan, which he then presented to the bank for a startup loan. He would ask for 50% and would contribute 30% with the client providing the other 20%. In this way, he could work mostly from home, which suited Karen who spent her time either at the country club or out with her friends.

He met Karen at College, she was studying fun and finding a husband. They fell in love (he with her 38'' tits) (her with his earning potential) they married straight out of college and moved into his Grandparent's house that they had left him years ago. They had also left him a sizeable trust fund and a condition of his receiving that fund was that if he got married, a prenuptial would be signed by both parties. Karen didn't like that but had to accept it or lose the trust fund altogether. The first two years were wonderful, and to top it off, oil was found on his parents' ranch. His dad sold the drilling rights for 25 million and a percentage of the profits. He still kept it as a working ranch as he didn't want to become idle and he also felt he owed his employees his loyalty. So, he guaranteed them their jobs with a substantial pay rise.

Then tragedy struck, his parents were killed in a road accident when their car left the road on, dead man's curve. They were coming back from a charity auction when it appeared the car failed to make the turn and plunged sixty feet into a ravine, then burst into flames. The cause was thought to be a sudden blowout as they approached the bend, but the car was so badly damaged the investigators couldn't be sure.

It took some time for Paul to get over their loss and it put a strain on their marriage. Paul also had to spend time at the ranch sometimes not getting home until the next day. Paul started noticing a change in Karen's attitude in their third year. She was rarely home, and when she was she would frequently start a fight over the smallest things. He wondered where the woman he married had gone. Paul had talked to Jake about his problems and Jake had advised hiring a PI. Shortly after this, Paul had disappeared, which brings us up to date.

Jake said.

''That's not quite all, there's more, the day before Paul disappeared he sent me a text with an attachment. And he also sent instructions to his attorney. To me, he sent a short video of Kate in bed with the tennis coach from the country club. I've kept it quiet on advice from his attorney, you see, he sent instructions to his attorney too.

1/ Have a PI wire his house and have Kate followed.

2/ To change his will so that all his wealth, including both the ranch and his house, be included in a rollover trust fund for future generations, thus excluding Kate from his will. The trustees would be myself and his attorney. He was also instructed to start divorce proceedings against Kate for adultery. He added his electronic signature to his request, making it a legal document. The prenup was to be enforced to the letter. Until the divorce was final, her credit card was to be restricted to $1,000 a month and any extra expenses had to be approved by the trustees.

His requests have been initiated and Karen is not a happy camper, she has tried to have him declared dead but has to wait ten years from the time they went missing in Texas. So, excuse my language but basically, she's fucked. Since the house was wired, I have many videos of her entertaining her fuckbuddies, but I can't use them as the house belongs to Paul and he's the only one with the right to wire the house. So, until he regains his memory, the videos aren't admissible in court.''

Paul stood. ''I can't remember any of this so what do I do?''

Kate; ''Would you be prepared to undergo hypnotic therapy to recover your memory?''

''I'd put my head between my legs and kiss my ass if it would help.''

When the laughter died down, Kate said she had a friend from college who became a psychiatrist and would give her a call. We all settled down and Grace served dinner after we let in the rest of the crew. Ted insisted Jake stay for the night and Jake accepted after he called home.

The next weeks were taken up with me getting about the ranch and regaining my strength. One of the side effects of the bite was muscle wastage on my left leg, so I walked with a bit of a limp. When Ivan saw me, he started whistling the theme from Laurel and Hardy. I couldn't stop laughing and called him an asshole and continued my rehab.

True to her word, Kate got me an appointment with her friend. We travelled to New York, where her friend practised psychiatry. We booked a hotel suite with two bedrooms and a sitting room. My appointment was for the following day, so we did a bit of sightseeing, then went to a restaurant owned by some film stars and played spot the celebrity. We returned to the hotel a little before midnight as we had spent some time on the dance floor. (Something else I didn't know I could do) We said goodnight and went into our separate rooms, I passed out almost immediately. Sometime in the night, I was awakened by a naked Kate sliding in beside me.

''Don't say anything, it's been a while for me so fuck me hard then make love to me like we were married.''

And fuck her hard I did, after her third orgasm, I couldn't hold back any more and shot what felt like a gallon of come into her. We snuggled together with Kate slowly stroking my growing cock, after a few minutes she slid down the bed and engulfed my now hard cock in her mouth. Have I ever had a better blow job? I don't remember, but as I was getting close, I pulled her up and we kissed passionately, I then returned the favour. After her third orgasm she begged me to enter her and being a gentleman, I obliged. She orgasmed twice more before I felt it was time for my release, I upped the pace and she started bucking against me. As I shot my load, she arched her back nearly knocking me off and collapsed unconscious. I lay beside her softly stroking her hair until she stirred.

''Oh my god, what did you do to me? That was the best orgasm I've ever had, I'm never letting you out of my sight again.''

We cuddled for a while but decided to change rooms as my bed was soaked. (I hate to think what housekeeping would make of that) It was after nine when we woke up, we went for a shower and I fucked her bent over the bath. I left her in the shower, or we wouldn't have gone out at all.

We arrived at her friend's (Margo) office and spent the next hour explaining what we wanted. Margo said there was no magic, that it could take several sessions, and that even then, there was no guarantee it would work. She said we could have the first session right away as she had the afternoon free. I agreed and was soon lying on the couch, Margo had given me a mild sedative to relax me. I woke up forty-five minutes later to a crying Kate.

''What's wrong, why are you crying?''

''I'm sorry Paul, some of the things you went through make me want to kill your ex-wife. Do you remember anything?''

''No not a thing, is that bad?''

Margo: ''No, everything went much as I had hoped. All your memories are locked up in your subconscious and I can slowly unlock them. You may suffer from flashbacks now that I have given it a poke or two. Don't worry, I am confident you will get your memory back in due course. I have booked you in for the same time tomorrow, so see you then.''

That night we went to a quiet restaurant and I questioned Kate about my session with Margo. She said Margo had told her not to disclose the memories she had retrieved as this could cause problems with the treatment. That night we repeated the previous night's activities only slower and fell asleep in each other's arms. The next day was a rerun of yesterday with the same result. I was disappointed that it wasn't going better but Margo said she was satisfied with my progress so far. She said she had a full calendar for the rest of the week and booked me in for Monday afternoon.

To fill in until then, we went sightseeing and dancing at night, bedtime was always eventful and we fell asleep exhausted but satisfied. We phoned home often to keep everyone up to date and connect with the children. Friday, I went out on my own for a walk while Kate napped in our room that night, we dined in the hotel restaurant. When we finished dessert, I got down on one knee and asked Kate to marry me, presenting the ring I had purchased earlier that day. When she said yes, and I put the ring on her finger, the whole restaurant applauded. The maître-d brought over a bottle of champagne courtesy of the house to another round of applause. That night two very tipsy people made long passionate love before falling asleep.

Some time in the night, Kate woke me up saying I was screaming and thrashing about. As I lay there soaked in sweat, I started to remember, at first it was little snippets that slipped away as I concentrated on them. I tried to get back to sleep but it just wouldn't come, so I dressed and went for a walk. It was the early hours of the morning as I ambled along not paying attention to where I was going. I stopped when I nearly walked into a man standing in front of me. I was about to apologise when he showed me a gun and demanded my wallet, which I didn't have with me. I tried to explain when I was struck from behind (there must have been two of them).

I woke up to the sound of Beep. Beep. Beep. Yes, I was in the hospital again, shit! Kate sat next to me, with tears in her eyes.

''Don't ever do that to me again, I can't let you out of my sight for five minutes without you getting into trouble.'' Then she showered me in kisses and started to sob. I started to stroke her hair to calm her down just like I used to do for Karen when she was upset. Suddenly I remembered everything and a cold rage threatened to overcome me. Kate, sensing a change in me, pulled away to look into my eyes.

''You've remembered something haven't you?''

''Everything and that bitch and her boyfriends are gonna wish I'd died that night.''

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Four years earlier:

I had been at the ranch for a few days and hadn't spoken to Karen since I left. We had been drifting apart since my parents died and I didn't know why. Sex was a thing of the past and her disrespectful attitude was pissing me off. I had spoken to her about it several times, but each time she would just brush me off saying I imagined it. I was supposed to be at the ranch for another week but decided to go home and have it out with her. I suspected she was cheating on me, but had no proof, that was about to change.

As I turned into our mini-mansion, she just had to have, there were two cars parked in the driveway that I didn't recognise. I parked at the front gate and walked to the house, as I did so, I started my phone recording. As soon as I opened the door and saw clothes scattered around, and leading upstairs I knew what to expect. As I neared the master bedroom I could hear the unmistakable sounds of sex. Instead of being angry I felt relieved at least I could now ditch the bitch and move on but I needed proof. Our bedroom had a large dressing room attached with a door leading to the hallway. I let myself into the dressing room and crept over to the adjoining door.

I was in luck, it was fully open and I could see everything even in the low light provided by the moon shining in through the open windows. I stood there recording the action, Karen was on her hands and knees with her tennis coach's cock in her mouth and her Father's attorney fucking her ass. I recorded about fifteen minutes of action and sent it to the cloud for safekeeping. I didn't want to get into a fight so I crept downstairs to fetch my Smith & Wesson.38. I returned to the dressing room and continued recording the action. I quietly positioned a chair in the shadows and sat waiting for the show to end. They moved to various positions like a rehearsed porn show, it ended when Mike Bitten(attorney) rammed his cock in her ass and unloaded. Carl Yeates (trainer) wasn't far behind as he pulled out of her mouth and shot his load over her face and hair. The three actors collapsed side by side.

I decided it was time to make my presence known and started clapping. All three sat up and Karen turned on the bedside lamp and groaned.

''Oh fuck.''

At least she didn't start with the cheaters manual, it's not what it looks like or it's the first time or any of that bullshit. She just sat there looking guilty as hell. Carl acted first and jumped out of bed screaming.

''I'm gonna beat the shit out of you.''

And started coming towards me, fists raised. I just pointed the gun at him and thumbed back the hammer and in my best Clint Eastwood said.

''Make my day asshole.''

He sensibly stopped and backed away with his hands up in surrender. Mike said nothing but looked scared to death.

''Ok, you two get dressed and take the trash out with you.''

Karen started to get dressed but I stopped her.

''By the terms of our prenup, you leave with nothing, including your clothes, now get out.''

I was treated to seeing two half-dressed men putting a naked Karen into Carl's car. Carl is single but Mike is married (probably not for long) and driving away.

I spent the next couple of hours making sure my wife got as little as possible should something happen to me before the divorce. I sent a copy of the video to my uncle and instructions to my attorney. I knew her father's attorney was bent and I didn't put it past him to make me have an accident. I had written Karen off as a casualty of war so when I laid my head on the pillow I went out like a light.

The next day (Saturday) I was doing the household chores, you know putting out the trash, mowing the lawn and stuff like that. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings thinking Karen and her playmates wouldn't do anything until I started the divorce. I was sitting on my mower taking a long pull at my beer when I felt a sharp sting in my neck. The next thing I remembered was waking up taped to a chair in the kitchen.

Carl:

''Look he's awake, give me that funnel and a bottle of Jack.''

He came into my vision holding both and sneered down at me.

''You thought you were so fucking clever, well asshole where's your gun now?''

He pulled back his fist to hit me and Mike grabbed his arm.

''No, it's got to look like an accident just like his parents.''

Bastards had killed my parents, if I ever got away from this I would make them pay.

Karen came over smiling.

''Yeh, we killed them so that you could inherit and I was going to divorce you and take my 50% but you caught us and I won't get jack shit in the divorce so you've got to die. We're going to pour enough Jack down your throat then drive you out to the old quarry and throw you in, it will look as though you went on a bender and fell in.''

Even though I was about to die I had to laugh, she wouldn't get a dime.

Mike:

''What are you laughing about asshole?''

''You'll find out soon enough you pile of shit.''

They forced the funnel and tube down my throat and poured the Jack in, at some stage I passed out. I came to in the back of my pickup as they were pulling me out.

''Ok, boys throw him off the cliff while I empty the rest of this bottle in the cab and leave it by the edge for the police to find.''

I couldn't struggle I was completely smashed I could only groan, I felt them lift me and carry me to the edge. They swung me back and forth one, two, three and then let me go. I had a falling sensation then nothing until I woke up in the boxcar. The rest you know. It turned out that them throwing me off the cliff saved my life as when I fell I hit the top of a sixty-foot conifer and bounced my way down to the floor of the quarry. Ivan and two others found me there the next morning and took me with them. (you know the rest)

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Karen:

I married Paul with my eye on his trust fund and his eventual inheritance, I did love him but I knew it would wear off. We were doing ok financially, He had started his own business providing venture capital to growing businesses for a percentage of their business with a buyout clause. We bought a mini-mansion at my insistence. All was looking well but I was bored and enrolled in the local country club to make a better class of friends. All our friends were working-class nobodies and dull as dishwater their conversation revolved around cattle and the price of feed. My new friends were into art and the theatre, I knew nothing about either but was determined to learn.

Every one of my new friends played tennis and as I played in college I signed on for extra coaching and that's where I met Carl. At first, he was a professional but as time went by he started brushing up against my boobs and as he showed me how to stand I could feel his hard member against my butt. This turned me on and I would fuck Paul's brains out when I got home. When I mentioned this to my new girlfriends they giggled and said I should take him for a spin. When I looked shocked at them they admitted that they fucked him regularly. The next time he rubbed himself against me I pushed back. We fucked in the storeroom that afternoon and I discovered I was a size queen, he had ten inches of thick fuck stick and I was addicted.

We tried to be discrete but one day Mike my father's attorney asked to see me at his office. I thought he might have some papers for me to sign but I was wrong. He showed me some pictures of me with Carl and said he wanted some of my sweet pussy or he would send them to Paul. He wasn't bad-looking and kept himself fit so I agreed to his demand and gave him a Blow job to bind the deal.

He said he was interested in a threesome with Carl so I talked about it with Carl and he said it was one of his fantasies and I would set it up. We met up at the no-tell motel and I was hooked. Being spit-roasted was the best sex I ever had and this went on for several months. We were lying on the bed after a marathon fuckfest and Mike said it would be fantastic if we could do this all the time. I explained about my Prenup and he said I could divorce Paul for irreconcilable differences and still get 50% of everything.

I said to get a really good settlement we would have to wait for his parents to die so that he could inherit the ranch and get all that oil money. I was indifferent to Paul and just saw him as a cash cow, His parents didn't like me and I didn't like them. So, I was open to the idea that Mike floated one night. He said that if something happened to them would I be upset? I asked what he had in mind to which he replied he knew people who could arrange an accident and speed up the divorce. We all agreed it was a good idea and told him to proceed. To cover himself he insisted we sign a document stating we were all in it together ensuring our loyalty to each other. We all got a copy and signed on the dotted line, it felt like an old Sherlock Holmes story and I had to giggle as I signed all three copies. We were now bound by a contract of crime.

A few weeks later Paul's parents were killed in a car accident and he was suddenly a lot richer. I could almost taste the money but we needed to wait a decent amount of time to avoid suspicion.

So, every time Paul was away we three would meet, usually at our home and that is how we got caught. We were fucking like bunnies and had just finished when Paul caught us. He threw us out at the point of a gun and said he was going to divorce me and enable the prenup I had signed.

When we got back to Carl's house he gave me some old sweats to put on and as we sat drinking coffee once more Mike's brain addressed the problem.

''Well, the divorce plan is in the shitter we need another plan, Any ideas?''

When Carl and I remained silent he spoke again.

''What we need is for Paul to have a little accident and I have an idea. Paul can't see an attorney until Monday so we have to act fast. My guess is he will carry on as normal this weekend so we have to take him by surprise.''

And that's what we did, Paul would always mow the lawn on Sunday and do other chores around the house. While he was sitting on the mower Carl crept up behind him and injected him with a fast-acting tranquiliser and taped him to a chair. We forced him to drink most of two bottles of Jack then took him to the old quarry and threw him in. We then waited for him to be discovered so that I could play the grieving widow and collect not only his insurance but also his inheritance. We would be set for life what with the oil revenue.

We waited two days and Mike said I should report him missing. After four days still no one had found his body so Carl using a pay phone anonymously reported finding a body in the quarry. The police searched the quarry to no effect, in desperation, we searched as well and found nothing.

To make matters worse Paul had been busy cancelling some of my credit cards and reducing my remaining card to $1000 a month. If I wanted anything else I would have to apply to his trust fund manager's to release the money. When I contacted his attorney as one of the managers he flatly refused my demand saying he was aware of my infidelity and no money would be forthcoming. I said I needed money to live until Paule returned and he replied I had sufficient funds to live on as the house was paid for and the utilities and other expenses were being paid by the trust.

We looked into having Paul declared dead but that was a non-starter as he would have to be missing for ten years. Mike said I could divorce Paul for desertion after a year but after looking at some legal papers he said that wouldn't work either. As long as Paul provided me with an income and paid for all the utilities he hadn't deserted me in the eyes of the law. I was royally fucked, but that didn't stop our regular fuckfest's so all was not lost.

00000000000

Jake said he had enough evidence to put them away for a long time but couldn't use it as he didn't own the property where it was recorded but I did. So we made an appointment with the DA and laid out our case, he was particularly interested in the recording where they were reminiscing. They stated that they had arranged my parent's death and wondered where my body had disappeared to. Mike was pissed as he had paid the killers out of his own money and hadn't got the return he expected.

The DA said he had enough to charge them with conspiracy to murder and attempt to murder. I said they weren't going anywhere so could he hold off for a week or two so that I could have some fun? He reluctantly agreed and Jake and I started to plan.

I waited until Karen was alone in the house. I had caught a cab from the bus station that had dropped me off at the gate. When I got to the door I found it locked so I rang the bell. Karen opened the door saw me and fainted, I went and got a wet face cloth and brought her around. When she opened her eyes I thought she would faint again but she managed to stutter.

''Paul is that really you I thought you were dead.''

''Yeh, it's me alright why did you think I was dead?''

I saw the wheels turning as she tried to think of an answer.

''You've been gone for over two years where have you been''

I helped her up from the floor and onto the couch.

''I'm not sure I've been suffering from amnesia, my past comes and goes in flashes. The last thing I remember is falling and then waking up in Euston and I've been living rough ever since. Then one day I got hit on the head and my memory started returning and I remembered I lived here and was married to you. That's about it but I seem to remember a bit more each day.''

''Oh, baby it's so good to have you back I've missed you so much, have you spoken to anyone else since you got back?''

''No, I came straight here to see you.''

''Why don't you take a shower while I fix you something to eat and make some coffee?''

I went upstairs and took a shower and found some clean clothes to put on. Before I went back downstairs I called Jake to see what was going on downstairs. He and an ADA were watching on the spy cam I had, installed earlier.

''So, what is she doing?''

Jake:

''She got on the phone as soon as you went upstairs to shower and called Mike Bitten. She told him you had returned and nobody else knew. She also told him to contact Carl Yeates and to get over here in about an hour. She was going to put some sleeping pills in your coffee so you would be unconscious when they arrived. Then her exact words were.''

''This time don't fuck it up make sure he's dead before you leave the body where it can be found.''

I didn't drink the coffee but managed to pour it out in the yard saying I needed some fresh air. I pretended to fall asleep and waited for my killers to arrive. When they arrived Karen admonished them for taking so long, there was a heated exchange and they each took an arm and half-dragged me to the front door. When they opened the door they were confronted by the ADA backed by four state troopers. (we weren't sure we could trust the sheriff as he was a close friend of Mike.)

They were read their rights and put into the trooper's cars. Caught in the act.

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EPILOGUE:

The court case dragged on for nearly a year and in the end, all three were sentenced to two life terms to run consecutively. At best, they would serve a minimum of forty years or die in prison. Karen never apologised or even wanted to talk to me she just looked broken as they led her away in an orange jumpsuit and handcuffs.

The divorce went uncontested and I married Kate a month after it was final. We live in the house I helped to build with her two children and one is on the way.

Revenge is sweet and don't let anyone say differently!