She's Not Herself

The stress in my body had me pulled up tight to the steering wheel. My two year old son, Eli, was strapped in and oblivious to the drama of the moment. I was trying to safely drive but my mind was falling apart. The unknown was eating me alive. The State Police called 20 minutes ago informing me that my wife of 7 years had been injured in an accident on her commute home.

They refused to comment on her condition until I got to the hospital. I was afraid I might lose the woman of my dreams. We were literally soul mates. I met her in high school where we immediately became attached at the hip. We dated from our junior year in high school until I graduated college. Before I left for college I gave Renee a promise ring with a pearl setting since she loved pearls.

When I proposed to Renee, she laughed like it was a joke to even ask. We just had to find the time in our busy lives to put on a wedding. We both knew at that time there would never be anyone else.

We both worked hard in the early years to get ourselves in a good place. My startup business took off which gave us the option to conceive a child. Renee reduced her work hours so she could be a mostly stay at home mom.

-----

The doctor came out while I was contemplating all kinds of terrible scenarios for our life going forwards. "Robert Flagg?" My heart stopped for a beat. He told me she had a head injury. She was in surgery for six hours after which the doctor said she was out of the woods. She would, however, be staying in the hospital for several weeks.

I visited every day. Renee started getting back to normal. All the tests were coming back good. One day shortly before her return home, I got held up late at work so I was very tired. I went straight home and to bed. The next day my visit with Renee got weird. Totally out of character for her, Renee snapped at me.

"Where the fuck were you yesterday?"

I apologized for not visiting and explained why I hadn't come. Her eyes turned cold and hateful. "Who were you with?"

It was an interrogation that blindsided me. I told the truth but she looked skeptical. I had to chalk it up to the drugs she was on. Soon Renee was able to come home. I hired a house cleaning service so she wouldn't have to work around the house. We decided that a large house like ours would take all her time away from Eli. My business was doing very well so we were well off financially.

For the first week I had my mother take Eli during the day so Renee could just relax. I would pick him up on the way home. Things started to change after we started keeping Eli at home. When I got home from work, Eli would be by himself looking like nobody had taken care of him all day. Renee said she might have dozed off or whatever other excuse she used. She also turned my concerns back on me. "Where were you today? I tried to call you but you didn't answer!" I calmly explained I was at work and can't always answer the phone. I had texted her a short while later but that hadn't placated her.

On the weekend she left to shop all day Saturday and Sunday. "I'll be back for dinner. I just need to get out of the house." Yet she would come home with nothing.

Little things had changed about her demeanor, even her personality. Some pretty big things changed as well. Our sex life hadn't returned at all since leaving the hospital but I wouldn't press the issue since she was still recovering from her injury. Before her accident, Renee would do everything in her power to have the family spend time together and for her and I to spend time one on one. Now the opposite seemed to be the case. She did everything she could to get away from us.

Thankfully my mother was happy to watch Eli anytime I needed her, but she was starting to question what was going on. "Doesn't Renee ever spend time with Eli anymore?"

Mom knows me well and I'm sure she saw concern in my eyes. "Since the accident things have been different. I don't know what to say. I think Renee has something going on. I don't know."

I didn't realize it but I had started to cry. The stress of things had caught up to me. Mom used her motherly look to calm me and said, "It's ok baby, we can get through this. You know I'm here for you, don't you? You were there for me when your father passed, now it's my turn to help you."

My father died of pancreatic cancer 5 years ago leaving my mother alone far too soon. I told her to get back into dating but she refused saying the love she had for Dad was enough for a lifetime. Now she has a grandson to keep her busy.

Mom suggested having Renee tested for any blood clots or any issues that could explain this change in her personality. It was the first decent idea I had heard in a while.

I left Eli with my mom so that Renee and I could talk about having some tests run. I hadn't expected her to not come home until long after midnight though. She walked in all nonchalant like it was normal. She was wearing a dress meant for going out for a night of fun, and her "fuck me" heels, without me.

"Renee? Where have you been?" I said with an unmistakable ire that I couldn't hide.

"What the fuck is your problem. You don't own me. I was out and it's none of your business." She stormed upstairs to the master and got in the shower.

"Fuck this," I said out loud to myself. I went in the bedroom and got my essentials so I could sleep in the spare bedroom. It's not like we were having sex anymore anyway.

The change in sleeping arrangements didn't even faze her. I resolved to find some answers this weekend. My best friend Carl was nice enough to let me use his car for the weekend.

Once again my son got to spend the day with grandma and Renee left the house around 10 am. I crossed the street and jumped into Carl's nondescript Japanese made sedan. I followed her to a downtown parking garage. She parked and got out. I parked across the lot but close enough to see her enter a stairwell.

I quickly hustled across to the same door and heard the street level door open and close as I took the stairs two at a time. When I exited the same door, I noticed Renee heading into a door next to a barbershop. When I got to the door I looked at the names on the buzzer list. One name stood out, Brad Stephens, her coworker at her now very part time job at Wilkes Associates, an accounting firm. I only knew his name, I had never met him in person.

This was very bad. My stomach was lurching. My first thought was Eli. How can Renee continue to be his mother. Does she even care about her son? What am I going to do about it? Her attitude is totally defensive these days. Would she even deny it? Would she care that I knew about it?

I went back to Carl's silver Civic and sat, my heart pounding, knowing she was getting fucked. I had no proof yet but it had to be true.

In a little over an hour she was back at her car. She was spending all day Saturday and Sunday away from home, yet it was still not even noon. She pulled away and I continued following her.

She drove across town to the street where her gym is located. She pulled to the curb and a man came out and jumped into the passenger seat with a bag over his shoulder. I couldn't believe my eyes. It was one of my foremen at Flagg Construction, Henry Styles. "Motherfucker!!!" I screamed. Luckily the windows were up or they would have heard me.

They went to his house for about two hours and she was on her way again. Then again and again. Four men in one day. 'What a fucking slut!!' I thought. I only knew who the first two were but I assumed if I dug deeper I would know who all of them were. It didn't matter anymore who they were, except that Henry Styles was about to face the music.

-----

"Diana said you wanted to see me boss," he said looking nervous.

"Henry, you know I don't care what people do on their own time but I need to ask you a few questions. Do you mind?" I hadn't looked him in the eye yet. I was afraid I would jump over my desk and strangle him.

"Yeah, I guess it's ok," he said fidgeting with his watch.

"Now I don't mean to pry but are you dating anyone right now?" I asked in an even tone trying not to expose my anger. I was, however, beginning to shake.

I looked up at him for the first time and his face went pale. "Uhm, I-I-I am sort of seeing somebody."

"Is this somebody also married to someone you know?" I stared angrily at him.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore," he said with big eyes and shaking his head. "Am I fired sir?" I nodded. "I only have one thing to say before I go. She threw herself at me. I couldn't resist cause she's so hot and she acted like a slut in heat. I'm sorry, I'm really sorry. I'm not usually a piece of shit." I nodded and he left to see Diana who handles all separations.

In hindsight I could understand his point. If my wife came on to a man, they had no chance unless they were gay.

----

I spent a lot of time with my mother for the next two weeks. I didn't bother to try to find out who else was banging my wife. I stayed with my mother most nights and kept Eli living with her until things were settled. Eli couldn't understand why he wasn't with his mother more. It broke my heart seeing him sulk about it.

I had spoken to a divorce attorney but hadn't pulled the trigger yet. He is actually a close friend of mine, Troy Bichette. I could care less about the financial losses. I wanted my wife back, the one I loved so much before her accident. I obviously couldn't live life the way it was going now though.

Mom finally convinced me that life had to go on. "Bobby, if something changes you can always go back to her honey." She was right, I couldn't put my life on hold while she bangs every guy in the state.

Troy advised me that having proof of infidelity wouldn't help me financially in the divorce since we are in a "no fault" state. Custody is where infidelity could help me but I wasn't looking to keep Renee from having Eli. 50/50 custody would be fine with me. So I made the call to have her served. They had to catch her at home or work which was getting to be very infrequently. Once she received the packet she was immediately on the phone to me.

"Hello Renee."

"What the hell is this about you asshole?" she screamed through the phone.

I held my tongue at first, "Well, it's nice to talk to you for a change. It's been a long time."

"Fuck you! What's this all about?" she yelled.

I spat my words with venom. "You aren't the same woman I used to love. I'm sorry if this is an inconvenience but I won't stay married to a cheating whore. How many is it anyway? My best estimate is at least 15."

She was quiet for a moment and then sounded like she was sobbing. "I'm sorry Robby, I don't know what's wrong with me. Ever since the accident I can't stop myself." She abruptly hung up. It was unsatisfying but at least the process was started.

I don't like things to be in turmoil but this would be my life for the short term. I just hated what it must be doing to Eli. As much as I tried to shield him from pain it would be there anyway.

My attorney advised me NOT to move out of my house for legal reasons but I wasn't strong enough to stay there. I compromised instead by keeping most of my stuff at the house and by staying there when I knew Renee wouldn't be there. I only slept at the house two days a week and locked the door to the guest bedroom.

I was shocked that during the process thus far Renee had not asked once to have Eli. In fact she hadn't even asked how he was.

On a Friday afternoon I got a call from Renee. I asked her to always talk to my attorney so this came out of left field.

"Robby, It's me, Renee."

"Yes, I know, what do you want? You're supposed to call my attorney only."

"Rob, you don't understand what I'm saying. It's me, Renee, the same Renee you married, the same Renee I was before my accident. Do you understand? I'm back!"

I was speechless. I was having trouble processing what she said. Could it be true?

"Robby?"

"Uhhh, yeah, I'm here." I was still reeling. I had mixed emotions. If she was better now, could I forgive her for all of the treachery?

She sighed deeply. "Can I see you? I know what happened and I understand if you want to wait, but I need to see you face to face."

"Renee, I need some time to think. I want to talk to my mother and Troy first. You understand this was a bomb dropped on me. I can't just reverse course like that."

"Ok babe, I understand. Call me when you have an answer."

"I will, bye."

"Bye, I love you."

The last part was a kick in the nuts but if true it could change my whole outlook. That night after Eli went to bed, I talked with my mother at length.

"Robby, the bottom line is that I can't tell you what to do. You have to look in your own heart and make that decision. If you still love her and can forgive her actions then you should go for it."

My attorney, Troy, told me to be careful meeting her in person. He suggested the first meeting be in his office with a witness. In person meetings are where things can get very messy.

I listened to the two people I trusted the most. I gave Renee a chance to talk to me at Troy's office. The meeting was emotional. Renee cried the entire time. We rehashed her transgressions for which she claimed no responsibility. I asked to go through her phone which she thought was to look for evidence of wrongdoing. I knew she would have scrubbed it clean but while looking through I also activated her "find my phone" app to share her location with me.

"I think every woman and man has a dark, nasty, even slutty personality buried deep inside. Unfortunately the accident caused me to revert to that horrible personality. That's not who I really am though, and you know it. I want you to stop the divorce and let me show you."

I was still skeptical. "Are you curious at all about Eli, your son? You haven't asked about him, that's not the old Renee."

"Babe, I know, I felt like shit about how I've acted. I didn't want to start in on how I abandoned my son as well. Please tell me he's handling all this well."

"So far he seems ok but he keeps asking about you and it's hard to explain this to a two year old. I don't think we'll know the full extent of the issues until he's older." My heart sank thinking about running into psychological problems with Eli.

Renee looked into my eyes pleadingly and asked, "What do you think? Can you come home for good now?"

"I need 24 hours to make that decision. If you really are back it will happen, but I have to be cautious for Eli's sake."

I spent all the next day talking to my mother and Troy. Then I just sat with Eli thinking long and hard. In the end I had to give her a chance to redeem herself. I took out my phone and called Renee.

"Robbie!! Thank God!! I've been waiting for your call all day."

"Here's the deal Renee. I really want this to work. I will stay at the house full time with you. Eli will only be there when I'm there for now. If you want to see him more you can go to my mothers to visit him. If things progress well, everything can go back to normal and we can be a family again." My heart was conflicted.

"Oh thank God!! Robbie, you won't regret this. Thank you. Come home tonight so we can celebrate, please."

"I'll come back tomorrow night. I have some things to take care of first."

Troy made some suggestions that I thought would be foolish not to heed. Most importantly, he wanted me to install security cameras at our house. They could be overt or covert but his concern was mostly that she couldn't accuse me of doing something at home such as hitting her because I'd have video evidence. He also suggested not being alone with Renee unless we were home under surveillance.

The moment I left Troy's office I made a trip to the store and picked up a home security system. I went with covert since it could perform two functions. First she might attempt to railroad me not knowing I would have proof to contradict her. Second, I could catch her shenanigans on video while I'm at work. I had opted for audio as well as video. I thought long and hard about bugging her purse and car but figured I had enough for now.

I stopped by work to check in and make sure they saw me at least once today. I spoke to Diana and my right hand man, Lucas Foster. I told them I was taking an unscheduled vacation and that they were in charge. I would be available if they needed to call and I would stop in periodically. They were happy to help out but looked concerned for me. They must know by now what's going on.

"I suppose you two must have an idea what's happening. I appreciate you guys having my back and don't worry about me too much. I think things will work out in the end." They nodded and Diana gave me a big hug. "Now get to work slackers!" I said with a tear in my eye.

Lucas pulled me aside to talk. He was my best friend since we were in middle school. I was lucky to have him working with me. In fact he was instrumental in our success.

"I want to be up front with you about something that happened," Lucas said grimly. "Renee was here while you were out at a worksite the last week. Dude, she was all over me. She wanted me to go out for a drink but I knew what she really wanted. She was super pissed at me when I sent her packing. She called me your stooge!! I know things are messed up for you right now but you should know Diana and I are here for you." Renee's actions didn't surprise me but knowing my best friend was loyal certainly helped my outlook.

I was about to head back to my mother's house but when I checked the app it showed Renee out of the house. I decided rather than tail her I would go home and install the cameras. I could still see where she was going on the app. I'd be keeping an eye on her whereabouts anyway so I didn't get caught installing the cameras.

Luckily the cameras were quite simple so I had the entire house done in less than 2 hours. I splurged so that I could cover virtually every square inch of our home with video and voice activated audio. I was surprised I got it done that fast with my fingers shaking. I didn't think I would have enough time but Renee stayed at one location for 2 hours.

I removed any trace of my visit and headed to my mother's. I checked out the location where Renee had been. Goldsmith and Klein, a lawyer, hmm, 2 hours for what? I suspended the divorce process so it would seem quite wasteful to go in to the office for a 2 hour face to face. The hairs on the back of my neck were standing up.

I called Troy to see what he thought. "It's fishy as hell Bob. I'd have your guard up at all times around her. Maybe you should just abandon this plan to reconcile."

I thought for a second, "She was served divorce papers, couldn't she still have business with a lawyer?"

"Two hours is a long visit with a lawyer when they are charging you. It had to be more important than going over divorce papers when she thinks she might get you to drop it. Goldsmith and Klein is not the most upstanding practice in town. I just smell a rat, that's all. If you still want to give it a go, that's your decision. As your lawyer I'm telling you to watch yourself."

"I understand Troy, I know you're looking out for my best interests. For my own reasons, I have to go forward with my plan to move back in. But trust me Troy, I will be very careful."

-----

I moved back in with Renee but told her that physical interactions were off the table until I was more comfortable with her. I also informed her that sex was completely off the table until she had a full STI panel completed. She seemed more than slightly pissed about the implication but quickly changed her attitude saying she would call the doctor tomorrow.

Renee went out of her way to show Eli lots of love and attention the next few days. We slept in separate rooms at my insistence. On Saturday she said she needed to go grocery shopping. I didn't stop her or give her any warnings and I wasn't sure if she knew I could track her location. I just let her go.

Five minutes later, our friend Felicia was knocking on the front door. "Is Renee home? I thought I'd stop by to say hi."

"No she's out doing groceries, sorry," Felicia frowned in an exaggerated way. It looked weird on the beautiful woman's face.

"Is it okay if I wait for her to get back?"

I was caught off guard, "Umm, she just left. It could be a couple hours."

"Oh, that's alright. I can visit you while we wait," she said as she pulled off her jacket. She was wearing a loose fitting top that showed plenty of cleavage.

"Ohhhh, you want to "visit" while my wife is out shopping? Nope, sorry. I hate to be rude but my life is upside down right now. You can come back later, okay?"

"But.... we could drink some wine and catch up."

"My wife was fucking every guy she knew. There, you're caught up. Now get the fuck out, Felicia!!!" I was yelling by the end mostly because I felt betrayed by my supposed friend. I could tell it was a trap. She thinks I'm just as trashy as the current version of my wife.

I breathed deeply and saw the shock on Felicia's face. I calmly added, "I'm not a piece of shit. Go home Felicia."

"Hmff, I would've made you forget all your troubles. Too bad, I was actually looking forward to rocking your world." I rolled my eyes and she left.

When Renee returned from the store she looked a bit angry. "Felicia said she stopped by to see me but you were rude to her."

"I don't spend time alone with other women, that's all. It's disrespectful to my spouse, don't you think?" Renee rolled her eyes but then smiled a fake looking smile.

"You're such a great husband." I thought it sounded sarcastic. My hackles were up and I felt like a rabbit in a foxes den. She had a bloodthirsty look in her eyes.

The next day I returned to work. At first things seemed normal. Eli was still staying with my mother while I was working. Renee was home until 10 am when the audio alert went off on the surveillance. She called someone saying, "I'll be there in a half hour." The way things had gone so far had me resolved to the fact that Renee was not in fact back to her old self. But hearing her most likely getting ready to sneak behind my back was still a punch to my gut.

I watched her in the bedroom getting ready. It was devastating watching her put on sexy underwear, putting on makeup, perfume, a revealing short skirt and blouse with her fuck me heels. I wouldn't even need to watch her location to know she was on her way to cheat on me again.

This time I wanted to know who it was so I could throw it in her face. She headed across town to an area that is known to be the fancy big houses and McMansions. It surprised me a little until I was able to validate the owner of the property where she had stopped. Michael Klein, an attorney, her attorney, and a shyster. If I had to guess, I'd say they have some sort of quid pro quo arrangement. Fuck!

I called Troy and asked him what I should do. He told me to get proof of the cheating if I want to get full custody of Eli but be careful of a trap. Michael Klein would have a plan to help her get leverage. Full custody now looked more attractive to me. I didn't want Eli being mistreated, ignored, or exposed to her filthy way of life.

The next day while I was at work, the audio alert went off again. Renee was on the phone again.

"Hello sir." A short pause and then, "Well yes but why? It's so nice at your place. She's going to be home? Okay then here is fine." Another pause then. "He'll be working all day so whenever you want. You could literally show up at 8:30 in the morning and we could fuck until 6 pm or so." One more pause then, "You want to do it in our marital bed to show him disrespect? I guess that's your kink, I don't care as long as you get what you need." Her final words were, "Then I'll see you bright and early."

It was a huge betrayal but not from my wife. This was some evil entity that had taken over her body. I wanted to crush this entity and the evil lawyer that was encouraging it.

I made a plan that Troy approved even if he was leery about it. In the morning I went through my normal routine to get ready for work. I left Eli at my mother's last night so I wouldn't have to drop him off today. I brought up the surveillance app on my phone and watched my wife sleeping late as I had suspected. She made it easy for me.

I texted Tony who showed up minutes later after I finished eating a bagel. He had left his car parked down the street. When I opened the garage door, Tony was standing there and proceeded to drive my car to his place. I had already called work to take a sick day. Diana said I didn't sound sick which I admitted to her I wasn't. She felt the tension and needlessly apologized.

Once Troy had taken off, I verified that Renee was still in bed. I had to work quickly since I wasn't sure what time Klein would show up. I suspected he might arrive at the earliest time Renee suggested which was 8:30. I had a half hour of only Renee in the house. With my phone in front of me I snuck carefully up the stairs to the guest room where I was currently sleeping. I got into the closet for now and watched the cameras.

Renee finally stirred when her alarm went off at 8:15. Lately 10 am was her norm but today was special. Her scumbag lawyer was coming over for a fuckfest so she's up early!! She took a quick shower and threw on a robe. After brushing out her hair, she headed downstairs to the kitchen and made more coffee since I only left one cup for her.

I took the opportunity to move myself into my master bedroom closet. We each have our own closet so I knew she wouldn't be going into mine. I also brought a chair and a phone charger in case I was in here a long time. I wouldn't need to record on my phone since the hidden cameras and mics would capture everything but I still needed to see what was happening.

I watched Renee texting and eventually going to the front door to open it for Klein. Michael Klein is a pretty big man at about 6'2" and easily 230 lbs. However his youth is behind him now in his early sixties. It was just another disgusting act for Renee fucking some sleezy old shyster lawyer for free legal services.

They headed to the kitchen to drink coffee. I could hear Renee giggling. When I checked that camera I came to see her robe wide open and Klein playing with her tits. I heard Klein suggest they go up to the master bedroom and Renee agreed.

My adrenaline was pumping as they neared the bedroom. I knew they wouldn't find me but it was still overwhelming. I sat down and watched my phone. I turned the sound off since I could now hear everything they said.

"So what's my next move? I need to get this asshole in a bad position so I can get all the money I deserve and full custody," Renee asked. I was fuming. I could barely control myself. She wants full custody?? Why?

Klein ended up asking for me. "Why do you want full custody? I thought you said you hated that little brat."

"I don't want him but I can use full custody as a bargaining chip for the divorce. I want the house, a big alimony payment, and a nice sized child support payment. Then he'll want to take the brat while I'm collecting child support. He can have him."

Klein was nice enough to announce the plan on camera for me. "Our best bet is to have him hit you and call the police. Domestic violence is the quickest easiest way to get what you want."

"That pussy would never hit me. I'll have to fake it, you know, bang my head on something and say it was him."

"Yes, that will work nicely. Now get that ass up here, I need to defile his marital bed."

This fucker was on my radar now. This wasn't just about Renee anymore. Klein was making himself the biggest villain of my story. I had to bite my finger to stop myself from going out there right now and pounding the both of them. But I needed evidence on the surveillance equipment for my divorce. What I had already was good but the proof of cheating would tie it up with a bow.

I was watching the bedroom video feed on my phone while I could hear everything. Renee had long since lost her robe and Klein was now down to his socks. Renee took his manhood in her mouth as Klein moaned low and long.

"That's a good little girl. Suck it like a whore," Klein grunted.

Renee slid her mouth off his cock to say, "Yes daddy, whatever you want."

It sounded like Klein got close to blowing his load when Renee abruptly stopped and got her breath back. Klein pushed her on her back and pushed her knees apart. He had his cock in hand sliding it up and down her slit before pushing into her young snatch.

"So if everything goes according to plan you'll owe me 8 more sexual liaisons to pay for my specialized work. That's above and beyond the standard payment for the divorce representation." He was starting to pump his old man cock into my wife.

"That's right baby. What did you call that? Squid Crow Blow," Renee said chuckling.

"Quid Pro Quo, it means this for that. We just have to be careful. If my wife catches on I could lose everything." Klein was picking up speed. "Oh yes, this is worth every dollar. You are one hot bitch. Once the divorce is final you have to tell him I fucked you in your bed."

"He'll probably cry," Renee exclaimed laughing.

"Oh shit, you're gonna make me cum. Please tell me you're going to record it for meeee AHHHHH YEEEES!!" It was obvious he had just blown his load into my wife. This was as good a time as any to confront the cheating couple.

I stepped out of my closet and just stood there at first. They hadn't noticed my intrusion while disconnecting and beginning to come down. Renee noticed me first.

"Hi babe," I started, "that was quite a show." Renee gasped. It could have been just the surprise of me being there or she could be upset about being caught.

Renee looked too shocked to speak so Klein decided to poke the bear. "That's pretty creepy hiding in a closet while watching two lovers going at it. I must say your bed is very comfortable for fucking. Did you want sloppy seconds? Or she might like some post coitus cunnilingus."

"Well I dare say we shan't be having any sexual contact ever again after this debacle," I replied.

The guilty couple began dressing before Klein paused. "You know this is our perfect opportunity." Renee turned to him to speak.

"What do you me..." Renee hadn't finished her question when Klein suddenly sucker punched her in the nose. She immediately covered her nose with both hands. Blood was seeping through and down her chin. Klein wasn't done yet though. He hauled off and clocked her in the eye. Renee fell to the floor. I didn't know what to do so I did what came naturally. I beat the ever loving shit out of that piece of shit. I started with a stunning blow to his nose so he could feel what he did to Renee. Don't get me wrong, Renee deserved what she got. I was laughing a little on the inside, but that was my wife, and that fucker beat her up. The blow to his face stunned him. In my head I quickly deduced he would happily sue me after this. 'Yes your honor, after he beat up his own wife he came after me.' And my wife would back him up, lol.

With the knowledge that everything had been recorded, I hit him with an unexpected barrage of body shots, each of which elicited a very gratifying groan of pain from Klein. He slumped to the floor holding his bloody face. I really wanted to get on top of him and continue hurting him but the video footage would make it seem like I just wanted to hurt him, which was true.

Klein pulled out his phone. He hit three numbers only. "Yes, we need help. Send the police. We've been attacked. Yes, he's still here, please hurry."

Klein continued talking to emergency services. Meanwhile I was checking on Renee. I had mixed feelings. I felt bad now that she was hurt. Even if she deserved it she was my wife and I still wanted to at least give some first aid.

"Why are you helping me? After what I did you should be hitting me too," she said as she sobbed.

"You're still my wife until things get processed. Besides, you're a human being, you didn't deserve this. Now tilt your head back." I quickly ran to the bathroom for a wet face cloth and put it on her bleeding nose. I went back for another to start cleaning her up.

"You realize this was all part of our plan," she said in a nasal voice with the cloth pinching her nose shut. "I think it's broken."

"Yes, I'm quite aware of your plan. I heard it all from the closet."

"God, I am such a cunt. How could I? You didn't deserve any of this."

I got my phone out to call Troy after leaving Renee with her bloody nose sitting on the bed. Klein had left to go down and meet the police at the front door. I'm sure he already had his story ready.

"Hi Troy, So they initiated their plan. You nailed it, the old frame him up as an abuser. Cops will be here to arrest me soon. I need you to bail me out and lock down the evidence. It's all on video. I hit Klein a few times so it's a little messy."

"Okay, I got you. Stay in the house in view of cameras until the police arrive."

"I think I see the lights. I'll talk to you later buddy," I said nervously as I headed into the kitchen away from the others.

The cops came to the front door where I could hear Klein telling his concocted story. I had no interest in what his story was since I had irrefutable proof of the truth. An ambulance pulled up seconds later.

I decided to go talk to the police and get arrested peacefully. No sooner had I introduced myself, than Renee came down the stairs. Klein was still adding to his lies as Renee reached the bottom still holding her bloody nose.

"No, he didn't..." She collapsed but I caught her as she fell.

Klein was screaming, "See, he beat her up and now she's so dazed...."

I cradled her limp body. "Get the paramedics in here!!"

One of the cops said, "They're right here." The cop opened the front door as they walked in.

Renee was taken to the hospital in stable condition but unconscious. I was arrested and refused to answer questions until my lawyer arrived at the station. I asked the police to check on my wife. They told me she was in emergency surgery for head trauma.

Troy showed up at the station with audio/video evidence that would exonerate me. He also posted bail. Meanwhile Klein was spewing his lies in his official statement to the police. Troy held back our evidence at my request to let Klein hang himself and more importantly to see what Renee says assuming she survives the surgery.

Two days later I received a phone call from Dr. Wong, Renee's surgeon.

"Mr. Flagg, your wife asked me to call you with an update on her condition and prognosis. Your wife was very lucky. If she hadn't been brought back to the hospital she would have died. We found a large aneurysm in her brain that could have killed her at any moment. It was most likely a result of her previous injury from the accident. She's out of the woods now and awake if you'd like to see her."

"That's good news Doctor. I have a question though. Is it possible that the aneurysm could have affected her personality at all?"

"Certainly, it was quite a large bubble in a major blood vessel that was pressing on her brain. Anything is possible."

"Thanks Doc. I'll be over to see her soon."

Troy advised me to be careful what I said to Renee but I had to go see her. I was at the hospital within 30 minutes.

When I walked in the room, Renee turned her bandaged head away from me. I stood at the side of the bed taking in the damage to her face that I could see from my side. Klein must have a pretty solid right hook.

"The doctor said I could see you so I came right over. I thought we should talk about a few things."

"I can't even look at you," she whimpered as a tear rolled down her cheek. It could be a ploy for sympathy but who knows.

"Are you pressing charges against me?" I asked just to get the conversation started.

"I don't remember what happened to me. Why would I press charges? Did you hurt me?"

"No, but my understanding of the situation is that you and Klein would be framing me for what he did so you could rake me over the coals in the divorce." Renee started crying and sobbing. A minute later she struggled to regain her composure enough to speak.

"I love you. I don't want a divorce. I know what I've done but I don't know why. I understand if you want a divorce but I'm going to fight for this marriage." She fell back into sobbing and not looking at me.

"Here's the things that are causing the divorce. You cheated, well that's really an understatement. I can't live with that. You also conspired to get me arrested for domestic violence so you could fuck me over in the divorce. Those are pretty difficult for me to get past. Now, if you still plan on trying to railroad me the whole thing is moot. Have you spoken to Klein yet?"

"Michael is an asshole. I hate that fucker and what he's done to you, to me, to us."

"Well, your first step towards earning reconciliation would be to stop working with him and start helping me destroy him. Are you willing to do that?"

"I'm worried that no amount of remorse and contrition, none of my groveling will ever result in you forgiving me or us staying together as a family. What I've done is nearly unforgivable. But in regards to Michael, I have no allegiance to him. He's a piece of shit. Even if you still want a divorce I will help you bury that man."

Two weeks later, Renee was released from the hospital. Troy had already gotten my charges dropped once he showed the police my evidence. Klein wanted assault charges against me but Troy successfully argued I was acting in defense of another and the police agreed. I watched the video again and couldn't believe the evil that had lurked inside my wife. Was that really her or some other person? I let Renee stay at the house to recover. The day I brought her home she asked to see Eli. We stopped at my mother's place.

My mother seemed angry that I was doing anything for my cheating wife. Her anger seemed to subside as Renee hugged her son and began to cry.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry, God I'm so sorry baby."

My mother and I were a few feet away when I asked her, "Do you think it's another show? Is she just faking it?"

My mother smiled, "I don't think so, that looks genuine to me. It's just my opinion but that looks like true remorse."

I took care of Renee as she recovered. She seemed to get back on her feet quickly. I talked to the doctor at her next visit while Renee was preoccupied. I asked him for her own health reasons if he would run a full STI panel on her. He said he couldn't without her knowledge and acceptance but he would bring it up.

At home Renee had become the vision of a stay at home mom but without Eli most of the time. She was cooking and cleaning but we were still in separate bedrooms. I still had Eli staying with my mother when I was at work. Renee was a doting mother every minute he was home. Then one day he lost his mind when I tried to take him to my mother's. He was throwing a fit and crying for his mother. Renee was smiling at the display which made me smile in turn. Eli won the battle as I let him stay home with his mother. I checked in often since Renee was still a bit of a gamble health wise. My mother also visited.

My mother's relationship with Renee was always pretty good but since her return from the hospital she seemed more protective of Renee. She seemed to be taking a lost sole who had lost her reputation under her wing to be her only support. I was still protecting myself and my heart. The mind movies still played in my head causing some resentment but they were becoming less frequent. I was in therapy where I was learning to cope with my triggers. Several times I had snapped at Renee causing her to hide in the bedroom and cry. It was hard not to take out my anger on her.

Troy and I spoke often. He had persued an assault and battery charge against Klein that was unsuccessful since Renee seemed to be in cahoots with his plan to get beaten. His wife, however, received all of our evidence and filed for divorce. She would be taking him to the cleaners. Troy also sent all our evidence to the bar council who will most likely disbar Klein for his illegal and unethical practices. Several other wronged people came forward as well. I asked Renee to testify against Klein at the hearing which she wholeheartedly agreed to. They ended up saying her testimony was unnecessary since everything was on the video.

Renee became a part of the family again but we ran into a major roadblock to our possible reconciliation. The hospital called to inform us that blood tests had shown she was clear of any STIs but that Renee was pregnant. Fuck!!! It definitely wasn't mine. It could be just about anyone's. Renee broke down in what seemed like a possible nervous breakdown. I brought her to the hospital where she was sedated and held for observation overnight.

She was completely depressed when I brought her home yet again from the hospital. She didn't speak or even reply to me. I put her to bed where she stayed for days. Finally I had to force her out of bed to shower. She was a zombie. When she got under the water she said, "I love you," and began crying again. "What's going to happen to me? I want to be with you and Eli. Are you going to divorce me?" She looked into my eyes for the first time in a long time. I grabbed the shampoo and poured some out.

"Get your hair wet." As she ducked her head under the water she asked, "Why are you still taking care of me? Do I still have a chance?"

I was gently lathering her hair when I said "Yes." Her head turned with eyes wide open getting shampoo in them. "A chance, but it will take time. I'm in therapy and that might help."

The energy seemed to return in a flash. She stood straight up from her slouching position. She grabbed my fully clothed body and pulled me into a hug getting me soaked.

"All I can ask for is a chance." I wanted nothing more than to step into the shower and make love to my wife. Things just aren't there yet. I did believe my wife was back though. Either she was really back or a very good actress with ice running through her veins.

Every time I talked to my mother she was singing Renee's praises, telling me she's back and better than ever. She said the whole ordeal had made Renee appreciate everything she had. If I were to forgive her I'd have the most devoted wife any man ever had. Through my mother I learned that Renee wanted to keep the baby unless I would leave her over it.

Two months and eight sessions of therapy later things at home had returned to some semblance of normalcy. Daily routines were back, smiling and talking and playing with Eli. Renee was starting to show which was a conflict I still was dealing with in therapy. The most likely father would be Klein which is about as bad as it can be. My therapist had me doing exercises to separate the baby from the man. It was working, this baby would be mine.

On Renee's birthday I took her out to dinner at her favorite restaurant and then an excellent play. The night was reminiscent of our early days together. We held hands entering our front door. I handed Renee a small package containing her birthday present. Her eyes went wide as she opened it. She fell to her knees sobbing and clutching a pearl necklace.

"Oh my god, does this mean...?"

My voice cracked from emotion, "I'm ready to move back into the master."

The End