Jake The P.I.

"I won't forgive what you did, Doris, but I don't hate you either. I hope you actually get what you want in life. You've given up a lot more than you will ever know. By the way, Sally gave me the breakdown of our business. It is in the red. Good thing you don't want an equal division of assets."

"Jake, do you want to do it one more time for the road?"

"Afraid not, Doris. Give it to Roger. Make sure you tell Roger that I'm not through with him yet. The next time he sees me he's going to wish he didn't. I'm going back to the office and start the divorce procedure. I'll expect you to be gone when I return tonight. Make sure you give Roger that message. He made a big mistake messing with anything that belongs to me. See ya around, Doris."

"See ya, Jake."

She was crying as I left. It might be hard for people to understand my feelings. I can't hate her. If anything, I felt sorry for her. My only getting even with her was not to tell her that Roger was broke. That's enough revenge on her. Now for Roger it was a different story.

Jake The P.I.

The Conclusion:

It's been a couple of weeks since the shit hit the fan. We, our agency, got a call from Roger's lawyers to attend a meeting the following Monday. Of course I was sending Jim and Sally to the meeting. It was for a divorce decree before a judge. Roger was accusing Jenny of adultery and of course Jenny was counter-suing on the same charges.

I've talked to Jenny a couple of times on her tracphone since the split. I told her we couldn't see each other till all this divorce stuff was over with. I didn't want to ruin her case and besides the few weeks apart would give us time to think. Doris had moved in with Roger. She didn't know his financial situation yet but she would find out soon enough. Jenny was back home with her folks for now. I was just hoping they were going to back her up in court.

Note: All the facts in this case were repeated back to me by Sally, Jim or Jenny. So this is a short version of the court case. If I miss passing along some of the evidence I was told, I'm sorry. This is just to give you an idea of what happened at the hearing.

The judge called the meeting and said that he had the right to settle all cases that came before him. His decrees were final. Any appeals would have to be made within a week of the verdicts he decided. They would have to have conclusive evidence for him to overturn a decision. He told both parties that very rarely happened - in fact in his court it never happened - so they should both be prepared that day.

On one side of the table sat Roger Bennet and his lawyer. Also Roger's father, Ed Bennet, was present. I might mention here that Roger's mother passed away two years ago. On the other side of the table sat Jenny and her lawyer as well as Jenny's father, Bob Moore. Of course at the head of the table sat the judge and a transcriber. If there were any witnesses, such as Jim and Sally, they would sit at the far end of the table. There was a bailiff at the door.

Judge Balo explained that just because they were in such a relaxed setting they should not mistake it as not being a courtroom. All courtroom procedures would be adopted.

The judge began by asking Mr. Cruz, Roger's lawyer, to state his case.

"Judge, my client wants a divorce from his wife, Jenny, of ten years. He has positive proof that she has been cheating on him on more than one occasion. We have documented evidence that she has been carrying on a long time affair with someone named Brian also. My client hired a Private Investigation firm whose employees are waiting in the outer room to testify to the facts."

"Let's bring them in now so we won't have to listen to the testimony twice." Sally and Jim sat at the far end of the table.

Mr. Cruz asked Jim, "Was your firm hired by Roger Bennet to run an investigation on his wife, one Jenny Bennet?"

"Yes, we were."

"What evidence did you find that she was cheating on her husband?"

"None, sir. None whatsoever."

Roger screamed out, "That's a lie. I have documents."

The judge said he wouldn't have outbreaks like that in his courtroom. Mr. Cruz apologized to the judge and told Roger to be quiet, and he would handle Jim.

"Didn't you send some letters to Roger stating that his wife was cheating on him. Didn't you get the information off her computer. Don't lie in the court, sir. We have the evidence right here."

"I'm not lying. We did send those letters to Roger as he requested. We did get them off a computer drive, but it didn't come off of Mrs. Bennet's computer. It came off of Mr. Bennet's computer." Roger jumped up and said that it was a lie and they didn't have permission to go into his computer.

Again the judge reprimanded Roger and told him if he did it one more time he would be held in contempt of court. Again Mr. Cruz apologized to the judge.

"Who gave you permission to search Roger's computer?"

"Roger did. Here's our consent form that states that it is okay to search any part of the premises to obtain information including phone records and computers. That's what we did. We made copies of the hard drives on both computers and then went through them for evidence. All was done with both Mr. and Mrs. Bennet's permission. Here are the signed consent forms."

The judge looked over at Jenny and asked her if she ever used her husband's computer.

"No, sir. Other than sending a few letters to my sister and a couple of girlfriends, all I do is play a few games on my computer. I've never been on Roger's."

The Judge looked at Jim and asked, "These letters were copied off of Mr. Bennet's computer, not off of Mrs. Bennet's computer. Is that what you are saying?"

"Yes, sir. Roger wanted some evidence quick so when we came across the letters we sent them to him. We later found that they came off of his computer."

"Let's go on," said Mr. Cruz. "Did you find evidence that Mrs. Bennet had met a man at a restaurant and then took this same man to her motel room."

Jim replied, "Yes, sir, that's true. She had left her husband for two days a few months back because of a spat and what you said followed."

Mr, Moore held up his hand. "Judge, if I may speak I might be able to clear up that misunderstanding."

"By all means, Mr. Moore. What do you know about this situation?"

"Jenny, my daughter, left Roger over a spat that they had. He called me and said she wasn't answering her phone, so I called her. You can check the phone records to verify the calls. She picked up for me after seeing the caller ID and she told me she would meet me for coffee. I met her at a Tim Horton's and we talked. There was a carnival going on so later we went to it. It was just like we used to do when she was a little girl." Bob had tears and his eyes and so did Jenny.

He continued, "We walked and talked. In fact I even won her a stuffed snake, and she named it Roger." Mr. Moore smiled. Jenny had brought the snake and held it up for the judge to see.

"Then it began to rain. We were a long way from the car and we both got soaking wet. We went back to her motel room where she changed her clothes and I took off mine and put on a complimentary bath robe. Jenny called housekeeping and they took both our clothes and had them cleaned and dried. When they returned with our clothes I got dressed and we both left for our homes. I convinced Jenny to return home to Roger which now I see was a big mistake."

The judge said, "Thank you, Mr. Moore. I'm sure that cleared up that misunderstanding. Mr. Bennet, do you have any other evidence that Mrs. Bennet had cheated on you?"

Roger was totally pissed and told his lawyer he was double crossed, but wasn't able to prove it. He didn't like the way this hearing was going.

"No, sir, we don't have any other information at the present time."

"Mr. Darr, what proof does Mrs. Bennet have on her husband's adultery?"

"Well, Judge, we have proof of a number of occasions when Mr. Bennet has committed adultery but to save the court time we will just show you one time. It happened a few weeks ago which caused the final breakup of this couple. Mrs. Bennet went to see her sister on the suggestion of Mr. Bennet. These pictures were delivered to Mrs. Bennet by a unnamed friend when she stopped to see her parents after she returned on Sunday."

"Pass the pictures up to me," replied the judge.

Mr. Darr handed the court twenty-five different pictures of Roger having sex with at least three women. Roger jumped up to yell out when his lawyer stopped him. He would have gotten locked up for contempt.

The judge handed the pictures to the bailiff and told him to give the pictures to Roger's side of the table. Mr. Cruz and Roger looked at them. Ed Bennet picked up a few and looked at them and threw them down in disgust. He looked at Roger with daggers in his eyes.

"Do you deny any of those pictures, Mr. Bennet?"

Roger knew he was had. He held his head down and told the judge he didn't deny the pictures.

The judge ruled in favor of Jenny and then said all they had to do was an equal distribution of assets since there was no prenuptial agreement. Roger figured he lost the divorce case but he didn't care. He just wanted the money anyway.

Jim stood up and asked if he could address the court.

"Of course, son. What is it."

"My secretary, Sally, did a complete audit of the computer hard drive. She has found a detailed gross and net worth summary for the Bennet's. It was written about two months ago when the Bennet's took out a five hundred thousand dollar loan using a second mortgage. This information was also on Mr. Bennet's hard drive. Again all this information was obtained legally."

Jenny raised her hand as the judge notice her. She stood up and said, "Your Honor, I'm not aware of any loan. I never consented to any such loan. Would it be possible for me to compare my signature with that on the loan document?"

"Of course, Mrs. Bennet, if there is fraud here I want to know about it." The judge looked at Sally and asked her if she had any copies of the document.

"Yes, sir, I also brought the copies of the hard drives in case anyone feels there is a discrepancy. I take my job very seriously and always look for the truth."

Ed, Roger's dad stood up and said, "Judge, that has to be a mistake, my son doesn't need to borrow money. I'm a millionaire. Someone......" Roger butted into his dad's speech.

"Sit down, dad. I did borrow the money." Ed looked at his son and said, "What have you done with all the money I gave you? A million dollars when you got married and untold thousands since. What did you do with all of it?"

"I lost it, dad. I spent it and had made some really bad investments. I was afraid to come to you for more so I borrowed it from my Credit Union. Since I'm the President it got okayed."

The judge spoke again. "Mr. Bennet, is this document in front of you correct. You owe 1.3 million dollars on your home worth 1.2 million, after taking out the five hundred thousand dollar loan? It also says you have furnishings worth fifty thousand dollars. You have your wife's car paid for but you still owe thirty thousand on your Porsche. You have savings of ten thousand dollars and your wife has a savings of eight thousand dollars. Is this all correct? You have a minus net worth?"

"Judge, it's all correct except that Jenny has a savings of over four million dollars. The private investigators told me so."

"Sally, isn't it?" asked the Judge. "Did you tell Mr. Bennet that Mrs. Bennet has four million dollars?"

"Absolutely not. We don't just give out numbers. We always make hard copies like I have showed you here today."

Roger spoke up, "It wasn't her. It was her boss. He's the one who called me. He's the one that said she had all that money."

Sally spoke, "Your Honor, I am the financial person in our office. I do one hundred per cent of the financial stats. Nothing financial goes through anyone but me, and as I said earlier, I have not spoken to this man. I would like to add that he owes us three thousand dollars for our investigation and I would like to receive it since he still has enough to pay our firm in his checking account."

"That sounds like a wise idea, miss. Mr. Bennet, would you please write the lady a check now?"

Roger was pissed. He had to pay us and received nothing for his troubles. After we received our check the judge asked Jenny if she wanted to press charges for her forged signature. She was entitled to half the loan, plus half the furnishings and half the value of the Porsche, probably totaling over three hundred thousand dollars. The house was a wash, since there was no value over the amount owed.

"Judge, I want what's owed to me. He trashed our marriage and accused me of infidelity and then forged my signature. He can have the house since we owe more than its net worth but if he doesn't pay me what's owed me I want him put in jail and charges filed."

Roger was crying, "I don't have it. I don't want to go to jail."

Ed spoke up. "Jenny, I know Roger has wronged you. He is still my only son. If I agree to pay you a half million dollars, would you agree to drop any charges against him and each of you go your own way?"

"Ed, you're a good man, unlike your son Roger. I respect you just like my father always has. If I agree to this, what is Roger going to learn? Whenever he's in trouble, he can always let his father bail him out?"

"Please Jenny, I promise I'll deal with Roger in my own way."

"Okay, Ed, out of respect for my own father and out of respect for you. I drop the charges."

The judge basically ended the session. Most everyone was gone. Ed and Bob were having a discussion. Jenny was waiting on her father and Jim and Sally left the court room and were talking in the outer room when I showed up.

"Boss, what are you doing here?"

"I couldn't wait. How did it go?"

"Just like you planned it, Jake. I even got us our check for the investigation."

I then overheard a loud conversation coming from the room. Roger was yelling at Jenny.

"You damn bitch, you owe me, this isn't over. I'm going to get even with your ass." Jenny started crying.

Ed jumped in, "You stupid ass, haven't you done enough damage? She can have you locked up."

"You may be my dad, but I'm my own man. I'm going to get even with this bitch."

I had heard enough as I ran into the room. I pushed Roger into a chair and reached into my vest and pulled out a 9mm Beretta and put it to Roger's temple. Everyone was screaming at me. I heard "Jake, don't do it." "He isn't worth it." "Don't do it." I don't know who was saying what but I cocked the gun.

"You stupid mother fucker! You had every chance to walk away and you chose to get even. How fucking arrogant can you be?"

"Please don't shoot me, Jake. I promise I won't bother anyone again. I promise, Jake. Please don't shoot me." He was crying again.

"You have three seconds to live, Roger. One ... two ... three." I pulled the trigger. Everyone heard Roger cry out as we heard "click". My gun wasn't loaded but Roger got the message as he was pissing his pants and it was running down his leg. By the smell his bowels might have let loose too.

"If I ever hear of you bothering Jenny in any way including talking to her I'll be back and my gun will not be empty. Do you understand, you low life mother fucker?"

Roger was crying, but was able to nod his head up and down.

"Get this fucking low life out of my sight before I change my mind."

Roger's dad helped his son out of the room. I could hear him tell Roger that he was through with him. He would never help him out financially again.

I heard Jenny's dad whisper to her. "Is he the one you've been telling me about?"

In a real soft tone I heard her say, "Yes, dad, that's him."

I turned around and said, "Nice to see you again, Mr. Moore. It's been years since I last saw you. I don't know if you remember me but I'm little Jake from the old neighborhood."

"I remember you, son. You're the kid who always pulled my Jenny's hair. I just want to thank you for everything you did for her."

"Just doing my job, sir. We were all just doing our job. Well, I better go. I don't want to get arrested. See you around, Jenny."

I told Jim and Sally it was time to leave. We still had to watch our actions. We all left and I bought my crew lunch. We all were glad it was over. We knew we had to start a new case the next day but for today, we could rest.

It's been a few months and the divorces and settlements are finished. I talked with Jenny quite a few times and we discussed the future. She was taking evening computer classes. She didn't need the money but she wanted to keep busy. We talked a lot about the future. I told her I thought I really loved her but was afraid of commitment. I already blew it three times and she was the last woman I ever wanted to hurt.

"Jake, answer a few questions for me. Do you think you love me? Not just the sex but do you love Jenny? Think about it before answering."

"Yes, I think I do. Hell, I know I do! I'm afraid of hurting you though."

"Be honest with me on this question. Who else have you had sex with since we've been seeing each other?"

"No one, honestly, no one, Jenny."

"Why is that, Jake? You're divorced, so you've been single for a few weeks. You and I haven't made love in months. Did you lose your libido, Jake? Are you not wanting to have sex?"

"Of course not! I just ... um ... I want ... um ... Jenny, I can't kid myself. I'm waiting for you."

"Exactly. We are meant to be together. Your only problem is you're afraid of cheating on me, correct? I might have a solution, give me a couple of days," said Jenny.

"Jenny, there's something else. People might say I married you for your money."

"Who the hell cares what people say? I only care what you think, Jake. Is it my money you want or me?"

"Don't be stupid. It's you I want; it's always been you. No other girl has ever given me the cooties."

"Then it's settled. I will see you in couple of days."

"What's settled? What are you talking about?"

"Jake, just know that I love you. It will all work out. Bye, love."

"What will work out? What are you planning?" The line went dead. She must have hung up.

Sally called to me from the outer room. "Boss, I hate to bother you with minor details but you promised me I could hire some help around here. I love you like a brother but I prefer to be with my husband and kids more."

"Okay, Sally, I do understand but all you can pay them is minimum wage to start out. I want you to have the needed help but my finances are a bit on the low side."

"That's fine, boss, at least it will help some. Don't forget you promised me a raise too."

"One or the other right now, Sally. The choice is yours."

The next day, she said, "Boss, I have a woman out here I'm interviewing for the job. Do you want to talk to her?"

"Sure, Sally. Did you tell her we could only start her at minimum wage?"

"Yes, she's a student and said she needs the experience. I think she will be a asset to the office. I've showed her a few of the computer screens and she has picked up on it quickly."

"Okay, send her in."

The woman came in - it was Jenny. She looked at me and said, "I told you I had it all figured out. If I'm here with you, I can keep my eye on you. Not because I don't trust you but because I just want to be near you. As you know, I am a student and the wage is not a problem. I am interested in the fringe benefits though. Can you explain them to me?"

"Lock the door behind you and I will do more than explain them, I'll personally show them to you."

She smiled and got up and looked out at Sally who was smiling. She closed the door and locked it. "Come around here and sit in this straight back chair. I want to straddle your lap."