Life Goes On, Another Story

"I don't care, Russ. I don't care anymore. As long as you love me, that is all that counts. I know we went too far, but it's not just your fault. I wanted it ... no, I needed it. It's been almost a year since I have let Bob touch me."

"Julie, I promised you that I wouldn't cross that line and I crossed it. I'm so sorry. I try hard to see that it will never happen again till you are ready ... or should I say ... divorced." My answer made her smile.

"Julie, let's go out for dinner. Let me take you to a nice restaurant. I promise to be a total gentleman."

We did go out and have a nice dinner. We knew that a few people that knew us gave a few strange looks. A few even stopped by our table to say hello. It was great. I was out with my girl and to hell with the rest of the world. We didn't exactly act like lovers, but more like good friends. When I took her home that evening she kissed me very passionately on the porch.

"Do you want to come in, Russ? I don't care anymore."

"If I come in, we both know what will happen. I can't do that to you. As soon as your divorce is final, I will make love to you all night. But, until then, I'm going to keep that promise to you."

We kissed one more time and I went home.

I fell asleep thinking about my Julie. I had to try to figure what to tell Bob. I didn't have any evidence so Julie would have to confess adultery. It was something that wasn't in her makeup. She was a very loving honest person. I know it would really hurt her to have to admit to having sex, when it didn't really happen except for the finger fucking she received.

I was sitting back reading the paper and having a cup of coffee when the phone rang. It was Julie and she was crying.

"Julie, honey, what's the matter, why are you crying?"

"Bob came home last night and said he had evidence of my cheating on him and he is going to file for divorce and make sure I'll lose everything."

"What? Evidence? What evidence? Where did he find evidence at?"

"Yesterday before he left for the city, he set up a video recorder and taped us on the couch last night. He left and said he was going to take me to court. I don't know what to do, I'm so scared. What if my kids find out? What do I tell them?"

"Easy now, Julie. Everything will be alright. We just need a little time to think. Was he extremely mad, or try to hurt you?"

"No, in fact he laughed at me. He said, 'Well Slut, I finally caught you in the act. It's going to cost you big time.' Then he said that I could have the house for a week while he moved into a motel. He told me I might as well gather up all my personal stuff and prepare to move out. He was going to contact his lawyer tomorrow and get hold of a judge and get my ass kicked out on the street. He laughed as he left."

"I figure he moved out to make it look like he was devastated. I'll contact Ralph and see what we should do from this point on. Everything will be alright. Maybe you should get hold of your kids and tell them that you will be getting a divorce. It would be much better hearing it from you. Just hold on, Sweetheart, everything will work out. I'm so sorry that he actually caught us together. I guess he didn't trust me to get his evidence, so he set it up to trap us. I'm so sorry."

"I feel lost and lonely; I sure hope you meant all the things you've been saying. Now I wish I would have made love with you from the moment I first saw you."

"Julie, I meant every word. I'll prove it to you as soon as this mess gets straightened out. For the record, I Love You, Julie Moore, and I'll talk to you later."

I contacted Ralph and told him about the situation. He told me even though it didn't seem like it, it was the best solution to Julie's problem. Bob would now file for divorce using adultery. If he has a tape of Julie and me, then the business agreement will get dissolved and Julie will be free of it.

"Are you sure about the other issues, Ralph? The land deal and personal property rights. I'd hate to think this bastard won and Julie would be left out in the cold."

"Russ, Julie will never be cold as long as you're around," he chuckled. "As far as the personal assets are concerned, I have all the proof Julie will need. Just have her divorce attorney contact me and I'll turn the information over to him."

"She wants you as her attorney, Ralph. She trusts you as do I. You'll be her lawyer, won't you?"

Joyce came into the room. "Don't worry, Russ, Ralph will be Julie's attorney if he ever wants another piece of ass," she laughed as she gave a big kiss to her husband.

"Ralph, we know that you are an estate lawyer. That is what she needs, a lawyer to explain all the stuff to the judge. There are no other big issues here. No child support, no alimony, just estate stuff. You know about the business and all the personal issues. I know you're one of the best in your field when it comes to estate issues. Please say you'll handle Julie's divorce."

"What can I say? Of course I'll take the case. Besides, she's my wife's best friend and I need to stay in Joyce's good graces if I ever want to get laid again," he laughed as he kissed Joyce again.

All three of us were laughing but we were nervous as hell on the inside. This was Julie's whole life and future we were talking about. To think she put so much of her life into a useless marriage with a bastard like Bob really turned my stomach. At least she had two wonderful kids and thanks to Bob's parents who gave them necessities and most of all additional love. I know my parents' love for my son Dae really held me together many times throughout my life.

As parents, we always wonder if we did the right thing by our kids. Could we have done it better? Did we do too much or not enough? I knew that Julie did everything she could for her kids including putting up with an abusive husband. That all was about to change. I just hoped it was for the better.

I called Bob and was going to act like I was still on his side. I should have gone to some type of acting school. It was really getting hard to just talk to this bastard without knocking his teeth down his throat.

"Hey, Bob, Russ here. I just got a call from your old lady and she was crying. She said you got a tape of us together the other night. Is that true?"

"Yep, got all the evidence I need. I won't need anything that you gathered up."

"Wait a second! What about my two hundred thousand dollars? If it wasn't for me you wouldn't have gotten shit!"

"I'm not giving you shit. I got the evidence on my own so I'm keeping my money. Look at it this way; I got what I wanted and you got your revenge on Julie. So, we both came out on top, haha."

"You mother-fucker, you had me set Julie up and you aren't paying me what you owe me. I'll be at your divorce hearing and telling them the truth, how you set her up, you fucking bastard."

"Be there! Tell them whatever the hell you want. It has no bearing on the case. My wife had an affair, regardless of the reason, and now she loses everything, thanks to you and your revenge, Sucker. I told you losers never change. I'm also having a restraining order against you. If you come near me, you'll be arrested. You really are one stupid man. See you in court," he laughed.

Chapter 4

I contacted Julie later that day. I didn't want her to be alone. She told me that she had talked with her kids and told them that their father was filing for a divorce. She told me that her kids said that they would be there for her. They told her they heard that their dad was having affairs and that it was only a matter of time. When she told them that she had an affair, they didn't act surprised.

"Mom, we noticed how happy you've been the last month. You were like our old mom before grandpa died. John and I talked about it and he told me about your friend, Russ, coming over for dinner. He was your old boyfriend that was sent away, isn't he, Mom?" said Teresa, Julie's daughter.

"I'm so sorry that this happened. You kids deserve a better mom and I'll try and make it up to you. I'm so sorry."

"Mom, Dad has been horrible to you, especially since Grandpa's death. We could see it. He wasn't the best father either. You were the one that was always there for us. We know that. We're not saying you having an affair was alright, because it wasn't. You have always taught us to keep our emotions in check. But, we understand that mistakes happen, Mom, and we want you to know that we forgive you. We love you, Mom," replied John.

"Mom, what happens to the house and where will we live? We can't stay here with Dad. We want to go with you, even if it's a small apartment. We can call our attorney and see if we can get some of the funds Grandpa left for us. I know we're supposed to be twenty-one but maybe there's some kind of loophole."

"God, I love you kids. Don't worry, everything will be fine. I just wanted you to know the truth in case you hear rumors."

Julie and I took a ride to our boulder by the river. It was our place and the one place where we knew we would be alone. I spread a blanket on the ground and took out my knife. I started cutting our initials into the boulder again, right below our faded out initials from years before. It made Julie smile.

We talked about the hearing coming up and I told her a little about what I found out about Yen. I didn't want her to be totally surprised at the hearing. I did mention that Yen had two kids that she thought were Bob's and wanted DNA testing to be done on the kids.

Julie said she felt sorry for the girl even though she didn't know her. She hoped that the girl could get away from Bob's clutches. No woman deserved to be treated that way and she was worried about the kids. Bob's parents wouldn't be around to protect them.

We talked and kissed. Julie said she should just make love to me since she had already been accused of it. I told her I wanted her in the worst way, or best way, depending how you look at it, but I was going to keep my promise. I did tell her that if she wanted me after the hearing that she knew where I lived.

We both had to work the following week and she had meetings with Ralph every evening to discuss the case. I talked to her on the phone every day and told her I would see her at the hearing. We decided it would be best to be apart until the hearing. Julie told me that her son, John, spent every night at home with her. He said he was there to protect his mother. She told me she asked who he was protecting her from and, when he said, "Dad," it made her cry.

The day of the hearing I went to the court room by myself. When I entered the room I saw the Judge, Bailiff, and a woman doing the court reporting. Bob and his three lawyers were sitting at a table. I saw Julie and Ralph sitting at another table. There were a number of people sitting in the courtroom including Joyce. I could see Bob had a smirk on his face knowing Ralph was not a divorce attorney but an estate lawyer.

The bailiff announced the case and Ralph asked to speak.

"Judge, I would like a closed hearing since this case is covering a very delicate matter."

A lawyer from Bob's side said that he was going to prove his case and show the evidence that the people had a right to know the truth.

Again Ralph spoke, "Judge, so the people in the court know, my client is pleading guilty to the charges. We have some very explicit tapes that I don't think should be shown to anyone that is not involved in the case."

The judge agreed and asked the courtroom to be emptied. He asked about Joyce and me and Ralph said that we were character witnesses.

I heard Bob and his lawyers laughing. It would almost be worth going to jail for if I could get hold of him for only two minutes. It would be the last time he would ever laugh at either me or Julie.

One of Bob's high-powered attorneys stood up and explained the will of Bob's parents, especially the clause that said if Julie was caught cheating on Bob that she would lose all rights to the business and all property of the business. He went on to mention that Bob had proof of his wife's cheating and wanted to enact his rights of having Julie removed from the documents pertaining to the business property.

The judge looked over at Ralph and Julie. "Is this information true?" he asked Ralph. "Did your client cheat on her husband making this document null and void."

Julie was looking down at the table. She was too ashamed to look at the judge. I felt so sorry for her while at the same time glancing over at Bob and seeing him smile. The prick, the bastard - he made me sick just looking at him.

Ralph stood up. "Yes, Judge, she admits to it. So we don't think the video needs to be seen. We ask the court to just accept my client's statement."

"I understand," said the judge. "But, we have a problem with just accepting her statement when there is actual proof. We have cleared the courtroom and we will look at the video."

The bailiff put in the video that showed me and Julie on the couch. We were kissing and then it showed my hand going under Julie's skirt. At the point where she spread her legs so I had better access the judge told the bailiff he had seen enough and to turn off the video.

"I find that the defendant did void the contract by her actions and admitting to it." The judge looked over at Bob's lawyers who were all grinning. "Do you have the proper papers drawn up taking Mrs. Moore's name off of the legal documents of the business?"

"We do, Your Honor," one said, handing the documents over to the judge.

The judge looked at them and then told the bailiff to give the documents to Ralph to look over and then have Julie sign. All this time Julie had been crying. I know she felt humiliated but she was about to get her just due.

The judge spoke, "Mrs. Moore, you no longer are associated with this business. As of right now, Mr. Moore is sole owner of the businesses and all property herewith. Is there anything else to be brought before me now?"

Ralph stood up. "Yes, Your Honor. We need a division of the personal property as stated in their marriage contract."

One of Bob's lawyers stood up. "What personal stuff? It all goes to my client. She cheated on him and there's nothing left after the business property is taken out."

"Judge, if I may speak without interruption from opposing counsel, I can explain the personal property. This is my expertise and I have copies of the proper documents for both opposing counsel and the court."

Ralph gave copies to the bailiff who passed them out to Bob's lawyers and the judge. "Your Honor, we haven't had time to see these documents before today. We would like some time to look them over."

The Judge looked at Bob's lawyers. "It was your side that called for the divorce preceding. You should have thought about the paperwork before rushing into court. These are public documents and you had as much right as the defendant to get them. I'm not going to make the defendant wait because of your negligence. You have plenty of time between the three of you to look it over while opposing counsel explains it."

It was the first time that our side had a chance to smile. With Ralph's expertise in legal documents, the opposing counsel was going to get a lesson in legal documentation.

"Your Honor, the business was owned by Mr. Moore's parents. They in turn willed the property to Bob and Julie. It was a sole proprietorship when his parents owned it. After it was willed to Bob and Julie and after the death of his parents, Bob converted the business into a corporation to save money on taxes. He did this last year as you can see in the documentation. When he did this all personal property became just that. Personal property of both Bob and Julie more."

All three lawyers on Bob's side jumped up. "Judge, we do need time to look these documents over."

"Sit down or I will have you removed from the courtroom and you will be held in contempt," said the judge.

Ralph continued, "So according to our state law on property, all property is divided equally between the spouses. I have an estimation of all the property owned by Mr. and Mrs. Moore. We used their insurance records for the more valuable assets. We also used a forty percent worth on all other valuables because of depreciation. If either party feels any item is over or under the estimate value, it can be changed or arbitrated."

One of Bob's lawyers stood up. "Judge, my client said that this list includes a two million dollar piece of property that is owned by the business."

Ralph continued, "Judge, although that piece of property was purchased with monies out of the business, you will see that the said property is a note owned by the business. Its owner is Bob Moore, not his business. Therefore it is now community property."

The judge spoke. "The money was borrowed against the corporation but the corporation does not own the property. Is that what you are saying?"

"Yes, Sir," replied Ralph. "Corporations gives money all the time for things but don't necessarily own what the money was given for. In this case, both Mr. and Mrs. Moore agreed on giving the money to Mr. Moore to buy property. It in no way stipulates that the property it bought is owned by the business. Therefore it becomes Mr. Moore's personal property."

Bob's lawyers stood up and when the judge looked at them they knew they didn't have a leg to stand on and quickly sat down. One had the balls to finally stand back up.

"Judge, Mrs. Moore is living in the house right now. Until a divorce is settled, Mr. Moore would like to take possession of the property."

"Sir," said Ralph, "Mrs. Moore has two children. Her son lives with her and her daughter comes home from college almost every weekend. They need the house to live in."

"She's an unfit mother as you saw in the video. She shouldn't have her children living with her," stated one of the attorneys.

I wanted to get up and bash the creep's teeth down his throat, talking about Julie that way. Instead of doing that I stood up.

"Excuse me, Judge, may I speak?"

"Who are you and what can you add to this case?" asked the Judge.

"I'm Russ Morgan and I'm the fault in this mess. I was the man in the video and I was asked by Bob Moore to entice his wife into an affair."

"Objection, objection! He has no proof! He's just trying to make my client look bad. Where's the proof? Show us the proof," yelled one of Bob's attorney's. "We'll sue you for ruining my client's reputation."

"Order! Order in my courtroom. Mr. Morgan, you are hurting this man's reputation. Do you have any proof of this conspiracy you speak of."

"Judge, I have a video of what kind of man he is and I'm sure you wouldn't want to leave him at home with anyone."

"I object, I object!" screamed out one of the attorneys.

"Object to what?" asked the judge. "You just screamed out you wanted proof and now we'll see the proof. Bailiff, put in the video."

"Judge, I should tell you what you're about to see might be very disturbing."

"We'll decide that, Mr. Morgan," said the judge.

The bailiff turned on the video and it showed Bob having sex with Yen and slapping her. The bailiff was asked to fast forward the tape and it showed Bob holding down Yen while another man fucked her.

"Stop the tape! Stop the tape!" said the judge.

Bob jumped up and yelled at me.

"You sorry mother fucker, I'm going to get you. Where the hell did you get that tape, you bastard? You set me up. You weren't going to get me the evidence, were you?" screamed Bob.

"Bailiff, arrest this man and hold him on contempt charges. I won't have outbursts like that in my courtroom. You are one sick person, Mr. Moore. I am going to give Mrs. Moore the right to live in the house and there will be a restraining order against you. If you are seen anywhere near Mrs. Moore you will be arrested. The lawyers from both sides need to get together and iron out the personal property. Mr. Wilson has a good place for you to start. It looks like he has done all the leg work. This divorce will take place in sixty days and I expect the problems to be ironed out by then."