From Darkness into Light–2

CHAPTER 6

The meeting was scheduled for the following Tuesday morning. Warren and I sat on one side of his conference table; Amanda and her attorney Wilma Spencer sat opposite. She began aggressively, “We demand the house, half the accumulated investments, and alimony of $10,000 every month. We also insist on a clothing allowance and jewelry allowance totaling $1,000 per month.”

“That’s pretty steep for a woman who has repeatedly committed adultery during the marriage,” Warren replied.

“My client denies any wrongdoing. Rather it appears that Mr. Anderson has been the one fooling around and we have the pictures to prove it.”

I looked at Warren for permission and he waved his hand as if to say, “Go ahead.” We had discussed this at a strategy meeting. “I make no excuses for anything I have done since Amanda and I split. I consider myself a free man and so far as I’m concerned Amanda may do the same.” She flinched at these words; I smirked to myself, knowing about her predicament. I continued, “However, while we were married I never once even looked at another woman—I thought I was happily married. And, it would have been hard to fool around, as you say, while wearing this…” I pulled out the silicone chastity device, laying it on the table. “Before you deny knowledge of it, here is a copy of the receipt and shipping order. You’ll see that the date of order is only months after our wedding, that it was ordered by and shipped to my wife. I wore that every single day when I was out of her sight.” I noticed “The Bitch” give Amanda a questioning look. “Suddenly, she decided this wasn’t enough so I was required to wear this one. I was tied to the bed when she forced it on me. I understand that can be considered assault. You’ll note that this one was bought and paid for by her lover, my former employer, and shipped to her at our address. Be assured that we have the originals of these documents. If you know nothing about these I have to assume that you know nothing about this video, either. I set my laptop on the table and ran the DVD.

“My passport will show that I cleared U.S. Immigration shortly before their first time together and that I entered England late that evening. It will also show that I returned eight days later. Mr. Petersen and my loving trusting wife had adulterous sex seventeen times during that period while I was locked away in this horrible device.”

“We deny that this ever took place. We will claim that it is a fabrication.” I laughed, packed up my stuff and left. Amanda followed me into the hall.

“I guess you didn’t believe me, Amanda. You’ll stay in that belt forever if you and your attorney persist. I’m willing to be reasonable…well, maybe not actually reasonable, but fair by my standards. However, here’s two warnings—leave my secretary out of this; it’s between you and me, and drop this idiotic pretense. We both know what happened, don’t we? What the hell did you ever see in slimy Tom Petersen, anyway?”

“He was a distraction. You were gone so often and so long. I got lonely. Tom was there. He was available. I never loved him.”

“It sure looked like it that day I came home early from Rome. I saw you kiss him—ram your tongue down his throat– out in front of the house…talk about indiscreet! I’m sure I’m the laughing stock of the neighborhood. That’s why I hope never to go there again, except Saturday morning when I’ll be there to pick up my clothes and personal items. I’d appreciate it if you weren’t there.”

“Wilma told me to change the locks.”

“That’s some attorney you have. Even I know that was illegal. The house is in my name, not yours. It’s my house, my parents’ before me. You can’t keep me out of my own property. If anything you should be the one who leaves. I’ll be there at ten and I’ll either open the door or I’ll break it in…your choice.” I walked out and went to work. On the way I turned off the Dictaphone; it had picked up every word. Marcie could see how upset I was when I walked in. She followed me into the office, closing the door behind us. “That bad?”

“Amanda’s an idiot and her attorney is worse. Not only is she trying to deny having sex with Tom….”

“Can she get away with that?”

“No, the original DVD will stand up to any scrutiny as real and she just admitted it to me and I…uh, forgot my Dictaphone was on. She also told me the attorney told her to change the locks on the house which is interesting considering that it’s my house. I owned it before we were married…before we were even engaged. I was born there; it belonged to my folks before they gave it to me. I called Warren from the car and told him. He’ll file a complaint with the Bar Association and get an injunction demanding I receive a key. Oh yeah, I told him I absolutely refuse to pay even a penny for the change and I’d better not see any other changes take place without my permission. Truthfully…she hasn’t exactly been forthcoming with her attorney.

“Now…I want you to know they brought you into it, suggesting…no, stating that we were involved before the split. I’m pretty sure I diffused that with the chastity devices. Her opening position was pretty much what I would expect if she was the affronted party, but that will change. I don’t want her to starve…I’m saving that for Tom. His company must be reeling, losing twenty top clients and he’s so clueless he’ll have no idea what to do. I just hate to see the others there suffer…although….”

“Oh, Jack I can see those wheels turning again.” I just grinned and held her for a minute before returning to work. Tomorrow I’d be off to Indianapolis for two days and next week to Miami for almost the week. I had a lot to do, but first I used the intercom to reach out to Bill. I told him what I had in mind. He laughed crazily before agreeing. Petersen would be out of business within a year by the time I was done with him.

CHAPTER 7

I had no trouble from Amanda when I went to pick up my stuff from the house. My key was delivered to my office the day before. I rented a truck from U-Haul and made six of those big cardboard wardrobes that movers use. I carried them into the house and Marcie loaded them. Then I taped them closed and carried them down to the truck. I checked the computer in my office, moving anything of value to a flash drive. There were some important papers that I took as well as my jewelry from my personal safe. I left the key in the lock. The entire operation took us about four hours. I texted Amanda to tell her we were done. We unloaded everything into my empty living room.

My trips once again were successful so when I returned again to work I made a few calls to several of my former comrades at Petersen. “Well, Stewart,” I began, “how’re things these days?”

“Jack,” he whispered, “it’s like a fucking morgue here since you left and Petersen is even crazier than before. His wife is divorcing him and taking him to the cleaners. I don’t know what she has on him, but it must be something really bad.”

“It is, Stewart…he was fucking my wife and I caught him at it. Worse, I have it on DVD and I sent a copy to Nancy. There’s something else, too, but I can’t get into that. Now…on to business; want to come to work for a real company…one with a future?”

“Hell, yeah! You mean with you?”

“No… with some competitor…of course with me. We worked really well together in the past so why not? I’ve already cleared it with Bill Wells—same salary and benefits.”

“Just tell me when.” We spoke for a few minutes and I made my next call. All told I hired away every software and network expert in the company. Then I made another call…to Nancy.

“Hi, Jack,” she answered, “What’s up?”

“I just want you to know what’s happening. Make sure you get cash from Tom, because his company isn’t going to be worth spit by year’s end. I just hired his best six experts. Even if I hadn’t I suspect he’d be broke, just a little later.”

“I’ve seen it coming, too. He is completely losing it. We had a meeting last week and all he did was scream and rant. His attorney apologized afterwards. So far they’ve agreed to three million and the house, not that I’d want to live here. It reeks of him. But, thanks for calling. I think I’ll push for a quicker settlement—I don’t know if there will be anything left by year’s end. I know I can speed up the process by promising him the keys…you can get them, can’t you?”

“Yeah, I anticipated this so I phoned the company. I’ll have them for you by week’s end.” We exchanged a few pleasantries and rung off.

If anything, the meetings with Amanda and her bitch lawyer got worse and worse. It was so bad I just tuned her out. There was only so much of “We deny…that never happened…blah, blah, blah. You’re imagining things, etc, etc, etc,” that I could take. By the fourth meeting all I wanted to do was reach across the table and strangle that fucking bitch until she was dead. I was just about to walk out again when I heard Amanda. It was the first time she had opened her mouth, “ENOUGH!! ENOUGH ALREADY! WHAT DON’T YOU GET? JACK IS TELLING THE TRUTH. I DID ALL THOSE THINGS—EVERY LAST ONE OF THEM.”

“My client is not responsible for that statement. She is irrational because of all the stress your lies are causing her.”

“Oh, God,” Amanda continued, ”How can you be so clueless? I’ve had enough of this and enough of you. Get out! You’re fired!” The Bitch packed up her papers and left in a snit, slamming the door as she left.
“Good riddance.”

“I have to agree, Amanda. Where the hell did you ever find her…under a rock?”

“Just about, Jack…Warren, can anything be done about her? She’s the most incompetent lawyer I’ve ever met.”

“Normally, I’d say no, but I happen to know she already has several serious complaints against her, including the one about changing the locks on Jack’s house. If I prepare a statement will you sign it?”

“Gladly, and thank you, Warren. What are you willing to give me, Jack?”

“I’ll give you the house. As you know, there’s no mortgage left on it. It’s in good condition and in a good neighborhood. I suggest you sell it. I’ll also give you $500,000 which is much more than I originally intended, but things are going so well at work I think I can afford to be a little generous. That with the investments in your name should give you a reasonable income until you’re able to remarry.”

“If you two agree,” Warren interrupted, “I can draw up some preliminary papers for your signatures. Then I’ll put everything into the proper legal form and we’ll be done.” We agreed and signed. Amanda and I walked out of the office together.

“What about…?”

“Strip your bed and pull the mattress off the box spring. Then lift the box spring off the platform. You’ll find a manila envelope with the keys. They’re labeled ‘L’ and ‘R.’ Be sure you follow the directions to the letter. Once they’re in place turn them ninety degrees clockwise at exactly the same time. Let me know if you think you’ll need help. The belt should separate into two parts and fall from your body. Good luck.” I leaned down to kiss her cheek.

“Thank you, Jack. For what it’s worth I’ve learned my lesson. I’ve had a few dating opportunities, but with this on…maybe now I’ll be able to do something with my life. I wish you well, too. Marcie is a wonderful person. I always liked her.” She reached up and kissed my cheek. We were done—finished with each other.

CHAPTER 8

The office was deserted when I returned. Even Marcie was missing from her desk. I wandered down the hall—still nobody, so I climbed the stairs. It was quiet there, too, but when I opened the conference room I was greeted by cheers. Bill Wells led me into the room and to the head of the table. “How much do I pay you, Jack?”

“Uh, I think you already know the answer to that, Bill.”

“Actually, I do and I also know it’s not even close to enough. You’ve already brought in more than enough to cover your entire salary—almost equal to what the entire company did last year– in the first five months you’ve been here so I’ve made a decision. I’m making you a partner.” I was shell-shocked. It wasn’t something I had ever really thought about, but before I did Bill continued, “I’m sure you’re wondering why. I have a son, but he reminds me a lot of Tom Petersen and I’ve seen what’s happened there. You’re the obvious choice, Jack. You know more about this field than anyone I’ve ever met. I’m giving you thirty percent to start. Welcome to Wells-Anderson!” He hugged me and shook my hand. I was still in a fog when Marcie kissed me. I wrapped my arms around her and held the kiss for an embarrassingly long time, ignoring the hoots and jeers from my colleagues—er…employees.

I wanted to sneak away to share my news, but the party was in full swing and as the star attraction I was stuck there. I must have shaken hands or been kissed by every employee in the place, some of them two or three times. There was champagne and deli sandwiches and even a big sheet cake. Oddly, I thought of Tom Petersen—of what he would have done under similar circumstances. Then I realized there would never be anything remotely like similar circumstances with him.

The party broke up more than an hour later. I grabbed Marcie by the hand and led her down to my office. Before she had the chance to ask about my meeting with Amanda I was on my knee, “Marcie, will you marry me?” Her hands went to her face. I’ll never know why she was surprised. She knew it was just a matter of time. She answered by pulling me up into a long hot kiss that lasted for more than ten minutes. “So…the Bitch gave in?”

“Never…not a chance…actually Amanda had enough and fired her just before I was about to reach across the table and strangle her. I agreed to give her the house and $500,000…and the keys, of course. She was shocked to learn she was sleeping right on top of them for almost four months. That was a great idea you had—hiding them in her own bed.”

“Well, I’m just glad it’s over for your sake. I know you’ve been under a terrific strain recently. I’ve been amazed that it hasn’t affected your work.”

“To be honest, that’s the only time I’ve been able to put it out of my mind. OK…not the only time. I never thought about it when I was with you. She’s my past; you’re my future. I’ve never been as much in love as I am with you.” I looked into those liquid eyes and leaned down again to kiss her. It wasn’t far; at five feet nine she was only three inches shorter than I was and most of that was eliminated by her heels.

I heard a scuffle at the door and turned to see my friend Stewart standing there, “Is this the secret of your success, Jack? If so, I’ll take a little.”

“I’m afraid not, buddy…Marcie has just been taken out of circulation. Amanda and I have settled so I’m almost free to remarry. I just asked her and if she’s still smiling I’m assuming she’s still interested. You’re the first to know.”

“Don’t worry,” he said, “I’ll be sure to tell everybody else. Actually, I stopped in to thank you. Working here is nothing like over there. I don’t understand how I managed to survive all those years. It’s like comparing poverty to luxury—no comparison.” We chatted for a while, but I never let go of Marcie. Before long it was almost five and, thanks to Stewart, everyone in the firm knew about our engagement. Bill stopped by briefly to ask, “What the hell are you doing here? Go home and celebrate. Buy the woman a ring, a really big one. You can afford it. Now get out of here!”

For the very first time ever, and probably the last, I left work early taking Marcie with me. I wanted to drive straight to a jewelry store. My high school buddy Brian now owned his dad’s store so I knew he’d do well by me. Marcie, however, wanted to go home to bed. “Uh, uh, darling…if you walk in there tomorrow without a ring I’ll never live it down. Ring first then dinner then me.”

She leaned in for a quick kiss and we were off. Brian beamed when we walked into his store. We had been close friends—not as close as Mike and me—but close. I introduced him to Marcie and explained why we were there. “I heard about you and Amanda…too bad, but I can see you’ve landed on your feet. Where’d you two meet?”

“I work under Jack…as often as possible,” Marcie replied, “and if it was up to me that’s what I’d be doing right now.” We all laughed, but I knew she was serious. Brian showed us several types of rings; she selected a simple solitaire of 1.8 carats. The ring wasn’t huge, but it was top quality. I steered her to a pair of diamond earrings. Marcie looked at me questioningly, but I answered, “It isn’t every day I become a partner or get engaged, is it?” She reluctantly accepted a pair of half-carat studs, but not so reluctantly that she didn’t wear them out of the store. I knew I was pushing it when I led her to the bracelets, but she fell in love with a beautiful, but simple, tennis bracelet that had more than eight carats of small, but excellent quality diamonds. Brian totaled the bill at $58,000, “Less ten percent family discount,” he added.

“I never realized we were related.”

“We’re not, Jack, but you’re close enough. You know I’m an only child, so why not?” I handed over my credit card and we left. We were both so excited we took only a small meal, a burger and fries with a Coke before we got down to the important business of making love.

I carried a laughing Marcie over the threshold of my tiny apartment. She clung to my neck as she kicked her feet wildly. I dropped her carefully—lovingly—onto the bed. Cradling her head with my hands I leaned down for a searing kiss, one that burned through my body. Tenderly, I removed her blouse, bra and skirt leaving her clad only in panties, garter belt, and stockings. I literally ripped my shirt and tie from my body, dropping my pants and boxers to the floor. I teased Marcie by slowly pulling her panties down her thighs. Frustrated, Marcie forced them past her ankles and pulled me to her.

“What’s that line from that old James Bond film? Oh, yeah…’I think I will enjoy very much serving under you.’” We shared a laugh as she pulled my cock to her slit. Back and forth she rubbed the head until it was drenched. Her hands behind my butt pulled me into her. I gasped at her heat as I became seated in her tight cunt. Marcie wrapped those long legs around my back as we began a slow sinuous rhythm. Our eyes were fixed on each other’s as we moved together. “Oh God, I needed this so badly, Jack. I needed you…I’ll always need you. I love you, Jack. I love you so much.”

“You’ve made me so much happier than I ever believed possible, Marcie. I want to share my entire life with you. I want to be with you for eternity…that’s how much I love you.”

“Let’s save the love for later, Jack. Fuck me–fuck me hard!” I pulled out and pounded her poor pussy. I was always afraid I’d hurt her with my thick cock, but I never did. Marcie just loved having her cunt stretched and battered. There was only one problem—she was so tight I couldn’t do this for long without cumming ferociously. As expected I felt my balls begin to churn. Marcie recognized the signs and only encouraged me by increasing her pace, driving her clit into me faster and faster, harder and harder. I arched my back and screamed, “AAARRRRGGGGHHHHH. AAARRRGGGHHH. AAARRRGGGHHH” as I flooded her pussy and womb with my baby cream. I collapsed onto her exhausted.

Marcie rubbed her fingers through my hair as she caressed my head.