Gone Missing
written by:
DG Hear

Gone Missing By DG Hear

Welcome to my Earth Day story. It's only a couple of chapters but it is complete and posted here. I realize that not every story is for everyone, but I hope you enjoy reading this one. DG

Chapter 1

Earth Day is a celebration of life on this planet celebrated around the world in over 175 countries. It brings focus to environmental and humanitarian issues on a large scale.

For me Earth Day is every day. No, I'm not a big environmentalist. I'm just an everyday Joe who tries to survive in this world. The reason every day is earth day for me is because I work in a cemetery. I dig the graves, put in the vaults, and after the services, I'm the one who covers the hole.

It might not be the job of choice for most people but it suits me just fine. It gives me balance by helping me survive the problems that surround my marriage and my life.

My name is Joseph Henry. As a veteran I have seen so much killing, lying, pain, and disgust. Before I entered the service I was happy, but when I came home I discovered my wife had cheated on me. That changed me, but I'll get into all that shortly.

We have two beautiful daughters, Julie and Rhonda, whom I love with all my heart. We also have a son, Joseph Jr. There is nothing I wouldn't do for them. The girls are now teenagers but are still my little girls. They both have me tied around their little fingers and I'm sure they know it.

Joey is much younger but he's my little buddy. He loves working with his hands and is a chip off the old block. On days when he's not in school he likes to come with me to the cemetery where he helps plant flowers. He also loves to read the headstones.

Shonda, my wife, and I have been married for fifteen years. We met at a college party she attended. I didn't go to the school but my friends invited me along. She was outgoing with a bubbly personality whereas I had always been the shy and quiet type. I think that's why we hit it off.

She came from money; her dad was a well known attorney. Her goal was to become a lawyer. Back then I worked for my parents' nursery so I knew plants and gardening as far back as I could remember.

Shonda and I became very close, very fast. She was so hot; for me it was love at first sight. She told me she loved me too. Making love with her was great—we were so good together. I couldn't get over how loud and vocal she was when we made love. It was such a turn on how the more I did to her, the louder she got. She loved getting eaten out and I loved doing it to her. And she had no problem reciprocating.

Her dad didn't really care for me. I guess he figured I wasn't good enough for his daughter. But Shonda told me her dad didn't choose her friends, she did.

When I told her I had enlisted in the service she got really mad at me. I tried to explain that by the time she finished getting her law degree I would have my discharge and we could be together. Until then we could write each other and I would call her whenever possible.

After she got over being mad at me we mad passionate love. I even had anal sex with her for the first time. God, I was going to miss her but I thought fighting for my country was the right thing to do.

Basic training began about a month later. I tried to see her as often as I could till then even though it made leaving her that much harder. We spent our last night together having sex every way possible. Yet I honestly had to wonder if she would be waiting for me when I returned.

After basic training I was going overseas for at least a year. I made sure I spent the two weeks off before I left with Shonda.

As soon as she saw me, she had tears in her eyes. "Joe, I have something to tell you."

"What is it honey? Why so sad?" I asked.

"I'm pregnant. We're going to have a baby and I don't know what to do."

I was a bit shocked at first because I thought she was on the pill when we were together. But she mentioned she missed a few every now and then. So we had to decide what to do.

"Let's get married," I told her. "I love you with all my heart and if you feel the same, we'll elope. It won't change anything as far as your schooling goes. I'll see that you're taken care of."

"What about my parents? I have to tell them. They'll see me starting to show in a month or so. I can't hide it."

"Hide it? I want the world to know you're my wife and we're going to have a family. We'll get married and then tell your parents together."

That's exactly what we did. Her dad was extremely mad and said he was going to have it annulled until Shonda told him she was pregnant. Mrs. Rimes put her arms around her daughter to help comfort her, but she gave me a dirty look.

We all talked a little more civil after that. I explained to them I was leaving for overseas in another week but I would take care of Shonda. Her dad kind of snickered. Money was no object to him but I wanted to take care of my responsibilities.

My parents told me I should have waited till I came back home to get married because I hadn't known Shonda very long. I explained I didn't want people to think badly about her. She would be a married woman, pregnant and attending college. They understood what I was trying to say and agreed to do their best to keep in touch with Shonda while I was away.

Saying our goodbyes was really hard for me but I knew I would be with her again. Though I wasn't able to write her in the beginning, a few months later I received a letter from her. She told me all was going well and her parents finally accepted our marriage. Her pregnancy was coming along fine and she was doing well in school. Her friends were surprised when they found out she was both married and pregnant. And she called my parents at least once a week and gave them an update.

We kept in touch by letter and I received one about once a week. In one she told me she had a big surprise for me but I wasn't going to hear it till after her delivery. Without any hints, I had no idea if it had to do with her schooling, pregnancy, or something personal maybe her parents had done.

Several months went by, and one afternoon the captain called me into his office.

"Congratulations, I just received a call and you're the father of twin girls."

Without a word I sat down and cried for joy. That he said twins somehow didn't shock me, although it should have. That must have been the surprise Shonda had for me.

"Use my phone to call your wife. Here's the number; you have a few minutes."

Shonda answered the phone. "Shonda, I love you, baby."

"Joe, it's so good to hear your voice. You have two beautiful daughters who can't wait to see their daddy."

We said as much as we could knowing our time was limited but all too soon I had to hang up. Being in a war zone made it difficult but I called her whenever I had the chance. It cost us a fortune but I didn't care. Another six months passed before I got to see my daughters for the first time. They were so beautiful. Shonda hadn't changed either. She was as attractive as ever. I was one lucky man.

I was thrilled to learn my next assignment was at a base not far from home. There I worked in the agricultural area. I had seen enough killing and war to last a lifetime. It felt so much better to help make things grow. I had almost another year to serve but I was close enough to make it home on holidays and weekends since it was only a three hour drive each way.

Weekends I spent my time with my daughters. I held them and wasn't afraid to change them. I would often lie on the floor and let them crawl all over me. One thing was for sure—I loved being a daddy.

By the time I was discharged Shonda had already graduated from law school and was an apprentice in her dad's firm. I got the job as caretaker of the city's largest cemetery. It might not sound good to anyone else but it paid extremely well. There I took care of the trees and gardens and had a small staff of four men who helped me with the upkeep. I also had the responsibility of digging and closing up the graves.

My work schedule was five days a week and Saturdays if there was a funeral. It was a gated cemetery kept locked at night. I was usually the first one there to open them in the morning though my crew also had keys.

I was always there for my family. Too bad I couldn't say the same for Shonda. Being a young lawyer she had to work long hours including most evenings. I did my best to understand. Thankfully my mother watched the girls while I worked since I didn't want to leave them with strangers.

Shonda tried to spend as much time with me and the kids as she could. She really was a great mom but juggling a career and motherhood was hard on her.

We still made love but most of the time she was tired and I wasn't about to force myself on her. She told me once she passed the bar it would be much easier on all of us. I reassured her I would wait for her. After all, she waited for me while I was in the service.

Life was still good. I loved my job and spent a lot of time with my girls. When it was time for them to start school, Shonda actually took a morning off so we could take the girls to their first day together. I thought to myself, "This is what being a family is all about—being together."

It was short lived because Shonda had to get back to the office. Though she had passed the bar, it didn't seem to get any easier. I still did my best to stand behind her in her career but it wasn't easy. I had my daughters but I wanted my wife too.

Whenever we were together we made it quality time, doing things as a family. At parties or gatherings I would sit back and smile as her bubbly nature lit up the room. Even though she was always the sexiest woman in the room to me, she never flaunted it. She was friendly with most everyone but not flirtatious. I really did love being around her.

Everyone called us the perfect couple. Though we had disagreements we were always able to work them out and not argue. Most of our friends were people she worked with. Often I would call her around lunch time so we could spend that hour together.

Our girls were already in junior high school and in the choir. They were putting on a mini concert for the senior citizens. I decided to take the day off to see them perform. Afterward I called Shonda to see if she would like to meet me for lunch.

"Joe, I can't. I'm really busy working on this big case."

"So, you don't have time to eat today?" I asked in a sad tone.

She hesitated and then said, "Okay, Joe, you've been so great putting up with me. I'll meet you at Olive Garden at noon."

"I love you, Shonda."

"I love you too, Joe, but this is just lunch," she replied and laughed.

I was running a bit early so I thought I'd stop by her office and just wait for her. After parking I headed to the stairs and then heard Shonda's voice coming from the next row over.

"No John, I can't! I'm going to meet my husband. Please, last time was a mistake, I love my husband."

"Well, Mrs. Henry, you either meet me Friday at the motel or I'll turn the photographs over to your husband and you can say goodbye to your marriage."

"You're scum, but I'll be there. And this is the last time. You have to give me the photos."

"Sure, but how about a little kiss to seal the deal first?"

He leaned over and kissed her. Although she wasn't kissing back she wasn't stopping him either.

Scenarios of what I should do raced through my mind. According to what she said she had been with this John guy before. And she was going to meet him again. I needed time to think but I had to meet her for lunch. The one nice thing about being a quiet person was that it was easier to hide my emotions. Right then I knew I would have to act happy and just play along.

We pulled up to the restaurant at the same time. I did my best to not let her know what I had heard and how I felt inside. Looking at her one would never know there was a problem. She kissed me and we went inside.

We talked about the girls and the concert. I then asked her about her work.

"I'm working with a lawyer on a case I really can't talk about."

"Anyone I know, honey?"

"John Lindow, he's from one of the firm's other offices."

I changed the subject since she looked so nervous.

"Honey, I know you've been working hard. Let's go out Friday night, maybe dinner and a little dancing, just you and me. It will give us a chance to get away from it all. I'll ask mom to stay overnight and watch the girls."

I waited for a response, wondering if she would meet this John fellow or go out with me. She had a look of concern on her face.

"Joe, I have business to take care of on Friday. Can we do it on Saturday instead? I'd love for the two of us to go out."

I gave her a small smile. "Okay, Saturday it is. No excuses, promise?"

"I promise, but right now I have to get back to work."

I walked her back to her car and we kissed. When I got home I knew I had to do something. Taking a chance, I called the law agency and asked where John Lindow was staying. I acted as if I was from his home office. When I hung up, I had the name of the motel and his room number.

One thing I forgot to mention was that I was a sniper and hand-to-hand combat vet. I killed more men then I care to admit with my bare hands. It was just something I never talked about, not even to Shonda.

I mentioned to my mom that I would be a little late getting home Wednesday. We had three funerals on Thursday and needed the plots dug. Wednesday we dug all the plots and I had the vaults put in two of them. I told my crew they could leave early and we'd put the last vault in on Thursday.

I never had an argument when I let them go home early. They worked hard getting the job done and deserved the free time. I then headed over to the motel and waited for John.

It was just after five when he pulled up. I had on gloves and a toboggan, as well as a hand gun. As soon as he opened his room door I jumped out of my truck and pushed my way in before he could get it closed.

"Who are you? What do you want? Get out of here before I call the police."

"The name's Joe," I said. "I hear you've been fucking my wife and I came to get the photos. Where are they?"

"I never touched Shonda. She's lying to you. And I don't have any pictures."

"Well my friend, I never said what her name was. Now I get the pictures or you get dead. Which will it be?"

I watched him glance over to a dresser and figured they were in one of the drawers.

"They're in my briefcase," he replied looking back at me.

"Throw the briefcase over here then."

"It's a combination lock."

I knew something was up when he admitted that so easily. Assuming he had a gun, I watched him open it. Before he could reach in I lunged at him, knocking him down. I was thinking as a combat soldier and broke his neck within seconds.

I looked in his briefcase where there was indeed a handgun along with some papers. Opening the dresser drawer I found an envelope with a number of photos of him fucking my wife. More disturbing were the pictures of her fucking another guy. I needed to find out who it was.

The room wasn't even messy. After I threw the pictures into the briefcase, I picked up his lifeless body and slung it over my shoulder. There was no one outside the room when I opened the door, so I threw him into the back of the truck and covered him with a big piece of canvas. Tossing the briefcase onto the seat next to me, I drove off without attracting attention.

After I turned a corner I got out and wiped the mud off the license plates. Just in case there were any witnesses all they could say was what kind of truck they saw.

I headed over to the cemetery and dropped John's body into the empty hole. Then I lowered the vault on top of him using the backhoe. Now we were ready for all the funerals the next day.

I mumbled "Happy Earth Day John, you son of a bitch" as I locked the gates then headed home.

When I got home mom had already fed the girls so she heated some leftovers in the microwave for me. I ate and watched some TV with the girls until Shonda got home. Looking both nervous and tired, she talked to the girls a little bit before taking a shower.

When I went to bed I asked her if there was anything I could do to help her. She told me it was just some stuff at work she needed to deal with. We cuddled and she went to sleep.

On Thursday all three funerals went as planned. I doubt John ever expected to be buried under a ninety-two year old woman.

When I got home I got a call from Shonda. It wasn't very often she called home so I was concerned.

"Honey, what is it? Is there a problem?"

"No, honey, I was wondering if anyone called there for me today."

"No, were you expecting a call? Mom never mentioned any. Is there something wrong?"

"Well, remember I mentioned the name John to you the other day. He never showed up at the office and when we sent someone to his motel he wasn't there. His car was in the parking lot and his clothes and keys were in the room. Only his briefcase was missing. So I thought maybe he had called there."

"Sorry, I can't help you honey. Will you be home soon?"

"We're going to call the police and then I'll be home after that."

"Okay, baby, I love you, see you soon."

"I love you too, Joe," she said before hanging up.

That went well, I thought as I hung up. I got John's briefcase and took the pictures and his gun and put them in my gun safe that was in my garage. Nobody went in there except me. Then I went to the backyard and burned the briefcase and all the papers that were in it.

"Did you find your friend?" I asked as soon as Shonda came home.

"No, it's like he just disappeared. No one has heard anything from him."

"Did you like him a lot?"

"God no! He was an arrogant asshole but he had some important papers I needed. Now I have no idea where they are."

"Christ, Shonda, papers can be copied. I'm sure he didn't have the only set." I knew it was the pictures of her she was worried about but I just played along.

"You're probably right. I'll call his home office tomorrow and get copies made. Thanks Joe."

"Thanks for what?"

"Thanks for always being here for me. I don't deserve a man as good as you."

"Honey, we're a team and a family. Nobody is going to take that away."

The odd look she gave me told me she was wondering what exactly I meant. I understand many people would not react the way I did. But I love my wife and daughters.

She loves me in her own way, and I knew that. However, I realized I couldn't totally trust her. I thought of just going out and showing her the pictures and telling her I saw her talking with John. Maybe someday that would happen but not yet.

If I faced her with the facts then we would probably end up divorced. My daughters were my life and I wasn't about to fight just to see them. Mr. Rimes was a very powerful man and I'm sure he would help Shonda get custody of the girls.

The girls loved my mom and I didn't want to mess up the bond between them either. The best thing to do was bide my time and take care of my family. Flying off the handle would solve nothing.

I didn't want Shonda to find out I knew anything. The last thing I needed was to get involved with the disappearance of John. I also needed to find out who the other man in the picture fucking my wife was. I wasn't exactly sure how to find out but I would eventually.

Chapter 2

On the Friday after the demise of John, Shonda came right home from work.

"I thought you had a business meeting tonight?" I asked.

"I found out at the last minute it got cancelled."

"I guess we could have gone out after all, but tomorrow works fine with me. Mom said she would be here around five and she'll spend the night."

I looked at Shonda and she had a look of wonder on her face but then smiled at me. "I can't wait for our date Joe; it will be like old times. Let's get a motel room and make love all night."

She sure didn't act the way I always thought a cheating wife would act. She really seemed happy to be with me and never asked for a night out with her friends. No phone hang-ups, no trying to hide anything. I was confused. I saw her with John and I had the pictures of her fucking him as well as the other man. Yet, I truly believed she loved me.

We did just what she mentioned. We had dinner and danced till the wee hours and went to our room and made love. It felt just like old times again. She was making loud noises as I ate her pussy. When we fucked she asked me to never stop loving her.

She had secrets she wouldn't tell me and I knew they worked on your insides. That's because I had them too; some I would never tell anyone, not even Shonda.

Our night of lovemaking produced a son. I was happy and the girls were excited to find out they were going to have a baby brother. At first Shonda was distraught and mad at herself for forgetting to take her pills again. She had a yeast infection and stopped taking them for a few days. I had to wonder, what if she had met John that Friday. Would she be having his baby now?

That's the problem with cheating. There are always doubts and distrust afterward. I wanted to trust her instead of second guessing her every move but I couldn't do that, no matter how much I loved her.

Life went on rather normal for us. Joey came right on time and Shonda took a few weeks off to recover from his birth. I worked my caretaker job and did a lot of the planting of flowers around the cemetery. Time and time again the city directors complimented us for the job we were doing. All was well on the work front.

At home things were still good. Shonda started coming home earlier on a regular basis. We did more as a family, which we all loved. Joey always smiled when he saw his mother. Yet I wondered how long it would all last.

I brought up John a couple of times but though she tried to hide it, the subject upset Shonda. Apparently the police listed him as missing but there weren't any clues as to his whereabouts. When I asked her about the important papers she needed she hesitated before saying everything was fine. I could see the worry on her face about the photos. That was something she just couldn't hide.

As time went by Shonda never mentioned John again. It wasn't a surprise when her father promoted her to senior partner since she was still daddy's little girl.

Whenever there was a party or gathering Shonda would take me around and introduce me to everyone. She told everyone I was a landscaper and did a lot of work for the city. I guess saying I was a custodian of the cemetery didn't sound quite as good. The funny thing was how proud she seemed of me and wanted to be with me. They weren't the actions of a cheating wife.

A couple of years passed and we were a happy family. I worked my job and Shonda did her best to be home most evenings. My mom and dad loved her. What wasn't to love? Beautiful, caring, great personality, only she was a cheating wife no one knew about.

Her dad and mother liked me now. Mr. Rimes and I had a few long talks and one day I showed him all my medals for bravery. I always kept them kind of a secret. I didn't want honor for killing others but for the valor of doing what I had to for our country.

He saw how I was with my kids and the love I showed for them. I was just part of the silent majority who wanted to live a regular life and raise my family in peace. I think he finally understood and seemed to respect me after that.

Early March Shonda asked me to go to a big shindig where I would have to wear a tux—which she knew I hated to do. It was some kind of gigantic celebration, gathering, party, or something, for Earth Day.

All the brass from the major corporations would be there. They held it every year but this time it was in our home town so Shonda as well as her dad would be going. These corporations were big contributors to saving the earth projects. In past years she was able to beg off since she didn't want to be away from the family.

"Joe, if you go I promise you'll get the best sex of your life."

"Honey, you've already given me that. What haven't we done together? I don't want other people or anything like that."

‘My god John, what are you talking about? I don't want other people in our bed. How could you think such a thing? I can't believe you would say that to me."

The way her voice rose, it was obvious she was really mad.

"Shonda, I'm sorry, I should have never said that. You're the love of my life and just the thought of you with anyone else tears me up inside. So, tell me about this great sex."

"I was thinking about strawberries and whipped cream and what we might do with them. Please say you'll go with me."

"Okay, I'll go but I'm going to hold you to the strawberries and whipped cream."

She gave me a big hug and a kiss but I could tell something was bothering her about the party. She wasn't saying anything but there had to be a reason why she wanted me there so badly.

****

On the day of the celebration my mom agreed to spend the night with the kids. Shonda and I reserved a room so we could have that fabulous sex she promised me. When I put on my monkey suit, my mom told me I looked handsome. She knew I hated wearing a suit. Usually I got by wearing a nice shirt and a sports jacket, but tonight it was tux and tie.

When Shonda came out of our room, my mouth dropped open. She always looked nice but she looked gorgeous, sexy, and elegant all at once. Seeing I was lost for words, she smiled and winked. But Mom had no problem telling her how exquisite she looked.

After we pulled up to the hotel I asked the valets if they would park it away from the heavy traffic areas. It was Shonda's new Lexus and I told them I'd hate to see it dented. I gave the valet twenty dollars and he grinned and said it would be no problem.

When we arrived at the door I felt like a king with Shonda on my arm. She definitely received attention from those in the room. Even her parents told her how great she looked. We shared a table with a number of people from her company.

Before dinner there were a few announcements. Shonda ordered Porterhouse steak for me, and lobster for her when she bought the tickets.

"How much did the tickets cost for this, anyway?" I asked when I saw how elaborate dinner was.

"It was five hundred dollars a plate, but the firm paid half the cost," she whispered.

I nearly choked on my steak. "What? Honey, this steak is good but not worth that kind of money."

"Joe, dad knows how you feel about big parties so he paid our share. Please don't say anything. I wasn't supposed to tell you. So eat to your heart's content and drink till you're drunk. I want you to enjoy yourself." She smiled at me.

"No way am I getting drunk. We have a special party planned and I don't intend to miss it."

After dinner they were giving awards out for huge donors to the Earth Day projects. Shonda's dad was one who stood up and received an award. I proudly applauded for him and thought that was why Shonda wanted me there.

I didn't pay much attention to most of the other benefactors until I glanced over and saw Shonda looking scared. The person whose name they called was Randy Barthlow. I had never heard of him but he looked familiar. I was trying to think of where I might have seen him before.

I was about to ask Shonda if she knew him when she got up and said she needed to use the ladies room. It was then I realized he was the other guy in the pictures fucking her. I wasn't sure what to do, but this wasn't the time or place to ask her about him. Damn, just when everything was going great, a bomb dropped.

Shonda came back to the table and we got up to dance. When we returned that Randy fellow came over. She seemed nervous but handled it well.

"Joe, this is Randy Barthlow. We went to the same college and both became attorneys. Randy and his father own a law firm in Atlanta. He has family here in Ohio and comes to visit often. Randy, this is the love of my life, my husband Joe."

He held out his hand and I shook it. I could almost hear him snicker. "Joe, you have the most beautiful woman here tonight. Come to think of it, she was one of the best looking and smartest women in our whole college."

About that time they were playing a slow song and Randy asked Shonda to dance.

"Is it all right if I have a dance with your lovely wife? We can talk over old times."

"Shonda makes her own decisions and doesn't need my permission." I was hoping she would refuse but I didn't think she would.

"Well, I guess it will be all right," she replied then looked at me.

The place was really crowded and they seemed to disappear. I went up to the bar and got myself a drink. After the second song was finished, they hadn't returned so I decided to go looking. I saw them go down a hall, step into a room, and close the door. I was about to go in when I heard them talking.

"Well, Shonda, you didn't show up for our party a few years back. I still have the pictures and if you don't meet me tomorrow, I might have to show them to your husband. And wouldn't that be a shame."

"No, I won't do it. I'm tired of you and John blackmailing me. Besides, if you had the pictures you would have used them by now. I'm just going to tell Joe and hope he understands. Why can't you just leave me alone?"

"For your information John gave me the pictures. Your dad didn't have anything to do with his disappearance, did he? Since we're old friends, meet me tomorrow and fuck my brains out. Then I'll give you the pictures and we'll call it even. If you're a no-show then your husband, dad, and the internet will see what a good fuck you really are. Now you better get back to your husband before he comes looking for you."

The way he laughed really pissed me off. I hurried back to the table, glad everyone else was up talking or dancing. I was doing some deep thinking just as Shonda arrived. It looked like she had been crying.

"What's the matter, honey?"

"Joe, I don't feel so good. Can we leave and go up to our room. I need to talk to you."

She told her parents she wasn't feeling well and would see them in the morning. We headed up to our room where we were supposed to have a party of our own.

"What is it, Shonda? Ever since you saw that guy Randy you've been nervous. Are you in love with him?"

"God no Joe, I hate him. He's out to ruin my life and our marriage and I think he's doing it."

"Slow down, what are you talking about?"

"Joe, I need to tell you about my past. Please don't leave me till I can tell you the whole story."

I knew she was about to tell me about the photos and it really had to be hard on her.

"I was pretty wild in college. John, the man who disappeared, and Randy, were part of our party group. I had sex with them."

"Honey, what you did before we were married was your old life . . ."

"Joe, after the girls were born when you were overseas, I cheated."

She started crying but I just sat there and waited for her to continue. My eyes began to water. I couldn't help it.

"I went to one of the parties and was drinking pretty heavily. You know how much I like sex. John and Randy took me to a bedroom and had sex with me. They not only used me but they took pictures of them fucking me."

"Why Shonda, why did you do it?"

"I wasn't positive I loved you. I loved the sex we had together but I never really got to know you as a person. Then you said you enlisted in the service and I found myself pregnant."

"Are the girls mine?"

"God yes, once we started going together I never had sex with anyone else. Honest Joe, take a test if you want. All three of our kids are yours."

I never told her but I had a DNA test done after I found out about John. I honestly didn't know what I would have done if they weren't mine. I loved them all so much. They were part of the reason I stayed with Shonda. Thank God all three kids were mine.

"So why are you telling me this now. The barn door is already open and the horses are out."

"Joe, after you returned from the service I found out what a wonderful and caring man you really were. I honestly fell in love with you and have been ever since. I realized how I had almost ruined our life and have been doing everything I could to prove to you how much I love you.

"It was a long time ago and I hadn't heard from John in years so I figured it was over and our life could go on as normal as possible.

"One day John showed up at our agency and showed me some pictures. He said if I didn't meet him for sex he was going to give them to you. I didn't know what to do."

"So did you meet him? Did you have sex with him again?"

She gave me a sad laugh. "It's funny but I must have had a guardian angel watching over me because the day I was supposed to meet him he disappeared."

"Was that the Friday you told me you had a business meeting and later told me it was canceled?"

"Yes it was. I was hoping to get the pictures from him. I was going to take a hand gun and force him to give me the pictures but there were none. He must have taken them. I was one of the people who searched the room."

"So where are the pictures now?"

"I don't know but Randy claims he has them. If I don't have sex with him he's going to give them to you and my dad, and put them on the internet. It would ruin me and probably kill my father. I can't let that happen.

"I figure our marriage is over but I want you to know that I really do love you and have been faithful to you ever since you came home from the service. I'm so sorry but I wanted you to know the truth before I tell my dad. I know it will hurt him deeply but he'll see that Randy doesn't get his way."

"Shonda, do you really and truly love me?"

"Yes, I wouldn't have told you about this if I didn't love you."

"Do you trust me, and I mean totally trust me?"

"Of course, I've always believed in you."

"Then I need you to do me a favor and stay here in the room till I get back. Can you do that?"

"Yes, but what about telling my dad? I don't want Randy to get away with this."

"You said you trust me so just do as I say. Whatever anyone asks, I never left this room. Do you understand?"

"What are you going to do? Please be careful, I don't want you to get hurt."

"The less you know the better. Just try and relax, I'll be back in a couple hours."

"Joe, I'm so sorry. I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I thought it was over when John disappeared." The last thing I heard when I left the room was, "I love you, Joe."

I went in the hall and used the house phone to call his room. When he answered I quickly hung up. The hallway was empty when I got there, so I knocked and waited. As soon as he started to open the door I pushed on it hard. He lost his balance and fell backwards.

I was on him like flies on shit, grabbing his throat and choking him. His arms were flailing about but hitting nothing.

"Do you have any pictures of my wife, you mother fucker?"

"No, I—bluffing," he mumbled, barely able to breathe.

"Where are they? If you want to live, you'll tell me. And you only get one chance." I loosened my hold enough for him to answer me, but didn't let go.

"John had them. He was going to give them to me after we met with your wife. When I went to the motel they said he was missing. I don't know where he is but he has the pictures."

"Does he have all of them?"

"Yes. Please let me go."

"No, I'm going to do better than that; I'm taking you to see John." I hit him hard a couple times in the kidneys and once in the groin. He was half out of it.

I made sure I didn't leave any fingerprints, then picked him up and walked out the back entrance. I had my arm around him to keep him up so he just looked like a guy who had too much to drink. We walked by a few couples on the veranda. They chuckled and laughed but turned back to their partners right away.

We made it to my car in the valet lot. It was about a half block away and on the end just as I asked. I shoved him onto the seat and buckled him in. The valets had my wife's keys but I had my own set. I drove to the cemetery where I knew we had a funeral the next day. Luckily my crew dug the grave but never put in the cement vault.

I opened the gate and locked it behind me. I didn't need any interference. When I took him out of the car he was very drowsy. I asked him one final time if he had photos of my wife.

"No, I told you John has them all. Please don't kill me. I have a wife and kids. You can‘t do this."

"If you loved your wife and family as much as I love mine you wouldn't be out cheating on her. If you're as wealthy as they say, your family will be taken care of and probably a lot happier. You used my wife before and now you're trying to use her again. I can't let that happen."

I hit him about a half dozen times till he was out, maybe even dead. Then I dropped his body into the empty grave just as I did with John. I got on the backhoe and lowered the vault into the grave. Now we were ready for funeral tomorrow.

Next I stopped at my house and went into the garage to retrieve the photos of my wife in them from my gun vault. I wanted to make sure I didn't wake up my mom or the kids since I couldn't explain why I was there. I got the envelope and quietly left.

When I returned to the hotel I drove with my lights off and parked my car in the spot it was in previously. I knew I was taking a few chances but had no choice. At least I still had on my tux, even though it was a bit dirty. I entered the hotel through the back entrance and went up to our room.

"Who is it?" Shonda asked, not opening the door when I knocked.

"Your husband, may I come in?"

She put her arms around me and hugged me as hard as she could as soon as I stepped into the room.

"Where did you go Joe? I was so worried about you."

"Nowhere, I was right here with you the entire time. Did anyone call or come up?"

"Dad called and asked if I was feeling better. I told him I was and assured him we would see him for breakfast in the morning. That is if you still want to be my husband."

"Is there anything else you want to tell me before I decide if we will stay married? I don't want any more lies."

"Joe, I've told you the truth. Yes, I cheated on you but it was years ago and before I realized how much I loved you. I would have killed John before I let him have me again. He kissed me once but I needed to bide my time. I'm so sorry."

"So is Randy the only other person you have been with?"

"I swear that it was in our college days. I could never be with him or anyone else now. That's why I had to tell you. It's why I wanted you at this party. I knew he would be here and I needed to know about the photos. Joe, you're the only man I have ever loved. I understand if you can't stand the sight of me. I did you very wrong but would like the rest of our life to make it up to you."

I stayed quiet for a few seconds and just stared into her tearful eyes. I knew my silence was killing her so I finally spoke.

"I had a talk with Randy. He had the photos and I convinced him to give them to me. Look through them and see if they're all there. I didn't look at them and I don't want to."

I lied; I knew she wasn't proud of the photos. Opening the envelope, she began to sob. Then she took the garbage container and went onto the patio. One by one she burned all the photos as I stood by and watched in silence. When she was finished she flushed the ashes down the toilet.

I knew it was late but I called customer service and asked them to send up some strawberries and whipped cream. I looked over at Shonda and she was crying again, but this time it was a cry of joy.

Pussy dipped strawberries in whipped cream. You can't beat it. Having my cock sucked when it had whipped cream on it was an experience of its own. We made love in as many positions as our bodies allowed us, each time with passion.

Sometime during the night we fell asleep. At ten in the morning Mr. Rimes called to see if we were ready for breakfast. Laughing, we told him we would see him shortly, then showered together and got dressed. There was a breakfast buffet and we quickly got what we wanted and sat down with her parents.

After breakfast we went up and packed our things. I wanted to make love again but Shonda said we didn't have enough time. Besides, we had the rest of our lives, she reminded me.

On our way home I drove through the cemetery. When she asked me why, I told her I was just making sure all was well. I watched as the crew lowered a casket into the vault. My guys waved to me as we drove by.

A couple of days went by before there was an article about a Randy Barthlow reported missing by his wife. He had attended a benefit at the Royal Hotel but never returned home to Atlanta. According to the article, all of his belongings were still in his room. It said that an investigation was continuing but there was no sign of foul play.

For some reason it was like the beginning of a new dawn. Shonda and I both agreed that we would never speak of John or Randy again. Our marriage survived and I finally felt I could trust her again. Most of what she told me I had already known anyway.

As my friend always says, "Life is good!"

A big thank you to Mistress Lynn for taking of her time to make this story a much better read. Comments are welcome and appreciated DG Hear