I Got Revenge & Vanished Right After Caught Cheating Wife w/ Her Boss. But 5 yrs Later.. Audio Story

[Music] reflecting on my mornings they were filled with routine thoughts but nothing stood out more than the time I spent with my family my work week was often chaotic and overwhelming but weekends were sacred they were my chance to focus on what mattered most time with my daughter and mother Saturdays became a Beacon of Hope amidst the busyness growing up family was a constant Foundation my dad always reminded me that work wasn't everything and it's the small moments with loved ones that truly shape us I carried that lesson into my own life the thought of

laughter filled afternoons with my family kept me grounded even if I didn't realize it at the time as I started my day my mind was already on the weekend it was Friday and with just one more day of work I was excited for the time I'd spend with my four-year-old daughter Jana and my mom my wife Jenny was traveling for work and wouldn't be back until Sunday night so it was just me and Jana after after dropping her at kindergarten I went to work expecting to finish uploading a course catalog by noon but I was

done by 10:30 arriving home to an empty house I had a few hours before picking Jana up I grabbed a sandwich and started packing for the weekend while juggling packing and eating I dropped a shampoo bottle that rolled under the bed as I retrieved it I found a small book Jenny's Journal after debating whether to read it my curiosity 1 the journal entry was from April 20th 2007 Jenny wrote about about feeling trapped and fearing the consequences of her actions she described how her boss accused her of missing money from the accounts she managed and

offered a way out if she became his personal assistant as I continued reading my heart raced shaken by Jenny's raw honesty I was stunned by what I was reading in Jenny's Journal she continued describing how her boss Mr butcher offered her a new job with more pay and responsibility promising to help her out of the financial mess he assured her she wouldn't be handling money and could repay him over time it seemed too good to be true but she accepted the offer hoping it would resolve the situation I leaned back trying to process her words

Jenny had kept all of this from me she explained how Mr butcher planned to cover for the missing money by claiming it was found in another account clearing her name when she told me about her promotion she didn't mention the missing money wanting to handle it on her own as I turned the page the situation grew worse Jenny described moving into her new office which was connected to a private lounge near Mr butcher she noticed odd looks from co-workers as rumors spread about her new role later Mr butcher called her into his office to explain

her duties which included typical assistant tasks but also accompanying him to events and dressing to his standards The Dread in me deepened Jenny recounted how Mr butcher insisted she dressed provocatively with shorter skirts no panty hose and no bra claiming it was necessary to represent him and the company if she didn't comply he threatened to end their agreement and Report her for the missing money Jenny's words blurred in my mind this wasn't the woman I knew yet somehow she had been trapped in this nightmare she described how she reluctantly complied wearing a revealing outfit to

work the next day Mr butcher called her into his office complimented her appearance and checked to ensure she was following his dress code asking if she was wearing a bra she confirmed she wasn't I could barely keep reading overwhelmed by the realization of what Jenny had endured Jenny's Journal continued he told me to unbutton my blouse I hesitated but his expression hardened and he said I had no choice embarrassed I unbuttoned my blouse it wasn't open enough for him so he told me to lift my skirt to prove I wasn't wearing panty hose again I

hesitated and again he pressured me I reluctantly lifted my skirt and he simply said beautiful before telling me to leave it raised after a moment he said get dressed and go back to work I could barely believe what I was reading Jenny had been humiliated every day she wrote that each day the Wardrobe check continued and by Monday it escalated he demanded she remove her blouse and skirt leaving her in tears but he kept pushing by Friday she was completely undressed for his inspection the following Monday he went further saying it was her job to

make him happy he demanded Zex threatening Randy and Janna if she refused or told anyone Jenny said she tried to resist explaining that she loved her family but he didn't care he gave her until the next morning to decide at home she cried debating whether to tell me but chose to handle it herself I remembered that time realizing how blind I had been the next day after another degrading wardrobe inspection she gave in to his demands agreeing to his terms he wanted a taste but she backed away in fear he threatened her again saying if

she ever hesitated or disobeyed she would regret it after circling her like a carnivore he told her to get dressed and go back to work this was The Nightmare she had been living and I hadn't seen any of it tears filled my eyes Jenny had been trapped in a nightmare and I had no idea she wrote he called me into his office motioned for me to sit on his lap and started rubbing my back he said I had to be enthusiastic and enjoy it never fake it he said I had to give him a head

that evening I felt sick she continued that night I stared at Randy while he made dinner hating myself for cheating on him I went to bed early crying the next day Lloyd called me in again and told me to strip he took me right there and I cried again after I felt like I was on a road to hell with no way out the horror deepened as she described having Zex with Lloyd repeatedly over the next few weeks becoming numb to the guilt then she wrote about an even darker turn one day the internal auditor

Carl was in Lloyd's office Lloyd told him how great my heads were and that I should demonstrate I refused so Lloyd played a video of us having Zex he said he had recorded every everything and would send it to Randy my parents and the staff if I didn't comply when Carl returned I had no choice Jenny described how things spiraled from there she was forced to service other Executives and became an object passed around she wrote Lloyd told me I was now available to all the executives and potential clients I had become the company's office

hooker I sat on the bed stunned trying to process it all my wife my Jenny reduced to this her journal continued I'm writing this to document how I became the Thompson company hooker maybe one day this record will help me get out of this mess I know Randy would divorce me and take Janna if he found out I hate myself for hurting him but I was manipulated and didn't see it now I'm In Too Deep to stop I just want to protect Randy and Janna God help me and forgive me the overwhelming betrayal and loss

Hit me hard Jenny had been manipulated trapped and felt there was no Escape all while trying to Shield our family from the truth I Clos the journal realizing my shirt was soaked in tears I hadn't even noticed them falling anger and pain surged through me I wanted to scream hit something and strangle butcher or even Jenny at the same time I felt like dying without thinking I made my way to the bathroom and threw up the peanut butter and banana sandwich I'd eaten earlier after rinsing my face in the shower I went back to the

bedroom picked up the journal and straightened the wedding picture I had knocked over I stared at Jenny's beautiful face in the photo thinking about how she used to look like a princess to me I touched the glass then set it down just as I reopened the journal the phone rang it was Jana's school I had completely lost track of time I'll be there in 10 minutes I said feeling guilty I quickly gathered my things tossed them in the car and headed to the school Janna was upset at first but softened when she saw me giving

me a big hug a tear fell on her back as I held her I took a long way to my mom's house to think when I arrived Jana was asleep so I carried her upstairs I told my mom I'd start on her to-do list ever since dad died I'd been the one to help her around the house I worked late into the night my mind consumed by what I'd read I kept wiping away tears as I cut branches in the backyard I'd only read one journal entry from 11 months ago but if this had started

back then what more would I find I wasn't ready to face it after dark mom came out and sat with me what's wrong she asked softly I broke down in her arms crying like a little boy when I finally calmed down I told her I found out something about Jenny that makes me think we can't stay together I'm furious but I love her I know I need to do something but I don't know if I'm strong enough mom ever calm said Randy you're a good man you'll do the right thing whether it's forgiving her or

Moving on but whatever you you do don't hurt Janna she needs her father and remember I'm here for you her words gave me something more to think about thanks Mom I'll make sure Janna isn't hurt we walked back to the house together and I went to check on Janna March 15th 2008 Saturday I barely slept and felt awful sitting on the bed I watched the sun rise and smelled mom's fried apples pulling me downstairs morning I said good morning I could hear you tossing all night just eat and figure it out she replied thanks Mom

after I finish up today can you watch Jana I want to walk to the old Grotto I won't do anything stupid I just need to be alone and think okay but be careful Jan and I will have a great day after lunch I finished mom's tasks and grabbed Jenny's journal and a couple of beers before heading to The Grotto my childhood thinking spot it was a peaceful place where I used to clear my mind sitting there now I opened the journal and took a long drink the entries mostly listed the men Jenny slept with what

she did and how many times with occasional notes about how good it felt her tone became more casual as the entries went on but the content was horrifying I reached an entry from October 20th 2007 this past week was incredible Friday Lloyd said we were delivering bonuses to the salesman on Monday we visited the western region office he gave them their bonuses and said their extra reward was 2 hours with me all but one of the men looked like dog fogs waiting to pounce I stopped trying to breathe this was worse than I'd imagined I

forced myself to keep reading I went to the hotel and one by one they came the first man and I had Zex the second only wanted a head and by the third I was exhausted when the department manager showed up I was completely drained that night I slept with Lloyd too she went on describing the next few days where she repeated this routine with more salesmen by the end of the week she had slept with multiple men and even earned $400 in tick her words I enjoyed it my fists clenched as I read her casual

tone she wrote how despite enjoying the acts she felt awful afterward like two different people the work version of her who did what she was told and the real her a loving wife and mother she admitted she felt numb while working but full of remorse when it was over calling herself a hooker it was painful to read how Jenny had split herself in two navigating between her work life and family life all while carrying this unbe terrible burden I put the journal down and stared at the Gorge briefly thinking this would be a perfect place

to end it all but then I realized why should I suffer for what Lloyd Butcher and Jenny did they were the ones in the wrong Jenny's writing sounded less remorseful and more like she enjoyed everything she was doing did she enjoy it more than being with me I'd have to ask her when she got back by Sunday I decided I would confront her if she lied or didn't tell me the truth I'd take Jana and move in with Mom divorce would be too easy for what she did to us and on Monday I'd deal with

Lloyd butcher as I read on Jenny's Journal described more of her exploits a manager's only Christmas party a New Year's Event where over 20 people both men and women used her entertaining clients throughout the year and even sleeping with the police chief and deputies as payment for the company she described a wild management Retreat where she performed with dancers in a way people would never forget her writing showed a split personality at home she seemed like the woman I knew but the other side was horrifying her last entry was from just a week ago and

I knew she was probably at it again this weekend I couldn't stand a read anymore I closed the journal leaned over the gorge and threw up then I lay down in the grass and cried overwhelmed with disgust and misery I felt sorry for myself how could I have not known looking back maybe there were signs but I never doubted Jenny She always told me when she had a problem maybe she didn't see this as a problem we never fought she did her part at home and she was a great mother sure our zek's life had

slowed but I thought it was due to her hard work now I wondered how many times I'd been unknowingly cheated on Jenny had always been easily manipulated by men her father controlled her life until college and then she dated a guy who was just as domineering using her emotionally and sexually before tossing her aside I met her after she'd been fired because the restaurant owner was secretly photographing her in the bathroom she was too trusting especially with men and I hadn't paid enough attention to the men around her hindsight really does suck March 16th 2008

Sunday as we left mom walked us to the car Randy let me know what happens and don't do anything Reckless I trust you'll figure it out I love Jenny but if half of what you told me is true she's not the same person just remember you've got Jan I'll call Mom J and I spent the afternoon playing in the backyard by the time she went to bed she was exhausted I grabbed a few beers and waited for Jenny to get home at 9:00 she walked in suitcase in hand hi honey how was your weekend did

Jana behave she asked I looked at her and said not as good as yours I only got screwed by one person you probably had dozens she stared at me in shock what are you talking about I worked all weekend now I come home to this I grabbed her journal and threw it across the room it nearly hit her and shattered the china cabinet she froze staring at the wreckage slowly she picked up the journal from the broken glass and walked outside I watched from the window as she sat on the swing clutching the journal and

sobbing I left her alone and opened another beer when she came back inside she sat across from me placing the journal on the table her face was red mascara running down her cheeks and she spoke in a broken voice now you know what are you going to do I haven't decided yet I I replied but it'll be big are you going to divorce me she asked like I said I don't know yet she looked at me and said I'm almost relieved you know I never wanted this I never wanted to hurt you or Jan I'm

tired of the Zack the lies and the control I just want to go back to being a normal Mom I'm sorry Randy for everything please talk to me I felt both anger and pity I read your Journal everything I just have one question was this weekend more of the same she lowered her head yes I thought so but did you do it voluntarily and did you enjoy it she hesitated it was a management Retreat I had to be there yeah as the part of the team that's always on her back she didn't respond just stared

at the table I pressed on you didn't answer did you enjoy it did you want to do it from what I read you seem to be really into it maybe more than with me is that true no she said I didn't enjoy it more than with you just differently I love you Randy I never wanted to hurt you I do enjoy the attention in zeex but it's different with you we make love with them it's just Z she hesitated no matter what I say I sound like a lying cheating hooker and I am I won't

deny it I enjoyed it with others but I hated lying to you is that what you wanted to hear I'm not sure what I wanted to hear I replied but at least you're not lying now I don't think you could even lie your way out of this we sat in silence until she asked quietly so is there an us anymore I don't see how you chose this life over your family I've been lied to for months you abandoned Jana and me for your so-called clients no there's no us anymore that ended the moment you got

on your knees for butcher she collapsed onto the couch sobbing after a moment I added and speaking of butcher I'm going with you on Monday to strike the crap out of him while you clean out your desk he may have blackmailed you but you chose to stay in this mess everyone involved deserves to pay but I'll start with him I paused letting my anger simmer you know during the Cold War they had a term called nuclear response Swift and devastating retaliation if I could I'd shove an atom bomb up butcher's back and press the button

I want everyone involved to pay and I don't care about collateral damage but for now I'll settle for knocking the hell out of him on Monday Randy don't do something stupid he's powerful and ruin you just like he did me Monday one way or another I'll end this now get out of my sight you can sleep in the spare room from now on Jenny ran from the room sobbing slamming the spare bedroom door I grabbed a couple more beers knowing I wouldn't sleep much so I might as well drink until I passed out March 17th

2008 Monday Jenny sat quietly as I drove her to work she'd cried all night I could hear her every time I got up her ID badge got us past the guard Jenny went to her office and I stormed into butcher's office ready to attack before I could get far something grabbed me by the neck and slammed me to the ground a huge security guard pinned me down with another holding my head no matter how hard I struggled I was stuck butcher leaned over me smiling I've been expecting you he said the guard called when you

came in these two are my personal guards they'll do anything I ask that includes breaking your neck or finding your daughter as for your wife she's mine now my personal hooker try anything and I'll gut you and dump your body then your little Janna won't live to see second grade do you understand all I could do was mumble through the rage and the crushing weight I wanted to eliminate him but I was outnumbered butcher leaned in closer let me show you what I mean I heard him call for Jenny her voice trembled please don't hurt

him please no butcher shouted shut up and get over here let's show your husband what you do for us the guards lifted me into a chair handcuffing my hand hands and feet and gagged me I was facing Butcher and Jenny with the guards holding me in place now Jenny strip and get on your knees butcher demanded she hesitated looking at me but after he whispered something in her ear she began unbuttoning her blouse tears streaming down her face I struggled in vain to break free but the lights went out that's all I remembered I woke

up in a hospital IV in my arm my right arm in a cast and could only see out of one eye my mouth felt dry and useless the chief of police entered the room and smiled how are you Mr Brooks we found your car in a ditch it looked like you swerved to miss a deer that's the official story but we both know better don't we he leaned closer Lloyd butcher's my brother-in-law he's helped me out like letting me enjoy a night with your wife when he called about you falling down the stairs I took

care of it that's why you're in off the road he paused letting it sink in if you don't go along with our story I'll plant some pills at your house and make your life miserable stay quiet and no one especially your daughter gets hurt got it I tried to speak but my jaw was wired shut I could only glare he patted my shoulder and left March 19th 2008 Wednesday Jenny drove me home and helped me into bed I had a broken arm jaw ribs and bruises I needed help but I didn't want hers I hadn't

seen her since butcher's office and now she was silently taking me home I didn't ask where she'd been I didn't care neither of us spoke she just looked sad I couldn't talk couldn't eat just lay there listening to my mother's voice in my head warning me not to do something stupid well I did and now look where I was Jenny avoided me and little Jan helped when I needed something to drink I lay there letting my anger grow waiting for my body to heal so I could finally do what I needed to do March 22nd

2008 Saturday I managed to move to the living room by myself around 6 o00 Jenny came in followed by the two guards who had striken me and then butcher he placed a small gift bag next to me it's a Getwell gift he said some DVDs for you to watch while you recover I know you'll enjoy them as much as we enjoyed making them Jenny looked at the floor while he gloated Jenny give me something to drink and stay in the kitchen until I call you he ordered she left and butcher sat across from me here's

what's going to happen Randy he began Jenny will keep working for me but now she'll be available evenings and weekends too she'll go where I tell her and do what I want if you cause trouble you know what can happen maybe worse so just stay quiet be a good little husband and don't make waves I didn't speak just glared at him with all the hate I had good we understand each other anything you want to say he asked with difficulty I managed your goons stop me from saying what I really think oh don't worry about

them speak up he mocked I quoted I must not only punish but punish with impunity butcher looked confused what's that supposed to mean speak plainly I'm going to make you and everyone pay for what you've done I'll get you all mark my words butcher leaned in smirking how are you going to do that you can't even protect your wife he called Jenny back in and taunted her saying I wanted to play Hero then he told her she had an appointment at the Crown Plaza with a client and to get ready she went upstairs and butcher

patted me on the head before leaving with his guards an hour later Jenny returned looking beautiful but sad I have to go I don't know when I'll be back Randy I'm so sorry for everything I never thought our lives would turn out like this I love you and don't want to see you hurt I'll try to make a deal with Lloyd so you can take Jana and leave please don't do anything until I see what I can do I don't want them to hurt you again before leaving she asked what did you mean by that

quote to Lloyd it's from The Cask of Amato by Edgar Allen Poe it means I will get my revenge on everyone who wronged me swiftly and silently I explained she stared at me tears in her eyes knowing I meant her too I still love you she said I hope someday we can heal and be a couple again I want to believe we can then she left she bowed her head and left she didn't come home that night or for many nights after by Tuesday the bag of DVDs butcher left was still sitting next to the

chair untouched I had no interest in watching them I already knew what she did from her journal she told me it was against her will but also that she enjoyed it she lied cheated and hurt me but I no longer cared all I wanted was revenge on everyone involved including her going back to how things were was impossible I calmly hid the DVDs in the back of my closet out of sight but kept for later April 27th 2008 Sunday my injuries were healing the bandages were off and I could eat with only mild discomfort Jenny

came home around 6: a.m. exhausted fully clothed and collapsed into bed something she'd been doing a lot lately she was barely home these days I logged her patterns still planning my revenge I had a plan in mind that would take down everyone responsible for my pain including Jenny I knew deep down that she was a sufferer too but I didn't care anymore she continued this life willingly choosing her work over her family any chance of forgiveness or staying with her was gone I just wanted to be far away from her that evening I was sitting

by Jan's swing set when Jenny came outside hey she said quietly hey I replied she sat at the picnic table I've been busy I'm really sorry for everything I miss you and Jana I know you don't care about me but I still care about you I haven't been able to get you out of this mess because Lloyd wants us to pretend to be a happy couple how are you holding up I didn't want to talk or be near her I'll survive I muttered she asked have you kept up the journal I read it's important but

I can't tell you why yeah I've kept it the best I could is it still under the nightstand she asked yes she looked at me then asked would you like something to eat she started crying saying that's the first normal thing you've said to me since this all started yes I would love something to eat we ate together as a family for the first time in over a month Jan and Jenny talked and I sat quietly one dinner didn't make us a f family again we were just three people in the same house sharing the

same table for a moment but I knew it wouldn't last forever April 28th 2008 Monday I lay in bed reviewing my plan it was perfect Once In Motion I'd be free of Jenny without worrying about butcher she would face the consequences and I could take Jan and start over everyone who took advantage of Jenny would suffer I made a call May 7th 2008 Wednesday Jenny came home looking disheveled as you usual her hair a mess makeup smeared sometimes her clothes were buttoned wrong or even torn once she came home without a blouse claiming she lost

it she waved at me and went to shower when she came back downstairs I told her butcher called he wants you to go to the Hilton and meet someone named Manny next time tell him I'm not his messenger I'm done I handed her the note and went back to my chair she left without a word I sat in the dark and cried the beer not helping May 24th 2008 Saturday I heard Jenny throwing up from the bathroom she came downstairs looking pale Randy I'm really sick fever sore throat body AES I think it's the flu

I don't want you or Jan to catch it so please stay away can you get me something for my throat and some Tylenol go back to bed I said I'll take care of Janna and get what you need she nodded and went upstairs I took Jan out for ice cream and stopped at the pharmacy May 30th 2008 Friday I got up to take Jana to school but Jenny had already left her first time out since getting sick the flu must have passed or maybe butcher forced her to work through it whatever the reason I kept

up the act as the devoted husband not wanting another hospital visit December 25th 2008 Thursday summer and fall passed and Jenny worked harder often gone for days she looked thinner and more worn out each time I saw her we barely spoke when she and Jana spent time together Jenny would briefly smile but it never lasted we had a quiet Christmas Janna was thrilled with her Barbie dolls and accessories Jenny gave me a gold pen and pencil set despite me saying I didn't want anything I didn't get her anything in the afternoon Jana and I went

to my mom's for dinner Jenny wasn't welcome Mom knew everything and refused to speak to her if she could mom would have strangled her we had a nice dinner and Jana was happy with the Barbie doll mom got her I felt numb February 13th 2009 Friday I was at my desk updating the course catalog when a man I didn't recognize knocked on my door Mr Brooks Randolph Brooks he asked yes that's me how can I help you I'm detective Archer from the state police is your wife Jennifer Brooks yes what's going on sir I regret

to inform you that your wife has been eliminated I can explain on the way to the hospital we need to leave now I was stunned unable to move or speak the detective gently moved the phone out of my hand and said sir I'm sorry for your loss but but you need to come with me can I notify someone for you uh I need to tell my boss and someone needs to pick up my daughter from school I can't think between the two of us we managed to contact my boss and arrang for a neighbor to

pick up Janna the detective then drove me to the hospital explaining what had happened Mr Brooks your wife's boss attacked her at her desk Witnesses say he struck her repeatedly with a heavy object others pulled him off but she never regained Consciousness and died on the way to the hospital we don't know the motive yet but detectives are investigating do you have any information that might help I just stared out the window thinking about how I would tell Jan at the hospital I didn't have to view Jenny's body Witnesses had already identified her instead I

filled out paperwork for her remains I noticed I was using the pen she had given me for Christmas once everything was signed I tossed the pen in the trash and sat numb watching General Hospital on the waiting room TV the detective drove me back to work to get my car and I went home after picking up Janna I made her dinner put her to bed then called my mom to tell her about Jenny afterward I sat with a beer feeling nothing February 16th 2009 Monday I took the day off to arrange Jenny's cremation mom came

with me because I wasn't sure I could handle it alone she had moved in on Saturday to help with Jana and me saying she'd stay until things settled down I never intended for Jenny to die like that my plan was just to get away and let her suffer now I'd have to live with her pass away on my conscience when we got home I went straight to bed and for the first time since I found out slept peacefully no dreams nothing February 18th 2009 Wednesday I was packing up Jenny's bedroom when I found her journal

again I skimmed through it hoping to find any mention of butcher or our fake life as a normal couple but it was just more entries about her Affairs I pulled out detective Archer's card and called him Detective Archer here he answered hi this is Randy Brooks I found something important Jenny's Journal you need to see it actually I was going to call you we've had some major developments in the case can I come by this afternoon around to that's fine I replied at 2:15 detective Archer arrived I introduced him to my mom who had moved

in to help and we sat in the living room with water and oatmeal cookies Mr Brooks there's been a major development he began Mr butcher was granted bail at $1 million on Monday but that night his wife shot and eliminated him I was stunned but stayed silent as he continued the reason she eliminated him is tied to the next thing you need to know your wife tested positive for HIV I froze I didn't know I whispered the State Health Department will want to test you and your daughter I also have to ask when was the

last time you had relations with your wife it's been over a year I admitted we separated in Arch but stayed in the same house for Jana's sake we weren't together as a couple anymore understood but you'll still need to be tested Archer said now can you tell me why you separated it's all here I said handing him the journal I found these DVDs too showing her in action she admitted to seeing someone else when I confronted her but I didn't know the full extent until now the journal details everything she was involved with Butcher and

many others I don't want it in the house Archer glanced at the journal his eyes widening as he realized what it contained this will be helpful the health department will need a copy to track down everyone she was involved with we might have a bigger Health crisis on our hands he added the case against butcher is closed now that he's dead but his wife claims she got HIV from him and based on what I've seen in the journal he likely got it from your wife so far three people have tested positive and we're just starting

I sat in silence as detective Archer's words sank in there's one more thing he added we found hundreds of DVDs in butcher's office showing your wife with other men and women between the journal and the videos we should be able to track down everyone and get them tested I stared at him feeling tears well up thank you Mr Brooks Archer said I'll keep in touch after he left Mom turned to me Randy you weren't entirely honest you knew what Jenny was doing last year and said you couldn't do anything about it you should have told

him I couldn't mom I already look weak I didn't want the police thinking I couldn't stand up to Jenny I did confront Butcher and it got me hospitalized I was afraid that saying or doing anything would make things worse especially for Janna did Jenny threaten Janna no Mom butcher did he said if I told anyone Janna would get hurt badly I couldn't take that risk so I didn't tell detective Archer everything mom nodded what you went through this past year must have been hell I'm glad you protected Jana mom I did what I had to

do I hated myself for it but it's just the beginning just wait and see March 9th 2009 Monday detective Archer came by to tell me that Jenny's passaway investigation had officially been closed he also handed me a copy of the Health Department's preliminary report which revealed the situation was worse than anyone expected the HIV outbreak linked to Jenny could potentially involve hundreds of people the health department referred to it as an HIV hotspot while the local papers labeled it the Thompson epidemic no matter what it was called there was a serious outbreak with Jenny and

Thompson Incorporated at the center of it the preliminary report noted the following one Jenny had sexual relations with 411 identified individuals there were others they couldn't Trace two all the identified Partners were contacted and tested of those 36 people tested positive for HIV three the department was still tracking down other partners these 400 11 people might have had and then their partners and so on four due to hiv's incubation period it could take 9 to 12 months to fully understand the outbreaks extent five they had yet to determine how Jenny contracted the virus initially what

wasn't in the report but I knew personally was that Janna and I were not infected which was a small relief amidst the chaos all but one manager at Thompson tested positive as a result Thompson's corporate office shut down the local branch and laid off the staff pending an investigation into potential criminal activity involving the management and employees somehow the newspapers obtained the Health Department's findings and it turned into a media frenzy every paper in the state reported on the surge in demand for HIV testing and doctor's offices were overwhelmed with requests while only the health

department had the names of the 411 individuals involved some people came forward to the Press telling exaggerated stories of how they were suffered most of it was nonsense and they pinned all the blame on Jenny even national news outlets picked up the story and the media descended on the town in full force I disconnected my phone due to all the threats my mom took Jana to school each day because the school had barred me from entering calling me a health concern reporters showed up at my door regularly looking for an exclusive but I stopped answering

I still went to work but the constant stares and Whispers made it unbearable I did my job quietly and went straight home Life's a witch and then you die April 2nd 2009 Thursday I got a call from my insurance company telling me they had settled Jenny's life insurance claim I could pick up the check on Monday at the local office Jana was the beneficiary of her $1 million policy and that was just the beginning yesterday I met with a local attorney who urged me to Sue Thompson for Jenny's wrongful passway he explained that he had

a strong legal interpretation and believed I had a good case I didn't know much about the law but I told him to go ahead since I had nothing to lose he also suggested filing lawsuits against the 411 individuals listed in Jenny's Journal he admitted it was a long shot to get money from them but at the very least their names would become public record since the health department had kept the names confidential he said Jenny's Journal could serve as the basis for the lawsuits I agreed the publicity would damage everyone involved and I wanted to

sit back and watch it unfold June 15th 2009 Monday my attorney and I met with Thompson's lawyer today after giving my deposition the previous week they had more questions some of which were very personal I answered them as best as I could using the words my attorney had coached Me On by the end of the day they made an offer to settle out of court for $500,000 my attorney was taken aback but quickly responded with legal jargon and threatened to walk out as their lawyers discussed among themselves my attorney leaned over and whispered their first

offer can go three or four times higher letun wait for the next bid we we went back and forth for over an hour in the end I settled for $1.5 million naturally my attorney took a significant portion of that amount as we left the building he smiled and said this is going to help us settle all of the other 411 individual lawsuits too we should do well in the long run I knew that when he said we he mostly meant himself December 25th 2009 Friday Jenna and I spent Christmas at Mom's far from the chaos

at home there was another quiet holiday for Mom and me but Jana loved the snow and her gifts she'd outgrown Barbie and was now into video games I discussed the idea of moving with Mom once the lawsuits were settled I thought Jan and I could move somewhere far away where no one knew us and we could start over Mom liked the idea and said she might join us I told her I'd start looking for places December 31st 2009 Thursday today marked a major turning point in my life two significant things happened first we settled the

last of the 411 lawsuits here's the breakdown one I settled 244 lawsuits for modest amounts two I dropped 99 lawsuits for personal reasons three 11 lawsuits were dismissed in court four five were thrown out on technical grounds five 46 were dismissed due to the defendant's financial hardship from health issues six six lawsuits went to trial and I won all of them them with substantial monetary Awards in total I received around $1.4 million from the lawsuits though my lawyer took a large share of that the second major event was that I sold my house I quietly

sold it as is to a real estate agent for a much lower price I didn't care about the money I just wanted to leave quickly and quietly at the closing I told the agent you own the house now but I still have a few things left to take care of tomorrow Goodwill will come by to take everything furniture kitchen items beds everything I'm not keeping anything too many bad memories I've already sent ahead what I want to keep feel free to take anything you want before Goodwill comes in the afternoon a cleaning crew will come

and clean the house from top to bottom it's the least I can do also someone will be buy to pick up my other car I sold it too I can't drive two cars to my new home by tomorrow we'll be gone you could say we're sneaking out of town in the middle of the night and I don't care we'll be long gone by morning January 1st 2010 Friday I glanced back at Janna in the back seat and saw she was asleep among her toys I looked down at the morning paper beside me which featured a

front page story about a local reporter nominated for a Pulitzer Prize for his series on the Thompson epidemic at least someone was benefiting from all this I thought a few days ago the same paper reported these updates one the number of confirmed HIV infections had risen from 36 to 54 two another 107 people tested positive likely through contact with those who had Zex with Jenny three one of Thompson's managers who slept with Jenny infected his wife and two of his lovers four around 200 divorce cases had been filed in connection with those named in the

lawsuits five police had responded to over 150 domestic violence calls related to the lawsuits six 72 restraining orders have been issued by spouses of the 411 individuals seven the State Health Department estimated Healthcare costs for the infected would surpass $50 million 8 all 12 executive managers six department heads and 23 employees from Thompson were fired including the entire security staff the remaining 35 employees were offered jobs at other Branch offices nine the city fired the police chief and two officers both of whom tested HIV positive 10 no one had developed full-blown AIDS yet 11 no

one had discovered how or when Jenny was infected 12 two people had been liquidated and two others had committed self-destruction we still had another thousand miles to go before we reached our new home as Bob Marley said when one door is closed don't you know another is open June 17th 2010 Thursday I hadn't felt this way in a long time for years I believe Jenny had torn away my ability to feel anything but lately I'd catch myself smiling occasionally usually it's something Janice said or did she's the reason I've made it this far God I

love that little girl as long as she stays my little girl I might get through all of this someday but today isn't that day I'm standing outside a funeral home hands in my pockets staring at the white door too afraid to go in inside are the ashes of my oldest friend we were born on the same day grew up together played and laughed together and learned about life together we even lost our pureness on the same camping trip he with Sher marks and me with Donna Barnett I think I got the better end of that

deal we were inseparable even went to the same college but then life took us down different paths we stayed in touch but never as close as we were as kids now he's gone and I'm a wreck I can't bring myself to go inside I don't want to make a fool of myself in front of everyone so I just stand here hoping the ground will swallow me whole as I stood Frozen the door opened smiling down at me was Mrs pelino I hadn't seen her in nearly 12 years and aside from a few extra pounds and

some gray in her long black hairir she looked exactly as I remembered absolutely gorgeous when I was a teenager I used to lie in bed at night thinking about her I'd close my eyes and picture her long black hair cascading over her broad tan shoulders framing her delicate face her eyes were mesmerizing and her smile could light up any room or make all my childhood worries disappear I love that woman even though I knew it was wrong after all she was my best friend's mother the same friend whose ashes now sat Beyond the Door she

was holding open despite her smile I couldn't move I looked down still praying the ground would swallow me then I felt her warmth standing so close to me I looked up and saw her beautiful brown eyes and Broad smile just inches away how are you Randy she asked her voice still as youthful as I remembered I'm okay Mrs peligrino I mumbled just having trouble getting my feet to move up the steps I had the same problem when I got here she said softly it's not as bad ins sight as you think really she stepped closer

and wrapped her arms around me the mother of my dead best friend was holding me trying to comfort me I knew it was just that Comfort but all I could think about was the warmth she radiated I felt embarrassed even aroused and I couldn't believe that after all these years I still had feelings for her but more than that I was shocked to realize I could still feel anything that alone was somewhat comforting thank you I mumbled into her hair you don't know what he did for me how much he meant to me I'm just

so sorry he's gone I miss him so much we stood there quietly just holding each other she made me feel like maybe I could walk through that door and face what was inside slowly she let go and looked into my eyes Randy I have a question for you before we go in she said her face curious I need an honest answer sure I replied ask me anything yesterday a lawyer came to my door she began she introduced herself and gave me an envelope inside was information about a trust fund it seems someone set up a

trust in my son's name for Joshua the trust is for a million dollar a million dollars Randy I asked the lawyer who was behind it but she said the donor was Anonymous though I think she knows but can't tell me my question is did you have anything to do with this did you set up that trust fund in pse's name I looked her straight in the eye and told the best lie I've ever told no ma'am I said I don't know anything about it she studied my face for a moment I could tell she knew

I wasn't being truthful but after a moment her expression softened and she smiled that same beautiful smile thank you she whispered I didn't let on that I knew she was aware I just smiled back I don't know if you know she said but I'm Josh's legal guardian now Portis was sick for 3 years and before he passed we arranged for me to adopt Josh so now my grand son is my son I'll use the trust fund to send Josh to the best schools and colleges and if there's any left I'll give it to him as

a wedding gift Josh wants to become a doctor you know he says he wants to find a cure for what eliminated his dad I'm going to do everything I can to help him achieve that I smiled and said Mrs peligrino Anna you're old enough now to call me Anna she interrupted gently stroking my cheek Anna I said smiling wider I think I'm ready to go in now will you you walk with me she turned toward the door linked her arm with mine and guided me up the steps that had seemed so impossible a moment earlier

once inside a man approached her and said they were ready to start the service she turned to me kissed my cheek and said please stay after I'd like to talk more I want you to meet Josh he's a good kid and I think you'll really like him she smiled and disappeared into the crowd pointing me toward the visitor's book I signed it and took a seat near the exit the woman next to me handed me a box of tissues which I gratefully accepted I grabbed six or seven just in case a few minutes later everyone

sat down and a young man stepped up to the podium ladies and gentlemen thank you for coming today we are here to celebrate the life of poris Emanuel pelino we all know how he passed how he suffered and succumbed to that modern plague AIDS but today we're here to celebrate how he lived pis was the kindest most genuine man I ever knew he was real kind and down to earth in fact no one called him porise we all knew him as Manny that's when I lost it I grabbed the handful of tissues I'd taken earlier

and pressed them to my face I cried [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]