While sitting there, I thought about my own situation again. If I really was that drawn to let others think for me, I needed to figure out how to better assert myself. I decided to start better analyzing the interactions I was having with people, and see where it might lead me.
I went back to my parents’ house for the night, and saw the divorce packet sitting on the desk again. I decided right then, if Matt really wanted to go through with it, then I would give it to him. I had been the one that screwed up, even though I still wished I could take it back. I just wished he could find it in his heart to forgive me, and see that he was supposed to be in my life.
The next night, I brought the signed papers with me, and left them at his house when I went home. I had to start thinking of my old house as his place now, if I was going to have any hope of moving on. I would still go visit the kids and be friendly to Matt, but had to be prepared for the hammer to fall when the divorce would be final. According to the letter from the lawyer, it would be likely about three to four months until it was final, if I didn’t fight the terms. I did get in my bed that night and cry.
After a few more sessions with Rose, I was starting to feel more in control of things again. About the time I felt like things were getting better, the Police stopped by my parents’ house. I had no idea what to think, now.
“Ma’am, my name is Officer Smith, and this here is my partner, Officer Dunleavey. May we come in?” asked the taller of the two.
“Yes of course. Officer what’s this all about, anyhow? Is something wrong?” My mom came in from the kitchen to find out who was at the door. She looked as confused as I was, about the police being there.
“We would like to ask you some questions. First, when was the last time you saw Mr. Jim Harding?”
I was immediately thinking in overdrive. What could have happened now? I hated Jim more now than ever, but worried for Matt and what might have happened. I didn’t want to lie, but I wouldn’t want to help get him into trouble either.
“Officer, the last time I saw Jim was at the hospital, a few weeks ago, now. He stopped me in the parking garage, and we had a very brief conversation before heading home. Is something wrong?” I asked again.
“We will get to that in a minute, if you could just finish answering our questions first. When was the last time you saw your husband?”
“I saw him yesterday, when I was over at my house. You see, we are separated, but I have been there at the house every day after work. I have to help my daughter plan her wedding, so I have been over there most nights until late. Then I drive back here to my parents’ house and go to bed.”
“What time did you get to your house yesterday? You said after work right? About what time was that? Was your husband there the entire time?”
“Well I got off around four PM like usual, stopped for some gas on the way home and got to the house around four thirty or so. Yes, Matt was at the house the whole time. I was there through dinner and left about ten o’clock in the evening, to come here. Now, can you tell me what the heck is going on?”
“Mrs. Jordan, we found Jim in a hotel room, dead. He died of multiple gun-shot wounds, at approximately five PM yesterday afternoon. We have already talked with your husband, and he stated that he was home all night, and you were there as well. Thank you for confirming his alibi.”
**************
Things come together for Matt
How can I begin to describe my Uncle Larry? He was a shorter fellow, probably just an inch or two above five feet tall. He wasn’t exactly a huge guy, but he was a little overweight, and balding. He was very nice to everyone, in the family, but he did tend to be hard to hold a conversation with.
I went to see him, to ask him about his ex-wife and why they got divorced. No one in the family knew any of the details other than they split, and he filed for divorce. We had all been told it was “Irreconcilable differences”, and no one knew more than that. If my mom recommended that I go see him, he must know something about my situation.
When I got to his house, he was already out front mowing his yard. He invited me inside so we could talk.
“Hey Uncle Larry, thanks for agreeing to see me.”
“No problem. So what can I do for you?”
“Well, I am struggling with some issues with my wife, and my mom suggested I come see you. I honestly just want to know what really happened between you and Aunt Sue.”
He sat back, got a slight frown on his face and replied. “She cheated on me. It’s pretty simple, really. I came home early one day and found her in bed with a neighbor. I was so pissed I threw her out and divorced her. She tried to tell me how sorry she was, and how he had been coming on to her. At the time I didn’t listen to her, and told her to fuck off.”
He paused, to wipe a tear from his eyes. “It has been almost four years now, and I still miss her. I think about her, and wonder what if I had forgiven her? What if I had chosen to talk with her more about it, and try to move on? She said she made a mistake, and I know that everyone makes mistakes. I just couldn’t get over her cheating. Now, looking back, I wish I could have a do-over.
“You see, after trying to reason with me, and begging me to take her back, she finally gave up. About a year ago she got remarried to a very nice guy, and they are very happy together. I still get mad thinking about what I saw that day, but I regret not trying to work it out with her, every day.”
“Wow, I had no idea. Did you ever get even with the asshole that caused it all?” I asked.
“Well, sort of. I ended up getting him fired from his job, due to the lawsuit I filed against him. He also got divorced from his wife, who couldn’t stand his ass, anyhow. He was a terrible neighbor, even before I caught them together. His ex-wife and I are now friends, but nothing more.”