WEBVTT 1 00:00:06.480 --> 00:00:09.480 I'm out of here, I declared, fine, and don't bother 2 00:00:09.560 --> 00:00:12.839 coming back. My wife shot back. Normally i'd toss out 3 00:00:12.839 --> 00:00:15.279 a go to hell as I stormed out, but today 4 00:00:15.320 --> 00:00:18.519 I aimed for more civilized parting words. We've slung similar 5 00:00:18.559 --> 00:00:21.039 barbs over our fourteen years hitched, but this time I 6 00:00:21.079 --> 00:00:23.879 won't be circling back. In a few days, she'll grasp 7 00:00:23.920 --> 00:00:26.359 what I meant this round. Over the past half year 8 00:00:26.480 --> 00:00:29.160 or so, Jenna, my wife, turned into a verbal wrecking ball. 9 00:00:29.600 --> 00:00:32.960 I couldn't figure it. Her jabs, to put it mildly stung, 10 00:00:33.479 --> 00:00:35.920 I started dodging her to keep things from boiling over. 11 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:39.119 Each day, I'd stall longer in the car. Sometimes I'd 12 00:00:39.159 --> 00:00:41.759 slip back home after Jenna and carry our thirteen year 13 00:00:41.759 --> 00:00:44.119 old finished supper. I had to take care of me. 14 00:00:44.799 --> 00:00:48.880 Sometimes there'd be leftovers. Lately, though it seems they've vanished 15 00:00:48.920 --> 00:00:52.759 before I return. I go by Kurt Kaminsky. Technically it's 16 00:00:52.840 --> 00:00:55.280 David Kurt Kaminsky, but my old man's also a David, 17 00:00:55.320 --> 00:00:58.960 so they dubbed me Kurt from the start to sidestep confusion. Nope, 18 00:00:59.000 --> 00:01:02.479 not a junior. Dad's David John Kaminsky. Why he skipped 19 00:01:02.479 --> 00:01:05.120 the Junior bit, I can't fathom. I'd happily answer to 20 00:01:05.200 --> 00:01:09.079 Junior or even DJ, but nope, just Kurd or Nata. Yep. 21 00:01:09.719 --> 00:01:13.319 I'm Polish, well sorta an American with Polish roots. Heard 22 00:01:13.359 --> 00:01:15.959 all the jokes, well most of them. They keep churning 23 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:18.519 out new ones each year. As the lone Pole I know, 24 00:01:18.640 --> 00:01:22.519 apart from Dad, in this ten zero zero zero strong town, 25 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:26.319 I've become the punchline. Technically I'm half Polish. The other 26 00:01:26.400 --> 00:01:29.560 half from mom's side is German, French, Irish and English. 27 00:01:29.680 --> 00:01:32.159 But since I'm a Kaminsky, i'm Pole, my soon to 28 00:01:32.200 --> 00:01:34.439 be ex wife, aint who I thought. I only caught 29 00:01:34.439 --> 00:01:36.640 wind of this four weeks back. As I said, I 30 00:01:36.719 --> 00:01:39.439 was keeping clear of her due to the misuse. After 31 00:01:39.480 --> 00:01:42.079 a few dinners mi Ia one Monday evening, I hit 32 00:01:42.120 --> 00:01:44.840 a diner in a booth ready to order. I overheard 33 00:01:44.840 --> 00:01:47.359 two guys chatting in the next booth, caught a phrase 34 00:01:47.359 --> 00:01:50.200 with Pole, and tuned in. So, how long you've been 35 00:01:50.239 --> 00:01:52.959 with the Paulus missus since they tied the knot? Heck, 36 00:01:53.040 --> 00:01:55.560 I even betted her on their wedding day, and he's clueless. 37 00:01:56.000 --> 00:01:59.239 The first voice unknown, but the second I knew my 38 00:01:59.359 --> 00:02:03.359 best bud, George Carrey. I froze. They kept yacking, but 39 00:02:03.439 --> 00:02:07.120 I heard zilch until George spilled. Yeah. We rendezvous at 40 00:02:07.200 --> 00:02:09.840 least twice a month. Kurt's so clueless in the lot, 41 00:02:09.879 --> 00:02:13.520 he's none the wiser, dumb luck. Just then the waitress 42 00:02:13.520 --> 00:02:16.879 came to take my order. Quietly, I murmured, sorry, got 43 00:02:16.879 --> 00:02:19.719 a jet. I bolted, making sure they didn't catch sight 44 00:02:19.759 --> 00:02:22.280 of me. I couldn't wrap my head around it. Jenna, 45 00:02:22.639 --> 00:02:25.280 my wife with my closest buddy, the guy who stood 46 00:02:25.319 --> 00:02:28.120 by me at the altar. He's also my go to mechanic, 47 00:02:28.360 --> 00:02:32.039 and that's not changing anytime soon. Well, not officially my mechanic, 48 00:02:32.319 --> 00:02:35.080 more like an exclusive contractor I rely on solely to 49 00:02:35.120 --> 00:02:38.039 fix and inspect all my cars. In case you're wondering, 50 00:02:38.400 --> 00:02:40.919 I run a used car dealership. Yeah, I'm a used 51 00:02:40.960 --> 00:02:44.280 car salesman. Heard all the jokes and jabs, but business 52 00:02:44.319 --> 00:02:47.360 is booming. People trust they're getting top notch cars at 53 00:02:47.360 --> 00:02:50.919 fair prices, and if any issues crop up, I handle them. 54 00:02:51.360 --> 00:02:53.759 George has always been a top notch mechanic, and I 55 00:02:53.840 --> 00:02:56.560 keep him busy and compensated. Well. I wanted to bring 56 00:02:56.639 --> 00:02:58.479 him on his staff, but he cracked a joke about 57 00:02:58.479 --> 00:03:01.080 not respecting himself if he worked for a poll. Said 58 00:03:01.080 --> 00:03:03.800 it in jest, but I sensed he meant it. Still, 59 00:03:03.840 --> 00:03:06.360 I took him on as an independent contractor, though he 60 00:03:06.439 --> 00:03:09.439 wasn't all that independent. Truth is I was his sole 61 00:03:09.520 --> 00:03:12.319 source of income, and that fact will be his undoing. 62 00:03:13.479 --> 00:03:16.919 Leaving the diner, I cruised the streets, doubting what I'd heard. 63 00:03:17.439 --> 00:03:20.080 Was it true or just his boasting. They might have 64 00:03:20.159 --> 00:03:22.719 hired a PI, but if what he said was legit, 65 00:03:23.280 --> 00:03:27.439 their meetups were sparse, might end up a waste of cash. 66 00:03:27.479 --> 00:03:29.639 But I decided to snoop through her phone an email. 67 00:03:30.479 --> 00:03:33.800 Back home, Jenna was her usual self, fine by me. 68 00:03:34.800 --> 00:03:37.240 I needed the truth before talking to her. Once she 69 00:03:37.360 --> 00:03:40.960 dozed off, I checked her email clean. Her phone was locked, 70 00:03:40.960 --> 00:03:43.039 but it didn't take me long to crack it our 71 00:03:43.120 --> 00:03:46.319 daughter's birth date. Found a few sketchy messages, but nothing 72 00:03:46.319 --> 00:03:49.879 from George. His name in her contacts. Wasn't odd considering 73 00:03:49.919 --> 00:03:53.000 he was my pal. Maybe he was just talking trash, 74 00:03:53.159 --> 00:03:56.520 I thought, Yet her recent behavior hinted some things amiss, 75 00:03:56.960 --> 00:04:00.439 perhaps not with George, but someone else. I hit the 76 00:04:00.479 --> 00:04:04.080 hay restless. It was past two forty three am. When 77 00:04:04.080 --> 00:04:07.000 I finally drifted off the next day at the dealership, 78 00:04:07.240 --> 00:04:11.159 George cracked his usual polish jokes. I usually let them slide, 79 00:04:11.199 --> 00:04:14.319 but today I snapped, George, what do you even know 80 00:04:14.360 --> 00:04:17.000 about Poland? Bet you couldn't find it on a map 81 00:04:17.040 --> 00:04:19.560 if your life depended on it. You joke about poles 82 00:04:19.600 --> 00:04:22.079 being dim, but I'm sure they could locate the US, 83 00:04:22.360 --> 00:04:26.399 maybe even our state. Get to work. George stared, lost 84 00:04:26.439 --> 00:04:29.360 for words. He knew I was onto something. He wasn't 85 00:04:29.360 --> 00:04:33.240 the academic type, more street smart, good with engines, not textbooks. 86 00:04:33.600 --> 00:04:35.439 I guess that's why we hung out in high school. 87 00:04:35.759 --> 00:04:38.920 I'd help him with his studies, ensuring he graduated. Now 88 00:04:39.079 --> 00:04:42.040 I'm reconsidering our friendship. He got me thinking about picking 89 00:04:42.040 --> 00:04:45.360 a spouse. I retreated to my office, shut the door, 90 00:04:45.360 --> 00:04:48.399 and mulled over how to gather evidence. Confronting them both 91 00:04:48.439 --> 00:04:51.639 head on wouldn't fly. They'd just brush it off. I 92 00:04:51.720 --> 00:04:55.240 needed solid proof. I rang up a PI in Santa 93 00:04:55.240 --> 00:04:58.720 Fe and laid out my worries. He reckoned. Monitoring them 94 00:04:58.759 --> 00:05:02.680 would cost a pretty pain, given their sporadic meetups. You 95 00:05:02.680 --> 00:05:05.040 could slap a tracker on her phone at least you'll 96 00:05:05.040 --> 00:05:07.680 know its whereabouts when you check or set up cameras 97 00:05:07.680 --> 00:05:10.560 at home. But unless they're top notch, and by that 98 00:05:10.720 --> 00:05:14.560 I mean pricey, they'll likely get spotted, even with fancy gear. 99 00:05:14.680 --> 00:05:17.879 If she's alert, she'll probably catch on. If I were you, 100 00:05:17.920 --> 00:05:20.160 I'd tag her phone and hope to catch them red handed. 101 00:05:20.560 --> 00:05:24.040 He suggested a tracking program and waved off payment. Consider 102 00:05:24.079 --> 00:05:26.920 it a freebee, he said. Everything I told you is 103 00:05:26.920 --> 00:05:31.240 online anyway. Still, you came through with valuable advice. Expect 104 00:05:31.240 --> 00:05:34.800 to check. I insisted. If you ever swing by Silver City, 105 00:05:35.000 --> 00:05:38.399 drop by Kaminski's lot. He offered. I don't usually venture 106 00:05:38.439 --> 00:05:40.759 out that way, but if I do, I'll look you up. 107 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:44.040 I replied, and I sensed he meant it. A big 108 00:05:44.040 --> 00:05:47.160 part of my sales success came from making folks feel important. 109 00:05:47.439 --> 00:05:51.360 Early on, I learned folks crave validation. I opted for 110 00:05:51.399 --> 00:05:55.319 the tracking software, saving cash and hassle on cameras Jenomite spot. 111 00:05:55.920 --> 00:05:58.879 That night, when everyone was out cold, I sneaked up 112 00:05:58.879 --> 00:06:01.439 and installed the tracking APPP on her phone, sinking it 113 00:06:01.519 --> 00:06:04.879 with mine. It'll run in the background unbeknownst to her. Finally, 114 00:06:05.199 --> 00:06:08.439 I slept soundly. Next day at work, I kept tabs 115 00:06:08.439 --> 00:06:11.680 on the app. Jenna worked part time at the Uni bookstore, 116 00:06:11.879 --> 00:06:14.879 fifteen to twenty hours a week. She called her earnings 117 00:06:15.000 --> 00:06:18.040 mad money and splurged at the salon. She hit the 118 00:06:18.040 --> 00:06:21.600 grocery store and later was back home. George was home 119 00:06:21.600 --> 00:06:24.079 most of the day, but whenever Jenna was in, he 120 00:06:24.240 --> 00:06:26.600 was out working, So at least for that day, I 121 00:06:26.600 --> 00:06:29.759 figured nothing had gone down. That evening, I tried being 122 00:06:29.759 --> 00:06:32.360 more civil to my wife and daughter, suggesting dinner out. 123 00:06:32.480 --> 00:06:37.040 My wife seemed somewhat responsive, our daughter, typical teen, hesitated, 124 00:06:37.040 --> 00:06:41.079 but I insisted dinner went smoothly. I casually brought up George, 125 00:06:41.160 --> 00:06:45.759 and Jenna shifted uncomfortably, swiftly changing the subject, fueling my suspicions. 126 00:06:46.040 --> 00:06:48.040 I want to find out if George's words hold water. 127 00:06:48.439 --> 00:06:50.160 I've got to get to the bottom of this somehow. 128 00:06:51.240 --> 00:06:54.040 That night, I refrained from checking her phone. My attempts 129 00:06:54.040 --> 00:06:56.079 to peek at her calls or texts came up empty. 130 00:06:56.519 --> 00:06:59.040 Either she swiftly deleted them or didn't make any at all. 131 00:07:00.160 --> 00:07:03.040 Into bed, I thanked Jenna, thanks for joining us for dinner. 132 00:07:03.720 --> 00:07:06.680 Thank you, Kurt, it was a nice surprise, She replied, 133 00:07:06.839 --> 00:07:09.680 meeting my gaze. You might be in luck tonight. It's 134 00:07:09.720 --> 00:07:12.199 been a while, and like I mentioned, we haven't been 135 00:07:12.199 --> 00:07:16.759 getting along lately. After her usual nightly routine in the bathroom, 136 00:07:17.040 --> 00:07:21.000 Jenna nestled beside me. I felt conflicted about the possibility 137 00:07:21.000 --> 00:07:24.040 of closeness with her if she had been unfaithful, did 138 00:07:24.040 --> 00:07:26.439 I even want it? I resolved to let her take 139 00:07:26.480 --> 00:07:29.639 the lead until I had solid evidence I wouldn't initiate. 140 00:07:30.040 --> 00:07:32.439 We did end up being physically engaged, but it was 141 00:07:32.560 --> 00:07:35.920 rather ordinary, no need for specifics. Well, at least I 142 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:38.800 enjoyed it. Throughout the week, I kept tabs on her 143 00:07:38.839 --> 00:07:42.600 phone's location, finding nothing out of the ordinary. On Saturday night, 144 00:07:42.680 --> 00:07:45.160 while she slept, I checked her phone for any messages 145 00:07:45.240 --> 00:07:48.800 or calls, yet again finding nothing. I was close to 146 00:07:48.839 --> 00:07:52.240 convincing myself that George was just blowing smoke, trying to 147 00:07:52.279 --> 00:07:55.639 impress someone with his tales of conquests. This wasn't the 148 00:07:55.639 --> 00:07:57.639 first time I'd known him to do so since our 149 00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:00.639 school days. I tossed and turned in bed once more, 150 00:08:00.800 --> 00:08:04.120 my subconscious refusing to let me sleep. At two a m. 151 00:08:04.279 --> 00:08:07.279 I lay there staring at the ceiling, unable to drift off. 152 00:08:07.920 --> 00:08:10.439 I decided to go downstairs for a drink, hoping it 153 00:08:10.519 --> 00:08:13.560 might help me relax. Sitting with a glass of Jack 154 00:08:13.639 --> 00:08:15.800 Daniels and coke in one hand and her phone in 155 00:08:15.839 --> 00:08:19.399 the other, I decided to check it once more. Entering 156 00:08:19.399 --> 00:08:22.560 the password our daughter's birth date. I opened her phone 157 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:25.519 to the homepage. Suddenly it hit me like a bolt 158 00:08:25.519 --> 00:08:29.279 of lightning. Our daughter's birth date was the key. Jenna's 159 00:08:29.319 --> 00:08:32.480 pregnancy had been challenging. We had feared losing her several 160 00:08:32.519 --> 00:08:35.480 times due to complications. There was an issue with her 161 00:08:35.600 --> 00:08:39.279 rh factor not matching Jenna's, causing her body to reject 162 00:08:39.320 --> 00:08:42.080 the baby. Jenna spent the last three weeks of the 163 00:08:42.080 --> 00:08:45.279 pregnancy on bed rest to insure the baby's safe delivery, 164 00:08:45.559 --> 00:08:49.279 and indeed, Carrie was born exactly nine months after our wedding. 165 00:08:49.600 --> 00:08:52.039 We were overjoyed at her health, but she proved to 166 00:08:52.039 --> 00:08:55.840 be a demanding child. She cried incessantly, had trouble sleeping, 167 00:08:56.000 --> 00:08:59.559 and struggled with nursing. It was tough going. In Carrie's 168 00:08:59.559 --> 00:09:02.600 second year, Jenna firmly declared we weren't having another child. 169 00:09:03.159 --> 00:09:06.519 It saddened me, but truthfully, the baby had drained much 170 00:09:06.519 --> 00:09:08.919 of the joy from our lives. I mentioned that she 171 00:09:09.080 --> 00:09:11.559 was born nine months after our wedding. They call such 172 00:09:11.639 --> 00:09:14.919 children wedding night babies because they're conceived on that night 173 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:17.559 or during the honeymoon. A light bulb went off in 174 00:09:17.639 --> 00:09:20.759 my head. If George's claims were true, then there was 175 00:09:20.799 --> 00:09:24.440 a strong chance Jenna was already pregnant before our wedding night. 176 00:09:24.679 --> 00:09:27.480 Jenna was on the pill. No, we didn't wait until 177 00:09:27.480 --> 00:09:30.440 marriage to be physically engaged. It was a significant part 178 00:09:30.440 --> 00:09:33.799 of our relationship. The doctor speculated that the stress of 179 00:09:33.840 --> 00:09:36.600 the wedding might have interfered with her hormones, rendering the 180 00:09:36.639 --> 00:09:39.879 pills ineffective. Well, if the pills failed that night, they 181 00:09:40.039 --> 00:09:43.200 likely failed that day too. Now I know what to do. 182 00:09:43.559 --> 00:09:47.120 There's a fifty fifty chance I'm not the father. You 183 00:09:47.159 --> 00:09:50.679 know the saying the early bird gets the worm. Well, 184 00:09:50.720 --> 00:09:53.320 George might have been an early bird, but in his case, 185 00:09:53.360 --> 00:09:56.159 it seems the early worm gets the Birdie. I got 186 00:09:56.200 --> 00:09:58.039 off the couch and headed to the bathroom, where I 187 00:09:58.039 --> 00:10:01.320 found some cotton swabs. It was fast asleep in her room. 188 00:10:01.639 --> 00:10:04.159 She finally settled into a good sleep routine at four 189 00:10:04.240 --> 00:10:07.399 years old. Before that, it was a struggle. She lay there, 190 00:10:07.440 --> 00:10:10.000 snoring with her mouth open, it was simple to gently 191 00:10:10.039 --> 00:10:12.080 swab the inside of her cheek with a que tip. 192 00:10:12.360 --> 00:10:15.679 She didn't even stir after sealing it in a plastic bag. 193 00:10:15.879 --> 00:10:19.559 I repeated the process for myself. Even if Carrie turned 194 00:10:19.600 --> 00:10:22.519 out to be my biological daughter. It still left questions 195 00:10:22.519 --> 00:10:26.039 about Jenna's faithfulness if she wasn't, but I pushed those 196 00:10:26.080 --> 00:10:30.120 thoughts aside for later consideration. Sunday was for chores, and 197 00:10:30.159 --> 00:10:33.039 we each had our tasks. I took my time avoiding 198 00:10:33.120 --> 00:10:35.840 Jenna and Carrie to keep my emotions in check. I 199 00:10:35.919 --> 00:10:38.559 was anxious to confirm my suspicions, but plagued by doubt 200 00:10:38.559 --> 00:10:42.919 all day. Something on your mind, Kurt, Jenna inquired. I 201 00:10:42.960 --> 00:10:45.919 needed a quick answer, so I replied. I'm planning to 202 00:10:45.919 --> 00:10:47.879 buy a bunch of cars at the next auction to 203 00:10:47.919 --> 00:10:50.559 stock up the lot. Money might be tight until I 204 00:10:50.600 --> 00:10:55.759 make some sales. Just don't overextend, she advised, always referring 205 00:10:55.759 --> 00:10:58.919 to the business as ours, though it was really mine. 206 00:10:59.000 --> 00:11:01.080 I'd set it up as a seven entity to protect 207 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:04.919 my personal finances. Living in a religious community, I didn't 208 00:11:04.960 --> 00:11:08.960 want business decisions to affect my personal life. Negatively, I'm 209 00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:11.360 thinking of paying off the credit cards and keeping only 210 00:11:11.399 --> 00:11:14.600 one open to improve our credit. I told her it 211 00:11:14.639 --> 00:11:16.759 was a tactic to mask my strategy in case she 212 00:11:16.799 --> 00:11:19.759 found out about it later. Do what you think is best, 213 00:11:20.159 --> 00:11:23.879 she responded indifferently. The idea came to me in a flash. 214 00:11:24.159 --> 00:11:26.360 It's amazing what your mind can do when you let it. 215 00:11:26.600 --> 00:11:30.080 This would minimize fallout if my suspicions proved true. So 216 00:11:30.600 --> 00:11:33.360 bright and early Monday, I took the samples to Western 217 00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:36.759 New Mexico University and spoke with someone in the science department. 218 00:11:37.240 --> 00:11:40.799 They directed me to the department head, who welcomed the opportunity. 219 00:11:41.279 --> 00:11:43.519 I handed over some business cards and offered a ten 220 00:11:43.600 --> 00:11:47.799 percent discount to anyone working on the samples. He seemed appreciative. 221 00:11:48.600 --> 00:11:51.000 I've been eyeing a new car to replace my Camra. 222 00:11:51.320 --> 00:11:53.960 I might swing by and check out your selection. If 223 00:11:53.960 --> 00:11:56.080 nothing catches my eye, I'll work with you to find 224 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:59.639 something I mentioned. Thank you, I'll keep that in mind, 225 00:12:00.000 --> 00:12:03.240 he replied. As I left the university, I knew I 226 00:12:03.279 --> 00:12:06.360 wore a smile, but it was tinged with worry. The 227 00:12:06.399 --> 00:12:09.200 test results could spell the end of my marriage. When 228 00:12:09.200 --> 00:12:11.679 I mentioned buying new cars to Jenna, it was merely 229 00:12:11.679 --> 00:12:14.919 a cover up for my troubled thoughts, yet the idea 230 00:12:15.039 --> 00:12:18.080 started to grow on me. I summoned Paul, my accountant, 231 00:12:18.320 --> 00:12:22.200 loan officer and occasional salesperson, into my office and shared 232 00:12:22.200 --> 00:12:25.960 my plans. We're going to make this work, I assured him. 233 00:12:26.200 --> 00:12:29.440 There's something else, Paul, I continued, I want to clear 234 00:12:29.480 --> 00:12:32.080 the mortgage on my house. Can we work out a 235 00:12:32.159 --> 00:12:35.240 lump sum payment. Let me crunch the numbers and get 236 00:12:35.279 --> 00:12:38.360 back to you after lunch, he replied, exiting my office. 237 00:12:39.039 --> 00:12:41.360 As he left, I pondered contacting my lawyer for a 238 00:12:41.360 --> 00:12:45.720 family law referral, but then I hesitated, thinking, hold your horses, 239 00:12:45.960 --> 00:12:48.759 let's see the results first. I've yet to find concrete 240 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:52.679 evidence of infidelity. After lunch, Paul presented the spreadsheet and 241 00:12:52.720 --> 00:12:55.759 we discussed the next moves for both plans. The following 242 00:12:55.759 --> 00:12:58.840 two days dragged on, each moment filled with anticipation for 243 00:12:58.879 --> 00:13:02.399 the DNA test results. Late Wednesday evening, the department had 244 00:13:02.440 --> 00:13:05.360 phoned confirming the outcome and arranging to visit to discuss 245 00:13:05.399 --> 00:13:08.159 the car. When he arrived, I ushered him into my office. 246 00:13:08.720 --> 00:13:11.840 His expression set it all before he even spoke. The 247 00:13:11.879 --> 00:13:15.440 samples aren't related, he confirmed. I nodded, though The news 248 00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:18.200 hit hard, even though I'd half expected it. He gave 249 00:13:18.240 --> 00:13:20.759 me a moment before handing over the envelope with the results. 250 00:13:21.120 --> 00:13:25.120 When I glanced back up, my demeanor shifted. So about 251 00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:28.360 that car you were eyeing? I inquired, Well, it might 252 00:13:28.399 --> 00:13:31.399 sound cliche, but I've hit the big five point zero 253 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:34.279 and I'm buying a sports car. Thinking of Mazda Miata, 254 00:13:34.519 --> 00:13:37.120 I shared, though I didn't have one in stock, I 255 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:39.320 promised to scour the auction the next day for a 256 00:13:39.320 --> 00:13:42.600 well kept one. I'll ring you this afternoon with any updates, 257 00:13:42.720 --> 00:13:45.000 I assured him as he left. I've told Anna I 258 00:13:45.080 --> 00:13:47.639 might leave early, but I'll be reachable if needed, I 259 00:13:47.679 --> 00:13:51.360 thought to myself, knowing she wouldn't call. She rarely required 260 00:13:51.399 --> 00:13:54.759 my assistance. She handled most tasks herself. As I drove 261 00:13:54.799 --> 00:13:57.759 around the city, everything seemed different. I made a call 262 00:13:57.799 --> 00:14:01.200 to my lawyer, who, though saddened by the news, directed 263 00:14:01.200 --> 00:14:03.840 me to a colleague he trusted. After the call, I 264 00:14:03.879 --> 00:14:06.679 booked an evening appointment the next day. Over a snack 265 00:14:06.720 --> 00:14:09.759 at a restaurant, I reflected, have I truly squandered the 266 00:14:09.759 --> 00:14:12.519 past fifteen years? I couldn't even claim to have a 267 00:14:12.600 --> 00:14:15.279 child from this marriage. While I still regarded her as 268 00:14:15.320 --> 00:14:18.720 my child to some extent biologically, she wasn't mine. What 269 00:14:18.840 --> 00:14:22.360 to do next. I couldn't pretend ignorance any more. I'd 270 00:14:22.399 --> 00:14:25.559 been aware before, but now there was no turning back. 271 00:14:26.279 --> 00:14:29.279 One thing I was certain of. George would face consequences. 272 00:14:29.559 --> 00:14:32.080 It didn't matter that he'd been my closest friend for years. 273 00:14:32.519 --> 00:14:36.120 With friends like him, enemies seemed preferable. Jenet, too would 274 00:14:36.159 --> 00:14:39.639 face repercussions. I wondered if she was aware that Carrie 275 00:14:39.679 --> 00:14:42.840 wasn't mine. Even if she wasn't, she kept this truth 276 00:14:42.919 --> 00:14:45.840 hidden from me, the secret of her infidelity on our 277 00:14:45.840 --> 00:14:49.559 wedding day with my best man, my supposed friend. Now 278 00:14:49.600 --> 00:14:52.120 I had no reason to doubt what I'd overheard. She 279 00:14:52.240 --> 00:14:55.159 indulged with him at least twice monthly. Anger began to 280 00:14:55.200 --> 00:14:57.840 well up inside me, and before it spiraled out of control, 281 00:14:57.879 --> 00:15:01.200 I knew I needed solitude away from everyone. I should 282 00:15:01.240 --> 00:15:03.840 have called Jenna informing her I wouldn't be home that evening. 283 00:15:04.399 --> 00:15:06.679 Going home was out of the question. I feared I 284 00:15:06.759 --> 00:15:09.399 might do something that would land me in jail. She 285 00:15:09.480 --> 00:15:13.480 picked up the call, Hello, Kurt, Hey, I'll be spending 286 00:15:13.480 --> 00:15:15.759 the night in Albuquerque to prep for the auction tomorrow. 287 00:15:15.799 --> 00:15:20.200 At eight oh I responded flatly, well, okay, then have 288 00:15:20.240 --> 00:15:23.759 a safe trip. I rarely ventured to Albuquerque for auctions, 289 00:15:23.799 --> 00:15:27.000 so this deviation was notable. I wondered if she'd exploit 290 00:15:27.039 --> 00:15:29.399 my absence for the night, She'd have to come up 291 00:15:29.399 --> 00:15:32.279 with an excuse regarding Kerrie for my parents, which wouldn't 292 00:15:32.320 --> 00:15:36.080 be easy to explain. Nevertheless, I'd intermittently check her phone 293 00:15:36.120 --> 00:15:38.600 tracker throughout the evening to see if she ventured elsewhere. 294 00:15:39.080 --> 00:15:42.039 I navigated the roads to Albuquerque, aiming to purchase at 295 00:15:42.159 --> 00:15:45.440 least twenty cars, including a mas de Miada. I'd arrange 296 00:15:45.480 --> 00:15:47.879 for their pick up and delivery to my lot post auction. 297 00:15:48.519 --> 00:15:51.759 Now the dilemma was who to entrust for their mechanical inspection. 298 00:15:52.440 --> 00:15:54.759 I knew George wouldn't get any further business from me 299 00:15:54.879 --> 00:15:58.360 once his current routine inspections and repairs were done. Upon 300 00:15:58.440 --> 00:16:01.480 hearing I'd acquired two dozen calls ours, he'd likely envision 301 00:16:01.600 --> 00:16:04.600 dollar signs and inflate his charges, but that wasn't going 302 00:16:04.639 --> 00:16:07.080 to happen. I'd keep it under wraps until the last minute. 303 00:16:07.360 --> 00:16:09.480 I needed to consult with a local auction dealer to 304 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:12.759 identify someone skilled and dependable to inspect them before shipping 305 00:16:12.759 --> 00:16:16.720 to our small town. Arriving at Albuquerque around nine a m. 306 00:16:17.080 --> 00:16:20.559 I checked into a Best Western hotel. Despite being the owner. 307 00:16:20.799 --> 00:16:24.600 I couldn't justify splurging on an expensive hotel using company funds. 308 00:16:24.879 --> 00:16:27.759 The room was comfortable, as was the bed, just what 309 00:16:27.840 --> 00:16:31.799 I needed. I'm a simple person with simple needs. Upon 310 00:16:31.960 --> 00:16:35.360 entering the room, I immediately checked Jenna's phone tracker, discovering 311 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:37.679 she was still at home, or at least her phone was. 312 00:16:38.360 --> 00:16:41.639 Sleep proved elusive that night. I couldn't shake off thoughts 313 00:16:41.679 --> 00:16:45.480 about her actions and motivations. How could she justify her affair, 314 00:16:45.840 --> 00:16:48.519 especially on our wedding day and continue it for who 315 00:16:48.519 --> 00:16:52.200 knows how long? I started to reassess our marriage. It 316 00:16:52.240 --> 00:16:55.320 was never perfect, but I believed in our exclusive love. 317 00:16:55.840 --> 00:16:58.159 Now I realized it was a mistake from the very beginning. 318 00:16:58.480 --> 00:17:00.840 In the initial years following the word adding, things weren't 319 00:17:00.919 --> 00:17:04.319 smooth sailing. Naturally, we didn't anticipate a baby right away. 320 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:07.160 Our original plan was to wait three to four years 321 00:17:07.359 --> 00:17:10.039 before starting a family. We had agreed on having three 322 00:17:10.119 --> 00:17:14.640 children before tying the knot. However, Carrie's arrival disrupted these plans. 323 00:17:14.960 --> 00:17:17.119 Learning that my best friend was the cause of this 324 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:21.400 disruption made all the struggles seem futile. Fourteen years of 325 00:17:21.480 --> 00:17:25.000 effort seemed wasted, despite the good times we'd had being 326 00:17:25.000 --> 00:17:29.440 overshadowed by this revelation. If Jenna hadn't been involved with George, 327 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:33.039 perhaps she would have conceived with me. Maybe her pregnancy 328 00:17:33.079 --> 00:17:35.440 wouldn't have been as difficult, and we wouldn't have had 329 00:17:35.480 --> 00:17:39.039 such a challenging child, leading her to not desire more children. 330 00:17:39.839 --> 00:17:42.519 George shattered my life when he seduced my future wife 331 00:17:42.519 --> 00:17:45.119 on our wedding day. Now he entertains her at least 332 00:17:45.119 --> 00:17:47.680 twice a month, all the while likely mocking me the 333 00:17:47.759 --> 00:17:51.680 oblivious poll He must face consequences, I thought. As I 334 00:17:51.759 --> 00:17:54.640 lay down, attempting to calm myself and drift off to sleep, 335 00:17:55.079 --> 00:17:57.880 Anger simmered within me once more. I needed to regain 336 00:17:57.920 --> 00:18:00.559 composure or risk a sleepless night. I turned on the 337 00:18:00.559 --> 00:18:04.160 TV to watch a mindless comedy show. Laughter helped soothe 338 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:07.039 my nerves, and by eleven I was ready to doze off. 339 00:18:07.240 --> 00:18:10.640 Looking ahead to a busy day. The auction went smoothly. 340 00:18:10.920 --> 00:18:14.079 I snagged some excellent cars at favorable prices and networked 341 00:18:14.079 --> 00:18:17.680 with dealers in the Albuquerque area. Spotting no miatas at 342 00:18:17.680 --> 00:18:20.559 the auction, I inquired with other dealers. Two of them 343 00:18:20.599 --> 00:18:23.400 had one each, one red and the other black. I 344 00:18:23.480 --> 00:18:28.759 negotiated potential deals pending confirmation of my client's preferred color. Naturally, 345 00:18:28.799 --> 00:18:32.559 both dealers agreed, assuring me they'd handled the transaction once 346 00:18:32.599 --> 00:18:35.960 I provided details of the cars on my lot. I 347 00:18:35.960 --> 00:18:39.359 should have frequented this auction more often. Interacting with fellow 348 00:18:39.400 --> 00:18:42.480 businessmen in the same industry inspired me to expand my 349 00:18:42.519 --> 00:18:46.440 operations and provided a welcome distraction from my personal troubles. 350 00:18:47.119 --> 00:18:49.559 Later in the afternoon, during my meeting with the lawyer, 351 00:18:50.119 --> 00:18:54.240 the news wasn't encouraging. I faced losing half of my assets, 352 00:18:54.400 --> 00:18:57.559 along with alimony and child support payments for a child 353 00:18:57.559 --> 00:19:01.119 who wasn't even mine. In that moment, I decided against 354 00:19:01.119 --> 00:19:04.440 pursuing a divorce. Instead, I resolved to leave her with 355 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:07.400 George's child, paying off the mortgage on the house. She 356 00:19:07.480 --> 00:19:10.839 could remain there, but with only my name on the mortgage, 357 00:19:10.880 --> 00:19:13.599 she wouldn't be able to sell it. By continuing to 358 00:19:13.640 --> 00:19:17.279 cover taxes and utilities while living elsewhere, she wouldn't have 359 00:19:17.319 --> 00:19:20.480 the option to resign and claim the house. However, I 360 00:19:20.559 --> 00:19:23.480 needed to make a decision regarding my business. Although it 361 00:19:23.519 --> 00:19:26.119 was registered as a corporation, I had a gut feeling 362 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:30.160 that without proper protection I could risk losing it. Consulting 363 00:19:30.160 --> 00:19:34.400 my business lawyer became a priority. Arriving home utterly exhausted 364 00:19:34.400 --> 00:19:37.400 from a demanding day, I informed Jenna of my fatigue. 365 00:19:38.000 --> 00:19:41.200 I'm beat. Planning to shower and hit the sack, I muttered, 366 00:19:41.400 --> 00:19:45.200 making my way to the bedroom. Want dinner, she inquired, No, 367 00:19:45.400 --> 00:19:48.279 had a late lunch, I replied, at least she cared 368 00:19:48.359 --> 00:19:51.599 enough to ask. The shower was blissful, almost like my 369 00:19:51.680 --> 00:19:55.480 troubles were washing away. While problems persisted. I found solace 370 00:19:55.519 --> 00:19:58.880 in devising solutions. Minutes after my head hit the pillow 371 00:19:59.200 --> 00:20:02.960 sleep envelop me. The past week had been stressful, but 372 00:20:03.119 --> 00:20:05.960 with a plan and motion, I finally found mental reprieve. 373 00:20:07.240 --> 00:20:10.759 Rising early, feeling rejuvenated, I headed to the office before 374 00:20:10.839 --> 00:20:15.200 Jenna and Carrie stirred There amidst spreadsheets and financial reports, 375 00:20:15.400 --> 00:20:18.359 I orchestrated my next moves. I brief Paul on the 376 00:20:18.359 --> 00:20:21.400 twenty three car purchases and instructed Anna to cease assigning 377 00:20:21.440 --> 00:20:25.119 work to George, emphasizing the need for secrecy. She eyed 378 00:20:25.119 --> 00:20:28.799 me quizzically. You're the boss, she remarked, Thank you, Anna, 379 00:20:29.039 --> 00:20:32.680 You're invaluable. At nine sharp, I phoned my business lawyer, 380 00:20:32.720 --> 00:20:36.359 seeking advice. Your business is registered, but she might still 381 00:20:36.400 --> 00:20:40.359 force a sale to claim half its value. Consider selling preemptively, 382 00:20:40.640 --> 00:20:44.599 he suggested. I can't. It's my life, I retorted. Let 383 00:20:44.599 --> 00:20:46.119 me mull it over and get back to you by 384 00:20:46.119 --> 00:20:49.759 week's end. This news hit hard. I'd poured sweat and 385 00:20:49.839 --> 00:20:52.480 tears into building my business, akin to raising a child, 386 00:20:52.799 --> 00:20:56.799 Unlike Carrie, I thought bitterly. Rage threatened to consume me again, 387 00:20:56.880 --> 00:20:59.559 But as a seasoned business man, I knew to compartmentalize. 388 00:21:00.119 --> 00:21:03.880 I refocused on my business agenda. First up, contacting Doug, 389 00:21:04.160 --> 00:21:09.200 who confirmed George's claims. Doug Kurt Kaminski. Here, I've got 390 00:21:09.240 --> 00:21:12.039 intel on two miatas you might fancy, Red and black. 391 00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:16.200 Still interested if the price is right, he replied, which 392 00:21:16.200 --> 00:21:19.279 color do you prefer? Let me show you both. We'll 393 00:21:19.279 --> 00:21:22.720 crunch numbers afterward. Even if we can't agree. I can 394 00:21:22.759 --> 00:21:26.160 sell it easily, I assured, And your pick, he pressed, 395 00:21:26.640 --> 00:21:30.359 Red makes a bold statement, but fades faster. Black's elegant, 396 00:21:30.359 --> 00:21:33.759 but heats up quickly here planning to garage it. Yes, 397 00:21:34.079 --> 00:21:37.240 he affirmed, Read it is, then when can we meet 398 00:21:38.119 --> 00:21:43.799 Monday or Tuesday? Perfect call upon arrival deal. After hanging up, 399 00:21:43.920 --> 00:21:46.440 I dialed the dealer with the red Miata to negotiate 400 00:21:46.480 --> 00:21:49.559 a swap. He showed interest in the BMW sitting on 401 00:21:49.599 --> 00:21:52.759