Chapter 3

Jane gave birth to Shannon Rene Porter on a cold day in February. She’s the mirror image of her mother. I don’t see much of me in her.

A year later, Jane is traveling more touting her successes and teaching her newly approved procedure and tool. I’m lucky to get a phone call. The children are either with me or the nanny. I’m still working at the hospital mainly because I enjoy the people around me. Most of them anyway but I know my days here are numbered.

“Rob, are you ok?”

“I don’t know, Tiff. I’ve got to work out some things in my head and I don’t know where to start.”

Tiffany said, “It’s Jane, isn’t it?

I nodded. “Why won’t she marry me and why does she still wear that ring. She told me long ago that it was from a dear friend but now she wears it to keep the hounds away. I’m not sure I believe that anymore. Tiffany, we have two children together. She’s as beautiful as the day I fell in love with her. Has she outgrown me? Does she finally believe that I’m beneath her? Tell me what to do?”

“Rob, I’m sure she still loves you but I think she maybe torn between being a mother, a world renown surgeon and a wife. I firmly believe she’s having some help with putting a wedge between you. Do you think she’s having an affair?

I said, “Maybe. I don’t want to think that but I guess it’s possible. When she’s here, she’s not here. That insatiable sex appetite we both enjoyed is all but nonexistent. I’m thinking that she and the kids are better off without me. I’m standing in the way of her and her lover’s happiness if that’s the case. Tiffany, please don’t tell anyone yet but I gave my notice this morning. I’m quitting. I don’t need the job. It was something to keep me occupied after I retired. My last day is tomorrow so I will say good bye to you now. It’s been a pleasure working with you and the staff.”

“Rob, take care of yourself.”

“Tiff, I know that Jane is In Nashville. I’m going to do some investigating and find out why our relationship went down the tubes. I think it’s time to pay her a surprise visit and find out exactly what’s going on so I can move on.”

I found out the information I needed. I told our nanny what was going on and that I was going to Nashville to see Jane. She hasn’t called to check on the kids or me in a couple of days. It’s time to clear the air one way or another.

Jane was staying at the Hyatt in Nashville. Since we weren’t married, they wouldn’t give me her room number. So, I waited in the lobby to catch her whenever she came down.

I saw her. She was with a man. He was obviously older than me and I’m 51 and Jane is 42. I watched as they held hands and made their way into the restaurant. They sat at a table, laughing, talking and then I saw him kiss her. It wasn’t a peck. It was a loving kiss. I’m pretty sure I had all the information I needed but I continued to watch. Then, no other than John “Fucking President” Thomas sat down with them. I wasn’t surprised after my inquiries but I should have known. No wonder the douche bag wanted me out of the way.

It was time to pin the tail on this donkey. I walked up and pulled a chair up to the table. The unnamed man was holding her hands and remembering the day he gave her that ring.

One thing I was always known for when I was working criminal cases was my thoroughness and attention to detail. I’ve still got friends in low place who can find out pretty much whatever I want to know about anyone.

It was time. I walked up and said, “Hi, Honey, who’s your friend. Does that ring belong to him? It does, doesn’t it. Mr. Thomas. You old douchebag. Funny seeing you here. I’m just trying to clear the air so I can get on with my life.”

Thomas said, “Porter, your fired!”

“No, I’m not because I quit last week. But you are.” I handed him the notice put out to all facilities by the Board noting his immediate termination.

“Rob, it’s not...”