Chris was woken up by his doorbell that kept ringing. He glanced at his wife who was sound asleep and was glad because she needed her rest. He slowly lifted himself out of bed and left the room, softly shutting the door behind him. Looking through the peephole of his apartment door he said “Yes?” loud enough so only the person on the other side of the door could hear.
“Is there a Chris Matthews here?” the person said sounding unsure of themself.”
“Yes, but come back another time, it’s very late.”
“I understand that, but it’s an emergency.”
“Who are you?”
“I don’t think Chris would know me, but he may know my wife, Jane Achorn.”
“You’re speaking to Chris and I do know your wife. What’s going on?”
“She wanted me to talk to you concerning some things. Can I come in and talk to-”
“Can you come by another day?”
“Please, it will only take a minute.”
“Alright.” Chris opened the door and before he could close it he was punched in the jaw. “What the heck man?” Chris shouted.
He wanted to punch the man back, but he didn’t want to fight.
“That’s for being with my wife,” Peter shouted at Chris.
“What are you talking about? I was never with or never will be with your wife.”
“You remember this picture?” Peter pulled the photo from his pocket and shoved it into Chris’s face.
“Do you even know what happened? Did you talk to your wife?”
“I did but I know she’s lying,”
“How do you know?”
“I just have an inkling.”
“Your wife has been a great employee for me for the past few years. She helps my colleagues and I have the best environment for our clients.”
“Tell me more about the moment in the photo.”
“It was at an office party a few months ago. Jane had a little too much to drink. I did what I felt was right and drove her home.”
“That still doesn’t explain the picture.”
“All I can say is that-” Chris sighed before continuing “When you have a lot to drink sometimes things can look different than what they are.”
“That sounds convenient.”
Chris was surprised when Peter pushed him against the wall and began choking him. Chris took his arms and tried to swing at Peter so he would let go.
“Honey. Aren’t you coming back to bed?” Sarah asked as she walked around the corner and turned into the living room. “What are you doing?” Sarah said shocked at Peter choking Chris.
Sarah noticed Chris’s phone on a nearby table so she called the police and put the phone on speaker. Chris listened to his wife speak to the 911 operator as he tried to fight for his life.
“911 what’s your emergency?”
“There’s a man in my house choking my husband.”
“We have your location, help is on the way.”
“Thank you.”
Chris saw his wife pick up a new lamp she just purchased and ripped the cord from the socket. Peter wasn’t paying attention as Sarah swung at his back. She then stepped back as Peter yelped and retracted his hands from Chris’s throat.
Chris was gasping for air, but he needed to do something to protect his wife and unborn baby. He then punched Peter several times before Peter dropped to the floor unconscious. He then pinned Peter down as he slowly regained his breathing.
“Are you okay?” Sarah questioned as she stood close to him.
“I’ll be alright. Just don’t stand too close. I don’t want Peter to attack again.”
A few minutes later the cops show up. They loaded Peter onto a stretcher but handcuffed him to it as they wheeled him into an ambulance. Chris got looked at by another EMT and he insisted his wife get looked at as well.
“Did she get hit?” the EMT said glancing at Sarah.
“No. But she did hit Peter and she’s pregnant so I want to make sure she and the baby are okay.”
“I’m fine.” Chris noticed Sarah holding the side of her mouth.”
“Can I take a look?” the EMT said.
He pressed softly as she winced. Frowning he then asked, “Are you sure you didn’t get hit?”
Chris’s eyes widened looking at his wife and asked “He hit you?”
“Well...When I hit Peter with the lamp his reflexes went crazy and hit me.”
“I can’t even believe…” Chris then became speechless. “I’ll give you some ice. It may hurt to eat on that side of your mouth for a while. Also, they’ll be some swelling and bruising, but it will heal with time.” the EMT said then he went to grab an ice pack.
“Chris and Sarah Matthews?” They turned to see an officer walking towards them.
“Hi, I’m Officer Opal. I was wondering if I can talk to you about what happened tonight?”
“Sure,” Chris said.
“Also before we begin are you Sarah Matthews, the author?”
“Yes, I am.” Sarah smiled the best she could.
“My wife loves your books.”
“Tell her I said thank you.”
After about 30 minutes Chris and Sarah had told Officer Opal everything. From the office party to how Chris almost died by the hands of Jane’s husband Peter.
“Just a few more questions before I let you guys go.”
“Alright.” Chris glanced at his wife who looked so out of it and tired and leaned her head against his shoulder.
“Do you still speak to Jane Achorn?”
“Well...she still works for me?” Chris felt his wife move away from him.
“You didn’t fire her after everything that’s happened?” Sarah said ignoring the cop.
“I will. Just give me some time.”
“I can’t believe you,” Sarah said with a scoff as she turned away from her husband.
“So what’s next?” Chris asked the officer then glanced at his wife.
“Well we’re sending Mr. Achorn off to jail and he’ll be arraigned in a couple of days. We may call you for some further questioning, but that’s everything for tonight.”
“Thank you.”
“I hope you both get better soon,” the officer said smiling to both of them.
“Thanks,” Sarah replied.
The officer walked away as Chris turned to his wife and said “I was going to fire her, but then I remembered about how hectic her life has been and -”
“Look I don’t want to hear it,” Sarah said raising her hand. “This is so ridiculous. She’s been trying to get with you and you’re allowing her to do that.”
“Sarah you know I would never cheat on you. I just felt bad for her.”
“Well, what about me?” Sarah questioned shaking her head then turned around and swiftly walked back into their apartment building.
Chris walked down the street as the ambulance and police car finally pulled away. He sat on a bench near his apartment complex and a streetlight shined above him. He couldn’t believe this was happening.
Only a few hours ago they were both getting along and now they were hardly speaking. He picked up the phone and called Jane. He suddenly had a realization that even though he knew Jane was going through some difficult times, he had to be there for Sarah and his family. As the phone rang Chris hoped that he and his wife could reconcile once again.
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