I Worked Three Jobs To Support My Paralyzed Mother-in-law. I Came Home Early And Found Her Dancing While My Husband Filmed Her. How Should I Get Revenge?
The Voice on the Phone
After hearing Kevin’s ruthless Plan B, I knew I needed irrefutable proof, something that would demonstrate his murderous intent before it happened. The recording of his conversation with Helen was valuable, but he could argue it was a joke or an exaggeration. I needed something more direct from his own mouth, directed at a third party.
That night Kevin came home in better spirits. He probably thought his perfect plan was about to be executed. He started cooking, whistling cheerfully. In my room, I took out the prepaid phone and a voice modification software I had installed on an old smartphone. I adjusted my voice to sound like a professional, polite, but slightly robotic telemarketer.
I waited until Kevin was on the balcony relaxing with a cigarette after dinner, and I called him. Through the crack in the window, I saw him pick up the phone, hesitate at the unknown number, and finally answer.
“Yes? Who is this?” he asked abruptly.
I took a deep breath and began my performance.
“Good evening, Mr. Ruiz. I’m calling from the customer service department of X Insurance. I’d like to confirm some details regarding the policy you purchased for Mrs. Chloe Garcia.”
Hearing the word “insurance,” his attitude changed. He became alert but also interested.
“Yes, go on. Is there a problem?”
“No, not at all, sir. It’s just that our system registers that you showed a particular interest in the accidental death indemnity clause during a trip. I wanted to confirm that in the event of the insured’s accidental death in tourist areas, mountains, or near rivers and lakes, the process will require a police report from the area. Were you aware of this?”
Kevin was silent for a few seconds and then his voice became urgent, revealing his greed.
“Yes, I know. But a question: if the accident happened in an isolated place without cameras and only with the testimony of a family member, would the indemnity still be paid? And how long would it take to pay out?”
That question was exactly what I was hoping for. It betrayed his intention to seek a perfect accident in a secluded spot. I kept my voice professional.
“In that case, the witness’s statement and the coroner’s report would be the most important pieces of evidence. If the documentation is complete, we would pay out 200% of the policy within 15 business days. You can rest assured.”
“Perfect!” he exclaimed, unable to hide his enthusiasm. “Thank you—I mean, I understand. Thank you.”
He hung up abruptly. I watched him take a long drag from his cigarette and exhale the smoke towards the sky with a satisfied smile. He didn’t know that the entire conversation had just been recorded. His question about an isolated place and the payment timeline would be his sentence. I saved the audio file in my secure folder. My heart was still pounding, but I felt the exhilaration of a hunter who has just lured their prey into the trap.
Invitation to the Abyss
That night at dinner, Kevin was unusually attentive. After clearing the plates, he made some chamomile tea and sat beside me. He took my feet, placed them on his lap, and began to massage them. If this had been before, I would have been moved, but now every time his hand touched my skin it felt like a cold snake slithering over me.
“Honey, you’ve seemed so stressed lately with work and the pregnancy. It hurts me to see you like this. What do you say we get away this weekend? I found a beautiful resort in the Catskills. Fresh air, quiet, perfect for you to rest.”
I feigned surprise.
“The Catskills? But it’s a long drive, and with my threatened miscarriage… is it safe?”
“Relax. I’ll drive carefully, we’ll go slowly. The doctor said, ‘Your state of mind is the most important thing.’ Being cooped up here isn’t good for the baby. Let’s heal our relationship, rekindle the flame before our child arrives. What do you think?”
Hearing the word “heal” from the mouth of the man who planned to kill me for an insurance payout seemed like a macabre joke. Was he taking me to heal or to the grave? I looked into his eyes and saw not love, but the reflection of dollar bills and a life of luxury with his mistress. I smiled weakly.
“All right. If you’re so worried about us, I’ll listen to you. A trip to remember before the baby is born. I also want to have some time alone with you in a quiet, secluded place.”
Kevin’s face lit up.
“Of course. It has to be secluded to be romantic. You just pack some nice clothes; I’ll take care of the rest. It will be the most unforgettable trip of your life.”
I nodded, turning my head to hide a tear.
The next morning, with the excuse of buying things for the trip, I went out. I went straight to Sarah’s office and gave her a USB with all the evidence. She gave me precise instructions, insisting that my safety was the top priority. Then I went to a spy shop. I bought a tiny recorder that I could hide in my bra and a GPS tracker that I sewed into the lining of a pair of sneakers. I had to make sure that no matter what happened, Sarah and the support team I had hired could find me.
Back home, I locked myself in my room and executed the final step of my plan. I sent an anonymous message to Amber from the prepaid phone.
“Hi Amber. It’s the good Samaritan from the other day. Just a heads up: this weekend Kevin is taking his wife on a romantic getaway to the Lookout Mountain Resort in the Catskills. He’s told his friends he’s going to rekindle the flame, that he’s going to break up with you to focus on his wife and the $500,000 inheritance. If you don’t hurry, you’ll be left without a husband and your son without a father.”
I sent the message and broke the SIM. I imagined Amber furious in her luxury apartment. Suspicion would push her to act. I was sure she would go there to make a scene. Her appearance would be the variable Kevin wasn’t expecting, the one that would turn his murder plot into a tragic comedy.
I started packing my suitcase, stroking the maternity clothes. This play needed the entire cast to be entertaining. You wanted to play big? Well, I’ll give you the greatest show of your lives.
