Revenge: Husband Showed Video Of Me Cheating To Our Kids & Now They Abandoned Me

Revenge: Husband Showed Video Of Me Cheating To Our Kids & Now They Abandoned Me

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Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:01):
In emergencies, you have to act fast. When someone has
cardiac arrest, you perform chest compressions to keep their brain
oxygenated until help arrives. To defibrillate their heart and restore
its rhythm, you stop the bleeding before worrying about a
broken bone. I sat on the patio, clueless about what

(00:21):
to do first. This was a new situation for me,
and I felt blindsided. As a critical care nurse, I
honed my observation skills. I could spot subtle signs of
a patient's decline and act swiftly, often saving lives. Yet
I missed the warning signs of my nearly eighteen year
marriage's demise. I had no intention of saving it. I

(00:42):
wanted to end it painfully. After reconsidering, I didn't want
innocent parties hurt when I targeted my cheating wife and
her lover, I took a sip of beer and thought
about my options. Looking around my backyard. The lawn stretched
from the patio to the bayou with only a few trees.
My house, a traditional sub style home with modern amenities,
was a gift from my father and grandfather when I

(01:04):
got engaged. The land had been in my family for generations,
and the house was built by my family's construction company.
I chose nursing over joining the business, despite my father's
initial disappointment. I could afford some luxuries like a boat
and fishing gear, and took my family on vacations when
I could. Family was my priority, and now their happiness

(01:24):
was at risk. Looking around, I saw my sister's identical
house next door. I called her over. We needed to talk.
Isn't it early for a drink? Rob It's only two
p m? She said, noticing my beer. I'm off for
the week end in the mood, I replied. She knew
my work schedule allowed for frequent time off. I preferred
having a cooler of beer nearby to avoid trips to

(01:46):
the fridge. Offering her a drink, she sat down. So
what's so urgent, Susan asked, You told me not to
call anyone before talking to you. I found out Bonnie
is cheating on me, I said, my voice shaking. Are
you sure? Maybe it's a cruel joke, she asked. I nodded.
There was a video attached, No doubt who sent it?

(02:07):
I don't know, I replied. The email said you should
know your wife is cheating. Here's proof. The sender was
pissed off. Nine hundred and ninety nine. Susan was furious,
that cheating cow. Doesn't she know you'll destroy her and
her lover? Do you know who the guy is? I nodded,
ready to respond, but she cut me off. If Rich
ever cheated on me, I destroy him. How does Bonnie

(02:28):
even find time to have an affair? She's home almost
every night, except for bachelorette parties, where I'm always present.
She works with Rich and they usually drive together. He
would notice if she was having fun. Susan paused, noticing
my shocked expression. No way, she exclaimed, she's cheating with
my husband. They're cheating on us with each other. Her
face turned red and tears welled up. I'm sorry. I

(02:51):
wanted to tell you gently, I said, hugging her. I've
had a couple of hours to calm down enough not
to grab a weapon. She cried briefly, then composed herself. Okay,
what do we do? Wait for them and then confront them,
she asked. I love him, but I'm not tolerating this.
We need to be smart, I said, act normal tonight,
just like yesterday. We'll greet them with a kiss. Susan frowned,

(03:13):
Are you serious? We need a plan. We'll get legal
advice tomorrow. At least we know we haven't contracted any STDs,
I added with a smirk. To lighten the mood, Susan
pointed at me. Hell no, I didn't even consider that.
You know me, I might joke about becoming a TV star,
but I'd never actually do it. She finished her beer
and tossed the can. I handed her another, And just

(03:34):
for the record, I'm not doing anything with Rich. I
just got my period, she laughed. This will last until
we confront those cheeters. He's not getting anything from me.
Bonnie can have him, and we mustn't let the kids
know yet, I warned. They left for mom and Dad's
place this morning. They took their time, but didn't argue
or ask questions. They just got in Jason's car and

(03:54):
drove off. The kids, my son Jason seventeen, Rob Sick, Xen, Dave,
and Cindy sixteen, and my daughter Deirdre sixteen, spent the
entire summer together. They were more like siblings than cousins,
especially during the pandemic when they were always together. Rich
had been a good father and uncle involved in the

(04:14):
kids' education and activities. I handled the outdoor fund, teaching
them camping, fishing, and hunting. We'd camp in the backyard,
then gradually venture deeper into the swamp. As the kids grew,
they'd join in fishing trips, often with Rich or Susan
driving the second boat. Recently, Rich let his sons handle
his boat while he stayed home. The kids learned to
be self reliant, finding their own food on trips, and

(04:37):
working together as a team. They were tough and valued
family and teamwork. Three weeks ago, I rearranged my work
schedule to get six days off in a row. I
took the girls in one boat and the boys went
in another. We traveled slowly to avoid snags in shallow water,
stopping occasionally so everyone could take turns driving. We spent

(04:57):
a week at the old Popo Fish Camp, fishing and
catching crabs. We bonded as a family, or so I thought.
Apparently Bonnie and Rich didn't value family unity. The thought
of telling the kids about Bonnie and Rich's affair was heartbreaking.
Family was everything to me, and destroying that unity would
be unforgivable. I expressed this to Susan we can't hide

(05:19):
it from them, she said, but we can delay it
a bit. I'll make sure they don't know anything is wrong.
What do we do next. I can't forgive or forget infidelity,
no matter what Bonnie says, I replied. Susan agreed. I
can tolerate a lot, but not cheating. I need to
figure out how to get rid of her without losing everything.
I won't risk jail or let her take the kids.

(05:40):
I can't hurt Rich either. I have to be there
for the kids. I opened another beer. I get it.
We need to break him financially. I'm going to take
every penny I can get, child support, alimony, everything. I agreed.
Rich earned more, so Susan had a better chance. Bonnie
could drive me to the pen as courts often favor
women into cases. In my job, I handle trusts and wills.

(06:03):
But I know enough about the law to say our
assets are protected, Susan said. Our houses are safe. Dad
gave them to us before we married, so Bonnie and
Rich can't claim them. Bonnie might try to stay in
your house until the kids are grown, but she can't
claim it. Didn't you and Bonnie sign a prenup? Dad insisted.
It said if either party cheated, they'd only get twenty
percent of joint assets and no alimony. Bonnie's father, a

(06:27):
wealthy plastic surgeon, had insisted on the prenup. He wasn't
thrilled when I got his daughter pregnant, fearing I'd take
half his fortune. My father also made Susan and Rich
sign a similar agreement. I'm worried about that video of
Rich and Bonnie, Susan said, who filmed it and how
there were at least three cameras. I said the video
I got showed the same event from different angles, suggesting

(06:49):
it wasn't edited. Yet neither Rich nor Bonnie seemed to
know they were being recorded. Susan insisted I show her
the video on my tablet. Holy crap, she exclaimed. Bonnie's
comments in the video about how Susan and I were
clueless infuriated her. Rich is done, but we need to
find out who made the video. I don't want it
coming back to haunt us. I don't care if the

(07:11):
world sees it, as long as it doesn't affect us,
I agreed, suggesting we hold off on a public reaction.
Susan sat silently pondering our next steps then began to sob.
I hugged her and we both cried, unable to hide
our pain anymore. That night, I met Bonnie at the door,
hugging and kissing her. I half expected her to pull away,

(07:32):
but she kissed me back. I couldn't detect any trace
of aftershave, just her perfume. Despite my anger, I told
her dinner was ready. Susan and I had already planned
take out, neither of us wanting to cook. We joked
about poisoning our spouses, but it was a weight to vent,
not a real option. The next morning, I watched Bonnie
get into Rich's car. I called Susan, how to go,

(07:53):
No problem, she replied. Joking and planning helped me keep
my cool. Any idea where they're going tonight? Susan, always
a bit of a loose cannon, needed to vent. We
had to be honest about our feelings. At ten am,
we were in the office of one of Susan's bosses, Jake,
a divorce attorney and an old friend. He agreed to
represent us. Are you sure you have a video showing

(08:14):
both parties, he asked. We assured him we did, but
chose not to show it. Yet, as long as you
have evidence of infidelity, you're good. Your prenuptial agreements are strict, Rob,
did you consult a lawyer before signing? I explained that
my father insisted on a legal opinion, and Susan used
the same document. Jake continued, The cheater only gets twenty

(08:35):
percent of joint assets, including savings and investments. There are
no provisions for personal income accounts. Do either of you
have any hidden income? We shook our heads. What if
Bonnie has money she didn't tell me about, I asked,
common property? Jake replied, like, if you bought something without
telling her. Home improvements can be tricky. Your homes are

(08:55):
protected because they were gifted before marriage, but things like
solar panels might be concentited common property. So she only
gets twenty percent because she's a cheater, right, I asked,
I'm willing to give her that. We can negotiate the
division of furniture and other items. She'll have to pay
for transportation and storage if she wants to take anything.
Jake grinned, these are the games we'll play. The important

(09:17):
thing is your ironclad prenups. As long as you prove infidelity,
keep the video copies hidden and confidential. If they sue
over the video being public, it depends on how it
was obtained. Be careful. He emphasized the need for discretion.
Susan and I nodded. We had considered editing the video
and sharing it with our friends and family, but we

(09:37):
were worried about the impact on our children. Now we
were more determined to find out who filmed it. We
decided to serve the divorce papers on Thursday at noon,
but I suggested waiting until Friday afternoon so they would
have to worry all weekend without legal advice. Jake convinced
us to stick with Thursday, saying it would save costs
and still keep them busy with financial statements all weekend,

(09:58):
likely increasing their legal falk. Initially, we wanted to serve
them in person to watch their reactions, but Jake advised
against it. Instead, we decided to serve them at work
in front of their colleagues. After leaving Jake's office, we
went to the bank to transfer money into new accounts
in our names only, ensuring we had statements for all accounts.
We paid off and canceled credit cards, opening new ones

(10:20):
and our names only. I checked my email and found
three more videos of Bonnie and Rich. I thanked the
sender and asked how they got the videos, expressing concern
about them going public. I secretly wished they would be released,
but knew we had to be cautious to avoid a lawsuit.
An hour later, I received an email with an address
ninety two zero three Victoria Street, apartment two hundred one.

(10:42):
I visited the address and convinced the woman at the
counter to give me information by implying the tenant was
involved in criminal activities. She gave me the details. The
apartment was rented by the insurance company where Rich and
Bonnie worked, with Rich's signature on the contract. I wondered
how the company would react if they found out they
were paying for R Rich's affair. Bonnie called me at
twelve thirty furious about the divorce papers. I calmly told

(11:06):
her I knew she had found someone else and was
setting her free. We had rehearsed our responses. Bonnie angrily
denied the affair, accusing me of believing rumors and threatening
to take everything in the divorce, including custody of the kids,
child support, and half of our assets. She suggested Rich
could move in with her and I could live with Susan,
imagining what they were doing in my house. Go ahead,

(11:29):
I said, get yourself a lawyer. I barely kept my
voice steady, struggling with the regret of my marriage falling apart,
in anger at her stubborn denial. I hope Susan hadn't
revealed too much to Rich. By the way, the girls
are packing your things. Susan told the boys to pack Riches.
Everything will be in front of the house for you
to pick up this afternoon. We got a restraining order

(11:50):
and changed the locks this morning. You'll have to find
another place to stay until the court decides. Bonnie started yelling,
so I hung up. Ten minutes later, Susan texted, backyard,
bring your cooler. Make sure it's full. That fool Rich,
She began sipping her beer. He tried to blame it
on some secretary's gossip. I told him Bonnie did the same.
He denied everything, said we shouldn't believe it. I told

(12:12):
him to get his stuff. Really yes. I told him
to call first because I had a loaded weapon. Jake
will be here soon with two sheriff's deputies to keep
things from getting out of hand. I realized having deputies
present was smart. Rich might provoke me and I could
end up in jail for assault. I was already in
a controlled panic mode, like during emergencies. Susan continued, I'm

(12:33):
glad you talked to the kids earlier. I couldn't have
done it without breaking down. We gathered the kids and
I told them what was happening. Surprisingly, they seemed to
expect it and started packing Bonnie and Rich's stuff. Susan said,
the kids took it surprisingly. Well, maybe they're in shock
or don't realize how it will affect them. My phone
beeped with an email. I wonder if it's from Pissed

(12:55):
Off nine hundred ninety nine. I said, check it, Susan insisted.
She showed how to open it, and we listen to
an audio file. Can you believe? Robert and Susan served us.
Bonnie said they must have found out somehow. I can't
believe this. Just last night, Robert was so affectionate, relax.
Rich replied, they don't know anything. Someone must have gossiped

(13:17):
about us having lunch or driving together. We need to
deny everything. If they go through with this divorce, we'll
make them pay I know a lawyer who'll help us.
Just don't admit anything. Act like everything you say is
being recorded. After listening, Susan and I were silent. Okay,
let them think we don't know anything. I said. Rich
mentioned they've been planning something for a long time. We

(13:40):
need to ensure we're protected if they do something illegal.
Susan nodded, tears in her eyes. We have to hold firm,
I know, Susan said quietly. Jake said, I'm in a
better position. Courts favor women, but I can't accept Bonnie
getting custody of Jason and Deirdree and living in your
house until Deirdre turns eighteen, even with the pre nup.

(14:01):
It's terrible if she lives rent free while you pay
child support. I felt the same, but hugged Susan as
she cried. I assured her we would come out victorious,
though I wasn't sure. Divorce is about minimizing losses. The
children were silent as Susan and I entered the house.
Deirdre and Cindy were packing Bonnie's clothes into suit cases
and bags, now using plastic garbage bags. I asked them

(14:23):
to take pictures of the luggage, planning to apply its
value to Bonnie's share of the assets. Next Door, the
boys were almost done. Rich had fewer clothes and the
boys were stuffing them into bags rather than folding them.
I smiled as Rob stuffed to two thousand dollars suit
into a bag. They had my back. Bonnie texted me
and I called Jake, who showed up with two Shriff's deputies.
Jake told me to relax and enjoy. Bonnie and Rich

(14:46):
arrived with another familiar face, Boudreau Landry, a bully from
elementary school. Hey, Robert, Boudreau smirked, I hear your having
trouble with your wife and son in law. No big deal.
If I had a weapon, I would have shot him.
Boudreau was huge and fighting him wasn't an option. Hey, Boudreau,
I said, we're just trying to work it out. You

(15:06):
don't seriously think my boy Rich is with your wife,
do you? Boudreau asked, grinning, that's the story, I said.
Jake moved closer. I can't deal with it. Bonnie accused
me of taking all the money from our bank account. Yes,
and I have statements showing the original amounts. You'll get
what you're owed. She didn't know her credit card would
no longer work. Susan and I didn't accompany Rich and

(15:29):
Bonnie into the house. Deirdre and Cindy followed Bonnie in
a deputy, ensuring nothing funny happened. Jason and Rob followed Rich.
Where's my jewelry? Bonnie asked. This was a major point
of contention over the years. I bought her high quality jewelry,
worth at least twenty five thousand dollars. Most of it
was locked in my safe. I took pictures of Bonnie's
ring and necklace for insurance purposes. I wanted proof of ownership.

(15:53):
Boudreau started to argue, but stopped when I explained I
took pictures to prevent the jewelry from going missing. Jake
stepped in, suggesting a new appraisal of all assets. After
consulting with Boudreau, Bonnie calmly removed her jewelry and handed
it to me. Where am I supposed to go? You rear?
Bonnie asked. I nearly suggested her love nest on Victoria Street,
but held back. I shrugged, realizing my emotions had shifted

(16:17):
days ago. I loved this woman. Now I felt nothing
but anger and coldness toward her. Bonnie and Rich finally left,
with Boudreau following. I wondered if they were heading to
the apartment. Jake smiled, I hope so, we have someone
following them. If we reveal the apartment now, it will
help our negotiations. Instead, they went to the holiday Inn

(16:39):
near their office. Cheerfully. I helped them move their things inside.
I needed more flash drives for backups of the audio
and video files. Susan and the girls were making dinner
when my phone beaped with another email. Susan followed me
to the computer. Okay, guys, Boudreau's voice said, someone's probably
following Robert. Stay at a motel and get a room
with two beds. Make sure both beds look used. The

(17:01):
investigator can bribe the maid to check. We'll say you're
sharing a room to save money. It was embarrassing when
my card was declined. Rich said, good thing, I took
extra cash. What's next, I'll call the credit card company
to open a new account. Robert's thought about jewelry, Boudreau continued,
he likely has a list protect any hidden assets legally

(17:22):
their community property. But what Robert and Susan don't know
about they can't claim. Don't hide too much. You might
get caught. If you have a secret bank account, make
sure it holds only a small amount. Offshore accounts are better.
You don't want to be caught lying under oath. Now
what Bonnie asked, They can find our baton rouge accounts.
Screw that, Rich exclaimed, We'll fly to the Cayman Islands

(17:44):
and open an account there. Make the room look used,
Wet the tissues, ruffle the towels, wet the shower, and
use some shampoo. I'll call the office and say we're
off tomorrow. The audio file ended. Do they have secret
bank accounts? Susan sighed, where did the money come from?
I see the bank statements. He couldn't have hidden much.
I felt bad too. Bonnie and I got fifty dollars

(18:07):
weekly for travel cash, and we both reviewed the credit
card statements monthly. I told the apartment woman Rich was
into pills and courtesies as a bluff, but now I
wondered could he be hiding something more. We decided to
leave it for tonight, joining the kids for dinner. There
wasn't much we could do about hidden bank accounts. Anyway,

(18:27):
The next morning, I drove to Jake's office, having arranged
a jewelry appraisal and an estimate for my firearms from
a local dealer. Susan went to work briefly, and we
met at Jake's office, where I played the audio files
from the previous day. I'd like to know who's sending these,
Jake said. How they bugged Bonnie and Rich in the
hotel is beyond me. A private investigator couldn't have done
it that fast. We might need a judge's order to

(18:49):
find their bank account balances, which could mean hiring an investigator.
Susan and I shook our heads when asked if we
had noticed missing money. If you want this divorce quickly,
like you said, we'll move fast. Next week, We'll meet
with Bonnie Rich and their lawyer to list assets, then
go before a judge. Louisiana's Napoleonic laws make divorce easier,

(19:11):
especially with proven infidelity. Counseling won't help. Once the judge rules,
you'll wait six months and it's over. Jake added, Boudreau
called demanding you release an extra thirty percent of the
money you withdrew. I reminded him the prenup states the
cheater only gets twenty percent of assets. He demanded proof
of infidelity, which we'll present in court. It was amusing

(19:32):
to see him flounder. I'd love to get an audio
tape of him advising hiding money offshore into the courtroom.
I had to work that weekend. The head nurse, Sharon
couldn't cover my shifts. What if I start coughing and
need a COVID test, I asked, idiot. Sharon said affectionately, yes,
I could fill in. You have vacation and sick days
saved up, take an emergency vacation if needed. I can't

(19:54):
believe Bonnie did this to you. How about I work
this weekend and start my vacation on Monday. I suggest, really,
thank you, I owe you one, Sharon said, I'll start
your sick leave and then vacation. Take as much as
you need and keep me posted. Working was a welcome relief.
Weekends were busy, but I see you staff had to
stay alert. I was surprised to see my father in law,

(20:15):
doctor Prajean, waiting for me at the nurse's station. Hello,
doctor Prajean, what brings you to the ICU? I greeted him,
knowing the staff would be curious. Cut the crap and
let's talk, he hissed. In the head nurses office, he asked,
what's this about? You kicking Bonnie out? She called her
mother sobbing, John, I found out Bonnie is having an affair,

(20:35):
I said, bluntly. She's cheating on me with my sister's husband.
I'm dealing with a family crisis. It was a rumor
started by gossipers at the office, said John. They commute
together and often have lunch together. She told us the
rumors about an affair with her boss were just that rumors.
I decided to be open with him despite our history.
I haven't told anyone except my lawyer and my sister.

(20:58):
I haven't even told Bonnie and Rich everything I know,
let alone the kids, I said, holding back my emotions.
I have proof, video and audio files. This isn't just
a rumor, Doctor Prajean looked shocked. What are you going
to do? He asked softly, already knowing the answer. What
can I do? I replied, I'm trying to protect the kids,

(21:19):
but I can't just ignore this, John, What would you
do if Bonnie had proof? I was cheating. I'd want
your head on a platter. I'd help her bury you,
he said, honestly, with tears in his eyes. What about
Jason and Deirdre. How are they handling it? He asked.
They're talking more with their cousins in each other than
with Susan or me. They seem to be holding up,

(21:40):
but they're angry with Bonnie. I told them they need
to talk to her, but I don't know if they have.
I'm not getting involved in this. I thought you were
overreacting to gossip, John said softly. My first priority is
to protect Jason and Deirdre. I nodded, and I'll help
Bonnie with her physical needs. I don't excuse her behavior,

(22:00):
but if you have irrefutable proof, I accept it. Stay
in touch. You're an honorable man. He walked out, shoulders slumped.
I felt more sorry for him than for Bonnie. Wow,
Susan said when I got home. So he knows his
daughter isn't so virtuous. We need to tell mom and
dad soon. How about tomorrow night after your shift. We

(22:20):
don't want them to be mad at us for keeping
them in the dark. I agreed. The meeting wasn't pleasant.
My father only asked if I had proof, and I
assured him I did. Like John, he was more concerned
about the kids than us, which I understood. In our culture,
children came first and adults dealt with the consequences of
their actions. Children were protected but informed to learn. I

(22:41):
received no additional information from my mysterious benefactor, which was fine.
I had four explicit videotapes showing Bonnie and Rich, along
with audio recordings proving their long term affair. I didn't
need more proof. Bonnie not only cheated, but also financially
defrauded the family. The mystery of how she saved enough
to fly that Cayman Islands infuriated me. She was a

(23:02):
thief and a fraud. Jake began investigating their accounts using
social Security numbers, ensuring we could subpoenas statements if the
money was missing. Some questions were answered the following Wednesday,
when we meant to list our total assets, a court
appointed financial arbitrator reviewed the paperwork. I provided my annual
salary and Bonnie's pastub Bonnie made five thousand dollars a

(23:24):
month and my salary varied with overtime, but we earned
similar amounts annually. Jake said this would allow for minimal
alimony even without the prenup and infidelity proof. On Monday,
the auditor requested income tax returns for the past few years.
I found them in our desk, while Susan had to
get copies from her accountant. She was upset that Rich
hadn't filed them with other documents. She knew Rich earned

(23:47):
about eighty thousand dollars compared to her fifty thousand dollars,
and was pleased when Jake said she'd likely get a
sizeable maintenance payment. Boudreau entered the conference room with a
sullen Rich and Bonnie. Bonnie glared at me her anger,
surprising me. I expected an apology, but she remained silent,
likely on Boudreau's advice. Rich struggled to maintain a neutral expression.

(24:09):
The court officer introduced himself and his assistant, who took
notes and kept an electronic record. Let's get started. Your
attorneys have forms for you to sign confirming that your
statements today are true and may be admitted into evidence.
Our goal is to compile a list of all assets
and income for the judge to review. We won't discuss
pre nuptial agreements today. Regarding car valuation, will use the

(24:32):
Standard Blue Book. If the car your child drives is
registered in your name, we can consider it separate from
community property. If both parties agree, we'll get to the
money later. Let's start with mister and missus Fontineau. Listing automobiles, firearms,
the boat, and household goods took only a few minutes.
Even Bonnie's jewelry wasn't a problem. I had it appraised
and its value exceeded that of my truck and firearms combined.

(24:55):
Boudreau insisted the solar system be considered separately and prepared
a document stating its value and depreciation. Jake reviewed it,
made a few notes, and nodded. The four hundred one
K accounts were listed. I asked why, thinking they should
be excluded. No, they count since you've been married over
ten years. But in your case the values are similar,

(25:15):
so it's not a big issue, replied Jake. We then
reviewed the checking and savings accounts. Jake entered the statements
showing I had taken eighty percent of the funds and
did the same for Susan and Rich. It's straightforward, said
the auditor, mister Jacobs. There's a big discrepancy between missus
Fontineau's salary estimate and her tax returns for the last

(25:35):
two years, Rich tensed up, I've estimated each of you
earned sixty zero zero zero dollars, I explained, I multiplied
her monthly salary by twelve. Yes, but for the last
two years, missus Fontaneau reported an income of one hundred
forty thousand dollars annually. My incredulous. What the hell made
the assistant frown. Didn't you look at your tax return,

(25:58):
he asked. I shook my head and explained that Bonnie
and Rich had a new accountant handle our taxes electronically.
I just looked at the small refund we got. Bonnie
turned purple. Her salary includes eighty thousand dollars in bonuses
each year, mister Jacob said. I looked at Boudreau, and
mister Jenkins got one hundred ten thousand dollars in bonuses

(26:19):
each year. Jacobs continued. Susan asked how much extra that
was net About eighty thousand dollars a year, totaling about
one hundred sixty thousand dollars. So where's the money, Bonnie,
I demanded? Is that why you went to the Cayman
Islands last Friday to hide it. Bonnie angrily asked, how
did you find out? Are you following me? She then

(26:41):
composed herself, No, I didn't need to. I said, you
did it yourself. Both you and Susan insisted the kids
install phone locator apps. Jason and Deirdre used it to
track you. When you didn't answer them on Friday, they
saw you reappear near the coast, suggesting you were in
the Caymans. Bonnie and Rich looked astonished. They checked your
office on Monday and saw you weren't home but in

(27:03):
Baton Rouge, likely transferring money into new accounts, I added,
Jake spoke up Boudreau. We can get statements to prove
those account balances. It's illegal to hide money offshore to
avoid distributing joint assets. Your clients flew to the Caymans
right after hiring you. Hiding assets like this is a felony.

(27:24):
Bonnie began to cry, and even Rich looked scared. Boudreau's
face turned pale and then read, I didn't do anything
like that, he declared, looking at the recorder and Jacobs's
assistant typing away. Susan asked Jake, can we get them
to return the money? Jake nodded, yes, we'd get our
share in the end, even if we have to confiscate
their paychecks. Eighty percent of those accounts will become yours

(27:46):
once infidelity is proven in court. But there's no money left,
exclaimed Bonnie. It disappeared when we tried to transfer it.
Rich tried to silence her, but she continued. I think
you stole it, she accused me. I looked at her incredulously.
I didn't know for sure about the money until recently.
I suspected it, but I had no idea of the amounts.

(28:08):
What are you claiming now? Did you spend it all
or lose it? Both are nonsense. She explained that they
tried to transfer the money electronically at the Bank and
Grand Cayman, but the transfer was denied. They then went
to Baton Rouge to investigate. The online statement showed the transfer,
but no routing number or account details. Provide me with
the bank information for the Baton Rouge account and I

(28:30):
will investigate, said mister Jacobs. I can get the results
faster and enter them into the court documents. Rich and
Bonnie left the room looking dejected. Susan wondered where the
money went, and I shrugged, sharing her thoughts. Our case
was expedited, likely because Bonnie and Rich had begged Boudreau
to speed things up. They stayed at the Holiday Inn
for a week before moving to the apartment on Victoria Street.

(28:52):
It amused me to think about them in their love nest,
likely struggling with cash flow in Boudreau's fees. All five
children in sis on attending the hearing, and I agreed
since they were affected by the divorce. Jake explained what
to expect. Judge Goodry conducted his hearings semi formally, sitting
at the table with us. Jake, Susan, and I sat

(29:12):
to Boudreau's left, with Rich and Bonnie across from us.
The kids sat in the gallery. Following Jake's lead, we stood.
As the judge entered, he waved for us to sit.
I handle family cases in a semi formal setting. He explained,
sit and speak when I address you, raise your hand
if you want to speak. Be on your best behavior
and respectful. If you piss me off, I'll throw you out. Understood.

(29:36):
The kids managed to hold back their laughter at his
last statement, Well, I've reviewed both cases. Normally we treat
these as separate matters, but the evidence and parties involved
are the same. Here, a sibling is accused of infidelity
in Louisiana. While infidelity alone isn't grounds for divorce, there
are pre nuptial agreements that affect property distribution in such cases. Therefore,

(29:57):
I'll need irrefutable evidence of infidelity first. There were discrepancies
regarding monetary assets with allegations of hiding funds. My investigation
shows Missus Fonteneau and mister Jenkins have bank accounts in
Baton Rouge with balances of one hundred twenty thousand dollars
and one hundred sixty thousand dollars respectively. The entire balance
was transferred from these accounts the Monday before the divorce

(30:19):
petition was filed. The correct passwords and security questions were used,
indicating the transfers were made by Missus Fonteneaux and mister
Jenkins or someone they authorized. Further investigation revealed the money
was split evenly among five accounts belonging to their children,
Jason and Deared Fonteneau and Robert, Dave and Cynthia Jenkins.

(30:39):
These transfers are legal under the uniform Gifts to Miners Act.
The accounts were set up years ago, likely for college
or income in the event of a parent's pass away.
I was stunned. Why was Bonnie making such a fuss
if she had given the money to her children, the
judge continued, The parents showed responsibility, if not remorse, by
giving the money to their children. Such deposits are non

(31:03):
refundable unless fraud is proven. Does anyone have proof of fraud?
I was thrilled. While I would have liked my eighty percent,
knowing the money was divided among the children was satisfying.
Rich and Bonnie looked shocked, suspecting we had outsmarted them.
When Judge Goodry asked if we had proof of fraud,
we all shook our heads and said no, your honor.

(31:24):
They seemed terrified of possible charges for hiding money overseas.
None of them appeared willing to rebut the judge's remarks.
The next matter is the establishment of custody of the
minor children, The judge said, My daughter Deirdre raised her hand, Yes,
your honor. I read that children fifteen and older can
choose which parent to live with, she said, in some states, yes,

(31:46):
in Louisiana. I consider the children's opinions after speaking to
them privately, Judge Goodry replied. Deirdre stood and stated, I
don't need to talk privately. My mother cheated on my
father and our entire family. I want to live with
my dad. Jason stood up and agreed. Robert, Dave, and
Cindy also stood, stating they wanted to live with their
mother for the same reason. My heart raised under the

(32:09):
table as I squeezed Susan's hand. I will consider your wishes,
Judge Goodry said, with a half smile. But it hasn't
yet been established that there was, as you put it, treason.
Deirdre raised her hand again, and the judge turned to her.
I also read that a sixteen year old can petition
the court for emancipation and seventeen year olds can leave

(32:29):
home without a petition. Yes, the judge replied. The seventeen
year old rule is an old law for young men
wanting to enlist in the military without parental consent. For
a sixteen year old to petition for emancipation, they must
be able to support themselves. Is that clear? Deirdre nodded.
I have a college fund with another fifty six thousand
dollars added to it, plus what my parents and grandparents contributed.

(32:53):
Cindy stood up, me too. Collectively, we have plenty of
money to live on our own for a long time.
Her brother Dave stood and smiled, me too, We could
run a nice place together. Jason and Rob stood up
and said that if they pooled their money, all five
could live fine on their own. I glanced at the judge,
who seemed to suppress a laugh. Let me guess if
I don't go along with your wishes, you'll all petition

(33:15):
for emancipation or leave on your own. The five heads nodded.
Sit down, He commanded, I'll consider what you said. There's
an allegation of infidelity in this case which affects the
prenuptial agreement and property distribution. So I'm going to ask
for evidence of infidelity. Jake stood up, your honor, I
have these pictures of Richard Jenkins and Bonnie fontinat together.

(33:36):
Boudreau objected, anyone can alter photos. I have a picture
of me shaking hands with the president and another of
us playing golf, made by my son as a joke.
Defense counsel hasn't identified the source of this evidence. Judge
Goodry looked at Jake, then at Susan and me. Jake
nodded for me to respond, your honor, The evidence came
from an anonymous source. I received several video and audio

(33:58):
files and took these screenshots from one one of the videos.
I have the full video on a DVD and thumb drive.
I looked at Rich and Bonnie, who appeared shocked and agitated,
shaking their heads in disbelief. Judge Goodry observed their reactions,
noting their purple faces and clear distress. Okay, do I
need to reproduce the file mister Fontineau provided, or do

(34:18):
all parties agree that infidelity occurred? Judge Goodry asked. Boudreau
wanted to see the footage, but when Bonnie and Rich
quickly pleaded with the judge not to show the video,
he backtracked, Uh, could you spare a minute for my clients,
Your honor. After consulting with them, he reluctantly said, we
agree with the plaintiff's claims. Well, in that case, I

(34:40):
will announce my verdict, said Judge Goodry. Since all parties
agree in fidelity occurred, the marriage contracts will be honored
in each case, Susan and I were awarded eighty percent
of the community property. Judge Goodry suggested we discuss the
actual distribution with our attorneys to avoid court involvement in
the details. For custodial parents, I grant Robert Fontineau full

(35:02):
custody of Jason and deir Drafontineau, and Susan Jenkins's custody
of Cynthia, Robert and David Jenkins. As requested. The non
custodial parents have full visitation rites Legally, the divorce will
be finalized in six months. The increased incomes require Bonnie
to pay me one thousand dollars a month and Rich
to pay Susan two thousand dollars a month. For the
next three years, each dependent child will receive five hundred

(35:25):
dollars a month until they turn eighteen. Jake said the
payments were minimal and suggested we could appeal, but I
decided against it and Susan followed my lead. After the
judge ended the hearing, we left. Jake said he would
arrange a meeting to work out property distribution details. I
told the kids to go home, change and wait for
me for a family meeting. Susan and I walked to

(35:47):
the back of the court room where my father was waiting.
So when did you figure it out, Dad, I asked.
Susan looked puzzled. It hit me when Deirdre and Cindy
made those comments about the video. I said to Susan,
pissed off nine hundred and ninety nine as a personality
the kids invented. Susan's mouth dropped open. No, Dad said,

(36:08):
I figured it out a few days ago when I
saw an old credit card bill. Jason and Rob asked
me two months ago for a credit card to plan
something special for your anniversary. They promised to reimburse me
about five hundred dollars. The statement showed a purchase from
an electronics company. Initially I didn't pay attention, but when
I called the company, they revealed the kids bought cell
phone bugs. The kids spent five hundred dollars on spy devices,

(36:30):
I asked, yes, apparently they were expensive. Dad didn't know
where they got the video cameras. He followed me home
to find out more. All five children were waiting in
the living room. They fell silent as we walked in.
Let's go to the kitchen and sit down, I said,
Susan grabbed three beers, handing one to Dad and me.
Jason and Rob held out their hands grinning. You may

(36:53):
be old enough to be spies, but not old enough
to drink, I said. They shrugged, knowing I wasn't angry. Okay,
who wants to start? Let's begin at the beginning, Deirdre began.
It all started when Cindy and I stopped by my
mom's office and she wasn't there. Neither was Uncle Rich.
This was around the time they began Phase two of
the COVID lockdown. We thought we could get some money

(37:14):
from one of them to see a movie. The receptionist
said they were out and had left long ago. It
was well past lunchtime, so we decided to track them.
You know, we have a locator feature my mom insisted
on installing on our phones. It showed they were at
a strange address, so we checked it out. It was
an apartment building. When we arrived, we saw Uncle Rich's
car and waited. They came out later, walking hand in

(37:36):
hand and smiling. That got us thinking, so we started
tracking where they went over the next few days. For
three days straight, they returned to the same place and
stayed for about an hour and a half each time.
Sometimes they went there late at night after work, but
before going home. We told the boys about it. Rob continued.
We searched the internet and found bugs you can insert
into cell phones after downloading an app. It works like

(37:58):
a continuous phone call in the background and doesn't interfere
with regular calls. It does drain the battery a bit faster.
It transmits all the sounds around the phone, so you
can eavesdrop. We talked Pop into letting us use his
credit card to buy them. Sorry, we lied a bit pal.
Installing the bugs and the app on their phones was easy.
We took turns checking them and eavesdropping on conversations. We

(38:19):
recorded anything interesting to share later, so that's clear with
the audio recordings. But how did you get the video
and find out which apartment they used? I asked. We
looked at their keys. They both had a key mark
two hundred and one. That's not their office number, so
Jason copied his mom's key. We went into the apartment
a couple of times and looked around. We decided we

(38:40):
needed cameras, Deirdre explained, so we bought a few in
a small transmitter, added Dave that was pretty cool. The
boy was excited about the technology. He didn't notice he
was describing the end of several marriages and the breakup
of two families. At least Susan and I got some answers.
The cameras were motion sensitive, so they did and burned

(39:00):
too many batteries. We hid the receiver under the couch.
The receiver got information from the cameras and transmitted it
to our receiver. We recorded it. It seemed simple, so
you took a video of Bonnie and Rich doing it.
You also recorded audio files and sent some to me.
I spoke carefully. These were my kids, my nephews and nieces.
I couldn't ruin my relationship with them. But there was

(39:21):
another issue money dad. When Cindy and I first looked
at that apartment, I realized our mom was gone. Deirdre stated, well,
not gone, but not back to where our family used
to be. They had clothes stashed away, and mom had
some outfits. I recognized she had a makeup kit, towels
and washcloths too. We knew what they were doing. They'd

(39:44):
work out, clean up and then come home to you
and Aunt Sue like nothing had happened. We were all furious.
They weren't just cheating you and Aunt Sue, they were
cheating us. Now about the money, The secret bank accounts
were a side issue, Cindy said. When we looked around
the apartment, we found some bank account papers. There were
instructions on how to access it online. It took a

(40:04):
while to find the actual accounts. We even spent time
in Dad in Aunt Bonnie's offices peeking in on them.
A couple of times, the receptionist led us in to
wait for them, she giggled. We looked through a bunch
of folders and finally found one in the bottom drawer
of Dad's desk with some applications. Then we looked in
Aunt Bonnie's office and found more papers. Aunt Bonnie had
a small notebook in her purse with passwords and stuff

(40:27):
in it. It didn't say secret bank account, but we
could tell the password was unusual, much more so than
the one she uses for her cell phone, and it worked.
It took a while, but eventually we realized it was
the right password. They were using the same password for
both accounts. Jason took control of the situation. We already
knew they were up to something shady. When we discovered

(40:49):
their hidden bank accounts, we got really angry. We wondered
if they were dealing pills or embezzling money. Dave was
the one who came up with the idea of putting
money in our accounts. Dave blushed, Actually, I said, we
can't let Dad and Aunt Bonnie get rich and leave
us hanging. We read about dividing assets in a divorce,
and we didn't like the idea of them keeping half

(41:09):
the money either. We had accounts set up by pow Wow,
and I thought maybe we should take all the money.
I thought the cops might catch us, but since we
were miners and it was our parents' money, we wouldn't
get in serious trouble. We thought it might work, so
we did it. If we'd known about the eighty twenty share,
we probably wouldn't have taken it, Deirdre said regretfully. It
actually worked out better that way. And then you guys

(41:32):
started sending me video and audio files. I said, looking
around the table, I was at least a little relieved
to see an expression of restraint rather than outright pride.
That was the hardest part, Jason said quietly. We were
really really mad at Mom. And Uncle Rich for what
they were doing to all of us. We didn't want
to hurt you and Aunt Sue, but we couldn't do anything,

(41:53):
so we sent you that first video. We kept trying
to get you to visit Mom and Dad. We knew
you were upset. If you pulled a weapon out of
the safe, we would have told you everything. We knew
you'd tell Aunt Sue. We kind of moved on. We
already moved the money that Mom hid. I think we
stole it. Well, I know we stole it, but we
figured they cheated us, so it was only fair. I

(42:13):
hope you and Aunt Sue weren't too upset. I looked
at Susan, who had a look of amazement on her
face from the start. I hope you kids never get
mad at me and Sue, I said with a smile.
But if you ever nail me like you did your
mother and Rich, I'll punch you to loss of life,
even if it's with my walker in a nursing home.
They all chuckled at my threat. You'll never have to

(42:33):
worry about that, Daddy, said, Deirdre. You'll never let the
family down. We Cajuns stick together. One thing I don't understand,
my dad said, you bought cell phone bugs with my
credit card. They were awfully expensive. Where did you get
the money for the video cameras from them? Yeah? They
cost about five hundred dollars for each camera because they

(42:54):
shot full video with sound and had built in motion
and sound detectors. We got five of them, replied Jason,
plus another five hundred dollars each for a hidden transmitter
that sent a signal to a receiver we hooked up
to Deirdre's computer. That's a total of three thousand, five
hundred dollars plus shipping. But we can get half of
that money back if we return it undamaged. We already
pulled all the cameras and the transmitter. We probably lost

(43:16):
the cell phone bugs though. As for the credit card,
we used dad's visa card. I didn't have a visa card,
I said, so we do now. I applied for it
and forged your signature, said Jason. At least he was
honest enough not to look guilty. It has a ten
thousand dollars limit. We bring in the mail every day,
so hiding it was easy, added Deirdre. Cindy and I

(43:38):
set up an email account. Pissed off nine hundred ninety nine.
Rob came up with the name. He said, what mom
and uncle Rich did made him mad. The kids smiled
and nodded, seeing that Susan, Dad and I were really impressed.
So the bugs and the cell phones are still active,
I asked. Dave nodded, Yes, they work as long as
the cell phone batteries are charged. Thanks to that and

(43:59):
the location app, we know where they are and what
they are doing at all times, said Dave. He was
thrilled when he realized they weren't in trouble. If one
of them is talking on their cell phone, we can
hear it. Its voice activated, so it's a lot of
car sounds in business talk. We took turns going through
the files to pick out anything important. I demanded access
to the audio recording. As a result, Susan and I

(44:22):
had advanced knowledge of Bonnie and Rich's demands. At the
property division meeting, Bonnie was so eager to get her
jewelry that she gave me most of the cash and
all of the housewares. We granted some of their requests
without much argument, but we made them grovel during the process.
Susan shocked everyone except me when she suggested they walk
across town with signs on their heads saying we cheated

(44:43):
on our spouses. The alternative was to appeal the amount
of alimony in child's support. I thought Boudreau's eyes would
pop out of his head at that threat. We heard
Boudreau tell them they got off easy on the child
support payments and warned them that Susan and I would
likely appeal the amounts. Susan eventually recanted, forcing them both

(45:04):
to apologize on their knees. I don't know exactly how
it happened, and I'm willing to swear on a stack
of Bibles that I had nothing to do with it. Somehow.
Two months after our hearing, the insurance company that Bonnie
and Rich worked for found out that he had rented
an apartment for a love nest with company funds. Although
everyone in the office had gotten premiums for the past

(45:25):
two years, for some reason, Bonnie had them much higher
than usual. Each year. Rich managed to get big bonuses too.
No one ever figured out why. When all this got out,
he and Bonnie were fired. No big deal. The company
didn't want any publicity. None of the videos ever made
it to the internet. Susan and I couldn't have cared less,
and we joked over beers that it would have been
fun to make them stars, but the kids didn't want

(45:48):
to publicly embarrass themselves. We understood their point of view.
Bonnie and Rich now live in New Orleans, working for
a small shipping company. Since leaving town, they hardly ever
visit the kids, and they rarely even all. Last I heard,
they are having a very difficult time paying child support
and alimony. I wish them well, well, maybe not m