I got in my pickup and left.

I went to Albuquerque, New Mexico looking for work. A few months before, I had done a favor for a firm that was located there. Based on the relationships that I'd established, I thought there was a good chance of picking up a job.

The job interview was nothing more than a formality. I filled out the necessary papers and HR told me to start Monday, giving me time to get myself settled in.

After the interview, I went looking for somewhere to live. I found a one-bedroom apartment, in what seemed a decent area, then I found a good storage unit for my Harley.

I bought a bed and a sofa after seeing a furniture store's advertisement in the Albuquerque Journal, then went grocery shopping and tried to settle into my new life.

Settling down was harder than I expected. I missed my wife and soul mate terribly so, instead, I started grieving my loss.

I had been in New Mexico for almost six weeks before I checked my email account. I guess I was trying to ignore my obligations, and I didn't want to face the fact that I'd lost my wife to another man. There were numerous emails from my lawyer.

I opened the last one first, and it simply said, "Call me. Very important."

So, I used my new cell phone to make the call.

"Blake and Cox, law offices," a friendly woman answered.

"Yes, my name is Roy Belton. I got an email requesting that I call Mr. Blake."

"I'll put you right through, Mr. Belton. He is expecting your call."

Moments later, the lawyer came on the line. "Roy, I was afraid I had lost you. Where are you?"

"I moved to Albuquerque, got a new job, and just settled into an apartment. Do you need my address?"

"Yes, I do. Give it to my secretary when we are done here. Look, Mr. Belton, your wife wants to meet with you. In fact, she is outright demanding it. When can you make it?"

"Mr. Blake, I live in Albuquerque now. It would be a great hardship to drive all the way to you. Can't you take care of it? Just tell her that she's already made her choice."

"Well, I understand you just started a new job, and can't take personal leave yet. So, tell you what...when are you off next?"

"I work Monday through Friday."

"What time do you get off work?"

"Usually about five."

"Ok, tell you what we will do. I will contact your wife's attorney, and we'll set up a day, time and place to meet with you."

I interrupted. "I live in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I just can't leave right now."

"You won't have to leave Albuquerque. We will set up an appointment there, Mr. Belton. It won't be a problem for me, or them, to travel to you for the meeting."

"Uh ... this isn't an expense that you're going to bill me for is it."

"No, your ex-boss, Mr. Johnson, will be paying for this expense."

My stomach clenched thinking about that son-of-a-bitch. "Why would he pay for this? I don't want to have to sit through a meeting with that son-of-a-bitch gloating over making me a cuckold, while my wife belittles my manhood. Mr. Blake, I really don't need that sort of grief. I really don't want to have this meeting."