Mistaken

A man finds his wife meeting with a stranger

Duncan charged onto the flooded street, a hand protecting his head from the pelting rain. Halfway across he noticed a guy with Letty on the other side. Who was he?

No, focus. Breathe.

A sudden horn and oncoming headlights gave Duncan only a moment to jump back as a car flew by, splashing water up to his chest. He shook it off, looked both ways, and crossed the street.

Letty was all dolled up. She never did that for him anymore. The other guy was younger, fit, closer to her age. The stupid smile on his face showed perfect white teeth and bright eyes.

Duncan adjusted his glasses. The rainwater made everything kaleidoscopic, but he had nothing dry.

“The hell are you?” he said to the other guy. Well, that didn’t come off as calm as he’d wanted.

“Hold on,” Letty said, her voice stern, eyebrows dipped. “You’re making a big mistake. Why are you even here? Did you follow me?”

The accusation only fed his rage, and he found himself yelling at her. “Maybe I did, but you lied to me! You said you’d be out with a friend.”

“Yes. This is my friend, Peter.”

“Peter,” Duncan said, turning to the man with a murderous look. “Get away from my wife.”

Letty looked confused. “Your... wife?”

“You’re coming home. Now.” He grabbed her arm and turned to drag her across the street, but she struggled and broke free.

She stepped back, tears in her eyes, looking ready to run. Why would she do that?

Duncan felt cold metal on his wrist, heard the click of handcuffs. Peter pulled over the other arm, cuffing Duncan’s hands behind his back.

As he presented his police badge, he said to Letty, “It’s okay, ma’am. He won’t bother you any more.”