My Ex Husband

Episode One

Ihad just finished preparing dinner and Lucca still hadn't arrived yet. I wasworried considering he always helped set the table. I checked my phone hoping hewas okay just running a little late.

Ifiddled with my fingers nervously. It was our first dinner since I'd been givenmandatory leave at work and had disappeared for two weeks, ignoring his callsand texts. I knew I couldn't avoid him forever.

Iwas just about to call him when a small thud came from the door. I hesitatedthinking it was just my imagination but it came again, impatiently.

Ihurried over and swung it slightly open. I gasped when a bloody and bruisedLucca came into view.

"G.g!"Was all he said before he collapsed on the front porch.

Present day.

I'mpathetic. I thought to myself as the cab sped down the city street. It wasVictoria's, one of my best friends, engagement party yet I couldn't bringmyself to attend.

Iwas sure if I stayed I'd break down and ruin my best friend's special evening.So I had just dropped off her gift, excused myself and left. It was harder thanit seemed.

Thedriver pulled up at my stop, I quickly paid and stepped out. I was just aboutto walk into the club when my phone rang. I breathed a curse when I saw thecaller ID. Victoria.

"Hallo."I said nervously.

"Gabby?Where are you? Are you okay? Should I come get you?" She called, panic inher voice.

"Victoria,stop! I'm fine! You can't miss your own engagement party. I just........ Ican’t make it to the party. I hope you understand." I said hoping she'llget the hint.

"Okay.Just call me if you need any help, okay?"

"Surebut I'll be fine. Now go have fun. I'll come by your apartment tomorrowmorning."

"Okay.Take care. I'll see you tomorrow." She said before her hanging up.

Ismiled to myself as I walked over to the club's door and the bouncer helped meout of my coat. "All alone, Miss Giovanni?"

"Yeah.It's just me tonight. Thanks." I said as he handed me my coat and openedthe door for me to walk in.

Itook a few seconds to adjust to the lighting before I headed for bar. I took aseat just as the bartender turned towards me.

"Yourbest champagne, please." I said with a smile.

Hegave me a charming smile before he turned to get my drink. I checked my phoneone last time before turning my attention to the big screen TV. right above thebar. It was a news report on the latest, most talked about case in the city.

Athirty year old man, Carter Johnson, commonly known as The Avenger was finallycaptured after years of going from state to state attacking, mutilating andkilling abusive married men then later sending pictures of the men's bodies tothe wives. Hence, the name The Avenger being thought to pay back the man forabusing their wives. He was believed to follow the men, watched as they abusedtheir wives and at times their children before he caught up to them and killedthem. He'd evaded the authorities for years but had finally been caught in theact, just as he was sending the latest dead man's photos to his wife.

VictoriaBennet, a Forensic Analyst, and I had been put on the case as soon as he'd beencaught. The scene on the news showed as Victoria and I watched him being takenfrom the court house earlier today after his sentencing.

*Flashback*

"Okay,Mr. Johnson, are you ready for today's session?" I asked as I sat down.

"Surething, Mrs. Giovanni." He said with a smirk as my tongue went dry."You didn't think I knew, did you?"

"Pleaselet's stick to the topic at hand Mr. Johnson." I pleaded.

"Why?I'm such a boring topic! You, on the other hand. Lost your mother to cancer,disowned by your own father over the collapse of the family business, all causeyour husband chose to believe some false allegations that you had cheated onhim." He said taking me by surprise.

Iremained silent.

"Ohdon't be so surprised Mrs. Giovanni. I after all go after men like the ones inyour life! But I've been seriously considering expanding my territory to, oh Idon't know. Neglectful fathers?" He said and I thought of my father.

"Ruthlesshusbands?” My ex-husband.

"Abusiveboyfriends?" Gwyneth Gibson's (one of my best friends) boyfriends.

Hewas messing with my head.

"Mr.Johnson let's focus on you, okay?" I said finally looking up from mysession book.

"Surething, beautiful. What do you want to know?" He said with an eager smile."I'm an open book."

Present day.

Isipped at my drink and finally took a look around just in time to lock eyeswith the most beautiful grey eyes I'd ever seen. They hadn't changed a bit. Hequickly made his way to me, leaving behind a disappointed group of ladies.

"Stillstalking me, are we?" I asked.

"Ididn't think you'd notice." He said as he leaned on the counter.

"WellI did and I'd prefer you stop."

"Gabbyplease! Give me a chance."

"Andwhy should I?" I asked turning to face him.

"G.g."

"Don'tcall me that!" I hissed at the nickname. His nickname for me.

"PleaseGabby. How about breakfast tomorrow? Nothing over the top, just a simplebreakfast."

"Fine. I'll seeyou then." I said as I waved the bartender over. I paid for my drink,grabbed my coat and stood. "Have a lovely night, Mr. Giovanni."