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Bob had a big smile on his face. He just got off the phone with his lawyer and learned that the District Attorney had dropped the case against him. Finally, he thought. All this bad press could now turn in my favor. The poor widow who was disparaged by the media and found guilty in the arena of public opinion, now proved innocent. The sympathy factor will be off the charts!. He heard a ruckus outside. He went to the window and opened the blinds. To his amazement there were three news vans already out there. Man, these guys work fast! He went over to the mirror and went through the same routine he performed as a salesman. He adjusted his tie and perfected his hair. He was ready to talk to the media. He opened the door and the frenzy began. Reporters swarmed, bombarding him with questions. Bob held up his hand. "Please, one question at a time." He scanned the group and then pointed at the CNN reporter. "You, please begin."
"Mr. Sheppard, how does it feel to be exonerated for the death of your wife?" the reporter asked.
"It feels great that justice has prevailed. I knew I was innocent. I think the police department knew I was innocent as well, but Detective Andy Meola was determined to find me guilty. I believe the detective would go to any extent to prove I was guilty." He pointed to the Fox News reporter. "You're next."
"Mr. Sheppard, are you saying, you think the police manufactured the case against you?"
"I think it's obvious, but I will let a jury decide that."
"Are going to sue the department?"
"Wouldn't you? My life was devastated. My son's life was devastated." He scanned the crowd of reporters again and then pointed at the ABC reporter. "What's your question?"
"Did you know your wife was having an affair?"
"I believed she was. I was very upset about it. That's the reason for my own brief affair. I'm sorry, but that's all the time I have." Bob stepped back into his house as the reporters continued to shout questions at him through the door.
Karma's a Bitch: A Short Story Page 6