The Swim Coach

Chapter 9

Monday, I was back at the condo conducting lessons. I hadn't seen Serena or Linda all day. But just as I was leaving through the main gate in the evening, a familiar black Camry honked at me. I hurried over, hoping Linda would give me a ride home. No such luck.

Seated inside was Michael in a polo shirt and bermuda shorts. He beckoned me to get in, offering a lift home. I tried to decline, but he insisted. I had no choice and got in. As we sat in uncomfortable silence, suddenly he said, "Coach, I've been meaning to talk to you. I'm glad I managed to catch you today. Let's go somewhere."

A sinking feeling came over me. Did he know about Serena? Or Linda? Or both? It seemed too coincidental that he was there just as I was leaving. Was it planned? And where were we going? I recalled an article about someone being beaten up at a cemetery by a girl's father and uncle. I wondered if a group of rough men were waiting for me at a quiet spot. A million scenarios were going through my head.

We turned into a quiet road and eventually came to rows of single-story shophouses. Parking nearby, we crossed over to one of the units. Nestled among cafes and offices, we snaked through a place with outdoor chairs and overhead TVs. As we entered through the main door, pool tables, high chairs, and more TVs came into view. It was a sports bar.

It was early evening, and only a few people were milling around in casual office attire, each with a small bottle in hand. Michael led me to an exclusive niche at the back with comfortable sofas and a television showing a recent football game.

"Make yourself at home, I'm a partner here, would you like a beer?" Michael asked. I nodded dumbly, taking the opportunity to relax and recline after a hard day of training. Soon, two small bottles of beer, mixed nuts, fries, and nuggets arrived. Michael tucked in and beckoned me to help myself. Any thoughts of Michael being a threat slowly evaporated, as I was sure he wouldn't have poisoned my beer.

As we drank and ate while watching the game, I got to know more about him. He wasn't as stern as I had thought, and his success was built on hard work, diversifying his businesses in China, and planning for risk even before it happened. As such, he found success relatively early, at the expense of his family.

But he knew how to reward himself while working, and this was one of the ways among his many businesses. I was starting to see him as an older brother, and secretly, I wanted to be like him. The game ended, and I suggested we finish our drinks soon, as it was getting crowded and I was expected at home. My offer to pay was swiftly rejected. As we took the last swigs of our beers, Michael leaned in close to avoid shouting over the din.

He asked me casually, "What do you think of Linda?"

Was this a trick question?

No matter what, she was still his wife, and perhaps he was fishing for information. I answered tactfully, simply stating common knowledge. There was no way I was going to get myself into trouble. He seemed to think for a moment, then asked, "I need a favor from you."

From me? What could I offer? Was he going to ask me to stay away from his family? I asked him what it was about. Without looking at me, he said softly, "I want you to have sex with Linda."

I couldn't believe what I was hearing. I asked him to repeat, wondering what was going on. Someone was asking me to have sex with his wife? Who would do that? Was it all a test?

"Yes, I'm serious, have sex with Linda all you want, whenever you want. All I want are videos of it," Michael spoke nonchalantly. It sounded good, but a sex tape with me in it would never be a good thing. I rejected him.

"Alright then. What do you want for it? Is ten thousand dollars enough? Or do you like this place? You can be a silent partner with the same VIP benefits, plus a share of the profits. Or do you prefer women? Chinese women, of course. I can send you a new girl every week. A model? A virgin? Or someone experienced with skills to blow your mind? All of that is no problem."

It was all too good to be true. I was sure there was more to it, so I probed further.

"You want to know why, huh? Let me tell you a story. Linda and I were matchmade by our families, who were both wealthy. I took her virginity on our wedding night, and we began to fall in love. Even after I started traveling, I was faithful to her. But I always suspected something was up. No matter how much I tried, I couldn't find anything. It took a few years to get my answer, actually."

His beer wasn't finished yet, but he promptly ordered another round for the both of us. As soon as the waiter left, he whispered into my ear, "What if I told you that Serena wasn't mine?" I almost choked on my drink.

Pausing while they waited for the next round of beers to arrive, the information began to sink in. He continued as soon as the drinks arrived. "I had a paternity test done secretly after Serena was born. It wasn't my DNA. That really hurt."

He took a big gulp from his bottle. "Okay, long story short, I want to leave Linda, but she's not giving me the chance. If a video of her infidelity were to appear, the courts would rule in my favor. But getting Linda recorded is not going to be easy. I've tried for years, but she's very careful. But with your help, it should be possible. So, will you help me?"

I looked at Michael with pity. Suddenly, Linda didn't seem so virtuous anymore. I also had the urge to uncover the truth and solve the mystery, so I agreed.