Let me introduce myself. My name is Jennifer Bailey, I'm 30 years old and for the last three years, I've been working as a prosecutor for the State of Massachussetts. I'm also very active: I play tennis and golf and whenever I can, I try to catch a aerobic class at the YMCA. I have to stay in shape to keep up with the long hours my job often requires. People say I'm good at what I do and, even at the risk of sounding vain, I tend to agree. I've put my share of criminals behind bars and it feels good to bring back a sense of security in the city where I live. I've been married for a year now. I met my husband Tom while I was working on a case, a bank robbery that went terribly wrong. Three people were killed, including the robber and Tom was a witness to this crime. Can I say it was love at first sight? Probably, although I didn't want to admit it ! I'm very independant and my career had always come first. Maybe that's why I never had any lasting relationship. At this time, I didn't want to let anybody into my life, but faith had other plans...

The first time I met him I was drawn to his gentle manners, his handsome features, his engaging smile. He asked me for coffee after I had finished taking his statement and we stayed in the coffee shop for three hours! He is a busy man himself since he has just started his graphics company, but we always make time for one another. He is the best thing that has happen to me and I intend to make this marriage work. As I sit behind my desk, I'm thinking of the months ahead and the new case I'm working on since yesterday. Last week, after a long and exhausting investigation, a very prominent businessman was accused of murdering his wife. My boss gave me the case because he wants to nail that bastard. I spent the whole day reading the accused's statement, claiming he was innocent of all charges. They all say that at one time or another... I figure that tonight is probably the last night I'll be able to spend some quality time with Tom, so I plan to leave the office early. Wrong!

I get home at a quarter to seven. I have little time to prepare for my surprise for Tom. I rush to my bedroom for a quick change of clothes. The week before, while Tom was out playing golf with his friends, I had gone shopping for a new dress. I had found a sexy black one, with a low cut. It was short, of course, so that Tom could look at my legs all he wanted. My husband is a hopeless leg man! Whenever we watch television or go to a movie, and if I'm wearing a dress, he always puts his hand on my thigh. He likes the feel of nylon and of course, I like it when my man caresses my thigh! With my new dress, I'd also purchased a pair of high heels, the one with the strap around the ankle, garters and silky black stockings. I look at myself in the mirror and smile. I knew Tom would love my new outfit. I just hope he doesn't have a heart attack before the night is over! I go to the kitchen to retrieve the candles. I want to spend a very romantic evening with Tom and nothing is more romantic to me than candles. I light all the candles I can find and place them in the living room. All right, let's see if I have everything. New outfit, new shoes, candles and...Oh my God! I'm forgetting the wine! I walk towards the stairs that lead to the basement, where Tom had built our wine cellar. I turn on the light and hurry down the steps. Suddenly, my left heel slips. I try to hold on to the handrail, but I just can't tighten my grip. I fall forward and my left leg takes my whole weight as I come crashing on the concrete floor. I feel my ankle twisting and at the same time, I hear two loud snaps.

For a few seconds, I just lay there, motionless, unable to breathe, speak or even cry. Waves of pain runs through my whole leg and I think I might pass out. God my leg hurts so much! I didn't want to believe it but deep down, I knew that it was broken. And that it was bad... The room is now spinning and I'm shivering. I feel hot and cold at the same time... I hear the phone ring upstairs. Please, don't let it be Tom calling to say he would be late! The phone finally stops ringing and all I can hear are my sobs. The pain in my leg is excruciating and my shoe strap is now digging into my swollen ankle, making it even worse. Please Tom, be home soon...

It is so dark that I can't see what time it is. Tom had said he would be home around seven thirty, so he should be here any minute. I gather all my strength and sit down. I look at my leg and let out a faint scream. It is bent at a very odd angle, swollen and I can see some bruising underneath my stocking. Feeling sick to my stomach, I lay myself down on the floor once again. The cement is cold against my face and I can feel the tears streaming down my cheek. I close my eyes and concentrate on Tom's handsome face. Baby, where are you? Please, I need you so bad... As if he had heard my silent plea, Tom opens the door and calls my name. "I'm here, Tom! Help me..."I shout back. He runs to the stairs and I see him standing in the doorway. "Please baby, help me.... It hurts so bad" is all I can say as Tom comes to my rescue.