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Protocol

By: gldngolfer



Looking down at the body I could hardly understand why it all happened. I guess some people are just greedy...or dumb as hell.

Not long ago I was an extremely happy man with no problems and a company that made good money. Actually it made great money thanks to the government contracts. I have a wife who loves me and kids that are happy and healthy. I guess I had it all.

That would explain why some fucker tried to take all away from me. That someone being Hal Johnson. It was his body I was looking at on the floor with a puddle of blood underneath it. Digging down deep I pulled as much bile I could and spit on the lousy fucker. May he enjoy hell because if anyone deserves to be there, it was him.

I've been a business man most of my adult life dealing with the good and the bad that goes with it. There will always be people you deal with that you can forge life long relationships with and those who are just out to screw you. Hal Johnson was one of the latter.

My life/business model was a simple one. Help those who need it and in turn you may receive help when you need it. I had assistance from mys and a few small businesses in town when I wanted to start my little computer shop. Nothing big, just a niche business buying and selling some highly classified computer components. Of course I didn't start out dealing with that kind of stuff. In the beginning all I did was fix broken computers, write a little code and design specialty components for some very specific business uses.

Started out with just me and as took on more clients, I hired a few people. I signed a few contracts with a couple of colleges and small businesses. Just so happens to be the same small businesses that helped me start up in my current form. And you can bet your ass I gave them a discount. I did most of their work for cost. The local college signed because I was an alumni and I hired kids from the school computer school.

I can't tell you what the components are that I deal in, because if I did I'd have to kill you. Just kidding, I always wanted to say that. No, but really, I'd have to kill you so don't ask.

During the early years of my business I met and fell in love with a gorgeous looking brown haired beauty named Julie. I don't think it was love at first sight for her, but for me, I was gaga from the word go. Eventually I won her heart and we got married. During the first years we struggled to make a living but she did a great job in making ends meet. I made her CFO of the business because she has a knack with money.

The other day I was approached during my lunch at a local diner. He didn't ask, he just sat down across from me and started talking like he knew me. Now I don't get shook up too easily so I let him do his thing. He talked about how he could help me make loads of money and keep it out of the government's hands. After a few minutes of him talking, he sounded more like an adult from a Charlie Brown cartoon.

I didn't miss a bite. I really liked the diner's open faced roast beef sandwich with gravy; gluten free of course.

After he finished his spiel I sipped my coffee and looked at him, "No!" Boy did he deflate. I wanted to play a game with the new asshole in my life. "I don't do business with people I don't know. Introductions are a must. You obviously know me, so who the hell are you?"

"My name is Hal Johnson and I..."

Interrupting him, "Well then, you know who I am but you obviously haven't done your homework before you rudely interrupted my lunch. So let me tell you how I do business. One, never ever bother me during lunch. Two, my business ONLY does legitimate dealings with established companies that are checked out by my people. Three, I have too much to risk so NOTHING illegal is ever done by me or my people. Four, the answer is no just because I don't like you."

He made it past deflated and ran straight to ticked off. "You don't understand, we can get filthy rich from this deal I'm proposing."

"I'm rich enough. Now leave before you see the wrong side of me."

Sliding out of the booth, "Trust me when I say, I can't let this go. We will meet again."

"Damn, now I lost my appetite for apple pie."

Hal Johnson said he "couldn't let this go" so now I guess I can't either. Being who I am, I had people who knew people. My people uses computers to talk to people who has all your shit on their computers. I asked one of my most trusted computer geeks to start a cursory check on Mr. Hal Johnson.

My top computer geek's name is Harold Watson, but we nicked named him "Monster." He's 6' 5" tall and weighs 250 pounds. He's a muscle bound genius that loves kids and has a shy streak so bad when it comes to girls, he freezes just talking to one outside of work. I consider him one of my friends.

I told him about my lunch and asked him to start a background on Mr. Hal Johnson. "Keep the check in house for now and get back to me ASAP. Do not check the government's data base until you talk to me, OK?"

"No problem boss. I'll call you as soon as its done. You aren't expecting any trouble are you?"

"I hope not, but this guy puts me off a bit." Monster got an uneasy look on his face cause he knows my senses aren't often wrong.

"I better get busy. I don't like this."

With that I decided to go home early and catch up with the family. My wife took today off early to get home and see to the kids. I caught my wife in the kitchen putting the final touches to dinner. Sneaking up behind her to nuzzle her neck, I was only inches away from her, "Don't even think about it!"

"What? Me? Huh? I wasn't doin nuthin!" both of us laughing at each other. She turned around looking at me so I grabbed her pulling her to me, "I was closer this time, your spider sense must be getting dulled with age or is it because of the incredible hot feeling you have between your legs for your husband?"

"More than likely from age. My husband doesn't turn me on anymore," now she was showing a slight smirk. "But I AM more than willing to take him to bed right now and he can give it his best shot to get me off."

"Well I don't know, maybe we should wait and I'll go take one of those little blue pills just to make sure I'm up for the job."

"Oh no you don't! The last time you took one of those pills you had me for three hours and I was sore for a week! Besides the kids will be home soon and I have to finish dinner."

"OK, no blue pill, but you are still going to be sore. I feel exceptionally large today."

"You wish buster, let's go before I change my mind."

Running up the stairs to our bedroom we were peeling clothes as we went. By the time we reached the bed she was down to bra and panties and I still had everything the waist down on.

Noticing my predicament she smiled, "Well since you are taking your time, I'll just go ahead and get started." With that she teased me by reaching behind and unclasping her bra strap and slowly letting it fall from her breasts. "See anything you like?" as she pushed her panties down to her ankles stepping out of them.

Climbing onto our bed she began rubbing her breasts trailing her hands down to her vagina. Spreading her legs open she continued masturbating herself to a near frenzy, "If you don't hurry up and get over here I won't need you!" I was mesmerized by her show and if the bulge in my pants were any indication, I was turned on huge. But when she said if I didn't get to her I wouldn't be needed, I woke up and stripped the last of my clothes. My engorged cock got caught in opening of the fly of my boxers and I got held up for just a second.

I dived head first into my wife making contact with her clit. In less than 30 seconds she was screaming as I sucked and licked her pussy. Pushing my head away saying she couldn't take any more I brought myself up till the tip of my penis was positioned at her opening. Playfully I rubbed the head along her slit while she made incoherent sounds of pleasure.

To tease her more I pushed in only a little and pulled out rubbing along her opening and again I pushed in further and pulled out. I repeated this several more times until she begged me to stop teasing her. I knew I couldn't take much more myself.

I pushed in all the way and caught a rhythm that made my wife raise her hips to meet mine. Every one of my thrusts was met with one of hers. I looked upon my wife and she had the look of absolute joy on her face. I knew she loved me with all of her being.

I increased my rhythm until neither of us could hold back any longer as we came together. I fell onto my side holding her tightly kissing her face. Moments later she started giggling, "I can't believe you got your cock caught in the fly of your boxers! I almost lost it I wanted to laugh so hard. Only you can make me laughed and orgasm. God I love you."

"All part of my master plan you know. Your happiness is an absolute desire and that especially means laughter and orgasms. Your welcome by the way."

"For what?"

"Oh come on, two orgasms and a cock in the fly episode. I planned it all just for you."

"I bet you did...Thank You."

"I love you honey."

"I love you too. Now let's get up and finish dinner before the kids come home."

The kids got home from their school activities and we had a nice sit down dinner. With our kids growing up and our business, we have seldom have time for this. But when we do, it is always a great time.

We got cleaned up after dinner and went to bed. One of the best things in life is going to bed with the woman of your dreams and waking up with her in the morning.

Even though we own the company we don't always have the same schedule. I usually have meetings outside the office while my wife keeps things together in the office. But today we went to work together.

As soon as we walked in the door Monster was there to greet us, "Boss we need to talk, now!" He didn't look none too happy and I had a feeling it was about yesterday. Julie asked what was going on so I explained yesterday's lunch and what Mr. Hal Johnson said to me. "I knew a Hal Johnson in college, but I doubt it's the same man," as she said it she had an unsettled look on her face and the tone in her voice disturbed me.

I gave her a look, "What?" was her reply.

Now looking at Monster, "Tell me what you've found out after we get in my office." We entered the office and closed the door, "OK, what's got you on edge?"

"Boss, from what I can find about this guy is he has some connections to organized crime and it seems he owes these guys some money and the look from Julie's reaction to his name I have a feeling you were targeted because of her."

My wife, "Now Monster you have no proof I'm the reason he approached my husband with that so called deal. The Hal Johnson I knew was a nice guy who wouldn't have got caught up with gangsters."

"Julie, I checked him out, he is the same guy you dated in college. How many Hal Johnson's went to the same college at the same time as you? And he is involved with organized crime! Sorry boss but I got into the feds data base even though you told me not to. I had to confirm things."

"That's OK Monster." Looking at my wife, "Julie you obviously were more involved with this guy in college than I like and I think your letting some fond memories cloud the present reality. You and I will talk in a moment about your history with your man Hal," now she gave me a look.

"Monster I think it's time to notify the feds and tell them about our new friend."

"I already did. Sorry I called them before talking to you but with our government contracts I really didn't have a choice. They started their investigation as soon as I called."

"That's fine, now you understand why I count on you so much."

"Thanks boss. I'm going back to work on this guy, I really have a bad feeling about all of this."

"Go do your thing, and thanks."

Turning my attention to my wife, "OK, spill it!"

"Honey, there's not much to say, we dated in college. He was a nice guy and we had fun together."

"What kind of fun?"

"Well...you know," not able to look me in the eyes.

"Julie, you are my wife and I love you more than you could possibly imagine. It was love at first sight for me and yes I know not so much for you, but now is not the time to hide things from me. I get it, you fucked the guy in school, but if you still have feelings for him you better tell me now."

"Honey, the only feelings I have for him are memories from a different life."

"Really? Then you want to explain the look you had on your face after you heard his name."

I'm beginning to see her getting uncomfortable, "Honey what Hal and I had was nothing. Are you jealous that Hal and me...?"

"Jealous, envious, mad as hell, your damn right. I hate not being your first, I love you that much. You ARE my life and right now the connection between you and this guy disturbs me greatly. Even after the information that Monster gave us it seems you are defending your old boyfriend. Why? Do you still have a connection with this guy I need to know about? Because if there is, you better tell me now."

Now she's beginning to look upset, "Honey I haven't talked to Hal since school. We broke up in school. He was upset about it, but it was his fault because I caught him cheating on me. That's all, really."

"You said he was a nice guy but he cheated on you. Is that your definition of a nice guy? Now, are you holding back on me? About anything?"

"No honey I'm not."

"OK, it looks like this is going to go to the toilet and quick. Now I have the FBI snooping around because of his connection to organized crime. That means my family is in trouble and I know I'm going to have to get dirty on this. Just when I was planning a fucking vacation. This guy is really pissing me off!"

Now looking at her like I have for so many years, "If anyone ever, and I mean EVER, comes to do any harm to my family or any old boyfriend tries to reconnect with MY wife, I swear to you that a life ending experience will result. You have never seen me that angry, so pray that I don't have to go there."

I think I startled her a little, "I understand honey. I know how much you love your family and there is no way I would allow or want any re-connection from any old boyfriend. I love you too much for that."

"Good. Now you have to go to work and I have a company and a family to protect."

Something was putting me off about my wife and her old boyfriend. I had to find out what was going on. Time to activate STOP (Silent Tactical Operations Protocol).

Once a STOP call went out there was absolutely nothing that could end it until those on the tactical teams say so. As far as protocol is concerned, I am also the problem until they prove different. STOP would literally invade every sense of privacy a person can enjoy to determine if they're a threat to any facet of the company whether it be on a commercial or personal level. Commercial level means any facet of the business itself that could be damaged or trusts violated; personal level means fucking with me, my family or my employees in any shape or form.

It was a safety measure that I set up long ago and also the reason I have the government contracts I do. I am also the only one in the company aware of this last line of defense; not my wife, FBI, or the federal agencies I have contracts with knows. Besides the people on STOP, there is only one person outside the company that knows about it and he runs a government agency that has three initials and have guys with computers and guns. To make sure I stay honest, they work behind the scenes periodically to watch me and the company. Like I said before, I'm an honest businessman.

Next I needed to make sure my family was safe. Body guards were assigned, but they had orders to remain distant unless needed. With the FBI called in by Monster, I knew it was only a matter of time before they showed up at the office. I hoped they would wait and look at the organized crime angle first before Mr. Hal Johnson noticed them and skipped town.

I checked in with Monster before I left for the day to see if he found anything new. According to him he traced Hal Johnson back about 15 years and found out he was married to a Angela Martin (maiden name), had 2 kids (Mike and Emma), worked as a middle manager in some now defunct real estate company in Peoria until his wife caught him screwing the company receptionist and divorced his ass. She also sued the company and they had to pay out big time because they didn't enforce the non-fraternization clauses in the adulterers employment contracts. Because of the size of the award and poor management, the company quickly went under. Oh yeah, guess who 

owned the company, the same organized crime family that Mr. Hal Johnson is now or should I say still associated with."

"Monster, I need you to send what you have to the FBI, but under no circumstances do you tell my wife or anyone else in this company what you have, understand?"

"Sure boss, but why keep it from your wife?"

"I need to ensure her safety so no information about her former boyfriend goes to her."

"I understand."

With that I went by my wife's office to take her home. As I approached her office she was on the phone talking on what I assumed was company business but as soon as she seen me she abruptly ended the call looking like I just caught her with her hand in the cookie jar. "Honey, I didn't see you there...umm...how long have you been standing there?"

"What's wrong? You seem...uneasy."

"Nothings wrong. I didn't expect to see anyone standing there, that's all."

"Well come on then, days over. Let's go home."

She turned off her computer and grabbed her purse following me out the building. Our ride home was quiet and she looked unsettled the entire ride home.

The kids were waiting for us as we walked in the door, "What's for dinner? We're hungry."

"Tell you guys what, it's been a rough day so let's do pizza tonight. Afterwards we have to have a family meeting. There is something very important I need to talk to everyone about, OK?"

Since pizza night happens seldom I had agreement all around. Since Julie and I are getting older we have been eating healthier and picked up our exercise regimen. Besides it's nice to eat a Mario's Pizza every now and then. I put his online ordering computer system in place along with an Android App for mobile users; at a substantial discount I might add. Yeah, you guessed it, he helped me with my business early on.

Now his son John runs the pizzeria and he expanded the business with a frozen pizza line for regional grocery stores. Needless to say the business employs a good number of local people and is important to the community. He loves the town and still works in the original shop his dad opened 40 years ago.

The pizza delivery driver turned out to be Paul who is sweet on my daughter Bethany; beware of guys who wants to date your daughter. Of course Bethany answered the door and minutes passed before the pizza made it passed the front door. I know if they were kissing on the front stoop before I got my pizza, he won't get a tip. Bethany made Paul bring the pizza in the living room while I put in the newest Godzilla movie in the Blue Ray player.

"Hey dad, Paul's here with the pizza."

"I can see that honey. Hello Paul, how are you?"

Boy does this kid look nervous, "Hello Sir. I..I..I'm fine sir." Bethany now nudging him in the arm, "Sir..Mr. Golden...sir..um...there is a movie coming out on Friday and I'd like to ask Bethany to go along...if it's OK with you...sir?"

All I could do was smile along with my wife and other daughter. I wanted to make the kid sweat some more, but took pity on him. Besides the pizza was getting cold. "Sure Paul, I think that would be fine. But you know the rules; Do nothing that could get you guys hurt or in trouble after the movie and she gets home by 11P.M. OK?"


Protocol



"Yes sir, no problem. I was going to take her to eat after the movie and bring her home right away."

"Sounds like a nice evening. Set the pizza down there and here you go, keep the change."

"Thank you Mr. Golden. I'll see you in school tomorrow Bethany," he said turning and going out the front door.

After the door closed everyone except Bethany busted up laughing, "DAD did you have to be like that! Why did you have to say anything about RULES? My God you embarrass me so much!"

"Oh honey, I wasn't that bad. Now let's get to eating and watch Godzilla," said with a terrible Japanese missed syllable mouthing.

Godzilla is one of my wife's favorite monsters. Hell we went to see the movie a couple times while it was still in theaters.

After the movie it was meeting time. Since my wife knows some of what was going on I needed to tell the girls, "Girls I have a few important things to tell you. There is something going on at work and there's going to be some trouble. I know you don't know all that much about what we do down at the shop, but your old enough now for a little information. But this information is not to be told to others, understand? Our business works with the government on some very important projects. These projects involved are very important and classified. Because of the nature of this trouble I've taken steps to protect the business, the employees and especially us as a family. You may see things around the business when you visit me or your mom and I don't want 

you to freak out when you see the FBI there, OK."

My youngest, Carla, "What's going on dad, why would the FBI be getting involved?"

Not wanting to tell too much, "It's just because of the government contracts we have. Our company has obligations that the government be told if I think there could be trouble, that's all it is."

Of course I'm leaving out the fact that they have body guards assigned to them. If the guards do their job right, they shouldn't be seen. "Now go to bed and I'll see you for breakfast in the morning."

I cleaned up the pizza box while Julie went up to shower. She was just getting ready to rinse the shampoo out of her hair when I walked in and wrapped my arms around her cupping her breasts causing her to let out a sigh that made me go stiff, "I don't remember inviting you in here mister."

"Just conserving water my beautiful. Aren't you on the local water conservation committee and your campaign to reduce water usage is in full swing? Well I'm doing my part to save water like a responsible citizen and trusted business owner as the community requires. Now didn't I see you drop the soap?"

She turned around wrapping her arms around me and gave me a kiss. "OK, I'll share. I don't want to be accused of wasting our natural resources." She got the look on her face that always makes my dick twitch, "Talking of precious resources, I understand you carry with you a fluid so rare that only one woman in this entire world has seen it. Is this correct?"

Reaching for her ass cheeks, "If your thinking of the magical 100% Pure Orgasmic Fluid of Dennis then you are correct. Only one woman has seen such mystical delights and only one woman will ever see it. Not only is it rare, but it is only obtainable during highly sensual skin to skin friction brought on from the most intense love...and shall I say lust, two people could have. The process of harvesting this fluid requires the playful fondling of each others genitals utilizing our fingers and tongues followed by the insertion of my drill into your tunnel repeatedly until uncontrollable muscle contractions and vocal announcements of 'OH GOD' from you and 'HERE IT COMES' from me! Now didn't I see you drop the soap?"

"No, you did not see me drop the damn soap! Now quit messing around and get cleaned up, I'll be on the bed waiting for you and that drill of yours better be ready for that skin to skin friction you just mentioned. I have a place for that rare fluid of yours and it had better not be deposited with a vocalization of 'HERE IT COMES!' You understand?"

Smacking my butt she left the shower and I scrubbed myself clean so fast I broke a world's record. I made it onto the bed before she had the chance to turn the covers down and proceeded with my specialized drilling technique in her tunnel with her vocalizing "OH GOD" twice before I deposited that rare fluid she prizes so much and not with the dreaded words of "HERE IT COMES," but instead with the most used words of my vocabulary of "I LOVE YOU JULIE!"

Sleep came quickly for Julie, but I was troubled and could only manage a few hours. I do love my wife like mad, but I remained unsure of her relationship with Mr. Hal Johnson. I would have to proceed delicately until I received information from STOP associates.

Getting out of bed early I made breakfast for everyone. Eggs, fruit, pancakes and of course coffee. I don't care what anyone says, coffee is good for you. The girls ate and left for school while Julie and I finished ours and cleaned up.

"Honey, I have a couple meetings today so you'll have to drive yourself to the office today and I'll meet up with you later," I told Julie kissing her goodbye.

"OK, I have to finish the audit of the books anyhow so I'll see you in a bit."

"OH yeah, the yearly audit. How's that going anyway? Anything I need to know about?"

"Nothing you need to know honey. Everything is OK," as she walked out the front door. She didn't seem to be terribly convincing to me.

Getting in my car I made the first call, "Let's have the first report."

"As you already know, protocol requires your investigation to be conducted first. The intermittent investigations and this requested review proves no coercion or deceptive behavior on your part and you are deemed cleared for information release."

"You may proceed."

"STOP associates are in place and are conducting the internal reviews as we speak. All reviews of internals will be completed by noon today. External review of the FBI agents and others will be completed by this time tomorrow."

"Very well. Has he been alerted?"

"Yes sir, he has. He is expecting your call."

"Thank you. You can expect my follow up call at 1215 hours. Any other time or if you do not hear from me, initiate DEAP (Destroy External Attack Protocol)."

"Understood."

I expected the next call would be less formal.

"Hello."

"Mike, it's me."

"I was expecting your call. How bad is it?"

"I'll find out after lunch but I think it's bad. She's hiding something."

"You sure?"

"Afraid so. What it is I don't know, but I'm sure it involves her former boyfriend and his coming to push that deal at lunch with me yesterday."

"OK, how do I proceed?"

"Keep her safe no matter what! I don't have to tell you what to do if you get a whiff of any hint of danger."

"No you don't."

"I gotta go. I'll be stopping in the office to check in with Monster and then going to lunch. I'm expecting an unwanted lunch companion."

"You be careful."

"I will. Thanks Mike."

Monster was keeping tabs on my location with the installed GPS in my vehicle so he was waiting for me as I came in. He brought me up to speed on the FBI's surveillance of the crime family in Peoria. I guess Mr. Hal Johnson has been in contact and has pretty much been told if he fails making the deal with me that his little pecker will be in a mason jar before month's end.

I guess they're still pissed he caused them so much money screwing that receptionist. Since it was his actions that caused the court ordered settlement to his ex-wife, he was convinced to repay the money by way of a little death threat. They had no issues with his ex, she did only what any scorned woman would have done.

Guess he's not doing this of his own free will. He's just trying to stay alive after making a seriously poor decision on cheating. But I can give a shit! My wife and business are involved. Another poor decision made by my wife's old boyfriend. I want his pecker in a mason jar just because he had her before I did. No I'm not bitter.

Also the family is thinking that some incentive maybe necessary if I don't cooperate. No specifics were recorded, but still I'm glad I was proactive in my assignment of body guards.

I thanked Monster with keeping me up with the investigation on Hal Johnson. 

Remember me telling you Monster loves kids but is shy around girls, "Hey, how did things with you and Suzy go? You guys went out this past weekend right?"

"Yes, thanks for setting me up. Why didn't you tell me she was that gorgeous?"

"SURPISE!"

"You know how I am, I made a fool of myself for the first hour unable to speak."

I couldn't help but laugh. "Buddy, we warned her ahead of time about your shyness so she knew what to expect and trust me she understood. Besides her M.I.T. Doctorate in Computer Science keeps you two on a even keel."

"What? She's a geek like me?"

"You don't know about her degree? I figured you would've discussed your similar backgrounds when you talked."

"She said she was a cheerleader and went to college and got her degree, but she didn't say anything about M.I.T.! Holy cow, she the most beautiful girl I've ever met and she's smart. WOW! Well we did cut dinner a little short because she joined me for a quick stop at the hospital at the children's ward. Little Mary was feeling down so I wanted to stop in and cheer her up."

"You took a girl to the hospital for a first date? You horn dog you!"

Boy did I have him blushing, "Stop it will ya. When I told Suzy that I volunteer at the children's ward and that Mary was down and needed cheering up, she wanted to go right then and there. How could I say no? I love those kids."

"I know you do. That's why you're special to us all. Did you get a second date?"

"Yes, but with all this going on around here I don't know when we'll get to go."

"Don't worry about that. She'll be working here as of tomorrow. SURPRISE!" Now looking serious, and I was, "I expect you to conduct yourself professionally during working hours because I don't need no damn sexual harassment law suit. After hours, well...you'll figure it out," I said smiling.

As I went down the hall I could here him say, "Oh shit."

I peaked my head in to see Julie to let her know I was in the office, "How's it 

going honey?"

She looked up and smiled, "Hi, honey. How's you morning going?"

"I just got done giving Monster a ribbing about Suzy; that was fun."

"Oh yes, I forgot about setting them up on that blind date. It went well I take it?"

"He's already in love and doesn't know it. I'm sure she'll tell him when she's realizes she is in love with him too."

"Just like you and me, huh?"

"I didn't need told I was in love with you, I knew it the moment I laid eyes on you." Looking down, "It took so long for you to show me any affection outside the end of date kiss, I gave up. After two months of dating I figured you weren't into me so I quit calling, remember?" She looked toward the floor.

"I decided to concentrate on the business and try to forget about you. It took weeks of me getting lost in my work before I started to feel better. During that time I never heard from you so...I guess I was right, you didn't care. I even considered asking one of the girls I knew from school out on a date so I could start the process of getting over you."

"Then out of the blue you called me. You didn't say anything beyond 'How you been?' or try to find out why I haven't called. Do you remember how distant I sounded? I was still in love with you, but I didn't want to hurt over you any longer so I sort of stayed quiet."

Julie is now looking sadly at me, "I remember Dennis. I remember it all. But you are wrong about one very big thing. I was already in love with you. I was so in love with you it scared me. I was so afraid back then. I never felt so strongly for anyone my whole life and I didn't know what to do so I held back. That way you couldn't hurt me when you dropped me and my life would be better. When you quit calling me for dates I figured I was right. I dated a couple guys from before we met trying to forget you, but I couldn't. For weeks I was a mess. I compared all of them to you and they weren't even close to the top of the man scale. Hell honey you ARE the man scale! No man can or will ever compare to you. That is when I decided to call you because I was only 

happy when I was with you, but you wouldn't talk to me. I thought I was too late."

"But you called again didn't you?" now me smiling.

"You bet your ass I did! There was no way I was going to give you up without a fight. I was determined not to hold back this time and show you I really did love you. The second time I called I asked you out, remember?"

"Yeah, I remember. I was so excited when you asked me out I was barely able to hold my water! But I was still scared shitless. I was afraid you were setting me up or playing some kind of game, you know the kind, bring a geek to dinner and then make fun of him."

"But I didn't, did I."

"No you didn't. When we met at the restaurant you jumped up and kissed me so strong you took all my fears away...and made me hard."

Now she was smiling big, "Yeah, I know. I knew at that moment you were mine and were going to be forever. The rest is history. I love you now more than I thought possible. I couldn't live without you and I would do anything to make sure you'll never leave me."

This last part sounded more like desperation than a statement of love. "Honey, is there something wrong?"

Surprised at the question, "No!" a little too loud and looking away, "No, nothing's wrong."

That is exactly what I needed, I know there is something VERY wrong and she IS involved. "Come here." All I wanted at that moment was to hold her and never let her go. We held each other tight with neither one of us wanting to be the first to let go. "We better get back to work, OK?" With me kissing her gently on the lips. "I love you."

"I love you too, honey."

I walked out of her office with my worst fears rolling around in my head. She fucking her old boyfriend and trying to take my company away from me.

Noticing the time, lunch! "This should be interesting," I thought to myself. I already knew I was under surveillance so I wasn't too worried for my safety. Hal Johnson wouldn't get any deal if he put a bullet in my head, so I wasn't worried. No, these type of people try to influence people in other ways. Strong arming, kidnapping, extortion, etc.

Getting to the diner around 11:30 A.M. I found it slower than usual so I was able to take my favorite booth and ordered the special. They always have good food here. I was almost done enjoying the food thinking the trip was going to be a bust when he walked in and sat down across from me. At first I was disappointed he showed, but I quickly changed my mind. A morbid sense of curiosity came upon me and I wanted to see what his next move was going to be. Not demonstrating any emotions I just sat there looking at him. He needed to make the first move. It was his life on the line after all.

"So...have you thought anymore on what we discussed the other day? You know it would be good for both of us and we can make a lot of money." Boy did he look nervous.

"I have thought long and hard about YOUR deal and I think you and YOUR deal 

is full of shit!"

He didn't even looked surprised, "Come on, your a business man and your in 

the business to make money, am I right? So what's wrong with making a lot of money in one deal instead of a little money in a lot of deals?"

"Who says I don't make a lot of money in a single deal?"

"We've seen your books. We know how much money you've earned in the past 5 years and who you have made it from. I really think you could've done better with that General Datonics deal last year."

Now I'm really interested in his next statement; especially since I know who controls the books. "Who showed you my books?"

"Who do you think? Your wife."

I was just about to reach over the table and strangle his little neck when I realized the time...1210 hours. I wasn't ready for DEAP yet so..."Look dickhead, all I want to do right now is squeeze my fingers around your neck until you turn blue and with the way things work in this town I'd probably get away with it, but frankly I don't feel like ruining my lunch. I think it best if you leave me right now or the next few hours for you will be very painful immediately followed by you delivering a message to Satan. Up close and person if you get my meaning."

That shook him up a little. "OK, I understand the shock of finding out your wife betrayed you, in more ways than one, so I'll give you a little more time to find out you have no choice."

"What do you mean my wife betrayed me in more ways than one?"

Now the fucker was smirking, "I've had her...recently that is." The bastard had the nerve to wiggle his eyebrows at me.

His nose will heal, but it will take a team of doctors hours to put it back in place. But if his words had any truth to them, my heart would not heal. As he stumbled out of the diner door, the others inside just looked on in disbelief. I have never even raised my voice in public let alone punch someone.

I threw a twenty dollar bill on the table and walked out looking at no one. After I was outside I realized my hand was torn up and bleeding. I must have hit him harder than I thought. I was surprised the pain just hasn't registered yet.

Inside my car I made the call just before 1215 hours. "Report please."

"Are you alright sir? We've had a report from your surveillance of an altercation. Do you need assistance?"

"No, please give me the report on the internals."

There was a slight hesitation, "Very well sir. The internal reviews are complete as promised and no threats have been found, except we found unusual activity within the accounting department. It appears an unauthorized release of detailed company financial records were sent out by email, however as you know the audit is not scheduled for another three days. The information was released three weeks ago and involved more than is necessary for the type of audit planned. We are aware that your wife is in charge of the department. We are intensifying the internal review of her activities. We discovered the financial information was received and downloaded in an 

internet cafe 50 miles outside Peoria, Illinois. The external reviews are ongoing and as expected will be ready for you tomorrow at 1200 hours."

"Is there anything else?"

"No sir. Second step STOP Protocol will be implemented since a principal of the company is now suspect."

"Understood. I will be making contact with that principal in a few minutes. If you do not hear from me by this time tomorrow, DEAP authorized." I ended the call.

Walking into the office I realized my employees stopped what they were doing and went quiet. They were looking at me. I forgot that my hand was still bloody from Hal Johnson's face. "What is everyone looking at? Get back to work, now!" I have never talked meanly to any of my employees so the shock on their faces registered and brought me back to the present. "Umm...I'm sorry everyone, please just go back to what you were doing, OK?"

One of the office girls asked if I was OK, "Yeah, I'm fine, just go back to work, please."

I slowly walked down the hall to my wife's office dreading the conversation I was about to have. If what that bastard said was true about him being my wife's lover it would kill me, but I would still divorce her. Fidelity in a marriage is an absolute. I hold my marriage vows sacred and I expect the same in return.

As I entered her door she looked up and saw me standing there. The anguish expressed on my face was obvious and she immediately got worried. Then she noticed my hand as the swelling and blood stood out from my bright colored clothes. "Oh my God honey, what happened?" as she rushed around her desk and came to me.




Protocol



"Is it true?" I asked quietly.

She looked even more worried now, "Is what true?"

"You and your old boyfriend dammit!" I said so loud I was heard in the offices down the hall causing employees to come out and look toward us.

Timidly, "Me and Hal? I don't understand honey. What do you mean."

"Stop it Julie! Stop it right damn now! You know exactly what I'm talking about and you better start talking or my next call is to an attorney!"

"WHAT! What are you talking about? An attorney? An attorney for what?"

"For our fucking divorce! That's what a husband does; he talks to an attorney when he finds out his wife is a fucking whore!"

Without thinking she reached up and slapped my face, hard. I just stood there with my heart breaking. Seconds later anger was replaced with immense pain as my eyes filled with more tears than they could hold. I walked to a chair and sat down heavy and cut loose crying like a child. "I thought you loved me? Why would you do this to me, to us. Why?"

She just stood there, with a shocked expression on her face not saying anything. All she did was look at me in disbelief watching me cry like never before. I was a broken man. Everything I cared about was being taken from me. Besides my children, my marriage was literally everything I've ever wanted. The business was only a perk that provided for us and my employees. I would be happier living with her in a box under a bridge than lose the woman I have loved for so long.

"Why Julie? Why wasn't I enough for you? I love you so much and you had to go fuck around with your old boyfriend. Don't worry though, the doctors can fix pretty boy's nose. He may not be as pretty for you as before and he'll have a hard time breathing out of it for a long while, but if you want him that bad I'll think you'll overlook his deformity."

"What! What do you mean I fucked my old boyfriend? What the hell are you talking about? Is that how you hurt your hand...breaking his nose?"

"I know Julie. I know about the release of our financial records. He told me and my guys confirmed it. Do you want to explain things to me before I call the FBI to come and arrest you?"

She collapsed in the chair across from me now with her eyes losing the fight against tears. "Honey, I'm so sorry. I had to do it. I had to send the records to them. They were...forcing me to do it. You have to understand, I had no choice! They were..."

"You had to! You had to! You fucked the bastard because you had to! BULLSHIT!! Explain to me WHY you had to fuck that bastard. Explain to me why you threw our marriage away, why you threw our family away!"

"I didn't fuck anybody, you have to believe me! I swear on everything I love, I didn't cheat on you, I didn't." She broke down sobbing pitifully. Finally she pulled herself together, "Dennis I didn't fuck Hal. Please believe me. I would've killed myself before I ever let him touch me again. Why do you think I slept with him?"

"He told me, right after he told me you released our financial records to him. Now tell me that fucker is lying!"

"I swear I didn't sleep with him. He tried to make me but I wouldn't."

"What about the financial records?"

"That's how all this started. You know you weren't my first and that I was with Hal in college. I regret all of it now. God how I wish you had me first. Hal was a terrible lover. All he cared about was his own pleasure. I was only with him a few times before I caught him cheating. What I didn't know was that he had hidden cameras in his room. He has video of us having sex and he was going to send them to you if I didn't cooperate and give him what he wanted."

"If what you say is true, that was 20 years ago. Don't you think I could tell the difference in how you look. You gave birth to two girls for Christ's sake and you're 20 years older. Don't you think I could tell the difference? I know every inch of your body. I know how it looked then and I sure in the hell know how it looks now."

"Dammit, he was going to put it on the internet! You were going to get them after he released them! He was blackmailing me with those damn videos by posting them and sending them to our friends and family; it would've ruined my...our reputation...don't you see?"

"Don't you think your reputation could be restored after the truth came out? I really thought you trusted me after all these years and the love we've shared." I was just about done. All I did was sit there looking into space falling apart inside. 

"What do we do here in our business Julie?"

"We sell computers and some components and programming, why?"

"My God, you have no idea, do you? You keep our money and you know where it comes from, but you really don't know what we actually do here?" How could she not know?

"Dennis, honey, what are you talking about?"

"I have the most extensive line of classified computer equipment sold to the U.S. Government. We have million dollar contracts to help the government hold its most prized secrets. With that kind of power, don't you think I could've taken care of little Hal Johnson with little more than A FUCKING PHONE CALL!" The loudness and absolute anger of my voice brought employees out of their offices again.

"But you had no fucking trust in me to tell me what was going on, did you? You had so little faith in your husband's ability to keep his family safe that you instead gave into industrial espionage that could put you in jail for the rest of your life and destroy this company and the lives of not only your family but our employees too."

Julie sat there saying nothing for a couple minutes comprehending my last words, "My God, what have I done? I'm so so sorry, but I was terrified when that bastard contacted me and said he would post those videos. At first I refused, but he said if I didn't cooperate he would have you or the girls hurt. I couldn't allow that to happen, I just couldn't. He proved that he could have your hurt."

"How did he do that? How could he prove that kind of capability?"

"He showed me photos taken of you being followed and how easy it would be for you to have an accident. He had pictures of the girls at volleyball practice and out with their friends. He said it would be so easy! You would have your accident and the girls would disappear. MY GIRLS Dennis! I had to do it! I couldn't let my family be hurt, I couldn't!" as she started another crying fit.

"Well there's no chance of that happening. You and the girls have had body guards assigned to you since Monster gave us the information he had on Mr. Hal Johnson. No one on this planet could hurt you or our girls unless they had a small army."

I took out my phone, "Mike, time to come in."

"I'll be right in."

Julie had a very bewildered look on her face, "Dennis what's going on?"

"You and the girls are taking a little trip."

"I don't understand, a trip where? Why? I can't leave you...I don't want to leave you... Dennis don't make me leave, please! You can't make me leave...we need to talk!"

"You don't have a choice."

About that time, Mike came in. "Julie, this is Mike. He will be looking after 

you and the girls. You will go with him and pick up the girls from school. You will do exactly what he tells you to do, when he tells you to do it."

"I'm not leaving you!"

"Julie, listen...you have no idea how close you have come to destroying everything we have; our marriage, our family and our business will be taken from us if I don't act accordingly in the next 48 hours. I'm leaning toward believing you when you say you have not been fucking your old boyfriend, but not coming to me when he contacted you and your release of our financial records can destroy this company and everyone with it. If you want the chance to remain my wife, you will go with Mike and do what I say."

Julie looked shock when I mentioned the possibility of not remaining my wife, "I don't want to go, but I will if it means a chance to stay your wife."

"Mike will keep you and the girls safe. You wouldn't go with him if he did not have my complete trust. He risked his life saving mine years back when he didn't need to, so I know he'll keep you safe."

"What do you mean, he saved your life?"

"I'll let Mike tell you, but you need to go before the FBI shows up."

She timidly came up to me, "I'm so sorry honey, please forgive me" as she gave me an intense hug.

I pulled her into me squeezing hard to assure her she is still loved. "You still have no idea how much I love you, do you?"

"I think I'm beginning to see and understand. I love you too."

With that Mike and Julie turned and left the office building. I knew he would care for my family. He had a safe house where he would keep them. Only three people knew of its location. Mike of course, me and a man in Washington D.C..

I know of its location because I was there for a couple days after I was kidnapped several years ago. Julie is not the only one who can keep secrets. I was on a business trip in the capital when I was invited to a spend a couple days relaxing in the George Washington National Forest by one of the government contract negotiators who's family owns a cabin. The cabin has been in his family for over 50 years. Jack Murphy was a good guy and I had dealt with him before. I agreed as long as he gave notice to his boss and the ethics officer of his agency. He agreed that was a prudent move and did so. I 

am an honest businessman and no way would I want to lose a government contract due to impropriety.

I definitely needed some rest and decided what the hell; so I rented a car and drove myself using the directions the negotiator gave me. George Washington National Forest is not a small piece of ground. The cabin was in a desolate location and offered quiet serenity and good deer hunting. Paved road turned to dirt roads turning to mud roads. Just when I was ready to make a turn a large black SUV pulled out from the trees and blocked my path. Locking up the brakes had me stopping only feet from the SUV. I started cussing at the bastard behind the wheel. Next thing I knew men with masks jumped out of the SUV and pointed guns at me.

I put the car in reverse and punched it trying to get out of there but they shot the tires and dragged me out the car. I put up a fight best I could until one of them hit me in the head with the butt of their rifle.

When I woke up I was tied to chair. Stirring, one of my kidnappers came over tome, "I see your awake. Good. Sorry about hitting you in the head like that but we couldn't let you get away. Are you feeling well enough to talk?"

Still looking around in shock I seen I was in a log cabin. The fireplace had a small fire burning and I could see two other men at a table eating. "I'm a little dizzy and I could use some water. Did you have to hit me so hard?"

"Sure, you can have some water. Sorry about hitting you so hard, but you fought us more than we anticipated and my man got a little...excited shall we say." The man talking to me was not an overly large man but he had a muscular build. The other two looked average in size and had pistols in their shoulder holsters. 

"You understand that I can't take the chance of letting your hands free to hold the bottle of water, don't you. Good. I'll help you." Wonder why he's being civil? He tipped the bottle up to my mouth so I could get a few swallows.

"Thank You. Now you want to tell me why you kidnapped me."

"Sorry Mr. Golden. We were paid to deliver you here and that's all we were paid to do. Our benefactor should be here soon to discuss some business with you. We don't care what his interest is in you. We get paid to do a job and we do it. You understand it's only business."

"Great. If it's money you want, I can pay better."

"Oh I'm sure, but you see we have our integrity to worry about. If we don't honor our word, what kind of people would we be. In this business a man's word is important."

"Wonderful...honest kidnappers!" he chuckled over that one.

"Now you relax and it will soon be over."

"That's what I'm afraid of," he laughed at that one too.

I spent the next few hours in that damn chair listening to the men who bound me so I could gain enough information to pin point my location. They started to complain about their client not showing up and not getting paid. They wanted to get out of there because they knew it was only time before a search went out for me. The longer they sat with me the more danger they were in of getting caught. I was due at Murphy's cabin by Thursday at 5 P.M. and it had to be much later than that. Beside the kidnappers couldn't conceal the car I was driving after they shot out the tires.

Every hour increased their apprehension. Their talk now involved around them asking for some sort of ransom since their client hadn't showed to conduct his business with me and pay them for their work so their big score seems to be lost. I was more concerned that the talk would drift to putting a bullet in my head and them walking away from this fiasco.

I worried if I would ever see my family again or if my body would ever be found. How would my girls do without me in their life? Who would walk them down the aisle on their wedding day? Would my grandchildren ever know that a grandpa loves them already and they weren't even born. Would my wife remarry? Would I be forgotten by the family I love so much? It was too much to lose! If I was going to die, I was going to die fighting!

"How about letting me take a shit."

"Go ahead, shit."

"Are you kidding me. Come on, you offered me water awhile ago so you are at least civilized, aren't you? What can I do anyway...you have the guns. I'm asking you, please let me out of this chair and go outside to take a shit."

The guy who offered me water earlier told one of the other two to take me outside so I could take my crap. The boss of the trio, "He's not wrong you know, we got the guns so if he tries anything, use the damn thing."

One of the guys came over and stood over me for a second leaned over and started to untie me. He also said if I tried to run away he'd shoot me in both legs. I thank him for letting me go. I stood up and started to walk. It was difficult since I've been tied up for so long. My head still hurt but at least I wasn't as dizzy. Stretching my arms and legs trying to get the blood flow going again caused the guy to push me toward the door. I guess civilized only goes so far. I needed to be ready. This could be my only chance.

Luckily there was an outhouse and toilet paper. I finally caught a break. I really did need to go. This outhouse smelled like any other outhouse; it stank like shit! God must like me because while I was sitting on that splintered toilet seat I found a loose board that I could used to club the guy over the head with IF he wasn't paying attention. Face it, these were city guys and I was a computer geek, to them I wasn't all that dangerous so stepping out of an outhouse with a piece of wood to use as a club wasn't an expected event.

I finished my business and prayed to God. I really wanted to be with my family again. I stepped out of the door holding the club and luck would have it he was turned away, but as soon he heard the door he started to twist my direction. By that time I had closed the distance between us and caught him along the side of his head knocking him cold. I tried grabbing his gun but it was stuck in his holster. I was panicking; I had to get out of there. I tore off into the woods running as fast as I could. I had no idea where I was or where I was going, but maybe, just maybe I would survive.

I knew I was making too much noise stepping on every fallen tree branch and twig in the woods, but if I could put some distance between me and the bad guys I could hide. I must've been running for 10 minutes and my head started to kill me. Guess I was hit harder than I thought. I heard some yelling from the kidnappers taunting me telling me that when they find me they were going to kick my ass for hitting one of them.

I had to chance it, so I kept running falling down scraping my hands and knees on rocks and fallen tree limbs, but I wasn't going to quit. The pain in my head was increasing making me feel dizzy, but I kept going. Crossing a road I thought about running down it, but decided against that tactic because the kidnappers would be looking for me in their car knowing I would find the road.

I stumbled against a large tree deciding to take a short break hoping the pain in my head would subside. Night was starting and it was getting cold. I was beginning to shiver because I wasn't dressed for it. Now hypothermia was an additional worry. Only letting myself rest for a few minutes I started off again in no particular direction; I was running blind.

I continued to hear the kidnappers making their own noise in the woods which helped me as I always knew where they were, but I noticed the noise they were making was growing faint. I was getting away, but away to where?

My head started to hurt more and I was having trouble keeping my balance. It was now so cold my fingers were getting numb as I was loosing the battle to stay warm.

I was stumbling as best I could through the woods when I noticed I couldn't hear the kidnappers any longer, so I guess I lost them. But I couldn't stay out here like this; I would freeze to death if I didn't find shelter. It felt like I've run and walked a hundred miles, but I know it was only a few at most. My whole body hurt and it felt like my feet were bleeding along with my hands from the jagged edges of all the fallen branches and rocks I scrapped against.

Stopping for a few minutes rest I felt myself drifting away. I knew I didn't have much time left. I asked for help again from the man upstairs. I asked him to help me get back to my family. I looked around hoping to see some sign of life and in the distance I thought I seen a dim light. I had no choice, if I didn't go toward the light I would die against this tree.

The pounding in my head was so loud, it was deafening and hurt so much. The light grew brighter with each step bringing me just a little hope, I might make it out of this alive after all.

It seemed forever before I could see the source of the light clearly. If it had power, maybe it had a telephone and I could call for help. Approaching the cabin I noticed a car parked outside. "Good, someone must be there and they can get me some help," as I continued to stumble closer.

I stopped short of the clearing just to be sure the kidnappers weren't here already. It was quiet as I made my way to the door. I heard noise coming from inside. I started to pound on the door yelling for help as the pain in my head became so intense I felt myself black out.

I started coming to hearing the banging of dishes, I think, and foot steps. Was someone whistling? I opened my eyes trying to make sense of where I was but it was dark where I was at. I raised my head and the pain came shooting back and I groaned in pain. "I wouldn't do that if I was you. You have a bad bump on your head. Just lie still for a minute and I'll bring you something to drink." It was a man's voice talking to me. Obviously the owner of the cabin...I hope.

He brought me a cup of coffee, "Here, raise yourself up slowly and drink this. It's strong but right about now it's exactly what you need." I took a sip and he wasn't kidding about it being strong.

"You want to tell me about it? Why were you pounding on my door at night all busted up like you are?"

"Thank You for the coffee. My name is Dennis and I was kidnapped. I escaped after I hit one of the guys cold with a club after they let me out to take a crap."

"Kidnapped huh, I guess I could believe a story like that since your not exactly dressed for deer hunting."

"Where am I by the way?"

"Well your in my cabin. My name is Mike, nice to meet ya," as he put his hand out for me to shake. "We're about 15 miles out of town. I spend just about all my time here these days. I don't have use for most people."




Protocol



"Why not?"

"Long story."

"I have time and am a good listener."

"I don't like to talk about it much...but talking to strangers is easier sometimes."

"Mike, I don't judge people easily. A person's actions and the motivations behind them influences me greatly. Tell me your story."

"OK, long story short, I was in the special forces and seen too much killing over in the desert. I was forced to do terrible things and it got to me. The army can train you to kill, but they can't train you to live with it. To many of my friends couldn't take it any longer and put a bullet in their head. I didn't want that for me so I come up here to get away from it all and enjoy the peace and quiet. I've been up her for years now and I got myself in a good place again. I think I might be ready to get back among people once more."

"I'm glad. I'm glad your feeling better and I'm especially glad you were still here. I'm afraid those guys who took me are still looking for me though. I don't want them to catch me here. They'll kill me for sure, but I don't want you hurt. Maybe it's best I get out of here." I started to get up but my head still hurt too much.

"Don't worry about me. Remember...special forces. I can take care of myself, and you. You need to rest before you can move. Take a nap and I'll get you to town when you wake up."

"Your a good man Mike. I can see it in your eyes. OK, I'll sleep but only for a short while. There will be people looking for me and I don't want my family to worry."

"Family huh?"

"Yeah, Mike...family. Wife...Julie and two girls...Bethany and Carla. They're a pain in my ass but I would be totally lost without them. They literally are my life. Everything else I have is just a perk."

"What else do you have?"

"Computer company worth millions in government contracts. I think that's why I was kidnapped. The guys who took me said they were waiting for someone to show who wanted to talk business." A sudden surge of pain hit me, "Crap my head hurts."

"OK, enough talk, take your nap."

"Alright mother, goodnight." It only took minutes and I was out again. I had no idea how long I was out, but a couple loud noises woke me up. I couldn't see Mike anywhere inside the cabin so he must be outside. Now I was getting scared. Looking in the rife case I notice one missing. Something bad is wrong. Grabbing the 30-30 still in the case, I chambered a round and slowly opened the door a crack. Looking outside I spied a familiar dark colored SUV. "Shit they found me."

"Where's Mike?" He must have confronted those bastards. I knew I should've left earlier when I thought about it. Now Mike could be hurt. The loud noises could've been gun shots. I opened the door a little further listening, hoping Mike was OK. Stepping outside I thought I heard talking over around the backside of the cabin.

Walking as lightly as I could I moved to the corner of the cabin trying to understand what was being said. Peaking around I seen the one kidnapper who offered me water standing over a prone Mike on the ground. In the distance I seen the other two on the ground. Did Mike kill them? If so, why is he still alive?

The bad guy was asking Mike questions about me. From what I could hear they took the chance I was here and didn't take too kindly to Mike's not answering any questions and when one of them tried to force him to talk by pointing a gun on him, Mike's instincts kicked in and he dropped two of them. The last guy hit Mike over the head and was getting ready to off him, but he still wanted his questions about me answered.

Walking around the corner I raised the rifle and aimed at the bastard. I wasn't going to let him hurt Mike. "Looking for me?" Needless to say he was startled to see me there pointing a rife at him and he was stupid enough to raise his pistol in my direction.

I fired hitting him in his shoulder. I didn't want to kill him; I still needed information about the individuals that hired him to kidnap me.

Rushing over to Mike I crouched down asking him if he was alright. Mike confirmed he was alright except for a headache from where he was hit, but otherwise OK. I helped Mike to his feet having him lean against me until he got his bearings. Saying he was OK we paid attention to the guy lying on the ground.

"You got a choice, tell me who hired you and we'll let you live or I'll kill you here and now. Your choice," as I put the muzzle of the rife against his head. Oh yeah he talked. He spilled his guts about who hired him. Since he was never paid, he had no reason to keep his word. Guess a certain group of domestics with connections to foreign corporations wanted me to play ball about the computer equipment I sell to the government.

OK, I didn't kill him, but Mike offered his own payback in the form of a little fine tuning to his lower extremities. Oh, and he would have a bad shoulder for the rest of his life courtesy of me. So we both got payback. I heard tell the doctors fixed his knees almost as good as new and years later he's walking without a cane.

We made a phone call and the FBI came a running. Both Mike and I spent a few days in a secured hospital recuperating from our injuries while being debriefed by the feds because of the sensitivity of the computers I sell and the foreign corporations who wanted them. They kept us in the same room and we got to know each other better. We ended up thanking each other for saving each of our lives. By the end of it I considered Mike a friend. He was going to let himself be killed just to protect me. The man definitely has character. Since I saved his life he was compelled to believe he was in my debt when the opposite was actually true; I was in his debt.

We compromised and promised each other we would always be there for each other if needed. I did get him to accept a job as a security specialist that would work in the background of my company. More accurately he is my family's body guard. His responsibility was to hire people to protect my family and work silently until certain protocols are activated. I made sure his people were well paid and until now they need not be activated.

The kidnapping was kept from my wife with a simple story of classified negotiations and me being a total ass for not calling her. I knew the truth would come out sooner or later so I'm prepared to take whatever verbal abuse she gives when she comes back. 

Now I had to talk to Monster. Since I knew what Julie had done, the damage had to be minimized. I walked in his office and closed the door. He looked up at me and seen the state I was in, "Boss?"

Sitting down across from him I let out a hard sigh, "Harold," he looked very worried because I never call him by his given name. "I need your help. What I'm going to tell you stays with you until I say different, OK." I wasn't worried about Harold, I knew he would never break a confidence.

"There has been an unauthorized release of our classified financial records to an organized crime family in Peoria, Illinois. That Hal Johnson asshole was blackmailing my wife and it was her that release the records. By now I expect the information is for sale so it may be traceable. I need you to start doing your magic and either get the information back or destroy it from being used against the company and the federal government. We only have 24 - 48 hours to get it done before I have to get the feds involved and you know they'll just jack everything up when they get here."

"Boss, are you sure Julie released the records?"

"Yeah, I'm afraid so. I confronted her with it and she admitted everything."

"How did you find out about the release?"

"I have certain, shall we say, protocols established to protect this company, the people in it and my family. If certain things happen I have a covert group of people who helps keep everything safe. I don't want to say anymore about it. Now do you think you can do what I need done?"

"I think so, I may need to bring Suzy in on this, if that's OK?"

"You can bring her in, but tell her only what you have to. How are things with Suzy?"

"You know she's only been her a couple days, but she has skills that will benefit us greatly. You did good on hiring her."

"Glad to here it. Keep me up on things and remember keep things quiet as long as you can. When the feds gets here you can show them what you were able to find and hope we can save ourselves a whole lot of aggravation."

With our conversation over, I walked up the hall to my office. For what I don't know. My family is in hiding so I can keep them safe and my company is on the edge of disaster. If Monster and Suzy can get to the crime family who got the financials, maybe I can salvage everything. But one thing I know for sure, Mr. Hal Johnson is going to regret ever going after my wife.

I was next to useless. I couldn't concentrate on anything but my family so I decided to head home and relax, yeah right. I'm surprised I made it home without wrecking the car because my mind was with Mike and my family.

Making it inside I went straight for a beer. If any time deserved excess drinking,this it. I didn't get drunk but the refrigerator door was opened a few too many times. Sleep was difficult to come by as I was questioning every move I've made since the other day at lunch. Instead of being a proactive participant I have been a reactive victim. Come tomorrow that game will change.

Waking at 6 A.M. I went straight to Monster's office. I knew he wouldn't leave until things were back to normal. Opening his door I stopped to see not only him but Suzy as well. I guess they stopped for a little sleep as they were laying together on the couch in each others arms covered with a blanket. All I could do was smile. I knew it wouldn't take long for them to figure it out. Just like me and...

Clearing my throat to wake them worked on the first try. Go figure. Both were embarrassed when they realized I was standing there and they were in each others arms. Hearing the expected apologies from both I had to tell them they did nothing wrong. It was difficult not to laugh.

"You two been here all night I take it."

"Yes boss, we worked till about 3 A.M. and just needed a few hours sleep. We made some headway and was going to report to you to see how you wanted it handled."

OK you two. Why don't I take you for breakfast and you can tell me what you 

have. I also have a plan that should cause some people serious issues before we're done. Come on."

Walking into my favorite diner I had to ask if it was OK for me to come in after the disturbance when I punched dickhead in the face yesterday. I was hoping I was still allowed because I really like their food. Mary who owns the place and who is always there for breakfast just smiled and told be to shut my ass, sit down and spend my money. Did I tell you I like this place?

During the meal, Monster and Suzy told me they confirmed my information from my covert surveillance and everything has been quiet for a couple weeks. Since Hal Johnson come into town, there were feelers put out that a certain computer company's financial may be for sale if the price could be met and the idiots are using the same cafe yet to boot."

"Alright, get the information you have ready for me. I'll expect full details for the feds so don't get sloppy on me." Smiling, "I don't want my two resident computer geeks embarrassing me. After that get all employees to quit what their doing and wait for me in the conference room. I have to talk to the shop."

"Sure boss."

They left me to enjoy my coffee waiting to see what would happen next. Just when I thought it was safe to go back to the diner, HE shows up. Man I should play the lottery. I got to be one lucky stiff to get this kind of shit thrown at me.

"You are the last person I expected to show up here, Hal. You don't mind me calling you by your first name do you? I feel we're almost like friends, ya know. I own a company you want to destroy, I have a family you want to take from me, and by the end of the day we'll both have a crime family that will want us dead. Oh by the way, how's the nose?"

Nasally, "Your funny. You damn well know it's broken. What the hell are you talking about 'the family wanting me dead?'"

"In a few minutes everything I have on the family will be given to the FBI and more than likely instead if RICO crimes they'll be looking at Patriot Act offenses; can you say Gitmo? Do you actually think they'll forget about you? Doubtful. I will definitely enjoy looking upon your dead body when all this is over and done."

Giving a swollen disfigured smirk, "They expected the FBI to be monitoring them. Their not stupid you know. You have any idea how many agents are on their payroll? They have everyone who watches them on a daily basis and a few in FBI headquarters. They're covered."

"Maybe, but not by the people I deal with. You have no idea what you did when you talked them into coming after my wife. Just so you know how I play, right now a sniper has his cross hairs directly on your heart. Now don't panic and you'll live past this cup of coffee." I picked up my phone and told them to let him see the dot on his chest.

He looked down to see a little red dot centered on his chest. "Now do you think I'm fucking around? I'm feeling generous today so if you stop what your doing and talk to the FBI agents of my choosing, you can be put in protective custody and have a better than average chance of surviving this."

His face lost all color as he realized a sniper had him tagged, almost to the point of...is that poop I smell? He went running out of the diner. I was still on the phone, "Let him go. He made his choice."

Mary gave me hell again for disturbing the ambiance of her diner by chasing her customers away. "Sorry Mary, I don't think he like the breakfast special, but you know I always love the food here," big smile.

Back in the office the report from Monster and Suzy was sitting on my desk. I had what I needed to call the man in D.C.. But first I had to call Mike, "Is everything OK, is my family safe?"

"You have to ask me a question like that, really?"

"Sorry Mike, you know I'm sensitive where they're concerned."

"I know you are. But you don't have to worry, my best men are here. The kids were freaked out when we picked them up from school yesterday, but Julie calmed them down after a few minutes."

In the background I heard Julie asking if Mike was talking to me and if so he'd better give her the phone right damn now. That's my wife, she can be one pushy beautiful broad.

"Dennis is that you? Are you OK? Talk to me dammit!"

"Julie calm down. I'm fine. Things are moving fast here as of this morning, I put a scare into your boyfriend and I don't think he is going to enjoy the ending."

"HE'S NOT MY BOYFRIEND! How many times do I have to tell you that! Dennis, I don't have a boyfriend, please please believe me."

"I'm sorry, slip of the tongue. Your old boyfriend made a choice and don't think he will survive the shit storm he brought down on us. Especially after the family deals with him."

"I don't care about him, only you and the girls matter. When can we come home?"

"Soon, but there is more that needs done before this is over. Now just you relax and enjoy the quiet. Mike is quite the story teller. Julie...he is one of the good ones. Nothing will happen to you and the girls while you're there with him."

"I'll stay, but not for long, I have to fix all the damage I caused and we need to fix us."

"Fixing the company is my job now. We'll fix us when you get back and I expect it to involve serious skin to skin friction."

"Oh Dennis, thank you for giving me another chance even though I don't deserve it. I love you."

"I love you to Julie. Now tell the girls I love them when they wake and give Mike the phone."

"Mike, I expect things to get worse before days end. The external review will be completed by noon and from what dickhead told me most of the FBI agents monitoring the family is on their payroll so I think DEAP will be activated and you know what that means."

"Yeah, everyone dies."

"Keep them safe Mike."

"You know I will. See ya."

Julie heard Mike's statement and immediately berated him to explain. 

"Julie, your husband, my friend, hired me to take extraordinary steps to protect not only the company but his family as well. After his kidnapping years back he couldn't take the risk of losing you or the girls because of the business you have."

"What fucking kidnapping! He never told me of a kidnapping." She just woke up the girls with her yelling.

"He didn't want to worry you. That is what he meant by me saving his life. I guess I did, but he saved mine too. Let's have something to drink and I'll tell you all about it."

Mike detailed the events of how we met. Julie was none to pleased that I kept a secret like that from her. There were more than few words of kicking my ass when she see's me again. She was even more surprised when Mike explained the protocols I set up afterwards. She had no idea I would go to such lengths to protect the people close to me. I hid things so well that not even she found the expenditures when she ran the books.

"Mike, it's obvious my husband has complete trust in you or he wouldn't have put his family into your care. But the horror of his kidnapping and the reality of the current threat from a crime family got me thinking that YOU cannot be there every minute of our lives. We have to be able to protect ourselves. I have to be able to protect my girls! I want you to teach me how to shoot a pistol."

"I don't know Julie. Dennis may not be happy about that."

"This isn't about Dennis. This is about me protecting my family."

He was debating her request and the possible ramifications, "OK, but I don't screw around. I will teach you how to use a weapon to protect your family and that means you must be prepared to kill another person. Can you grasp that concept? Killing another human is easy to do, living with the guilt of killing is difficult. I know this from experience. You have to wrap your mind around the consequences."

"Mike as God is my witness, I would rather deal with that kind of guilt than the 

nightmare of burying my family because I couldn't protect them."

"Alright, that is what I wanted to hear you say. Now If you want to learn how to shoot, you will do exactly as I say, how I say and if you give me any crap, we're done. Got me!"

I knew the externals report wasn't due until noon but I didn't want to wait, not with having the conversation with Hal since he might already be giving the family a heads up.

"I know I'm early but let me have it."

"The externals report is complete and a significant problems exists with the FBI monitoring the crime family's activities. As you have been told by the subject in town, most of the agents are on the payroll of the family and have been submitting false reports to their superiors. When Mr. Johnson caught himself in debt to the family the agents assisted them with the background investigation on Mr. Johnson's life. That is when they discovered the videos of your wife. One of the agents recognized her from a meeting in the capital while you were both there for contract talks. That is when the plan to blackmail your wife was devised. I'm afraid the compromised agents will warn the family and escape is probable unless DEAP is authorized."

"I figured today was going to be the day. I'll make the call to the agency, but for us, DEAP authorized." My word established my covert army to activate and make available protection my people may need to minimize any potential personal threat.

I never thought I'd have to do this but making the call to the only man not part of the company to tell him a serious threat to my company and the government. The call made was to the National Security Agency. With the FBI agents corrupt I would need them to go after the family and retrieve the financial if they were sold on the black market. Of course, I was relying on Monster and Suzie.




Protocol



The call to the man at NSA was quick and dirty. I knew within minutes he would have a team on route to arrest if possible or kill if needed the FBI agents covering for the crime family.

My next move was to close the company until all hostiles were eliminated. I made it to the shop and called all employees to the main conference room. Since I didn't want my wife's complicity revealed, I down-played the reason for temporarily closing the doors, but told them there was a threat to the company and that until that threat was resolved I had no choice but to close shop. I ensured all that they would be paid for their time off without loss of vacation time or benefits and the time lost would be minimal, but is necessary at this time. Apologizing for the current events I made sure they knew that everything is being done to protect this company and them. What they didn't know was that each employee had a body guard/ surveillance assigned to them.

My next call was to my family.

"Mike, you there?"

"Yeah I'm here. Has it started?"

"I'm afraid so. I just shut down the shop and sent the employees home until it's all over. How are my girls?"

"Their antsy and want to go home. They want to talk to you."

Mike handed Julie the phone, "Dennis! I'm not happy with you right now. Mike told me everything! A damn kidnapping and you never told me! Bethany and Carla heard the whole damn story from Mike. They cried the entire time. You know what you mean to them. When I see you I'm gonna kick your ass! I can't believe you didn't tell me. I didn't think we kept secrets from each other."

"Yes your right, I didn't think we did either, but we do, don't we my dear wife?" 

She knew what I was eluding to and she had better not throw keeping secrets from her especially not when I just had to shut down our company.

"I'm sorry honey, I forgot. It won't ever happen again, believe me, please."

"I do believe you, but right now your assurances won't help with what I just had to do."

"What happened?"

"I just shut down the company and sent everyone home."

"Why did you have to do that?"

"Because the crime family your old boyfriend works for has the financial records you gave them for sale on the black market. Monster and Suzy found the information for sale and my covert operatives discovered the FBI agents monitoring the crime family is actually working for them. Those agents assisted with your blackmail. Escalation was next on the agenda so you and the girls were definitely in danger. If I didn't react when I did and send you with Mike, you all might have been killed!"

She started crying, "Damn Dennis this is all my fault. I've ruined everything haven't I?"

"It's not your fault. Dickhead is to blame and I'm going to make sure he pays dearly. But you sure in the hell didn't help any by doing what you did. But I'm sure everything will work out for all of us. Oh hell honey, if nothing else at least my worst secret is out and you got to meet Mike."

"Yeah he seems like a nice guy. The girls want to know when we can come home."

"Not until it's over. Shouldn't be much longer though. Not since the last protocol was activated. I want you home too because you have some making up to do and I have a couple ideas on how your going to start."

"I bet you do. Honey...I am so sorry for everything. I know I keep saying it, but I really am sorry."

"I know you are. After we get past this, we'll be OK. Now sit tight and do what Mike tells you and give him the phone. I love you."

"I love you too."

"Mike here."

"Mike, your guys discovered the FBI agents is working for the family so keep a close eye on things in case they somehow discovered our protocols."

"I'll bring extra guys on out here just in case."

"Sounds good, keep safe Mike."

Hanging up the phone I leaned back in my chair and looked at what has transpired today. My family is cared for and they were safer than the gold in Fort Knox; the company is closed down and I have a small army watching over my employees; The NSA should be killing FBI agents and a crime family. So what's am I missing? Oh yeah, dickhead. But before he gets what he deserves, I'll make him sweat for a couple days.

There was nothing for me to do in my office so I walked around the building looking at rooms void of the people who make this place successful wondering to myself if this is the end, will I lose everything because of someone's lust for money. Thinking back over the beginning of this company and the difficulty I had in the beginning barely making enough money just to pay rent. If it wasn't for the good people in this town who helped me I never would've made it. I owe the people in this town everything. I owe the people who work here so much. I found renewed determination and made a promise, 

"No fucking way am I going to lose any of this!"

I secured my shop, turned off the lights and drove home allowing myself one night of relaxation and one night for the NSA to reduce, if not eliminate, the family and the corrupt FBI agents. Thank God my family is safe. 

I pulled the car into the garage and went straight for a beer. Red Bridge gluten free beer actually tastes better than it sounds, but I can only handle one every now and then. I wanted some quiet time but I didn't want my body guards outside in a damn car when I could have them comfortable here inside the house so I made a call, "Yes sir."

"Why don't you guys come inside. There is no need for you to stay out in a car when I'm alone inside this big house. Come inside and get comfortable and something to eat."

"We don't want to impose."

"Your kidding right? You guys are keeping me alive, get in here."

"Thank You sir. We'll be right...WHAT THE HELL!" then I heard a crash.

"Guys...GUY'S! Can you hear me! GUY'S! Shit something's wrong. I ran to the window to see what was going on and what I saw scared me. A dump truck collided with the SUV holding my body guards. Steam was coming out from under the hood, glass was on the ground and there wasn't any movement from my guys. I knew they were hurt and had to get them help. I called 911 and told them of the accident, gave them my location and went running outside to help them.

Something told me not to go outside, but I had to. These guys would put their lives on the line for me so I would do it for them. Approaching the SUV I seen the two of them still in their seats slumped over, but the seat belts holding them upright. There was blood running down the sides of their heads but I could see they were breathing, "Thank God." I could hear the sirens coming closer. Good these guys are going to be OK. Then everything went black.

I woke up tied to a chair. "Not again!"

"Hello sunshine. Did you sleep well?" then next thing I knew the fucker slapped my face.

Hal Fucking Johnson, "Well good morning to you dickhead!"

Next was a punch to my face. "Pay back huh? Well try it again, you didn't break my nose."

He did and he did. It hurt, but I made sure I gathered enough blood from my nose and spit it in his face. "That's OK, I have enough money to get it fixed. That damn deviated septum was giving me fits anyway. So what do I owe the pleasure of your company?"

"You know why asshole. The family is on the run and taking you was a last ditch effort to save my life. If I deliver you to them, they get to take their revenge on you and I get another chance to repay the money I owe."

"Mike, he's gone!"

"WHAT! What do you mean he's gone! What happened? Our men's SUV was rammed by a dump truck and they were knocked cold. Look's like Mr. Golden called 911 and went outside to see if they were alright and was taken. There was a small amount of blood found outside the SUV and it's his. Our men were taken to the hospital and are going to be OK, but both have minor concussions. The doctor's wouldn't release them so they stole doctor's scrubs and walked out. I have them with me now. How do we proceed?"

"I'm on my way. Stay where you are and let those men get some rest because by the time I get you, it will be time to bring hell."

During the phone call Julie was outside practicing with the Glock pistol Mike gave her to use. She was actually a fast learner and became quite good. A natural it seems. "JULIE!"

She turned around and seen the distress on his face, "What happened?"

"Someone took Dennis and put his guards in the hospital. I have to go."

"You're taking me with you."

"The hell I am! You're staying here!"

"My husband is in danger and it's all my fault! I'm going! The girls will be safe here and I'll be safe with you. I cannot let anything happen to my husband so let's go!" A watered down explanation was given to the girls as Mike and Julie headed out.

Only two people knew that I had a tracking device implanted on my body. It was something I did after my first kidnapping. Stung like a bitch at first but I got used to it quick enough.

There was a helicopter waiting for Mike and Julie at the local airport eliminating hours of drive time. The tracking device was kept in my office and besides myself Mike is the only person who has the combination to the safe it's kept in. Landing in the local airport Mike and Julie was met by my injured body guards and their back ups. "You guys alright."

"Yeah boss, we'll make it."

"Drive us to the company, I have to pick something up."

Mike gave Julie the details about the tracking chip during the flight and that tracking devices were installed in all my family's electronic devices. So if my kids or wife were taken and held for ransom, I could find them before something bad could happen. She wasn't happy that I kept track of them to such a heavy degree, but she realized that I would do anything to keep them safe.

Making it to the company Julie and Mike went inside to retrieve the tracker. Julie couldn't believe Mike had the security code, keys and knowledge of a secret wall safe in my office and Julie called him on it. "Mike why do you have so much access to everything?"

"Julie, it's part of the protocols Dennis set up. We've thought of every contingency and prepared action plans to save life and limb; only I and the man from NSA knows this."

Mike pulled the tracker from the safe and turned it on. He was shocked that my signal wasn't picked up. "This shouldn't be happening. This has never failed. Even a room with walls of lead can't block the signal. It may have been damaged if he was hit in the head too hard."

"Why would that damage it?"

It's located in his head. Sinuses to be exact.

"Mike we can't waste time, I'll call Monster and get him down here. If anyone knows how to fix this thing he will," said Julie.

A quick call from Julie telling Monster that I was in trouble got him down to the office within minutes. Suzy tagged along. Julie knew with those two computer geniuses on our side, only good things could happen.

Mike explained the device, tracking chip, signal frequency and type and within minutes they were able to get a weak signal from my chip after they hijacked a military spy satellite.

Julie knew the area. A small abandoned industrial area used for metals castings about 10 miles outside of town. They all headed for the signal. Mike was uneasy with Julie, Monster and Suzy tagging along but he knew he couldn't go without Julie and he might need Monster and Suzy again to reacquire the signal if needed.

Reaching the area raised the stress level of Mike because not only did he have too many unarmed people he had to worry about, but there were several cars outside the building where I was being held. Looks like some of the family made it out of Peoria and wanted to take their revenge dickhead offered them.

Mike gave strict orders for Julie, Monster and Suzy to stay in the SUV while he and his men went in after me. Not knowing how many was inside Mike decided on an approach from all sides style attack. His men were professionals and forced rescue was a practiced exercise.

What Mike didn't know was that the family had only been there for about 15 minutes and they were indeed on the run from the NSA and wanted to let me know how unhappy they were about all their trouble. A few them didn't make it during the short lived fire fight, but the family heads escaped through a tunnel that only they knew about to an awaiting car.

Dickhead called them after they made it out of town to tell them he had me tied up and was waiting their orders. When they found out I was available for an up close and personal talk they changed plans. Mexico would have to wait for just a little bit while they got some payback.

The family don was a guy named Milo. He wasn't a big man in stature, but he used his influence to an imposing level. Got to give him his due, he had the FBI in his pocket but all good things must come to an end. He shouldn't have taken me on. BIG MISTAKE.

"So Mr. Golden, I had my doubts when Mr. Johnson came up with this idea of his about forcing a deal with you. Something was telling me not to do it and for the first time since I became head of the family I didn't listen to that little voice. And look where it got me. Some of us are dead, the FBI agents I had on payroll are dead or arrested never to see freedom again. I had to transfer all my stateside wealth to an offshore account and I have to now live in Mexico. All because this shithead couldn't keep it in his pants."

I wasn't too sure how much time I had left and I made a promise to make Hal Johnson pay for his wrecking my happiness so, "Sounds like you have a problem. Why not take care of it and put a bullet in his fucking head, or better yet, let me do it. That way both your problems will be taken care of."

"What two problems?"

"Well him for one, and me for two."

"How is killing him taking care of you as my problem."

"Simple, if he dies, I'll leave you alone. I'll call off the feds and allow you to live a hassle free life in Mexico."

He thought that was funny and damn near busted a gut. "If you're dead I'll have that hassle free life anyway."

"No actually you'll be tracked down and my private army will kill you and your family without warning or sympathy. Do you know why your here? Your here because certain protocols were established after my first kidnapping and because of what I do for the government I had to agree that if I or my company were ever compromised the protections were such...all external threats is literally destroyed. Other words, you will die! Living in Mexico will not protect you. YOU WILL DIE unless you quit now and surrender. That wasn't the FBI after you in Peoria, it was the NSA. If you live, Gitmo will be your vacation spot for the rest of your life."

"Your bluffing. You don't have that kind of power."

"Afraid I do. Also, I have a tracking device implanted on me and it is only a matter of time before my men come in shooting. So please put a bullet in dickheads brain and give up."

About that time Mike and his men were in position and heard my last statement. He gave the order to enter the building and to hold fire until he fired the first shot. Beside Milo, there were another five men inside the small room here I was held not counting dickhead. Three were standing close to me with one behind Milo and Hal was away close to a door leading outside.

Mike just happened to come in the door dickhead was standing by. He flung open the door and hit Hal along side his head knocking him down and fired center chest of the big guy next to Milo. The others came in and shot the guys around me leaving only Milo standing. I looked at him and smiled, "Told you so."

He froze waiting to see if he was next. There were four guys pointing rifle muzzles at him, "Decide Milo, live or die." He chose. Mike put the last round in his head.

Outside Julie heard the gunshots and tried to leave the SUV. Even with Monster and Suzy holding on to her she broke free and bolted for the nearest door.

Mike was trying to untie me when Julie launched herself onto my lap crying hysterically and hugging me tightly. I was beyond shocked to see her there and was more than a little ticked off at Mike. "You and I are gonna have a little talk when we get back home Mike, got me?"

"Yeah Dennis I know, but she didn't leave me much choice."

"What, you can't control one little woman?"

"Please, like you have ever had control of her? I know better."

I had to chuckle at that one because it was true. Mike and his men were checking on the damage they cause to the gangsters when we heard the hammer of a revolver pulled back. Dickhead!

He had the revolver pointed right at me. I was about to turn toward Julie to protect her when I heard two gunshots too close to be from Mike and his men. 

"Julie?"

I don't know how, but before anyone could react Julie pulled her Glock and fired twice at her old boyfriend. The first round missed and hit the door frame behind him, but the second hit him just below his heart.

He was lying on the floor moaning and bleeding asking for help. I took the gun from Julie's hand, still shocked at what she just did. "You OK?"

"I don't know."

"Who gave you a gun?" Dumb question since I already knew, "MIKE!"

"I know, we're gonna talk."

"Mike get Julie out of here now! She doesn't need to see this." As I pushed her toward the door, "JULIE GO NOW!"

I literally pushed Julie toward Mike as he dragged her out of the building while I walked over to dickhead. I knew he only had seconds to live. "When you see Satan, tell him I said 'Hello'." The look on his face will stay with me for a long time. Hatred, pure and simple hatred. Some people will never take responsibility for their own actions.

Looking down at the body I could hardly understand why it all happened.

Not long ago I was an extremely happy man. I had my own company that made good money, a wife who loved me, and my kids were happy and healthy. I guess I had it all.

That would explain why it was all taken away from me. At least someone tried. That someone being Hal Johnson. It was his body I was looking at on the floor. Digging down deep I pulled as much bile I could and spit on the lousy fucker. May he enjoy hell because if anyone deserves to be there, it was him.

Turning I made my way out of the building to a crying wife. I think the shock of killing her old boyfriend was beginning to set in. When I walked out the door she broke free of Mike and grabbed me tightly sobbing into my chest. All I could do was let her work it out.

I looked over to the SUV and seen Monster and Suzy holding each other with tears in their eyes watching me and Julie. The look I gave Mike..."Yeah I know, we're gonna have a talk."

I whispered, "Julie...Julie, she raised her head and looked at me, "Come on let's go home."

"Mike, call the feds and get them to clean this up, OK? And have two men stay with us just in case there are any of Milo's stragglers out there."

"Sure."

"Harold, Suzy get in the car. It's time to go home."

And that's what we did. I was able to reopen the company after a week. The financial information was removed from sale and any interested parties trying to buy it had a personal visit from guys with computers and guns. The same guys found all the information intact on the computer's in Milo's office. Thank God.

Julie took it personally after I had Monster install another layer of security in the accounting department, but she realized it was necessary and forgave me.

The NSA killed most of the gangsters and captured about all the FBI agents. Seems they didn't want to die; they were just greedy.

Monster and Suzy did admit to each other they were in love and married one year later. For helping with saving my life I paid for their honeymoon. They had three kids; two girls and a boy all little geniuses, just like them. They were married for 53 years before cancer took Harold. He was visited frequently in his hospice suite by a not so Little Mary who never forgot the big man who made her smile when she was so sick a long time ago. Suzy was lost without her Monster and she followed him seven months later.