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A Harsh Reality Pt. 01

By: AshiraDatya



 Author's Note: 

This story takes place in the year 2010, however, not the 2010 we are familiar with. Certain things will remain the same, certain things will not. 

Ashira

 In the year 2000, a man by the name William Chancy, a devout Neo Nazi decided to follow the manual Mein Kampf and complete Adolf Hitler's fanatical desire to rid the world of the Jewish Problem, starting with the United States of America. Half of the United States Jewish population had been murdered by 2002 and the other half had gone into hiding and rebellion. By the year 2010, there are only a few thousand Jewish people left in the United States. Any man, woman or child who is proved to be Jewish is shot on sight after hours of torture.

CHAPTER ONE

A tall, slim figure looked around anxiously from shadow to disorienting shadow. "Where are you?" she muttered. Her legs throbbed; she had been crouching in the dark for hours; since before the sun had dipped below the horizon. "Finally!" she thought when a small beam of light traced a circle on the ground. She listened closely for a moment before drawing a circle with her light before shutting it off quickly. She breathed a sigh of relief as he moved silently but quickly through the shadows and crouched down next to her. "You're late Mal!" she hissed.

"Sorry love, the meeting ran late," Mal apologized. She growled softly at his word choice but fell silent as the sound of an engine disrupted the stillness and silence of the night. They glanced at each other, the panic evident in both of their eyes. Thinking quickly, Mal covered her with his body and pressed his lips to hers. She struggled for a moment but her body betrayed her and she found herself returning the kiss. 

The lights of the vehicle nearly blinded them both. "Please keep going," Mal thought. The Jeep stopped and two soldiers headed towards them on foot. 

"Halt!" one of the soldiers said loudly, kicking the bottom of Mal's shoe. Mal pulled away from her and turned to the soldiers.

"Just trying to make up for lost time; my boss had me in Boston for two weeks," Mal said. The soldier pointed his flashlight into her face and she had to fight the urge to look away. She knew that if she looked away, she would be arrested for acting suspicious. A blush filled her face as Mal deliberately slid his hand between her thighs; she willed her body to stop responding to his touch as she felt herself growing even wetter than she already was. 

"What is your name?" the soldier asked her, studying her carefully.

"Mira," she answered.

"I would like to see your papers," the soldier told them. Mal and Mira handed over their papers; the soldier studied them carefully before handing them back. "Get home both of you," the soldier told them. Mal and Mira watched as the soldiers climbed back into the Jeep and drove away.

"That was too close. Let's get out of here," Mira said angrily as she pulled away from Mal and stood up.

"Mira, I'm sorry," Mal apologized as he reached for her hand.

"Lets just get out of here," Mira murmured. Mal nodded and grabbed the bags from the ground. "I can carry my own bag," Mira reminded him.

"Just go Mira, I'm tired and it's late," Mal grumbled. Mira nodded and followed him through the darkness.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Were there any problems tonight?" an older man asked as Mira and Mal walked into the camp.

"No father," Mira said softly. Mal handed a large envelope to the older man.

"We need to act soon Liam, the Boston group has lost nearly half their numbers and New York is falling quickly," Mal told the man. 

"We will discuss what must be done on Sunday. Now it is time to light the candles," Liam said. He turned to his daughter. "Go change Mira," he added. Mira nodded and slipped into her sleeping area where she finally released the shaky breath she had been holding since Mal had brushed by her to hand her father the parcel he was carrying. 

"Is everything alright Mira?" a young woman asked.

"Everything is fine Hannah, go get ready for Shabbos," Mira answered, quickly changing into a light blue dress and pulling a lace shawl from a trunk. She slipped the shawl over her head and walked to the main building.

"Good Shabbos," Mal said softly from his place against the back wall. Mira gasped and took a step back. "You look beautiful Miriam," he murmured as he reached out and brushed his fingers against her cheek.

"I'm glad you came back safely Malachi," Miriam said quietly. He smiled gently before pulling away from her as Liam walked into the building.

"Is there anything I should know about?" Liam asked, turning his gaze from his daughter to his best soldier.

"No Liam," Malachi denied.

"Good, because Miriam is already betrothed to Jacob," Liam reminded them. Liam watched the look on Malachi's face change and he had to hide his chuckle.

"Father, can't we discuss my betrothal?" Miriam wanted to know.

"No Miriam, we can not," Liam said with a sense of finality. Miriam sighed but said nothing more as people began pouring into the building. "Light the candles Miriam," Liam said. Miriam glanced at Malachi before taking the zippo lighter from off of the table and lit the candles and recited the prayer.

The people of the camp went through the movements of observing the Sabbath with ease and grace of a people who had been observant for centuries. When the evening meal was over, Miriam slipped away to the river; Malachi followed her. "It isn't safe," Malachi said softly. Miriam jumped, lost her footing and slid on her ass to the bottom of the river bank. "Are you alright?" Malachi asked as he hurried to her.

"You shouldn't be here," Miriam snapped.

"Neither should you," Malachi pointed out.

"I needed some space," Miriam murmured.

"What if the soldiers come?" Malachi asked.

"I can handle a few overgrown, over confident Hardy Boys," Miriam sneered. Malachi grinned at the comment and helped her up to the top of the bank. 

They sat quietly for several moments until Miriam glanced at Malachi and asked, "Do you ever miss the old days?"

"All the time. Do you remember when you were eight and we played that joke on Jacob?" Malachi asked.

"Of course. He about wet his pants when he saw the snake in his bag," Miriam said with a giggle.

"I about had a heart attack when he flung it at you," Malachi told her.

"It bit him Chi, it nearly killed him," Miriam reminded him.

"Yeah, and he nearly killed you too," Malachi said, his thumb traced the large scar on her wrist.

"How did we get here?" Miriam wanted to know.

"Some fanatic decided to take up what Hitler started in Europe and bring it state side," Malachi answered.

FLASHBACK

"What's going on daddy?" Miriam wanted to know as Liam pushed Hannah into Miriam's arms.

"Stay hidden," Liam said in response as he grabbed his rifle. 

"Want mama!" Hannah wailed.

"Quiet Han," Miriam scolded. She listened carefully for sounds of her father and gasped when, after what seemed like hours, thirteen year old Malachi opened the closet door. "You scared me Chi," she murmured.

"Quickly Miriam, we must go now!" Malachi exclaimed urgently. He took Hannah from Miriam. "Get a small bag of clothing around for both of you," he added. Miriam flew to the bedroom that she and Hannah shared and pulled clothing into two small bags and at the last minute, tossed in a few of her favorite books, the locket her mother had given her for her birthday and some of Hannah's favorite toys.

"I'm ready," Miriam murmured. Malachi nodded and led them carefully through the uproar in the streets. "What's going on?" Miriam asked, nearly an hour later when they stopped to rest.

"We're being hunted," Malachi answered softly as he set a sleeping Hannah in the grass.

"By whom?" Miriam wanted to know.

"The army. There has been a coup; President Bush was murdered by Hitler's doppelganger," Malachi said, handing Miriam an apple and chunk of bread.

"What?" Miriam asked, looking at Malachi as if he were crazy as she took an eager bite of the apple.

"William Chancy has taken over the government. He's disbanded the senate and house as well as ordered the Supreme Court to accept him as supreme ruler of the United States. Those that have refused, which were most of them were hunted down and killed," Malachi answered.

"How is it I knew nothing about this?" Miriam asked.

"That's how your father wanted it," Malachi told her. She finished the food quickly and stood up when Malachi stood. "We need to keep moving," he added.

It was dark when they stopped again and Miriam sighed in relief when she saw a medium sized tent. "This is where you and Hannah will sleep," Malachi said.

"What about you?" Miriam asked.

"I'm to watch out for you until I can get you to safety," Malachi told her. He waited until they fell asleep before sitting down just inside the tent. END FLASHBACK

"Your father would not be pleased if he saw the two of you together alone out here," a deep voice said from behind them.

"You scared me Jacob," Miriam murmured.

"The Rabbi has come, we are to be married tomorrow when Shabbos ends," Jacob told her. 

"The hell we will!" Miriam snapped.

"Come back to the camp with me Miriam and I will not have to tell your father that you've betrayed your honor with Malachi," Jacob sneered.

"What? Chi hasn't touched me like that!" Miriam exclaimed.

"I know that, but Liam has seen how Malachi looks at you and he will believe it," Jacob said. Malachi stood up and helped Miriam to her feet.

"Don't leave me alone with him!" Miriam pleaded with Malachi. The scared expression on Miriam's face broke Malachi's heart and anger roared through him.

"It'll be okay Miriam. You know where I'll be if you need me," Malachi murmured, seeing the look on Jacob's face.

"Chi please!" Miriam cried. Malachi wrapped his arms around her and hugged her tightly.

"I'll be here for you as long as you need me," Malachi promised before reluctantly pulling away. 

Malachi stood in the back, his hands clenched into fists as he watched the Rabbi officiate Miriam's wedding to Jacob. Why did Liam want to hurt his own daughter? So what if Jacob was the strongest fighter in the camp, he was also cruel and arrogant and had hated both Miriam and Malachi since they had hidden the rattle snake in his bag. He felt nauseous as the Rabbi proclaimed Miriam and Jacob to be man and wife and he wanted to hit something as he watched Jacob kiss Miriam roughly before pulling her away.

"Where are you going?" Hannah wanted to know.

"Your sister and I are going to consummate our marriage," Jacob answered with a leering smile. "Would you like to join us? I would enjoy deflowering both of you, you're beautiful," Jacob added.

"Leave Hannah alone," Miriam growled. She whimpered when Jacob back handed her.

"Do not ever tell me what to do again," Jacob warned. 

"Hannah, go to Malachi and stay with him," Miriam instructed her younger sister. Hannah nodded and ran in fear as Jacob pulled Miriam into his cabin.

"How lucky we are that your father found this old camp," Jacob commented as he lit the fire. Miriam nodded and looked around nervously. "Your father will send your things over tomorrow," Jacob told her as he pulled his clothing off. "Take off your Miriam," he said quietly. Miriam shook her head and backed up. "The hard way then," Jacob said with a grin. Her eyes widened when he picked up a large hunting knife and stalked towards her.

"Don't hurt me," Miriam pleaded. Jacob laughed and quickly cut through her clothing. 

"I will enjoy this," Jacob commented as he looked over Miriam's body carefully. Miriam's eyes widened more when she saw how large he was. "It'll get bigger," Jacob told her when he noticed what she was staring at. 

"Please don't hurt me," Miriam whispered.

"Then don't fight me," Jacob instructed. Miriam swallowed hard as he reached for her; winced as he pinched her nipple hard. "You are truly beautiful," he commented as he trailed his fingers down Miriam's body before he plunged three fingers deep within her. Miriam cried out at the mistreatment and Jacob laughed. "I'm glad to see you weren't lying about being with Malachi. If you had, I would have killed you both," Jacob said as he thrusts his fingers in and out of her. 

Miriam whimpered as his fingers brushed by her hymen and Jacob groaned as blood pulsed to his cock, hardening it further. "Lay down on the bed Miriam," Jacob instructed. Too afraid to disobey, Miriam settled herself back against the pillows. "Wait, give me a pillow," Jacob said. Miriam reached behind her and pulled a pillow out from the head of the bed and handed it to him; she watched as he placed it under her bottom. "We want to make plenty of babies for the resistance," Jacob told her. Miriam blanched and paled at the thought and pulled her legs together. Jacob just laughed, pulled her legs apart and positioned himself over her. Miriam screamed in pain as he thrust savagely into her. "God Miriam, your cunt is so fucking tight," he groaned.

"You're hurting me!" Miriam whimpered.

"You need to relax!" Jacob hissed as he began pounding into her. Tears streamed down her cheeks in rivers as he thrust in and out of her, his fingers twisted and pinched her nipples. Jacob tried to kiss her but Miriam turned her head away from him so Jacob bit hard on her neck causing her to cry out loudly. "Never deny me," Jacob growled, turning her head roughly before thrusting his tongue into her mouth. Miriam cried out in surprise as he began thrusting harder and faster within her. Miriam pulled her head away from him.

"Stop it!" Miriam shouted. Jacob back handed her hard, causing Miriam to see stars. Jacob quickened the pace of his thrusts and grunted loudly as his seed pulsed from his cock into her. Jacob pulled away from her and as Miriam started to get up from the bed, he pushed her back onto her back.

"You will not move until I come back," Jacob warned.

"Where are you going?" Miriam asked.

"To tell your father that we will not be rejoining the festivities and to bring back a plate of food," Jacob answered.

 As I stated earlier, this is fictional; obviously, nobody overthrew the Government during President Bush's tenure in the White House and he is very much alive and shall remain so until G-d feels that President Bush's time is up. I am not implying it will happen any time soon, so please, do not get any wrong ideas; I am NOT threatening the life of a former President so there is no need to inform the FBI. :P

Ashira

A Harsh Reality Pt. 02



In the year 2000, a man by the name William Chancy, a devout Neo Nazi decided to follow the manual Mein Kampf and complete Adolf Hitler's fanatical desire to rid the world of the Jewish Problem, starting with the United States of America. Half of the United States Jewish population had been murdered by 2002 and the other half had gone into hiding and rebellion. By the year 2010, there are only a few thousand Jewish people left in the United States. Any man, woman or child who is proved to be Jewish is shot on sight after hours of torture.

*

"Good morning," Jacob said as Miriam walked into the kitchen area of the cabin.

"If it's okay, I'd like to take a bath," Miriam murmured.

"Later," Jacob told her, a gleam in his eyes.

"No, please, I hurt," Miriam pleaded. Jacob laughed and yanked Miriam's skirt down her legs and pushed her against the kitchen counter.

"It won't hurt anymore," Jacob told her as he undid the buckle of his pants and pushed them down his legs. She screamed as he plunged within her; Jacob forced Miriam to lift her legs around his waist which pushed him deeper within her.

"No," Miriam whimpered. "Please stop," she begged. The tears in her eyes seemed to spur Jacob on and he thrust harder within her. He groaned in ecstasy as he plunged in and out of her, enjoying the feel of being deep inside her. Miriam stiffened against him as she felt his seed pour into her. Reluctantly, Jacob pulled out and away from her.

"Wait ten minutes then you can go bathe," Jacob told her as he fixed his clothing.

-Months later-

"You wanted to see me Liam?" Jacob asked his new father.

"I have one last mission for you," Liam began. He glanced over at Miriam and winced inwardly when he saw the bruises on her face and the fear in her eyes when she looked at Jacob, knowing instantly that he had made the wrong decision when it came to Miriam and Jacob's marriage.

"What is it sir?" Jacob wanted to know.

"We need to wait for one more person," Liam said as Malachi walked into the cabin. "Malachi, good timing," he added. Jacob growled and pushed Miriam back into her corner when she tried to give her old friend a hug. "Miriam, why don't you go visit with Hannah? She's in the main cabin," Liam suggested. Miriam, glad to be temporarily rid of her new husband quickly fled the cabin, sparing a quick glance and smile for Malachi, who looked very willing and ready to kill Jacob if given the chance.

"What is the mission Liam? I'm anxious to get back to my new bride and start rebuilding the Jewish population," Jacob said giving Malachi a wicked grin.

"I have heard rumors that William Chancy is going to be near Lansing. I want you to travel to Lansing and kill him," Liam answered.

"But that could take months!" Jacob protested.

"Then I suggest you get to it then," Liam suggested.

"But what about Miriam? Shouldn't we have some time to ourselves?" Jacob asked.

"From the screams of agony I heard coming from your cabin last night, I'm sure you've had all the time you need," Malachi said harshly.

"You're just jealous that I got there first," Jacob shot back.

"Enough. I am the leader of this group and you will do as I say. Kill Chancy then you may return to Miriam. You have ten minutes to say goodbye," Liam instructed. Jacob nodded, glared at Malachi and stalked from the cabin.

Liam waited until Jacob was out of hearing range before motioning for the man standing in the shadows to come forward. "Did he hurt her last night Ari?" Jacob asked.

"Yes sir, he did," Ari confirmed Malachi's statement.

"We have a visiting group from Green Bay. Take five of their strongest men, follow Jacob and when he's far enough from camp, kill him, but make it look like he was ambushed by Chancy's army," Liam instructed. Ari nodded and slipped silently from the cabin. Liam turned to Malachi. "You may join them if you wish, but there is one promise I want from you," Liam began.

"And what is that?" Malachi asked.

"That when you return, and enough time has passed to please the Rabbi, that you marry Miriam and keep her safe," Liam answered.

"Gladly," Malachi promised.

~~

Jacob looked around nervously; he was hearing sticks break all around him, whoever was out there wasn't interested in being quiet and he breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Malachi and Ari standing in front of him. "I'm glad it's the two of you and not strangers," Jacob breathed.

"Look at that, the top warrior is afraid of noises in the woods," Ari sneered, turning the bow in his hand.

Malachi chuckled and gave Jacob a dark look. "We aren't alone," Malachi told Jacob as the visitors stepped forward.

"What are you doing here?" Jacob wanted to know.

"We were sent to kill you," Ari answered as he reached in the quiver for a bow. Jacob's eyes widened and he took off in a run, desperate to get away from Ari. Ari fired the bow and the arrow hit it's mark, right between Jacob's shoulder blades.

"Why?" Jacob gasped when Ari and Malachi caught up to him.

"You abused Miriam," Malachi growled.

"She's a stupid little whore! A semen depository! A brood mare!" Jacob sneered.

"She is Liam's daughter and he values her! Miriam is one of the best fighters we have!" Ari shouted.

"And she is not a whore!" Malachi's voice had a dangerous timber and his face was dark. With one gesture, the visitors from Green Bay attacked the injured Jacob, beating him until he was hardly recognizable.

"What are you going to do?" Jacob asked nervously as Malachi used his hunting knife to slice through Jacob's pants. Malachi grinned evilly as he forced Jacob onto his stomach and picked up a very large, knotted branch.

"Giving you a taste of your own medicine," Malachi answered, shoving the branch into Jacob's ass. Jacob screamed in pain as Malachi rammed it in and out hard and fast. After several moments of sawing the branch in and out of Jacob's ass, Malachi bent down and rolled Jacob onto his back, without removing the branch; the motion caused the branch to embed itself deeper with Jacob making him scream in terror and pain.

"What are you doing?" Jacob asked, his tear filled eyes was drawn to the hunting knife suddenly back in Malachi's hand.

"Making sure you can never rape a woman again, here or in the after life," Malachi answered as he knelt down beside the terrorized man and with one swift swipe, cut Jacob's cock off of his body and shoved it into Jacob's screaming mouth. "You understand why I tortured you like this don't you?" Malachi asked Jacob. Jacob nodded in terror. He understood alright, he just never put much faith in the fact and knowledge that Malachi loved Miriam and had for as long as he could remember. Malachi stood up and wiped the blood from his knife before putting the knife back in the scabbard. "He's all yours Ari," Malachi announced before heading back to camp.

~~

Miriam looked up from her conversation with Hannah as Malachi and Ari walked into camp and gasped. "Chi, are you hurt?" Miriam wanted to know.

"I'm fine Miri, it isn't mine," Malachi soothed.

"Then who?" Miriam wanted to know.

"It is Jacob's," Liam announced. Miriam looked up at her father sharply. "I made a mistake with picking Jacob for your husband. When enough time for mourning has passed, I hope you will consider marrying Malachi," Liam told her.

"How much time?" Miriam wanted to know, glancing at Malachi.

"Six months," Liam answered.

"Papa, I need to speak with you," Hannah said suddenly, giving her sister's hand a gentle squeeze.

"Let's go inside. Malachi, get cleaned up then I need to speak with you about today's events," Liam said with a weary sigh. Liam followed his younger daughter into the cabin. "What is it Hannah?" Liam asked.

"Miriam is in no position to marry right now, or any time in the near future, even to Malachi. Jacob traumatized her, she's never going to be able to have sex with anyone now!" Hannah exclaimed.

"Of course she will. One bad experience should not form lasting impressions," Liam said, rolling his eyes.

"He raped her every time papa! He never took his time and never made it so she could enjoy herself and if she tried to deny him, he would hit her," Hannah told her father, her voice trembling with anger.

"She will be alright in time," Liam said with a sigh.

~~

"Miri?" Malachi asked a few hours later as he dropped to the bank of the river next to her.

"Leave me alone Malachi, please," Miriam pleaded.

"What's wrong Miri? Jacob is dead and can't hurt you anymore," Malachi said softly.

"He's done enough," Miriam whispered.

"Talk to me," Malachi pleaded. Miriam hesitated. "I love you Miriam," Malachi murmured. Miriam began to cry and stiffened when Malachi wrapped his arms around her. "I won't hurt you, I promise," Malachi said gently. He held her until she stopped crying and then reluctantly, let her go when he felt her try to pull away. Malachi watched helplessly as Miriam ran to the river and retched into it. After a moment, he followed her and held her hair back out of her face. "What's wrong love?" Malachi asked gently. He hated seeing the tears falling down her pretty face and wiped them away gently when she was no longer getting sick.

"I'm late Chi," Miriam whispered.

"Late?" Malachi asked, keeping his voice neutral. Miriam nodded miserably. "How late?" he asked, dreading the answer.

"Seven weeks," Miriam whispered. Malachi swore under his breath and forced himself to calm down when he saw Miriam flinch.

"I'm sorry Miri. I'm not angry with you. Are you alright?" Malachi asked.

"He can't hurt me anymore?" Miriam asked.

"No," Malachi assured her.

"Then I'm okay, I guess, but I ..."

"What?" Malachi wanted to know.

"I don't want this baby," Miriam whispered.

"Liam, we have a problem," Malachi said, hurrying into the cabin.

"What is it Malachi?" Liam asked.

"Miriam's pregnant and she doesn't want the baby," Malachi answered.

"We need every single child we can conceive," Liam reminded the younger man.

"Liam, Jacob raped her, do you really think that Miriam is going to want his child as a reminder?" Malachi asked.

"I understand that, and if the circumstances were different, I would agree with her not wanting to have the baby," Liam said. Both of them looked up as Miriam walked into the cabin.

"There is no baby," Miriam said softly.

"What?" Liam and Malachi asked together.

"I took care of it," Miriam murmured.

"How?" Liam asked, his eyes narrowing.

"Just because Chancy has taken over doesn't mean that doctors have forgotten how to perform abortions," Miriam reminded her father. Liam gave her an angry look. "I refuse to have the child of a man I hate," she added. Malachi gave Miriam a look of concern.

"You should be resting," Malachi murmured, gently taking Miriam's hand and leading her to his cabin.

~~

"Liam, I must speak with you," the Rabbi said urgently.

"What is it Rabbi?" Liam asked, tiredly.

"Your daughter was seen going into Malachi's cabin," the Rabbi began.

"Jacob is dead Rabbi and my daughter has suffered a miscarriage. Malachi was being a good friend," Liam said. He had convinced the doctor to go along with the miscarriage story and reluctantly, so had Miriam and Malachi. Nobody else needed to know the truth.

"The boy is in love with Miriam," the Rabbi reminded Liam.

"And when Miriam has healed from the miscarriage and from Jacob's mistreatment, Miriam and Malachi will be married," Liam told the Rabbi.

"Good," the Rabbi said before leaving the cabin.

~~~~~~~~~

Malachi sat down in the chair by the bed and brushed a strand of hair back off of Miriam's face.

"What are you doing here?" Miriam asked, pushing his hand away.

"I wanted to make sure you're okay," Malachi answered.

"I'll be fine," Miriam said tersely.

"I'm sorry I couldn't stop him. If I had my way, he never would have hurt you," Malachi murmured. Miriam laughed dryly. "If you really wanted to stop him, you could have," Miriam snapped.

"No, I couldn't. Your father had me elsewhere the majority of the last three months," Malachi protested.

"Just leave me alone Mal, please." Malachi blanched at that; Mal was his code name; it sounded less Hebrew than Malachi and Chi was a pretty huge give away. The only people that ever called him Mal were those he was going on a mission with and he HATED it when she called him Mal; especially when she usually called him Chi. 

"Your father wants to talk to you when you're up to it, just let me know; I'll hold him off until then," Malachi told her before walking away.

"You asked to see me?" Miriam murmured as she walked into her father's cabin.

"How are you feeling?" Liam asked, reaching for his oldest daughter. Miriam shrugged as she allowed her father to embrace her.

"I feel fine and ready to go back on assignment," Miriam answered.

"You will not be going back on assignment. You will be recovering and in a few weeks, you will be married," Liam told her.

"No I won't," Miriam argued.

"Miriam, we need the young men and women that are not related to marry and create babies," Liam reminded his daughter. A knock on the door interrupted the argument between father and daughter. "What is it Ari?" Liam asked, annoyed at the younger man's sudden appearance.

"We have received some Intel that could be useful to us," Ari answered.

"What kind of Intel?" Liam asked.

"William Chancey is being pressured to get married. It would be a great opportunity to get someone on the inside," Ari answered.

"We will talk about it at the meeting tonight," Liam said.

"The council wants to meet in an hour," Ari told Liam before leaving the cabin quickly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"This will be a dangerous and potentially long term assignment," Ari warned.

"I'm willing to take those chances," Miriam argued.

"I forbid it! It's too dangerous!" Liam exclaimed.

"More dangerous than forcing me to marry that abusive oaf?" Miriam snapped, unwilling to even say Jacob's name. Liam fell silent at that.

"You'll need a protector," Liam said finally.

Malachi stepped forward. "I will act as Miriam's protector," Malachi volunteered.

"As will I," Ari added. The two men studied each other. "We will stay at a distance, but close enough if Miriam needs us," he added. Liam nodded.

"Make the arrangements," he said with a sigh.

-Two weeks later-

"Are you ready?" Ari asked. Miriam swallowed hard, glanced at Malachi; his face was dark and his expression unreadable.

"I'm ready," Miriam said softly. She stood up and headed for the door, only to be stopped by Malachi. "What?" Miriam asked.

"Take this and NEVER take it off," Malachi said as he slid a silver and sapphire ring onto the middle finger of her right hand. "There is a small sensor in the bottom of the ring that will monitor your vital signs. If it looks like you're in trouble, we'll be able to get you out." Malachi handed her a small, black cell phone. "This is a pre-paid phone. It has three numbers programmed into it; mine, Ari's and Doctor Rosen. I know you have your cover story down pat, but I still want you to call or text me each night before you go to bed. If you can't text me at night, text me first thing in the morning or I'll be breaking down your door by noon," Malachi warned. Miriam nodded and slipped the phone into her purse before she slipped from the room without another glance at either of the men; she knew if she looked at Malachi again, she'd never be able to leave the hotel room. Miriam took a deep breath as the doors to the elevator opened. It was time for the darkness to end and for the light to shine once more. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Miriam glanced around her and forced herself to smile when she saw a man in his late twenties staring at her before he walked towards her. She took a deep breath. "Don't blow this," she thought to herself.

"Hi," the man said with a warm smile.

"Hello," Miriam said politely.

"Beautiful day," he commented. Miriam nodded as she tucked a strand of red hair behind her ear. "My name is Will," he added.

"I'm Mira," she replied, stepping up to the counter. Mira turned her attention to the bored girl behind the counter. "I'd like a hot chocolate with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, as well as a piece of cinnamon coffee cake," Mira said.

"And for you sir?" the girl asked. 

Mira opened her mouth to interject and tell her that Will wasn't with her when she heard his deep voice. "I'd like a hazelnut cappuccino with a slice of the cinnamon coffee cake. And go ahead and put both orders on my tab," Will told her.

"Your tab? Mister, this is a coffee shop, not a dime store! We take cash or charge," the girl snapped. Miriam gasped and covered her mouth with her hand. "What?" the girl asked, giving Miriam a curious look.

"I'm just surprised you know what a dime store is, considering that they haven't been around in a few decades," Miriam said. Will chuckled dangerously.

"Young lady, do you have any idea of who I am?" Will asked.

"Some moron who thinks he can get out of paying," the girl said. Will's eyes flashed and Miriam found herself backing away.

"Get your manager," Will insisted. 

"No problem," the girl retorted, walking into the back of the coffee shop. Will turned to Mira.

"Are you okay? What's wrong?" Will asked.

"I, I'm fine. I'm sorry, I get nervous when people start talking like that," Miriam murmured. Before anything else could be said, the clerk returned to the counter with her manager.

"So you want to put your order on your tab eh?" the manager asked. Will turned back to the counter. "Not a problem sir! I apologize for her disobedience, it won't happen again," the manager stammered. He glared at the girl next to him. "In fact, it's on the house. Rita, give Mr. Chancey and his date their orders, NOW!" the manager ordered. 

"Chancey? As in William Chancey? The ruler of the United States?" the girl asked. Miriam rolled her eyes; how quickly people forget the truth. 

"The one and same," Will said easily. The girl scrambled to get the order filled.

"I'm sorry Mr. Chancey, it's just that you're the third person that has tried that today and ..."

"It's alright Rita, just try to be a little more respectful next time. Never be rude to your customers or you will find yourself without a job," William suggested as she placed the cups and coffee cake on a tray in front of them.

"Are you sure you're alright Mira?" William asked as they sat down.

"I'm fine. I apologize for my reaction, it's just that ..." Miriam took a sip of her hot chocolate, not wanting to go where the conversation was heading.

"It's just that what?" William wanted to know.

"My brother was an asshole." Both William and Miriam looked up to see Ari standing in front of them.

"Alan, what are you doing here?" Miriam asked, glancing at William who had an almost jealous look on his face.

"I came to get some biscotti for Lucy. Damn cravings," Ari answered with a soft smile. Miriam smiled and glanced back at William. "Alan, this is William Chancey. Will, this is my brother Alan," Miriam introduced. She glanced back at Ari and saw the hatred that flashed quickly across his eyes. William nodded politely at Ari.

"Nice to meet you. I apologize for butting into your conversation, but I saw you sitting here and I haven't seen that look on Mira's face since before my brother was killed," Ari said. William nodded politely again and Ari hurried to the line to order the biscotti; if he hadn't, things would have looked out of place and William would have been suspicious.

"So, what things do you like to do?" William asked. Miriam hesitated but found herself surprisingly at ease with the man who had sent the Jewish people of the United States scattered into the wind.

CHAPTER THREE

"What happened today?" Malachi asked when Miriam called him that night.




A Harsh Reality Pt. 02



"Nothing happened Chi. Chancey took a tone of voice that reminded me of Jacob and I got a little nervous. I'm fine, he's been surprisingly nice," Miriam answered.

"Yeah because he thinks you're a gentile," Malachi scoffed.

"He can't find out otherwise," Miriam murmured. "I'm supposed to have dinner with him tomorrow night," she added, deliberately changing the subject.

"Be careful," Malachi warned.

"I will," Miriam promised.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"You look amazing," William commented when Miriam answered the door to the studio apartment that she had rented.

"Thanks, you look pretty good yourself. Where are we going?" Miriam wanted to know.

"It's a surprise," William told her with a small smile.

Miriam's eyes widened when she saw the large house at the end of the driveway. "Where are we?" Miriam asked.

"We're at my house," William answered. He turned the car off and opened her door for her. "Follow me," he added. Miriam followed William to the back of the house and into an enclosed patio. 

"It's beautiful," Miriam murmured. The sun was setting over lake and there were a few heron floating on the water and the sounds of banjo frogs filled the air.

"Thank you," William said with a grin as an older woman placed two covered trays on the table.

"So, tell me about yourself. Alan said you were married to his brother. What happened?" William wanted to know. Miriam hesitated. "I like you Mira. I know we just met, but I like you," he told her.

"I grew up with Alan, his brother Jake and their cousin Martin; we all lived within a three block radius from each other. I've always thought of Alan as a brother, even though there is only about a sixteen month difference between us. Martin and I were really close, and even went on a few dates, but Jake liked me more than I realized. He came back from college and was charming like Fred Astaire charming and swept me off my feet. It wasn't until we'd gotten married that he showed me what he's really like." Miriam took a deep breath and a sip of her wine. "When we got into the honeymoon suite of the hotel his father had reserved, while I was taking off my clothes, he asked if I'd let Martin touch me and when I told him we hadn't, he didn't believe me. He started yelling at me, called me a whore and the more I protested, the more abusive he got. I locked myself in the bathroom and he broke the door down, carried me to the bed and raped me." Miriam took a shaky breath; she may have been changing the names and way things had happened, but the memories, they were real nonetheless. 

"How long were you married?" Will wanted to know.

"Only a few months. Alan and Martin came over with Alan's wife Lucy to tell us about the baby and they saw bruises. The next evening, they went out hunting, which is something they used to do regularly with Alan's father. Jake was shot by another hunter," Miriam answered.

"I'm sorry," William murmured.

"I'm not. If I had the guts, I would have killed the bastard myself!" Miriam exclaimed. William said nothing as he took a bite of his chicken. "I'm sorry. I haven't talked about this in awhile," Miriam murmured.

"It's alright. Nobody should have to put up with that," William said. 

Miriam gave a forced smile and took a bite of the rice on her plate. They ate in silence for several moments before William pushed his chair back, stood up and reached for Miriam's hand. "Come with me," he said. William led Miriam down the steps to the boat house. "I have this decked to the nines. Half of it is an exercise room and half is a spa." He showed her the punching bag. "Take out your frustrations on the bag then soak in the tub," William told her. Miriam gave him a small smile and took the boxing gloves he handed her.

~~~~~~

"Where were you?" Malachi demanded to know when Miriam opened the door to her apartment the next morning.

"I was with William and I didn't get in until late," Miriam answered.

"You're falling for him! You're not supposed to fall for him," Malachi growled, pushing past her. Ari gave her an apologetic look and closed the door behind him.

"I am actually. He's looking for a wife and unless I act like I'm attracted to him, he's going to pick someone else and I'm going to lose my chance," Miriam retorted.

"But you don't have to fuck him!" Malachi hissed.

"I haven't fucked him!" Miriam protested.

"Haven't you?" Malachi asked, his voice low.

"I haven't even kissed him!" Miriam shouted. Ari stepped forward and pushed Miriam into the bathroom before turning to his friend.

"Malachi, I understand you hate the fact that Miriam is here, putting her life in danger, but the fact is that she's the only one that can do this. She has her mother's talent for acting and we need this to work. If she has to have sex with him, then that's what she'll do, but you need to cut her a break," Ari said, his voice low but firm.

"I'm not planning on having sex with him," Miriam said softly from the doorway to the bathroom. Ari walked into the kitchen to give them a semblance of privacy.

"What if you fall in love with him?" Malachi asked.

"I'm not going to fall in love with him. You know why I'm doing this," Miriam murmured. Malachi brushed his thumb against her cheek. "Chi, don't," Miriam said softly.

"Miri, I don't want to see anything happen to you," Malachi told her. Miriam gave a small smile. "I love you Miri." Miriam gave him a look of surprise.

"Why?" Miriam asked. "I'm not worth it," she murmured.

"Ari, why don't you go for a walk, Miriam and I need a few moments alone," Malachi suggested. Ari glanced at Miriam who nodded.

"Call me if you need anything else," Ari told Miriam before walking out of the apartment.

"I love you Miriam, I always have, ever since we were kids," Malachi said when Miriam repeated her question.

"But why?" Miriam asked.

"You're caring, and forgiving and despite the fact that you could be hurt or killed in this God forsaken city ..." Miriam pressed her lips to Malachi's to silence him. When they finally pulled away, Malachi was looking at her like she had grown a second head. Miriam grabbed a piece of paper and a pen next to the phone, wrote something down and passed it over to Malachi. The note read, "William isn't trusting, the place may be bugged. Take this with you." Malachi nodded and stuffed the note in his coat pocket.

"I'm sorry for over reacting Miri, but when I couldn't get a hold of you, I freaked. I was worried that something had happened to you. You've been through so much," Malachi allowed his voice to trail off when he saw the tears in Miriam's eyes. "I'm sorry Miri. I never meant to hurt you by reminding you," Malachi stopped talking, leaned down and kissed Miriam, his hand slid to a breast and cupped it before tweaking her nipple over and over again until it was hard. 

Miriam whimpered as long forgotten feelings began to resurface. 

"What are you doing?" Miriam asked as she pulled away.

"Trust me and relax," Malachi murmured. He led her into the bedroom and closed the door behind him.

"Chi?" Miriam asked, her eyes wide.

"I'm not going to hurt you," Malachi promised before he leaned down and kissed her again and played with both her nipples gently, tantalizingly until Miriam was whimpering. Malachi pulled away long enough to pull her shirt over Miriam's head before reaching behind her back to unhook the peach satin and lace bra and eased it down her arms. "You're so beautiful," Malachi breathed as he trailed kisses down her neck and paused to suckle a breast; Miriam whimpered, her fingers clutched the blanket beneath her. 

"Chi," Miriam moaned and closed her eyes as flecks of color clouded her vision. Malachi smiled as he kissed her lower and lower until he came to the patch of curls. "Malachi, what are you doing?" Miriam asked, her breasts heaving as she fought for composure. Malachi just grinned up at her before slipping his tongue between her folds. Miriam gasped as he licked her slowly but determinedly. "Chi!" Miriam whimpered. Malachi just chuckled as he increased the speed that he licked at her. Miriam's breathing changed as he slipped a finger inside her. He gave her a moment to get used to the feeling before making the 'come here' motion with his finger while his finger was buried deep within her. Miriam gasped and squirmed as Malachi began alternating between licking at her clit and sucking gently on it. "Chi!" Miriam gasped again. Malachi chuckled as he sucked on her clit sending vibrations up Miriam's body. Slowly, Malachi inserted a second finger and began thrusting both fingers in and out of her slowly and he couldn't help the grin that formed on his lips at her soft moan. He began thrusting and licking faster and faster; Miriam whimpered and writhed as unfamiliar sensations gripped her body. 

Malachi inserted a third finger and pumped them in and out of her hard and fast as he alternated between sucking on and licking at her clit. Miriam's cries grew louder and more frequent and Malachi groaned silently; the noises Miriam was making made him harder than he'd ever been before. Miriam's fingers clutched the blanket below her and she cried out loudly as she came hard. Malachi pulled his head out from between her thighs and looked at her carefully as he continued to thrust his fingers deep inside her.

"What are you doing to me?" Miriam gasped. Malachi smiled and slowly pulled his fingers out of her moist heat. Miriam whimpered, not liking the emptiness she was feeling.

"Trust me," Malachi whispered as he positioned himself over her. Miriam froze when she felt his hard cock poised where his fingers had been.

"No Chi, don't," Miriam pleaded, a look of fear coming into her eyes.

"I won't hurt you, I promise," Malachi told her as he eased into her. Miriam gasped and stared in surprise; she felt full but didn't feel pain. Malachi watched the expression on Miriam's face change and he began to thrust slowly but deeply within her. Miriam closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around Malachi's neck, pulled him closer to her as he thrust harder and faster within her. He slid his hands over both of her hips and helped her thrust upwards to meet him. After a few thrusts, Miriam began thrusting up to meet him more of her power than Malachi's and he slid his hands up her body and began playing with her nipples. Miriam moaned loudly and dug her fingers into his shoulder blades. "I love you Miri," Malachi groaned as he thrust hard. Miriam cried out loudly as he hit her g-spot over and over, causing intense pleasure. "Come for me Miriam," Malachi whispered, his voice husky as he fought to hold back. He gave one more hard thrust and Miriam screamed as pleasure threw her off a cliff. Malachi gave a loud roar as his seed rushed from his body into hers.

~~~~~~

Miriam's eyes fluttered open and she gasped when she saw Malachi laying beside her, propped up on an elbow, his eyes glued to her face. "Hi," Malachi murmured.

"Chi, what did we do?" Miriam asked worriedly. Malachi just grinned and the memories came flooding back. "Oh God!" she groaned, hiding her face in her hands.

"Are you alright?" Malachi asked. Miriam nodded and blushed as she caught sight of Malachi's engorged cock.

"How did you even fit?" Miriam wanted to know as she cautiously reached out and touched his cock. Malachi groaned and Miriam pulled her hand away like she had just touched a hot burner.

"Would you like me to show you again?" Malachi asked, a mischievous grin on his face.

"No. I want you to leave," Miriam told him, climbing out of the bed and pulling on her robe.

"What? Miri, why? We need to talk about this," Malachi said.

"No Chi, we don't. You need to get dressed and leave," Miriam insisted. She watched as Malachi pulled his clothes on. He gave her a look of confusion and hurt before he walked out of the apartment.



A Harsh Reality Pt. 03



CHAPTER FOUR

"What's going on between you two? I left you here yesterday to talk and now, you're avoiding each other like the plague," Ari demanded to know, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Nothing," Malachi and Miriam said in unison.

"Something is going on," Ari insisted.

He stared at them and after several moments of uncomfortable silence, Miriam sighed and blurted out, "We had sex." 

Ari gave Malachi a dark look.

"And what happens if Miriam gets pregnant? You'll blow this whole operation!" he exclaimed.

"No," Miriam whispered. 

Ari gave Miriam a sympathetic look. "I hope you enjoyed it. After all that time you were married to Jacob, you deserve to have good sex," Ari said with a grin. Miriam blushed and even Malachi looked embarrassed by Ari's comment. "So is there a chance you could get pregnant?" Ari asked Miriam gently. Miriam glanced at Malachi and nodded. 

Malachi swore under his breath. "That's wonderful," Malachi said sarcastically. "You should have said something," he reminded Miriam.

"Like you really gave me a chance to say anything!" Miriam exclaimed.

"So now how do we pull this off?" Ari asked.

"I told William that I'm a widow and that my husband died not that long ago, so if I am pregnant, he'll believe it's his," Miriam answered, glancing at Malachi again.

"Absolutely not!" Malachi exclaimed.

"It could work," Ari said thoughtfully.

"No fucking way!" Malachi shouted.

"Why not?" Miriam asked.

"No child of mine will be brought up with that son of a bitch as his or her father!" Malachi exclaimed.

"Right now, this is all hypothetical. Let's not get ahead of ourselves," Ari warned.

"I'm saying this now. If Miriam is pregnant, we're pulling her out," Malachi growled before leaving the apartment, the door slammed shut behind.

~~~~~~~~~~~

-2 weeks later-

Miriam looked up from the paperwork she was filling out to find William staring at her. "Good morning," William said with a kind smile.

"Morning," Miriam murmured.

"What are you doing?" William asked.

"I need a job. The money that I was given when my husband died has run out and I need to keep my apartment," Miriam answered.

"We have an opening, I can set up an interview for you," William offered.

"Doing what?" Miriam asked.

"As a receptionist. It won't pay much, but it should be more than enough for you to pay your rent and utilities," William said.

"And what about my groceries?" Miriam asked.

"There should be plenty for that as well," William told her.

"I'll apply for it," Miriam agreed as she signed her name to the application in front of her. She handed it to the girl behind the counter and followed William out.

Miriam swallowed nervously as William led her around the office; he had pulled some strings and three days after applying for the job, her orientation was being led by William himself. "Mira, what's wrong?" William asked, glancing back at her.

"Nothing! I'm sorry, I'm just a little nervous, this is my first job," Miriam replied.

"Don't worry so much, you'll do just fine," William assured her as they finished the tour. "This is your desk. If you have any questions, just ask Janice," he added, pointing out the older woman. Miriam nodded and gave a small smile as William walked away.

"May I help you sir?" Miriam asked as an older man walked up to her desk with a sense of purpose and self importance.

"I need to see William," the man said.

"I'm sorry, but Mister Chancey has asked not to be disturbed," Miriam told him.

"I need to see William now and I am very confident that the order to not disturb him does not pertain to me," the man snapped. 

"I'm sorry sir, but I have my orders," Miriam said. The man's face turned as red as a tomato and veins in his neck began to bulge out.

"Listen to me you insolent little bitch! You get William Chancey out here in thirty seconds or I'll have you fired for being insubordinate," the man bellowed. 

Miriam started to pick up the receiver of the phone when she heard William start walking towards the reception area. "What is going on here?" William asked, coming to a stop behind Miriam. He looked down at Miriam before looking up at the irate man standing before them.

"This little bitch said you wouldn't see anyone and I was merely putting her in her place. This is after all, my company," the man told William.

"This is not your company anymore father and you will not threaten my employees," William growled. He placed a hand on Miriam's shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. "What do you want?" he asked a moment later.

"We need to talk son. Another campus for the damn Jews must be built," his father said.

"Father, what in the world are you doing with the Jews on those campuses?" William wanted to know.

"We're retraining the dirty bastards to be better human beings and if they can't, well then, let's just say that we'll be finishing what Hitler started," his father answered. Miriam had to resist the urge to say something which would blow her cover. Instead, she just glanced up at William, curious as to what his reaction would be.

"Father, is it necessary to lock up all those people?" William asked, surprising Miriam.

"Yes. They are a danger to themselves and to society." 

William rolled his eyes. "I have to get back to work father," he said before turning and walking away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What was that all about?" Miriam asked as William walked her out of the building.

"My great-grandfather served in World War Two under the Nazi regime. He believed in Hitler's cause whole heartedly. When the war ended, he snuck into the states, got married and had my father. The cycle started over again," William answered.

"What about you? Do you agree with the final solution?" Miriam asked. William shrugged.

"I don't know. They couldn't have been great people if Hitler wanted to kill them," William said.

"Is that why you're helping your dad imprison the Jews of the United States?" Miriam murmured.

"I'm not helping, he's doing it on his own," William grumbled.

"You aren't stopping him either," Miriam pointed out.

"Why your sudden interest in what I do?" William asked.

"Your father called me a bitch and threatened to have me fired right before telling you he wanted to build another camp. He's using your company to kill people!" Miriam exclaimed. William gave her a curious look as he opened the passenger door of his car.

"What makes you so sure that my father is having the Jews of this country killed?" William wanted to know.

"My next door neighbor watched my sister and I after school because my dad worked late and my mom was gone. She was Jewish and after President Bush was murdered, she was taken away by soldiers. My sister and I found her body a week later, shot by an army issued bullet," Miriam answered.

"How do you know it was military issue?" William asked.

"Her husband fought in the first golf war. He recognized the bullet," she murmured.

"I'm sure that was just a fluke. My dad may hate Jews, but he'd never kill anyone," William denied. Miriam pursed her lips but said nothing as William started the car and drove away.

~~~~~~~~~~

-2 weeks later-

"Miriam, I'm leaving early today. I have to meet with my lawyer about something, but I'll be back here at six-thirty to pick you up. We'll be going to dinner with my parents and I've left a dress for you in my office. When you're done for the day, go into my office, there is a bathroom with a shower. I've also left hair care products and makeup. I'll see you later," William said before walking out of the office.

At five that afternoon, Miriam headed towards William's office, only to be stopped by Janice.

"What are you doing?" Janice wanted to know. 

"William and I are meeting his parents for dinner tonight and he's left a dress for me in his office," Miriam answered.

"Yeah right," Janice snorted.

"He did," Miriam insisted, her heart racing. She needed Janice to leave her alone so that she could get into the office and do some snooping before changing for dinner.

"Please. Why would Mister Chancey be interested in a little mouse like you?" Janice asked, crossing her arms over her chest.

"Call him and ask him," Miriam retorted.

"I will. Don't go anywhere," Janice said before she hurried to her desk. Miriam waited a second, opened the door to William's office, walked inside before she closed and locked the door behind her. Miriam crossed the office and clicked on the light in the bathroom. She turned on the shower before returning to the office. "Where would he hide those files?" Miriam murmured to herself. She searched through the files. Miriam copied the files she thought would be relevant, making sure to put them back in the order she found them before returning the file to the cabinet. At ten minutes of six, Miriam hit pay dirt. She copied the files quickly, replaced the originals and their folders to the filing cabinet and stapled her copies before placing them in the back of her over-sized diary. She swore under her breath as she noticed the time and hurried back into the bathroom to do her hair and makeup.

"Miriam, we're going to be late, are you ready?" William asked, trying to open the door. 

"I'm glad you're here Mister Chancey! Miriam claimed you were taking her to dinner with your parents and locked herself in your office before I could stop her. I tried to call you to let you know, but your phone was off," Janice said, certain that she was going to get Miriam fired. 

"She was given permission to use my shower and to change before going to dinner with my parents," William told Janice, a look of displeasure on his face.

"I'm sorry sir! I'll go cancel my call to security," Janice said as Miriam opened the door and stepped into the hall. She noticed security moving up behind William and Janice and had to suppress her panic; did William have cameras in his office? 

"No need gentlemen, Janice was mistaken about something. Have a good night," William told them. Miriam breathed a small, inaudible sigh of relief. "Are you ready?" William asked Miriam, turning back to her with a smile.

"Ready as I'll ever be," Miriam said with a nervous smile.

~~~~~~~~~

"Weren't we supposed to be here ten minutes ago?" Miriam murmured as they walked into the restaurant.

"Yes, but dad will understand," William told her, squeezing her hand. He spoke briefly to the hostess who led them to the back of the dining room.

"You're late son," his father said, standing up as they walked into view.

"Sorry, my meeting ran late," William apologized as he pulled a chair out for Miriam.

"You're the little bitch that refused to let me see my son last week," his father accused.

"William Chancey! You will be nice to this girl!" She turned to her son and Miriam. "I'm Cathy Chancey, it's nice to meet you," Cathy introduced herself to Miriam.

"I'm Mira," Miriam answered. She looked at William. "I didn't know you were a junior," Miriam murmured.

"I am," William said with a grin.

"What's good here?" Miriam asked as they sat down and she thumbed through the menu.

"The lobster is amazing," William senior answered.

"I'm allergic to shellfish," Miriam said quickly, thankful that it was a common allergy and a good excuse for not eating something treyf. 

"The chicken is amazing and so is the beef," Cathy told her. Miriam gave her a grateful smile and studied the menu. "So Billy, how's business?" Cathy asked her son.

"Mom, I asked you not to call me that!" William pleaded.

"Sorry, Will," Cathy murmured. William rolled his eyes but shrugged his shoulders.

"Business is business and it's not too badly these days," William answered. The waiter stopped by and they put in their orders. William glanced at Miriam who, to him, seemed a little more nervous than she needed to. "What's wrong?" he asked her softly. 

"Your father scares me," Miriam murmured. William smiled gently.

"I won't let him hurt you," he promised. 

"God that was painful," Miriam moaned as she dropped to the bed. William laughed and dropped down next to her.

"Mom liked you," he told her.

"Really?" Miriam asked.

"Yes, really. What, did your ex-mother not like you?" William asked jokingly.

"She did until the miscarriage," Miriam said. 

"I'm sorry," William said quickly.

"It's okay," Miriam murmured. She jumped when she felt William's hands on her shoulders and moaned in appreciation when she felt him begin to massage out the knots she didn't even know existed. "I don't think your dad likes me much," Miriam said.

"Don't worry about my father," William told her. "Did you enjoy your meal tonight?" he wanted to know.

"It was alright. For the price, it could have been a whole lot better," Miriam answered. William nodded and glanced at the clock.

"I have to go now, I have a flight at seven thirty. Enjoy your weekend off and I'll call you tomorrow afternoon," William told her suddenly. Miriam nodded, she had known about the trip for weeks and knew it was perfect, she could use the time to share her knowledge with Malachi and Ari. William brushed a kiss to her lips. "I love you Mira," William said before walking out the door.

"I love you?" Mira thought. Oh shit, things were about to get even more complicated. 

*

**Treyf means unkosher



A Harsh Reality Pt. 04



 Sorry that it's taken so long for me to update this story; I need to get my focus back and find some new inspiration. Hope you like it.

Ashira

CHAPTER FIVE

"What do you want Malachi?" Miriam asked.

"I just wanted to see how you were doing. You've refused to call me back," Malachi answered, leaning against the frame of the door.

"I'm fine. There's nothing to talk about," Miriam told him, refusing to meet his eyes. Malachi pushed his way past her and walked into the living room.

"So it was negative?" Malachi asked.

"What was negative?" Miriam asked.

"The test," Malachi reminded her.

"I haven't taken one," Miriam murmured.

"Why not?" Malachi wanted to know.

"I forgot," Miriam admitted. He handed her a paper bag. "Mal," Miriam grumbled.

"Take it," Malachi told her. Miriam took the bag, peered inside and headed into the bathroom.

"Well?" Malachi asked when Miriam returned from the bathroom.

"What result are you hoping for?" Miriam wanted to know.

"I'm kind of hoping it's positive, but I know that wouldn't be a good idea," Malachi admitted.

"I'm sorry Mal ..." Malachi held his breath as he tried to read the expression on Miriam's face. "It was negative," Miriam told him quietly, offering the test as proof. Malachi nodded and gave a small sigh, of relief or disappointment, Miriam didn't know.

"How's the job?" Malachi asked.

"Going well. I have something for you to take to Ari," Miriam said. She reached into the hidden compartment in the ottoman and pulled out a large envelope. "Good luck figuring out what this means," Miriam added.

"Thanks. Be careful Miri, please," Malachi said softly. 

"I will," Miriam promised. She watched silently as Malachi walked out of the apartment and closed the door behind him.

~~~~~~~~~~

-Months later-

Miriam woke up and smiled when she saw William asleep next to her. There was a delicious ache between her thighs and flashbacks of their love making danced through her head. William was a passionate but gentle lover. He was different from Malachi, but he had been just as gentle and caring with her as Malachi had. She watched as William's eyes fluttered open.

"Morning," William said with a broad smile.

"Morning," Miriam murmured with a blush.

"How do you feel?" William asked.

"I'm a bit sore," Miriam admitted. William sat up and reached for the phone.

"Mercedes will be up within the hour to give you a massage and Georgia is on her way up with your breakfast. I'll see you at the office later today," William told her. He pressed a kiss against her swollen lips, slid out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Hours later-

"Do you want to get out of here for awhile?" William asked.

"What?" Miriam asked.

"A vacation. There's a great resort in Ontario on the Georgian Bay called Port Severn Lodge. It's an all inclusive resort. Let's on on a vacation," William suggested.

"We can't go to Canada Will," Miriam murmured.

"Why not?" William wanted to know. Miriam stared at him in surprise.

"You haven't heard?" Miriam asked.

"Heard about what?" William asked impatiently.

"The giant cement wall that the Canadians put up along the border. They've closed off all the gates. The only way in now is a flight from Europe," Miriam answered.

"Why?" William asked, dumbfounded. Miriam studied him closely.

"You really don't know?" Miriam asked.

"Know what?" William inquired.

"Ask your father for permission to tour one of his campuses," Miriam told him. William picked up the phone and dialed his father's phone number.

"We're to meet him at this address in an hour," William said, jotting down the address he was given. 

"I know how to get there," Miriam told him, her heart racing. She knew it was going to be hard to witness other Jews in a concentration camp without blowing her cover; she could only hope that William wasn't like his father.

"What kind of campus is this?" William wanted to know as he stared at the cement and wire gate in front of him. "This looks like something out of a World War Two movie," he added.

"That's because it is sir," a soldier said. "Your father is waiting in the observation room," he added, opening the gate.

"What is she doing here?" William senior asked, pointing to Miriam.

"I asked her to come along," William junior answered, tightening his grip on her hand.

"You must be getting serious then," his father observed.

"Yes," his son agreed. Miriam gave a small smile which fade as a young woman was led into the other part of the observation room. "What is this?" William junior asked.

"This young woman was caught having sex with another inmate. She is here to be punished," his father answered as a large soldier large enough to give the Hulk a run for his money walked over to the terrified woman. Miriam swallowed hard as she noticed the soldier was naked from the waist down.

"What is going to happen to her?" Miriam wanted to know.

"Just watch," William senior said with a smirk. Miriam stifled a cry of distress for the young woman as they watched the large soldier ripped the girl's tattered dress from her body and pushed her on her stomach over the table before thrusting his thick cock deep within her. Miriam turned away as the girl screamed in pain as the soldier's cock thrust in and out of her savagely, tearing the delicate folds.

"It seems that your girl doesn't have enough guts to marry a Chancy," William senior said with an arrogant laugh.

"This is insanity father! Stop this now!" William junior demanded.

"I am still your father and I gave you everything you have," his father warned him, the look on his face told his son that all it would take was a snap of his fingers for all that William junior held dear.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hi," Malachi said, leaning against the door jam of her apartment. Miriam jumped and placed her hand on her heart.

"What are you doing here?" Miriam wanted to know.

"I had to see you. How are you?" Malachi's heart was pounding in his chest as he fought his desire to take her where she sat. Miriam stood up and glanced behind him.

"Where's Ari?" Miriam countered. Malachi shrugged.

"He went back to the camp. To be with Lucy," Malachi answered. He began looking for bugs.

"There aren't any bugs," Miriam murmured.

"How do you know?" Malachi asked. She held up a small device. "William give you that?" he wanted to know.

"Yes," Miriam answered.

"How convenient," Malachi spat.

"What do you want Mal?" Miriam asked. 

"When will you call me Chi?" he wanted to know, with just a slight flinch.

"When this is over and you stop acting like an overbearing ass," Miriam answered. Malachi sighed and reached for Miriam's hand.

"I wanted to see if you were alright," Malachi said finally.

"I'm fine. I'm on edge and tired. William and I toured one of his campuses yesterday," Miriam answered.

"How bad?" Malachi asked.

"The inmates aren't as gaunt as they were during World War Two, but one of the female prisoners was caught having sex with one of the male prisoners so Chancey senior had one of the soldiers rape the girl while we watched from an observation room," Miriam whispered. Malachi gave her a tight hug and only pulled away when there was a knock on the door. 

"Will, hi," Miriam said with a shy smile. 

"I just wanted to see how you were doing," William said, glancing at Malachi curiously.

"Will, this is Martin. Martin, Will," Miriam introduced. It took all of Malachi's will power to keep from strangling the man in front of him.

"Nice to meet you," William said, reaching out to shake Malachi's hand.

"Like wise," Malachi said. Miriam swallowed, hoping William couldn't tell that Malachi was lying. 

"How are you doing?" William asked again.

"I get chills when I think about what we saw yesterday, but I'm okay," Miriam murmured.

"I'm sorry you had to see that. If I had known he had that planned, I wouldn't have taken you with me," William apologized. "In fact, I had no idea that things were that bad in the campuses," he added.

"I thought you were the new leader of the country," Malachi said, giving William a curious look.

"I am, but in name only. My father and his friends are really running things, they just wanted a young face for the public appeal," William answered.

"So you have nothing to do with anything?" Malachi asked in disbelief.

"No. I mean, I grew up being taught that the Jewish people were a drain on society and not to be trusted, but I've never personally met anyone Jewish before, so I don't know if my father was being truthful or not," William admitted. Miriam and Malachi looked at each other and she hoped their surprise didn't shine through. Malachi's cell phone rang and he snapped it open.

"What is it Alan?" Malachi asked.

"I take it William is in the apartment," came Ari's reply.

"Yes, that's right. How's Lucy?" Malachi asked. Ari's reply made Malachi grin. "We'll be there as soon as possible," Malachi told Ari. Malachi hung up the phone and turned to Miriam. "Lucy's having the baby and wants us to go back home," he told Miriam. Miriam smiled and her eyes lit up with excitement as she turned towards William.

"I know we have plans for today, but Lucy's had a hard time with the pregnancy and I should be there. I would invite you with me, but the town I grew up in doesn't like outsiders," Miriam murmured.

"Understood," William said. He gave her a kiss on the cheek. "Call me when you get back. I'll take care of things at the office," he added before walking out the door.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You've slept with him, haven't you?" Malachi asked after they stopped at a hotel for the night.

"Yes," Miriam admitted after a moments hesitation.

"Did he hurt you?" Malachi wanted to know, unable to keep the hurt off of his face.

"No, he was very gentle," Miriam answered.

"I thought you loved me," Malachi said bitterly.

"It's complicated," Miriam whispered.

"I love you Miri. I just want you to be happy," Malachi told her. Tears filled Miriam's eyes and he gave her a tight hug.

"I'm so confused right now Chi. With William being the spokesman for the new regime, there's something about him that makes me think he's not who we thought he is," Miriam's voice cracked as the tears streamed down her face.

"Do you love him?" Malachi asked.

"I don't know," Miriam admitted. Malachi sighed and kissed her.

"What do you want right now?" Malachi asked. Miriam kissed him again.

"Love me Chi, please," Miriam whispered. Malachi groaned as Miriam unsnapped his pants, reached inside and cupped his cock in her hand.

"Tell me something. When you had sex with him, did you use birth control?" Malachi asked, his head fighting his heart. Miriam felt her heart clench when Malachi pulled away from her. "Did you?" Malachi asked again.

"We didn't use a condom," Miriam whispered.

"I can't be with you until this is over Miri. Not when there is a chance you carry his child; not when there is a chance you're falling in love with him," Malachi said hoarsly. He stood up, walked into the bathroom and slammed the door behind him.

CHAPTER SIX

"Wake up, we're here," Malachi said, shaking Miriam awake as they pulled into the compound. Miriam smiled and rubbed her eyes, anxious to see her father and Hannah.

"Were you seen?" Liam asked as he met the car.

"No. I made sure to take the long way," Malachi answered. He smiled when he heard Hannah's shriek as she came running down the hill.

"How's Lucy?" Miriam asked.

"Resting comfortably. She and Ari had a boy. I got to help with the delivery," Hannah answered excitedly.

"Wow," Miriam murmured. She linked arms with her sister and followed Hannah back to camp.

"Any problems?" Liam asked Malachi as he helped the younger man unload their bags.

"Miriam and William Chancey Jr. have had sex. I think Miriam's falling in love with him," Malachi answered. 

"That poses a problem. What do you think about him?" Liam wanted to know.

"He seems like a nice guy, misguided, but nice. He and Miriam toured one of the campuses the day before yesterday and according to Miriam, he was as surprised as she was to see what was going on, if not more surprised considering Miriam's knowledge of World War Two type activities," Malachi answered.

"Does he care for Miriam?" Liam asked.

"It appears so, yes," Malachi said with a sigh. They finally reached the compound and found Miriam waiting outside of Ari and Lucy's cabin.

"C'mon slow poke," Miriam said to Malachi. Malachi growled playfully and followed Miriam into the cabin.

"Hey," Ari said quietly when Miriam and Malachi walked into the cabin.

"This pregnancy worked to our advantage," Malachi joked with a grin. Miriam and Ari slugged Malachi in the shoulder.

"Glad to know my sex life helped," Ari said dryly.

"How's Lucy feeling?" Miriam wanted to know.

"Ask her yourself," Ari answered. Miriam darted around Ari and walked into the bedroom.

"Hey Lu," Miriam said with a smile.

"Hi." Lucy smiled at her friend and motioned for Miriam to sit on the edge.

"He's beautiful," Miriam murmured. Lucy smiled.

"How's the mission?" Lucy wanted to know.

"Confusing. I don't think the William Chancy we see every where is behind all of this, I think his father is," Miriam answered. She quickly and quietly filled her friend in on what had been happening and Lucy gave a sympathetic smile.

"I wish I could make things easier for you," Lucy murmured. Miriam studied the baby and smiled when his eye lids fluttered open to reveal stunning green eyes. Miriam glanced up when Malachi walked in and sat down in the chair beside the bed.

"What are you thinking Miri?" Malachi wanted to know.

"I'm wondering if I didn't make a mistake having the abortion," Miriam whispered.

"You would have been happy having his baby?" Malachi asked, his eyes wide with surprise.

"It wasn't the baby's fault that his father was a rat bastard," Miriam said softly. Lucy gave her friend's hand a squeeze.

"When it's your true time to be a mother, you'll know it," Lucy told Miriam. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-Six months later-

"Are you going to stay at work today?" Janice snapped.

"Leave her alone Janice, she's been sick," William scolded, walking up to the reception area.

"I'm going to try. Do you need me today?" Miriam asked. William gave a wolfish grin.

"Yes, actually. Why don't you come into my office," William suggested. 

Miriam followed William into his office. "What do you need?" Miriam asked as William closed the door behind them. William pulled Miriam to him and kissed her hard.

"I need you, I've missed you," William growled as he tore at her clothes.

"Will, not here," Miriam hissed, her eyes wide with fear.

"I won't hurt you," William promised. His hands dropped to her breasts and fondled them gently, squeezed her nipples as he kissed her again. Miriam's arms locked around his neck as she kissed him back.

"Will," Miriam whispered when he tore his lips from hers and began sucking on a nipple, sending pleasure rippling through her. "Will, we can't do this here." Will pulled away from her breast once and gave her an amused smile.

"I'm the boss here Mira, I can do whatever I want," William reminded her before he latched back on to her nipple again. His hands slid to her bottom and squeezed her butt cheeks before he gently eased her skirt down her legs.

"Oh God!" Miriam whimpered when his fingers brushed by her clit.

"Relax," William mumbled, his lips still around her breast. She cried out loudly when he thrust three of his fingers in and out of her. Miriam felt her knees start to weaken as the intensity of her pleasure grew. William helped her over to the couch on the far wall of his office, without looking up or removing his fingers from within her now drenched pussy.

"Will!" Miriam gasped, digging her fingers into William's back. William chuckled and moved his mouth to her other breast. After several moments of lavishing attention on Miriam's rock hard nipple, he dragged his lips down her chest and abdomen before placing a tender kiss on her inner thigh. "More, please!" Miriam gasped, raising her hips a little. Will chuckled but obliged. While he thrust his fingers in and out of her, Will nibbled and sucked lightly on her clit. Miriam dragged her fingers up Will's back and dug them into his hair. She gripped his hair so tightly that Will actually winced a little, but he never abandoned his assault on her dripping center. William pulled his lips away for a moment, looked at her and as his fingers made contact with her g-spot, he gave her a devilish grin. "Cum for me love," William commanded, his voice rough with passion. Miriam's orgasm crashed over her and she cried out loudly; a gasp followed when William continued to suck hard on her clit. He removed his fingers from Miriam's body and pulled his slacks and boxers off and let them drop to the floor before looking up at her. "Cum for me again," William instructed, delving his tongue and fingers deep with in her. Miriam's eyes widened and her breath caught in her throat before a tiny scream emerged. While she was still caught in the grips of the orgasm, William removed his fingers and tongue, positioned his rock hard cock at her opening and thrust inside hard and fast. Miriam's eyes closed and moaned loudly at the sensations of William pounding in and out of her hard. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and held him close, her hips met him thrust for thrust. Miriam moaned loudly when she felt a third orgasm forming inside her; William kissed her hard, his tongue mingled with hers as he began thrusting in and out of her faster and harder. William slid his hands under her behind, pushing her further into him as he shouted loudly as he came deep within her. They lay against each other, panting hard, wrapped up in each other and hardly noticed as the door to the office opened.

"Janice was right, you are fucking the little whore." Miriam gasped and blushed when she saw William Chancey Sr. standing in the doorway of the office.

"Mira isn't a whore," Will said without moving. He did not want to give his father any way of seeing Miriam's naked body.

"I need to speak with you William, alone," his father announced. William sighed, not wanting to let go of Miriam.

"I'll meet you in your office in five minutes," Will replied. William Senior nodded and walked out of the office. Will turned back to Miriam and kissed her gently. "I'll be back soon. Wait for me here okay?" Will asked. Miriam nodded and watched Will dress before leaving the office. The moment he was gone, Miriam grabbed her clothes and her purse and headed for the bathroom.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Mira, where are you?" Will asked ten minutes later, trying to contain his anger. After a few moments, he found her crying on the bathroom floor. "What's wrong?" Will wanted to know, some of his anger dissipating. 

"What did your father want?" Miriam asked, trying to gain her composure.

"To tell me that you've been lying to me," Will answered, his anger returning. Miriam's head snapped up with a gasp. "He told me that you're Jewish. Please tell me he's lying," Will pleaded. Miriam began crying again and Will's heart sank. "He wasn't lying, was he?" Will wanted to know. Miriam shook her head.

"He wants to send you to one of the campuses," William told her. Miriam made a noise of fear.

"Please no!" Miriam whispered.

"Give me one good reason why I shouldn't give you over to him," Will demanded. Miriam opened her mouth to answer, but at the last second, turned and made it to the toilet just in time. "Mira, what's going on with you?" Will asked when she was done retching. Miriam shook her head and lay her head against the cool porcelain of the toilet. "Mira?" William asked again, turning her back to face him.




A Harsh Reality Pt. 04



"I'm sorry," Miriam whispered, pushing up against the toilet to help her stand. She dressed quickly, rinsed out her mouth and fled the bathroom, only to find William Senior lounging against the desk.

"You little Jewish whore! You came to kill my son, didn't you," he growled.

"Only if it was necessary. I came first and foremost to see why Will was killing the other Jews," Miriam answered, feeling sick to her stomach again. It was all she could do to keep from vomiting on the older man's shoes. 

"You will die for your treachery," William Senior declared, pulling out a pistol from his pocket. 

"No!" Will shouted, running out of the bathroom. He pulled Miriam behind him as his father cocked the gun.

"Get out of the way Will, or you'll be labeled a Jewish sympathizer," his father warned.

"If you kill Mira, you kill your grandchild," Will announced. Miriam knees gave out and she dropped to the floor. 

"How do you know it's yours and not the child of one of the other young Jewish men?" William Senior asked.

"Mira's been with me pretty much non-stop for the last four months," Will answered. 

"If you're going to kill me, just do it," Miriam whispered.

"Father, I believe the child is mine, but there is no way to really tell until it is born. Keep her alive on the off chance that the child is mine," Will suggested.

"Very well," William Senior said with a sigh. He looked down at Miriam. "If that child is not my son's, you will watch the child die before you are killed," William Senior threatened. 

"I understand," Miriam whispered. The older man gave her one last look of disdain before walking out of the office. Will looked at Miriam and shook his head, not sure what to believe.

"I'll take you home," Will said finally after several moments of silence.

"I need to call Martin," Miriam said when they arrived back at Will's large house.

"Why? Is he the father of the baby?" Will asked.

"No. Martin and Alan are the men that my father sent to protect me in case my life became endangered," Miriam answered.

"What will Martin do? Kill me?"

"No. He'll get me out of town and hide me," Miriam whispered.

"The hell he will! That is my child you carry and I'll kill you before I let you take it away!" Will shouted. Miriam flinched and tears filled her eyes.

"Your father is going to kill me anyway Will. Does it matter if it's before or after I have the baby?" Miriam asked.

"No he won't. My father wouldn't kill an innocent woman, especially not the mother of his grandchild," Will denied. Miriam gave a bitter laugh.

"You don't know your father at all do you?" Miriam asked.

"He loves me Mira," Will said.

"I don't doubt that at all. That love for you is the only reason why I'm still alive," Miriam murmured. She hated the tormented look and the look of distrust on Will's face.

"Use the green bedroom upstairs. I have a phone call to make. We'll talk later," Will promised before he walked away.

~~~~~~~~~~

"How was your nap?" Will asked when he carried in a tray of food several hours later.

"How'd you know I was asleep?" Miriam wanted to know as she sat up.

"I looked in on you two hours ago and you were tossing and turning," William answered. He frowned at the dark circles he saw under her eyes.

"It wasn't very restful," Miriam admitted as William set the tray over her legs.

"Did you know Mrs. Woods before you came here?" William asked. 

"No, why?" Miriam asked.

"Apparently, she is well versed in Judaism," Will said, lifting the lid off the tray. Miriam couldn't hide the smile that appeared on her lips at the sight of the chicken matzo ball soup.

"She's Jewish," Miriam murmured.

"Yes. Don't tell my father," Will said with a groan.

"I have no desire to talk to your father for the remainder of my life, however long or short it is," Miriam sighed. 

"I am glad to have another Jewish person in the house. Why do you look so sad?" Mrs. Woods asked as she walked into the room, carrying a bottle of 7-up and a tall glass. "You're having a baby, you should be happy!" she added.

"I'll never get to know my child Mrs. Woods. Mr. Chancey will kill me after he or she is born," Miriam said quietly. 

"No he won't. My father is a lot of things, but he isn't a monster," Will denied. Miriam choked on the small bite of soup she had taken. 

"Ask him how many other young Jewish women he had his soldiers rape during their stay at the campuses," Miriam snapped.

"Don't you yell at me," Will threatened, his eyes narrowing.

"I don't mean any disrespect sir, but please keep in mind that Mira is pregnant and she should not be upset," Mrs. Woods cautioned before leaving the room.

Will sat silently and watched her eat the soup for a few moments. "What's your real name?" he asked finally. 

"My name is Miriam," she answered, setting the spoon back into the bowl.

"What's wrong? You've only had a few bites," Will asked in alarm.

"I'm okay Will," Miriam murmured.

"You should see a doctor, to make sure everything is okay with the baby," Will said finally.

"I'm fine. I don't need a doctor," Miriam said dully.

"Yes you do," Will insisted, picking up the phone on the bedside table. When he hung up the phone, he turned back to Miriam with a self satisfied smile. "A doctor will be by tomorrow morning," Will told her.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How is the little lying bitch feeling?" William Senior asked when Will sat down across from his father at the table.

"William! Such language! She's the mother of your grandchild!" Cathy scolded.

"She's also a Jewess," William announced.

"Oh Will, you couldn't have been more selective?" Cathy asked with a sigh.

"You liked her once mother, does finding out she's Jewish change anything?" Will asked.

"She seemed like a nice young woman, but if she lied to you about something as important as her religion, how do you know if the child is even yours?" Cathy asked.

"Unbelievable," Will snorted. Cathy turned back to her husband.

"What will happen after Mira has the baby?" Cathy asked her husband.

"You already know the answer to that question," William answered.

"You would kill the mother of your grandchild just because she's Jewish?" Will asked, his eyes wide.

"The damned Jews are the plague of the earth! They're the reason why the economy was so bad under that moronic president Bush!" William exclaimed.

"No father, the economy was bad because of poor decisions, not because there were Jewish people in the government," Will said, rolling his eyes.

"The damned Jews need to be exterminated and nothing will stop us now! Hitler's dream of a Jewish free world will be known!" William shouted.

"The campuses are just large concentration camps aren't they?" Will asked.

"What did you think they were?" William wanted to know.

"Never mind what I thought," Will said. "If you'll excuse me, I need to go check on Miriam," he added, standing up and walking away.

Miriam looked up in alarm when he walked into the bedroom and slammed the door shut behind him. "I take it dinner with your parents didn't go well," Miriam murmured.

"No, it didn't," William said gruffly. 

"I'm sorry," Miriam whispered.

"For my father's extreme views?" William asked.

"No. For making your life difficult," Miriam answered. Her cell phone rang. "It's Malachi," she murmured.

"Malachi?" Will asked.

"Martin," Miriam said.

"Answer," Will told her. "Tell him to come get us. If he comes for you, I'm going too," he added. Miriam studied him quickly before slapping the phone open.

"I'm alright Chi," Miriam said.

"I've been trying to get in touch with you for three fucking days Miriam!" Malachi exclaimed.

"I know, I'm sorry. Things have gotten complicated and I've been sick," Miriam told him. "I need you to come pick me up. I need to go home," she added.

"Where are you?" Malachi wanted to know. Miriam gave him Will's address and hung up the phone.

~~~~~~~~~~~'

"What is he doing with you?" Malachi asked.

"Will is coming with us," Miriam answered.

"The hell he is!" Malachi exclaimed. Ari got out of the van and frowned.

"My father found out that you're all Jewish, I know everything, well, as much as Miriam has told me," Will told Malachi.

"What the hell Mira!" Malachi exploded in anger.

"I'm sorry Chi, I had no choice," Miriam's voice was small, her eyes focused on the ground.

"I can help you and you're not taking Miriam without me," Will said firmly. 

Malachi studied Miriam and shook his head. "It's your funeral Miri," he said as he got in the van. Ari studied Miriam more carefully.

"I'm not a threat to any of you. I've learned some things today that make me question a lot. We have to hurry though, I'm sure my father has discovered his files missing and will be coming for me," William told Ari, opening his backpack and showing Ari the contents. Miriam paled and gripped his arm.

"Will, why?" she wanted to know.

"You're under my skin now Miriam. Even if you have been lying to me about a lot of things over the past year, I've fallen in love with you," Will answered. Tears filled Miriam's eyes.

"I'm sorry Will," she murmured before climbing in the back of the van.

"Get in," Ari decided. Will nodded and climbed in behind Miriam. Ari started to get back into the van when Malachi got out.

"You'd better drive, I might crash the van," Malachi told Ari. Ari nodded and gave his friend a sympathetic glance before getting into the front seat.

They'd only been driving about a half hour when Miriam lost all color in her face. "Ari, pull over," she pleaded. Ari pulled over and Miriam bolted from the van and vomited on the side of the road.

"Still sick?" Malachi asked, getting out after her. He rubbed her back gently, like he had when they were kids and she was sick. Tears filled Miriam's eyes and all she did was give a half of a nod before she climbed back into the van. Will gave Malachi a look that if they could kill, Malachi would be dead three times over. Ari eyed Miriam in the rear-view mirror as he pulled back onto the road. 

"You alright?" Will asked softly. Miriam nodded and wiped away the tears that were streaming down her face. "You love him, don't you?" Will murmured. Miriam glanced at Will and sighed.

"I've known him since I was a child, we've gone through a lot together, and yes, I love him. I don't know if I'm in love with him anymore, but I'll always love him," Miriam said softly.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

"We're stopping for the night. We've got another four hours ahead of us to drive. Who's bunking with who?" Ari asked.

"I'm bunking with Miriam," William said before Malachi could open his mouth.

"Miri?" Malachi asked.

"He won't hurt me Chi," Miriam said softly. Ari went into the office and got two rooms and Malachi stormed into one of them.

"Miri, may I speak with you?" Ari asked. Miriam nodded.

"I'll get our bags," Will told her. Ari led Miriam into the second bedroom and motioned for her to sit.

"What is going on between you and Chancey?" Ari wanted to know.

"I did as I was asked; I got close to him," Miriam murmured.

"How close?" Ari asked.

"Enough for my heart to be in jeopardy," Miriam whispered.

"Talk to me Miri, because I know Malachi is going to talk your father about taking Will to the woods. He doesn't trust him further than he could throw the van," Ari warned. Miriam burst into tears at that.

"I'm pregnant," Miriam admitted. "About three months." Ari swore loudly.

"You weren't supposed to fall in love with him," Ari reminded her. 

"I know. I didn't think that he would be a nice guy, but he is. He isn't like his father. His father wanted to kill me the moment he found out that I'm Jewish and Will wouldn't let him," Miriam knew she was rambling, but she didn't care.

"I'll see what I can do to help with your father," Ari promised as Will walked into the hotel room.

"Are you alright?" Will asked, seeing the tears streaming down Miriam's face. 

"I'm okay," Miriam said softly.

"I'll have dinner set up in about an hour," Ari told them before backing out of the room.

"What did he say that upset you?" Will asked when the door closed.

"Nothing, other than to remind me that my father will probably think you're the enemy and want you killed," Miriam answered.

"Would your father really do that?" Will asked.

"He ordered the death of my ex-husband," Miriam admitted.

"He ordered the death of someone you loved?" Will asked in surprise.

"I never loved him," Miriam spat. She sighed at the look on Will's face. "I'm sorry. There are things you don't know, and I'm too drained to get into it now. I'm just going to summarize this, and please, let that be enough for now," Miriam murmured. 

"Go ahead," Will coaxed.

"Thanks to what your father has been doing, the population of the Jewish people in this country has dropped drastically. I'm one of my father's top operatives, but, in order to help regrow the Jewish population, he arranged a marriage with another of his top operatives. I've known him for as long as I've known Malachi and Jake hated both of us for a practical joke that we played on him. Anyway, Jake did rape me on our wedding night. I never wanted to have sex, he always hurt me. He abused me, every day. If I tried to deny him, he beat me until I couldn't refuse him anymore. He tried to go after Hannah, my younger sister once when I was on the rag. I barely got to Malachi's cabin in time to stop him. He nearly beat me to death before raping me anally," Miriam whispered. Will's eyes were wide and full of anger.

"No body deserves to be treated like that," Will growled. He waited for Miriam to cry herself to sleep before going back out to the van. Malachi was getting his bag and he looked up in annoyance. "Miriam told me what her ex did. Who killed the bastard?" Will asked. Malachi chuckled.

"Come into the other room and we'll talk," Malachi suggested.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"Miri!" Hannah shrieked when the van came to a stop in the parking area. Miriam climbed out of the van and gave her sister a tight hug.

"You have to stop growing up kiddo," Miriam teased.

"Yes, she does," Liam said from behind his daughters. Miriam gave her father a hug. "Hannah even has a boyfriend now," he added.

"You aren't allowed to date," Malachi said from behind Miriam, ruffling Hannah's hair.

"He's really nice," Hannah told him. 

"You've changed," Liam commented, studying his oldest daughter carefully.

"How so?" Miriam asked carefully, glancing at Ari.

"You're glowing," Liam observed. Miriam blushed and shrugged it off, glanced back as Will got out of the van. "Who is that?" Liam wanted to know, turning.

"Dad, this is Will," Miriam said quietly.

"You brought William Chancey here? Are you guys crazy?" Liam bellowed.

"I'm not a threat to you," Will said, raising his hands up in a defensive nature. He handed his back pack over to Liam. "These are my father's files and blue prints of all of his so called campuses," Will added.

"He's been very good to me dad. His father found out about me being Jewish and wanted to kill me. Will managed to stop him," Miriam murmured.

"I'll let it go for now, but we're going to have a very long talk," Liam growled. 

"Miri, there's Lucy and Josh," Ari said, tapping his friend on the shoulder. Miriam looked up and jogged up the hill to meet her friend. Will smiled as he watched Lucy hand Josh over to Miriam. "She looks good with a baby in her arms, doesn't she?" Ari asked Will quietly. Will nodded and swallowed hard. "I'll put a good word in with Liam for you. I've been watching you with Miriam. I don't think you're out to hurt her or kill any of us," Ari told him.

"Thanks," Will said gratefully

"So why do you think William Chancey over there is clean?" Liam asked at dinner that night.

"He's a nice guy dad, can't you leave it at that?" Miriam pleaded.

"Has he hurt you?" Liam wanted to know.

"No. Just the opposite," Miriam said with a blush. Liam raised his eye brow.

"Meaning?" Liam asked. Miriam glanced at Will who was studying her carefully.

"I love him dad," Miriam said finally.

"Love him," Liam spat. "Do you even know what love is?" Liam asked.

"Miriam isn't a child Liam," Malachi said, his voice was dangerously low.

"I know that," Liam growled.

"Then leave her be," Ari advised.

"He's not Jewish," Liam protested.

"It doesn't matter," Malachi said. Miriam looked at Malachi in surprise, she hadn't expected him to stand up for her and Will.

"I can have another marriage arranged," Liam reminded Miriam.

"The Rabbi would never agree to marry me to anyone," Miriam said.

"And why is that?" Liam wanted to know. Will took Miriam's hand under the table and squeezed it.

"Because Will and I are having a baby," Miriam announced.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

-2 hours later-

"Miriam?" Malachi asked, once he found her sitting down by the river.

"He hates me," Miriam whispered.

"No he doesn't. He's just worried," Malachi soothed.

"I haven't seen him this angry since he realized what Jake was doing to me," Miriam sniffled. Malachi gave her a gentle hug.

"You really do love him," Malachi observed. Miriam looked at him through tear filled eyes and nodded.

"I'm sorry Chi. I do love you, but ..." Malachi kissed her gently then pressed his finger to her lips.

"It's okay Miri. Like I said when you married Jake, if you need me, I'll be here," Malachi promised. "How far along are you?" he wanted to know.

"Just a few days over three months," Miriam answered.

"You seem like you're taking it better this time," Malachi observed.

"I want this baby Chi. I know that Will cares for me, maybe even loves me. Or at least he did before he discovered that I was lying to him," Miriam told him with a soft smile. Malachi chuckled and tucked a random strand of hair back behind her ear.

"He loves you Miriam. I think he forgives you for lying to him," Malachi said. Miriam smile widened at that. "C'mon, we'd better get back to camp, Will's worried about you," he added.

"Are you alright?" Will asked when Malachi returned Miriam to her cabin.

"I'm fine. I just needed some air," Miriam answered.

"I found her by the river between the apple trees. It's her favorite spot," Malachi supplied. Will smiled and swallowed hard.

"Malachi, could you do me a favor and convince Ari and Lucy to meet the three of us there in about twenty minutes?" Will asked. Malachi looked at him curiously but nodded and walked out of the cabin.

"What do you have up your sleeve?" Miriam wanted to know.

"I talked to the one of the Rabbis that live in the camp, explained to him that we were having a baby and showed him the marriage license that I had secured before I went to see my parents yesterday," Will told her.

"What are you saying?" Miriam asked, hardly able to breathe.

"I want to marry you Miriam. I want to marry you tonight," Will answered. Tears of joy filled Miriam's eyes, wrapped her arms around his neck and hugged Will tightly. "There's a dress in the wardrobe, put it on. Hannah will be waiting for you outside," Will told her. He kissed her gently and headed for the river.



A Harsh Reality Pt. 05



CHAPTER SEVEN

"I can't believe you got married without my permission or approval!" Liam shouted. Miriam winced as her father continued to yell at her.

"I am a grown woman. I should be free to make my own decisions about who I do or do not marry!" Miriam exclaimed.

"You're Jewish Miriam, and he, he kills Jews!"

"No he doesn't! His father has ordered the deaths, but not Will! He didn't even know what went on in the camps!" Miriam protested.

"You shouldn't have his child Miriam. Abort it, like you did Jake's," Liam ordered. Tears filled Miriam's eyes and she used her hands as shields over her abdomen.

"Never," Miriam whispered. Liam would have said more, but a knock at the door gained his attention.

"What is it?" Liam snapped. The door opened and two of the Rabbis walked into the room. "We're busy," Liam growled.

"I know, but this can't wait," one of the Rabbis said. He handed Liam a flier. "Justin found this in the nearest town when he went in for supplies," he added. Liam swore under his breath and showed it to Miriam.

"Take this to Will, he has the right to know," Liam told his daughter.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Damn him!" Will shouted, slamming his fist on the table making Miriam jump. Malachi placed his hands on her shoulders to help calm her and cast a concerned glance at Ari.

"Nobody saw Will with us, so it will take a lot for them to track us down," Ari mused.

"What if he does find us?" Miriam whispered, her hands again dropped to her abdomen. Will turned to her and took her hands in his.

"He won't hurt you or the baby, I promise," Will told her, his voice low.

"Yes he will. Your father is ruthless. You saw what he's done. He had us watch one of his soldiers rape an innocent woman! All because she refused to forget she was in love with her husband! And then they killed her! Right in front of us! The only thing that kept him from killing me is the baby! If it weren't for me being pregnant, I'd be dead already!" Miriam's voice was shrill, she boarded on hysterics.

"Guys, could you give us a few?" Will asked Malachi and Ari. Ari nodded and headed for the door. Malachi looked less sure and hesitated. "I'm not going to hurt her Malachi," Will told him. 

"Come on Chi, give them a few moments," Ari said, grabbing his friend's arm. Malachi nodded and followed Ari out of the room.

Will took Miriam's hands in his and led her to the couch. "Listen to me Mira. I won't let him hurt you. I swear on my life that I won't let him hurt you," William murmured.

"He'll kill you once he knows you've become a Jew supporter. He'll even kill the baby because he won't consider you family anymore!" Miriam was beyond hysterics at this point and began hyperventilating. 

"Miriam stop it!" William exclaimed, shaking her gently. "I will not let him hurt either of you. Don't forget, he has to get through me and Malachi and Ari!" Will reminded her.

"I'm scared Will," Miriam whispered. Will smiled and kissed her gently.

"I'll keep you safe," he promised before kissing her again. Miriam moaned and pressed herself against him, her hands on his shoulders. "I need you Mira," Will's voice was husky with desire.

"Then take me," Miriam whispered. She pushed him away long enough to pull her clothes off; whimpered when he dipped two fingers up inside her.

"God Miriam, I love you more than I thought I ever could love anyone," Will moaned. Miriam squirmed against his fingers as Will undid his pants with his free hand.

"Will, I need you inside me, please," Miriam whispered. William pushed his pants and boxers down and let them drop to around his ankles. Miriam cried out as he pushed her against the couch before slamming into hard and fast. Small whimpers of pleasure escaped her as she met him thrust for hard thrust.

"You're so beautiful," Will groaned. Miriam gasped and moaned loudly when his cock started brushing against her g-spot.

"Oh God Will, don't stop! Don't ever stop!" Miriam wailed. Will chuckled and kissed her hard.

"Don't worry precious, I won't," Will promised as he increased the speed and intensity of his thrusts. Miriam gasped loudly as her climax spiraled towards her. "Let go," he whispered before closing his mouth around one of her nipples. Will shuddered when he felt Miriam's body clench around him as she came with a loud scream that got louder and shakier when his seed pulsed into her.

"Is everyone alright in here?" Liam asked, bursting into the door, Malachi and Ari right behind him. Miriam gasped and blushed as Will struggled to grab hold of a blanket to cover them with.

"We're fine," Will said.

"So we can see," Malachi said with a grin.

"We heard screaming," Liam reminded Malachi.

"Yeah, sorry, I'm a bit loud," Miriam admitted with a blush. Malachi winked at her, causing her blush to deepen.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Liam asked his daughter.

"She's fine Liam, let's go make sure Hannah isn't screaming in the same way," Ari advised, pulling the older man out of the cabin.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"My father thinks you kidnapped me?" Will asked, his eyes wide.

"He's got patrols out looking for you," Ari confirmed.

"Wonderful," Will said sarcastically.

"What's going to happen?" Miriam wanted to know. Malachi patted her on the shoulder reassuringly.

"Nothing is going to happen," Liam said. 

"The last time you said nothing was going to happen, we found our neighbor's family murdered," Miriam reminded her father.

"I won't let anything happen." The look on Will's face made Miriam nervous.

"What are you going to do?" Miriam asked.

"If it comes to it, I'll go back," Will said reluctantly.

"No!" Miriam exclaimed, launching herself out of her chair.

"If that's what it takes to keep you safe, then I'll do it," Will told her. Ari and Malachi looked at Liam and the three of them quickly left the cabin.

"I can't do this alone," Miriam's voice bored on hysterics. 

"And you won't. My father won't kill me Miriam. If I have to go home to my parents, I promise you that I will come back. I will be here with you when you have the baby," Will promised, even though he knew, that his father would most likely try to kill him for marrying a Jew and that even if he got away from his father, it would be months, or even years before he saw Miriam again. 

"You promise?" Miriam sniffled. 

William wrapped his arms around Miriam and hugged her tightly before pulling away, looked her in the face and said, "I promise that I will come back to you. To both of you." A noise in the doorway had them both looking up to find a very displeased Liam standing in the doorway. "What is it?" William asked. 

"We need to talk. Miriam, go visit with Hannah and one of the doctors. I want a full detailed plan on how to keep my grandchild safe," Liam directed.

"You told me I should have an abortion!" Miriam shot back. Liam sighed.

"Miriam, I was angry that you got married without my permission, but it was wrong of me to take out my dislike of the child's father and other grandfather. For that I apologize. Now go visit with your sister and one of the doctors," Liam instructed. Miriam hesitated for a moment then slipped from the cabin. Once he was satisfied that Miriam was out of hearing range, Liam turned on his new and unwanted son. "I don't like you," Liam began.

"I never would have guessed," William said sarcastically.

"But my daughter seems to like you and you are the father of my grandchild. For those reasons alone, I will accept you. If you turn us over to your father, know that you will hurt my daughter deeply and for that, I will kill you," Liam finished.

"I won't betray you to my father. I'm embarrassed that I'm even related to him," William promised.

"You wanted to see me?" Malachi asked, coming to a stop at the river. William looked up and nodded as he stood. "What's up?" Malachi wanted to know.

"There's a chance that Miriam is correct and that my father will kill me, or at least try to kill me. If I don't come back, I want you to take care of Miriam and the baby," William said. Malachi looked at him in surprise. "I know you love Miriam, she told me what happened between the two of you and I trust you to make sure they're both safe," he added.

"Of course I'll take care of Miriam and the baby, but you'd better not let it come to that or if and when you come back, I'll kick your Gentile ass!" Malachi promised with a hiss. He studied William carefully. "You really do love her," Malachi observed. 

"I really do," William confirmed.

"Then make sure you come back," Malachi said before walking away.



A Harsh Reality Pt. 06



CHAPTER EIGHT

"Where were you?" Miriam asked as William slid into bed later that night.

"I was talking with Malachi. Don't worry, everything is okay," William answered. 

"You're going to leave me aren't you?" Miriam whispered, sitting up and rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.

"Not unless I have to," William told her honestly. "Don't," William pleaded seeing her eyes fill with tears. He gathered Miriam in his arms and held her tight. "I love you Miriam," he whispered, kissing her gently.

"I love you too. Please don't leave me," she pleaded. 

"Let's not think about this now. Let's just be together," William suggested, sliding his hand under her night gown. Soon, their moans of pleasure filled the cabin and drifted in the wind.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

- months later-

William swallowed hard as he watched Miriam sleep fitfully, her arms cradling her swollen abdomen and ignored the feeling that was gnawing at his stomach. He knew there was a chance that he'd never see Miriam again, let alone see his child be born. He longed to get back in the bed and to take Miriam into his arms and hold her tight, to feel their son or daughter move within Miriam's womb, but he knew, he couldn't. 

His father had refused to give up his search for his only son and had publicly announced that the Jewish resistance had kidnapped his son and were using him to increase their dwindling numbers. The bands of bigots that had joined the search for William Chancey Junior and they had come dangerously close to the camp. As a result, William was leading a small group of Liam's soldiers to stop William Chancey Senior once and for all. 

William looked up as the door creaked open and sighed when he saw Ari standing in the doorway. William placed a note on the desk for Miriam, kissed her forehead softly and followed his friend and commander out of the cabin where a small group of people were gathered.

"You don't have to do this Will," Malachi told him quietly.

"Yes, I do. I trusted my father and let him use my picture as a figure head while he ruled and I turned a blind eye and now, my wife and child's lives are at stake."

"Good luck," Malachi said. William looked at the ground when Lucy threw her arms around Ari's neck, her eyes full of tears.

"I'll come back, I promise. I won't leave you and to Joshua. I love you," Ari's voice was soft, but everyone could hear the love and emotion in it.

"I love you too," Lucy murmured, and was unable to contain the sniffle that escaped her as Ari bent down and kissed the top of their son's head as he slept, unaware of the pain and fear that surrounded him. 

Ari kissed her once then pulled away, bent down and grabbed his bag. "Let's move out," he said to his team. 

Malachi put his arm around Lucy's shoulder as they watched Ari, William and several others of the group walk up the hill that led to the parking lot. Nobody left until the group was out of sight. Lucy held Josh close as she headed back with Malachi to her cabin when they heard the sound they both were dreading. The door to Miriam's cabin opened and closed. "What's going on?" Miriam wanted to know, as she tied her robe closed. Malachi and Lucy exchanged glances, turned back towards their friend's cabin and walked slowly to her.

"Let's go inside," Malachi suggested, taking Miriam by the hand and leading her inside her cabin.

"He did what!?" Miriam exclaimed, looked at the paper Malachi slid into her hand as if it were a foreign object that she'd never seen before.

"We didn't have a choice. Chancey was getting too close to the camp. Will and Ari are leading a team to take Chancey out, he's only about ten miles from here. This is our only chance to take over and win!" Malachi told her. 

"But he promised he'd be here for the baby," Miriam's voice was quiet and full of fear.

"He is. In here," Lucy's voice was equally quiet as she pointed to Miriam's heart. Josh began to whimper in his mother's arms and Miriam lowered her gaze to the now squirming child.

"Take him home Lu, I'm sure my father will be having a meeting tomorrow morning about all of this," Miriam instructed, hoping she didn't sound as bitter as she felt. She knew that this wasn't Lucy's fault and she knew Lucy was equally as afraid with Ari out in the field as Miriam was about Will. Lucy gave her friend a gentle hug and patted her on the shoulder before she allowed Malachi to help her to door.

"Miri, do you need me to come back after I walk Lucy home?" Malachi asked. Miriam nodded and was unable to hold the tears back any longer as she read finally read the letter from Will.

"I can find my own way Mal, stay with Miriam," Lucy said quietly.

"Are you sure? Ari would never forgive me if something happened to you on the way home," Malachi asked. Both of them looked up when the door opened to reveal Hannah and her boyfriend Jonah.

"We'll walk Lucy home Chai, you stay with Miri," Hannah said. Malachi nodded and watched as Lucy followed the younger people out the door before turning back to the bed where Miriam sat, her body shaking with sobs. 

Malachi crossed the room in three strides, sank to the bed and pulled his long time friend into his arms.

"It's going to be okay Miri, I promise. Will is coming back to you," Malachi murmured, rubbed her back soothingly until the sobs subsided and she drifted off into a troubled sleep.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"What are you going to do when we get there?" Ari asked Will.

"I'm not sure yet. I was thinking of ..." William stopped and looked around before quietly explaining the beginning of his plan to his friend.

~~~~~~~~~~

"Sir, your son!" a man exclaimed, running into the room that Chancey had taken over as a temporary office.

"What about him?" Chancey wanted to know, not looking up from the papers on his desk.

"We've found him. He's in the lobby of the hotel, and he's been badly beaten," the man answered. Chancey looked up sharply and followed the man to the lobby.

"Will?" Chancey asked, studying his son carefully.

"You were right father, they're horrible people that need to be exterminated," William said bitterly. Chancey's eyes widened when he saw the extensive bruises and lacerations on his son's face. William's left eye was so badly blackened that he could hardly see out of it.

"What did they do to you?" Chancey asked.

"Miriam lost the baby, and the minute she did, she turned against me, blamed it on me, on the stress you put her through before she left." William swallowed, hating that he had to say these things about Miriam and their child. "I only went with her because I wanted to be part of the baby's life, please tell me you understand that," William said. 

His father nodded. "Of course I can. I am sorry I was wrong about that one, I had hoped that she loved you despite her Jewishness. I was willing to try and reform her," Chancey told his son. William accepted the ice pack one of the assistant's handed him and placed it gingerly on his swollen eye.

"I'm glad you're home Will, I've missed you, and I'm sorry about the baby," Cathy said, sitting down on the side of the bed her son was laying on.

"I've missed you too mom, and thanks," William grumbled.

"She seemed like such a nice girl," Cathy murmured.

"She changed when we got back with her father," William sighed. Cathy gave him a knowing look and hugged him gently. Cathy started to say something else, but William stopped her with a look. "Mom, this is all pretty new, please, can we drop it?" William asked. He didn't bother to try to hide the pain he was feeling, but knew his mother needed to think the pain was from the loss of his child and not from sneaking out in the middle of the night, leaving the woman he loved pregnant and alone to wonder if he was alive or dead; if his father would buy his story or if he would be killed on sight.

"Of course! Get some rest, and we'll see you in the morning," Cathy told him. She gave her son one last hug and walked out of the room.

~~~~~~~~~~~

"How is she doing?" Liam asked Malachi.

"Miriam will be okay, I think, but it will take her some time. She loves him Liam, she really loves Will and he loves her just as much. He left to keep Miri and the baby safe," Malachi answered, accepting the glass of scotch the older man was holding out for him. "I just hope he comes back," he added. Liam said nothing, he just watched Malachi slam the drink back and walk out of the cabin.

"What do you think you are doing?" Malachi demanded to know, as he came to a stop besides Miriam.

"Leading a class," Miriam answered.

"You should be resting," Malachi said.

"I'm not going to break Chai, and if I don't do something, I'm going to obsess over what's happening to Will," she murmured. "Besides, I'm not doing anything, just instructing," she added. Malachi looked over and saw their friends David and Sara leading the training exercise. 

"Just be careful," Malachi instructed before walking away.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"You little bastard!" Chancey shouted as he stormed into his son's room.

"Father?" William asked.

"Don't father me! Did you think we would find your little band of Jewish rebels?" Chancey demanded to know.

"I was hoping you would," William said with a grin. Chancey looked surprised when William pulled out a gun, silencer already attached. "This is the end of your reign of terror, Adolf," William added, shooting his father three times in the heart and once between the eyes. He looked up when Ari and the others walked into the room.

"Are you ready?" Ari asked William. 

William stared at his father's dead body and nodded. "Miriam needs me," William said. 

Ari grinned and nodded. "I got a coded message from Malachi; Miriam's getting uncomfortable and has been confined to bed until either you return or the baby is born," Ari told Will.

"Let's get out of here then," William said, following the men out of the room.

"What is the meaning of this?!" Cathy demanded as William and Ari stormed Chancey's office.

"Just come with us mom, please. Dad's gone, murdered," Will said. 

"What?" Cathy gasped.

"I killed him mom. I lied to you both, Miriam never lost the baby, but dad has been coming after her, he wanted to kill the mother of your grandchild, didn't want that grandchild to have a chance to live," Will told his mother.

"You're lying!" Cathy cried.

"No mom, I'm not." William tossed her the keys to the desk. "Dad kept personal files in the bottom drawer," he added. Cathy caught the keys and opened the drawer and skimmed the file, gasped when she saw what her husband had really been up to. "We can talk later, right now, I need to get to Miriam, she isn't handling my absence well, she knows what my father was capable of," Will told his mother.

"Please mom, just come with us," he pleaded when he saw his mother hesitate.

"Will, we need to go, or we're going to have company," Ari warned from the doorway as he added a fresh clip to his rifle.

"I'll come," Cathy said after a minute. She gave one last look at the office of what was once a Marriott hotel before following Will and Ari out into the wilderness.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Miriam, where the fuck are you?!" Malachi shouted as he searched the camp for his friend. Despite being on bed rest and guarded, Miriam was nowhere to be found. Malachi took a deep breath and tried to figure out where Miriam would have gone, trying hard not to panic. A crisp cool breeze blew over him and the scent of apples wafted his way. "The apple trees by the river," he said to himself and made his way to the river, breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Miriam sitting on the bank.

"Miri, what the hell are you thinking?" Malachi asked as he dropped to the ground next to her.

"I needed some air and some space," Miriam answered.

"You get plenty of that here," Malachi agreed, frowned when he saw the tears on her face. "Miri, talk to me," he murmured.

"It's been two and a half months and we haven't heard anything from Will or Ari," Miriam whispered.

"I heard from Ari this morning. It's done, they're on their way home," Malachi told her.

"Really? You aren't just lying to make me feel better?" Miriam asked, her eyes widening with hope.

"I'm not lying. Scout's honor," Malachi promised. Miriam laughed and slugged her friend in the arm. "What?" Malachi asked.

"You were never a boy scout," Miriam reminded him. Malachi laughed with her but his laughter died in his throat when he saw Miriam gasp and hunch over.

"What is it? What's wrong?" Malachi asked, reaching for her.

"It's nothing Chai, just another contraction," Miriam answered.

"Just a contraction!? Wait, did you say another one?" Malachi asked.

"Yes," Miriam said with a moan.

"How long have you been having them?" Malachi wanted to know.

"A few hours," she admitted.

"C'mon, we'd better get you to the docs," Malachi said, resisting the urge to lecture her.

"I don't think I'm going to make it back to camp," Miriam said as Malachi helped her to her feet.

"Why not?" Malachi demanded.

"Because my water just broke." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Where are we going?" Cathy asked, stopping against a tree to catch her breath.

"There's no time for that mom," Will said gently.

"I need to rest Will, I'm an old woman," Cathy reminded her son.

"We're almost to the truck, c'mon, maybe we'll get lucky and you'll get to be there before your grandson or granddaughter makes his or her appearance," William said. 

They got to the truck just as shots rang out. "Ari, get my mom to camp, I'll meet you there. I'll get to the other truck. Go, keep my mother safe," Will instructed.

"I don't take orders from you Will, but I will take your mom to the truck," Ari agreed. "This way ma'am," he said, hoping he didn't strangle the woman who had been married to the enemy. 

"Be careful!" Cathy shouted as Ari pushed her into the truck and sped away leaving Will to dodge bullets and fight for his life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Easy," Malachi murmured when Miriam screamed.

"It hurts! Lucy never said it would hurt this bad!" Miriam wailed.

"Push!" Malachi shouted. Miriam screamed again and pushed as hard as she could, and gasped for breath and tried to sit up when the baby slid into Malachi's hands, screaming loudly. "Oh God Miri, a girl, it's a girl!" Malachi exclaimed, lifting his eyes to meet hers.

"Is she okay?" Miriam asked.

"She looks perfect to me," Malachi told her. He worked quickly, tied off and cut the umbilical cord before wrapping the new baby in his jacket. "Here," he added, sliding the baby into Miriam's arms. "You stay here, I'm going to go get help," he added.

"Chai," Miriam said softly as Malachi started to stand. 

"Yeah?" Malachi asked.

"Thank you," she murmured. Malachi smiled, pushed himself up, washed his hands off in the river before dropping a kiss on the top of Miriam's head.

"Don't mention it," Malachi said before he hurried to find help.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Will looked around, hoping he'd gotten all of the men that had followed them from the Marriott, seeing nobody, he hurried through the woods and just as he reached the backup car, he felt a searing pain in his shoulder. Through gritted teeth, Will turned around and fired back, shooting the lone soldier. "Hang on Miriam, I'm coming," Will murmured as he climbed in the driver's seat. He started the car and headed for the camp.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"How are you feeling?" Hannah asked her sister as she helped Miriam brush her hair. 

"Better than yesterday," Miriam answered with a small laugh. She glanced over at the cradle where her tiny daughter slept. "Is there any word on Will?" she asked.

"Not yet." Miriam looked up.

"Ari!" she exclaimed, pushing herself up.

"No Miri, you rest. You had a rough day yesterday," Ari said with a smile. He crossed the room and gave his friend a gentle hug and a kiss. "She's beautiful Miri," he added, studying the baby closely.

"Maybe she and Josh will be a match some day," Hannah teased.

"Let's not rush things," Miriam suggested.

Ari laughed until Miriam gave a shout of surprise and turned around in time to see William collapse in the doorway of the cabin.

"Miriam!" William managed before the world went dark.



A Harsh Reality Pt. 07



CHAPTER NINE

"Let me see him!" Miriam demanded, trying to push past Malachi and Ari, who were both under strict orders from Liam not to let her past them.

"Sorry Miri, not until the docs are done with him," Malachi said firmly.

"You should be resting," Ari added.

"He's my husband, Mal! I have the right to see him!" Miriam's voice was shrill, and while she was clearly tired, there was a determination within her that kept her standing, her eyes flashing with anger at being kept from her husband and the worry she felt for him.

"They won't let me see him either." Miriam looked over and stared at her mother in surprise; Cathy was one of the last people she expected to see. "It's good to see you Mrs. Chancey," Miriam said slowly.

"Call me Cathy, I suppose at this point, we should be beyond formalities. After all, you are the mother of my grandchild, if Will is to be believed," Cathy said, looking at Miriam cautiously.

"Why would Will lie about something like that?" Malachi demanded to know, turning on the woman. 

He'd been furious with Ari for bringing Cathy Chancey to the camp, but he understood; he'd have wanted his mother with him if the country was about to change drastically.

"Maybe Will believes he's the father, but who knows? I mean, he didn't know Miriam very well before he started fucking her." The look in Cathy's eyes when she looked at Miriam was a cold look of disdain.

"Will is the baby's father, but that's neither here nor there. I want to see him Ari, NOW!" Miriam exclaimed.

"Your father said not until the doctors are done," Ari said.

"And you should go back to bed," Malachi added.

"Jesus fucking christ Malachi! You'd think nobody had ever had given birth before with the way you're trying to baby me!" Miriam shouted.

"You had the baby?" Cathy asked, looking at Miriam carefully.

"Yesterday evening," Miriam confirmed. "I'm fine Mal," she turned back to her friend.

"I hate being called Mal," Malachi said through gritted teeth.

"And I want to see my husband," Miriam snapped.

"Husband? When did that happen?" Cathy demanded to know.

"Right after we got to camp," Miriam answered, sighing in frustration.

"Miri, the doctors are working on Will, I'm sure he'll be fine," Malachi said gently, pushing her down into a chair. "You on the other hand look exhausted," he added.

"I'm fine Chai," Miriam murmured, no longer angry with her friend.

"And how close are the two of you?" Cathy asked, looking between Malachi and Miriam through narrowed eyes.

"We've known each other since we were kids," Malachi answered. A noise in the doorway had his attention. "Hey Luce," he said. Ari turned and embraced his wife and took Josh from her.

"Hannah's right behind me with the baby over Miri," Lucy said softly. "Any word?" Lucy asked.

"Not yet," Miriam sighed, stood up when Hannah walked in with the sleeping baby. "Did she wake up at all?" Miriam asked her sister.

"Nope, she's been asleep the entire time," Hannah told her sister as she passed the baby back to Miriam. Miriam gave her sister a fond smile and glanced down at her daughter who was now squirming.

"May I?" Cathy asked softly. Miriam hesitated then turned to her mother. "She's beautiful. What have you named her?" Cathy wanted to know.

"I haven't yet. I wanted to talk to Will first," Miriam answered. Everyone looked up as the doctor and her father stepped into the hall. "How is he?" Miriam wanted to know.

"He's awake Miriam and asking for you. He's going to be fine," the doctor told Miriam. Cathy and Miriam both started into the room and the doctor held up a hand. "Ma'am, I don't mean you any disrespect, but I think we should give your son and his wife a few minutes so that Miriam can introduce Will to his daughter," the doctor said gently. Cathy tensed at that but nodded and took a step back. Miriam gave her a grateful look and pushed past the doctor and into the room.

"Will?" Miriam asked softly. William opened his eyes and smiled.

"You're a sight for sore eyes," he murmured. His gaze dropped to the baby in her arms and his eyes widened. "When?" he wanted to know.

"Yesterday, about an hour before you stumbled back into camp," Miriam answered. "The doctor says she's perfect," she added.

"She?" William asked with a smile.

"Yes." Miriam sat down in the chair that was by the bed so that Will could see the little girl they'd created.

"She's beautiful." William's voice was full of exhaustion and pain.

"Did they give you anything for the pain?" Miriam asked, looking up at the IV.

"I told them not to until I got a chance to see you," William answered.

"Don't be such a tough guy," Miriam chastised.

"I've missed you. I hope you understand why I had to leave and forgive me. I never wanted to leave you," William said.

"We can talk about that later Will," Miriam told him. "Your mom wants to see you," she added as the door opened behind her. "Come in Cathy," Miriam called with a small sigh.

"I needed to see for myself that Will is okay," Cathy said, not sounding the least bit sorry at interrupting their reunion.

"I'm fine mom, it was just a shoulder wound," Will told his mother, wincing at the tight hug she gave him.

"I'm your mother, I needed to see that for myself," Cathy said, rolling her eyes at her son's attempt to downplay his injury.

"Mom, could Miriam and I have a few minutes? I want to hold my daughter," William inquired. Cathy gave Miriam a hostile look but nodded and left the room. William looked up at Miriam. "May I?" Miriam smiled, nodded and slid the baby who was now awake, into her father's arms. Surprisingly, the baby was quiet, and not crying, just looked up at her father curiously.

"You should rest," Miriam said softly.

"So should you," William countered.

"I will when you do," Miriam said stubbornly. William laughed and winced at the pain that shot through his shoulder at the movement. They both looked up when the doctor walked in, Liam trailing behind him. "I'm not leaving," Miriam told her father before he could open his mouth.

"Miriam, be reasonable. You've just had a baby," Liam protested.

"I've been without my husband for months and I refuse to be without him any longer," Miriam argued.

"How about we set up a second bed and a cradle in here, that way Miriam can be with Will until he is released?" the doctor suggested.

"That works for me," William and Miriam said together.

"I'll have it arranged. In the mean time, Will, do you think you could handle some food?" Liam asked.

"Maybe some soup," William agreed.

"Hannah made Matzo Ball soup earlier," Miriam told her father, her eyes not leaving William's.

"I'll have your sister bring some for both of you, and then as soon as that bed and cradle get here, I want you to both get some rest," Liam instructed.

"Did you really marry her Will?" Cathy asked a few days later while they were waiting for Liam, Malachi and Ari to arrive in the main cabin.

"Yes mom, I really married her and her name is Miriam. Please use it," Will said with a sigh.

"And the baby?" Cathy asked.

"We named her Abigail Eliana," William answered with a smile. He'd only known his daughter for just under a week, but he was already head over heels in love with her.

"That's a pretty name. What does it mean?," Cathy asked with a small smile. She'd warmed up considerably to Miriam when she learned that if she refused to respect Miriam's place in William's life or she'd never be allowed near her son or grand daughter again.

"Abigail means father's joy and Eliana means God has answered," William told his mother.

"I'm sure she will be her father's joy," Cathy murmured. William sighed, knowing his mother wanted to add the words, 'whomever he is' to her sentence. "I'm sorry Will, but she lied to you about her religion, how can you be one hundred percent sure she isn't lying about the baby being yours?" Cathy asked.

"Because I know Miriam, mom. I know her better than you think I do. Abby is my little girl, and I love Miriam." William looked up when his father and new allies walked into the room.

"Glad to hear it," Liam said. Cathy blushed but didn't move to apologize. "Mrs. Chancey, I understand your hesitation to trust my daughter, but she has never lied about anything in her life, unlike your husband," Liam told the woman. Cathy bristled at the comment but let it go; she'd seen the files her husband had left behind. For all his bigotry and hatred, William Chancey senior was an intelligent and was quite anal retentive when it came to keeping all of his business documents well organized and even Cathy couldn't deny what her husband had been doing, the number of people he had imprisoned and ordered to their deaths. 

"I am sorry for what my husband has done, it is deplorable, but I can't change it," Cathy said tersely. 

"How can you judge my daughter when your husband has done so much worse than lied about her religion?" Liam asked.

"Enough! Both of you!" William exclaimed. "This won't help!" he added. "Here's what we need to do, Liam, please let me know if you have any suggestions on how to make it happen." 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

EPILOGUE

-Years later-

William stood at the podium as he watched video of the last campus being torn down and then turned to look out over the sea of people.

"Ladies and gentlemen, in 2000, my father, William Chancey senior took over this country after instigating the assassination of a President and within ten years, he made it illegal to be Jewish and built what he advertised as campuses. In reality, they were concentration camps, bigger and far worse than the world saw during the second world war. Somehow, my father managed to keep the truth for me while using me as a figure head and in 2010, my eyes were opened to the atrocities my father was committing and they were opened by my wife Miriam. It has taken five years, but the video behind you was demolition of the final campus my father created, putting an end to his murderous reign. It is no longer illegal to be Jewish, or Muslim, Buddist or any other religion. Punishments will be very strict for anyone who attempts to harm anyone out of hatred. The country is undergoing a reformation and things will change. We will accept our neighbors for who they are. I personally guarantee that during my life time, I will do whatever I can to stop hate crimes. I don't want my children growing up in a world of hate and a world of murder. Any questions?" William asked.

"How do we know you're telling the truth? That you won't hunt the Jews anymore?" one woman called out.

"Miri, come up here please," William said softly. Miriam stepped forward, Abigail's hand enclosed tightly in hers and an infant wrapped in a blue blanket in her other arm. "This is my wife Miriam, daughter Abby and our son Samuel. Miriam is Jewish; she and her father as well as the other surviving Jews of Michigan had been fighting against my father for years. Miriam is one of the kindest people I've ever met. 

William lifted Abigail into his arms and then slipped his hand into Miriam's as they watched the people take it all in. "Do you think that they'll be able to heal?" Miriam asked quietly.

"It will take time, already things are improving and I believe the people can see that. Only time will tell if it will be enough. I can't erase hatred and bigotry, but I can do what I can to make it safer, for them, for us, for our children and eventually, our grandchildren," William murmured. Miriam smiled, looked down at the boy in her arms and kissed him.

"I hope you're right," Miriam's voice was barely audible, she looked up when two of the Rabbis from their camp, along with a preacher from every known faith stepped forward. 

"We are ready to start the prayer session," one of the Rabbis said. Miriam and William smiled.

"Then please start Rabbi Taubman," William insisted, then stepped back with Miriam by his side and when the Rabbis finished reciting the Mi Sheberakh, joined in with the mass, "Amen."

Mi Sheberakh for those of you who do not know, is Hebrew and it is the prayer for healing.

Thank you for going on the journey of this story; it was a difficult story for me to write, especially with everything that has been going on in my life recently. Thanks for sticking with it; let me know if I should attempt a follow-up with the children born during the course of this story.

Shabbat Shalom, or Good Sabbath to all.