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Kate Pt. 02

By: MoogPlayer



I hope you all enjoyed the first part of this tale; my editor certainly did...and yes, I finally found a good one and I'd like to thank her in advance so; "Thanks Chris." This is going to be the last thing I post for a while as I'm going to try and finish up my third book. However, it doesn't mean I'm going to quit posting stories here, it means that my some time near the end of May. I'll tell you what the name of it is after I post my next story, also some time near the end of May. In the mean time, there is little to no sex in this chapter so, I hope that doesn't piss too many people off. Peace and God's blessings to you all.

P.S. Don't forget to vote...

~~~~~~

Chapter One

"I'll be damned," I cussed, after Uncle John left, "I can't believe he shot my fucking tires out."

"Maybe he's trying to keep you out of danger, Mark," Kate quietly replied, "Did that thought ever occur to you?"

"Of course it did, and I understand what you're saying, sweetheart, I really do," I gently told her, "But he didn't have to shoot my damn tires out, shit," and then angrily losing my temper, I kicked the front tire that had been flattened, loudly swearing because I'd stubbed my toe, hopping around on one foot while holding the one I'd kicked the tire with as Kate, Sara, Carolyn, my cousin Tabitha; and Kate's Aunt Linda, all giggled like schoolgirls.

"This shit isn't funny," I groaned, "Ya'll need to quit all that damn laughing."

"Come on in the house, tough guy," Kate smiled, "Let me take a look at your foot..."

~~~~~~

NINETY MINUTES LATER

I called "Triple A" and they sent a tow truck to take my car to their nearest garage where they could replace my tires with new ones; and because they were a matched set, I was going to have to buy four new tires as opposed to just two. By this time, Linda Dodge had gone back to her house, and Kate's mother Carolyn had returned to her home as well.

I was in the process of boarding up my front window until I could get it replaced the next day, when I saw an unknown car, a light blue, two-door, 1969, Chevy Impala pulling into my driveway. I saw three guys getting out of it as the biggest of the three very nicely asked me, "Is your name Mark Powers?" 

"That all depends," I defensively replied, "Who wants to know?"

"Oh, I'm sorry, please let me introduce myself," the guy smiled, as he slowly, yet carefully approached me, extending his hand in friendship, "My name is Joseph Raymer Junior, and these other two guys here with me are my younger brothers, Nick and Zach. We wanted to thank him for taking down that monster, David Linder."

"In that case, I'm the man you're looking for," I politely replied, climbing down off of the ladder I'd been standing on, "What did David Linder ever do to you?"

"It wasn't me," he regretfully began, as we shook hands, "That evil son of a bitch drugged and then raped my baby sister, Angela," his eyes beginning to fill with tears, "And when she came up pregnant, he took her to this quack doctor up north in Lexington, Kentucky to get an abortion. She started to hemorrhage later that night so; my parents took her to the Emergency Room at Vanderbuilt Hospital where they had to do an emergency hysterectomy, and now she'll never be able to have children."

"That's terrible," I told him, feeling like my heart had been ripped from my chest, "I'm so very sorry."

"We saw what happened to Linder on the news," he gently replied, "And my father found out that you were the one who was responsible for taking that monster down. That's why I came here to thank you personally on behalf of my whole family; and if there's ever anything that we can do for you, please don't hesitate to call me. Thank you, Mark, from the bottom of my heart. My whole family wanted me to express our deepest gratitude for what you did...And I can't even begin to tell you how grateful my baby sister is, and we're deeply in your debt." 

The look on this guy's face was one of deep pain and aguish as he spoke of his younger sibling. I could literally feel what he was feeling, and to tell the truth; I had to admit that I was truly touched by what he told me, and it was all I could do to keep from breaking down and crying right there in front of him.

"That's not necessary. I'm just happy that she's alright," I gently smiled, wiping the tears from my eyes with one hand, while patting him on the shoulder with the other, "Would you gentlemen like to come in and let me get you something to drink?"

"Thank you," Joey politely smiled, "That would be nice."

"Alright then, fellas," I grinned, looking at the three of their smiling faces, "Please, following me, gentlemen..." 

~~~~~~

"Hi, baby," Kate smiled, as the four of us entered the house, "Who do we have here?"

"Hey, sweetie," I proudly smiled, placing my arm around her waist as I introduced her to the brothers, "I'd like you to meet the Raymer brothers, Joey, Nick, and Zach. Guys, this is my fiancée, Kate Meyers."

"I think I've seen you before," Joey politely replied "Are you, by chance, related to Carolyn Meyers?"

"Yes, she's my mother," Kate smiled, "Do you mind if I ask how you know her?"

"Not at all," he grinned, "She represented my parents when the IRS tried to accuse them of tax evasion. Man, she tore those jerks a new one in court, I'll never forget that."

"Hey, I remember that case," Kate excitedly grinned, "The government tried to take your family's farm, didn't they?"

"They sure did," Joey proudly replied, "But your Mom proved in court that the IRS was at fault, and not my parents...she was great."

"Yeah," Kate smiled, leaning against me, "She's pretty special, and I love her a lot."

"Yes, she is," Joey softly smiled, "And she refused to let my Dad pay her. She told him that she enjoyed watching them step on their own dicks, if you'll pardon the language."

"That sounds just like her," I began to laugh, "My only regret is that I wasn't there to see it for myself...In the mean time, would you gentlemen care for some coffee?"

"That would be great," Nick suddenly grinned, "I love my Mom very much, but her coffee tastes pretty bad."

"He's right ya know," Joey conspiratorially grinned, "The thing about that is, none of us, Dad included, have the guts to tell her."

"Hmm," Kate laughed, "Your Mom sounds like a pretty tough lady to me."

"Tough isn't the word that we use," Zach laughed, "Mom is full blooded Cherokee Indian so; use your imagination," and of course we all laughed...

~~~~~~

"Hi, Katie," Sara smiled, as she and Kate were in the kitchen making coffee, "Are those hot guys in the other room friends of Mark's?"

"As a matter of fact, I know them, too," Kate quietly chuckled, "Would you like me to introduce you to them, girl?"

"Are you kidding me?" Sara grinned, "Hell yes...and there's three of them so; that means that I'll have them all to myself."

"Ooo, Sara," Kate teased, pointing to Sara's chest, "I can see your nipples getting hard and poking through your bra."

"That's not funny," Sara softly giggled, "Besides, I'm not wearing a bra, thank you."

"Then you'd better go and put one on," Kate giggled, "Otherwise you know that you'll never hear the end of it from Mark...and don't forget about Tabitha being here. One look at her and those three will be drooling all over themselves."

"I know that," Sara naughtily smiled, "Why do you think I took my bra off to begin with?"

~~~~~~

"I hope you don't mind me saying this, Mark," Joey commented, as we drank our coffee, "But the front of your house looks like someone ran it through a cheese grater. What happened?"

It was then that I explained how my house came to look like it did, and in doing so; I kept my temper from showing, but I began to get pissed off all over again.

"I think that maybe we can help you, my friend," Joey smiled, unknowingly calming me back down, "Our family has our own remodeling business, and my brothers and I would be more than happy to fix your house for you. Hell we'll even do it for free."

"Come on, Joey," I quietly smiled, "I can't let you do that. From my estimation, we're talking about fifteen to twenty thousand dollars in damages, at the very least."

"It doesn't matter," he grinned, "After what you did for our baby sister, it's the least we can do," then he turned to his brothers and said, "Right fellas?"

"You betcha," Nick chuckled.

"He's right, Mark," Zach replied smiling, "And we're not going to take "No" for an answer...right Joey?"

"You're damn skippy, little brother," Joey grinned, and then looked back at me, "Seriously, Mark, it's the least we can do so; let us...please?"

"On one condition," I relented, wearing a stupid grin on my face, "I get to help you, okay?"

"You got it, bro," Joey impishly smiled, "Besides; I can always use a good gopher." 

"My goodness, Mark," I suddenly heard Sara say from behind me, getting the undivided attention of all three of my guests, "You need introduce me to your friends."

When I turned around to look at her, I almost spilled my coffee when I saw how Sara was dressed. She was obviously braless by the twin little points of her nipples as they protruded through the shirt she was wearing, but what I noticed the most were the skin tight, camel toe revealing, tight cotton shorts she had on.

"Gentlemen," I said, clearing my throat, with Kate standing behind me laughing at my discomfort, "Please allow me to introduce someone who's become like a baby sister to me, Miss Sara Dawson. Sara, these gentlemen are the Raymer brothers, Joey Nick, and Zach."

"Oh, my goodness," she purred, giggling, "I have three of them to choose from."

"I'm sorry, but not me, Miss Sara," Joey respectfully, yet politely smiled, "I'm married to a very beautiful woman, and I don't think she'd like if I messed around on her."

"I'm not married, Miss Sara," Nick quickly replied grinning, "And my name is Nick."

"Neither am I," Zach smiled, "And I'm Zach."

"Good," Tabitha giggled, as she suddenly entered the room, dressed similarly to Sara, taking Zach by the hand, "Because I think you're a cutie, Zach."

"I think you're probably closer to my age anyway, Nick," Sara sweetly replied, taking Nick's hand, much to his delight, I might add, "I think you gentlemen should stay and have dinner with us this evening. What do you think, Katie?"

"I think that would be great," she grinned, coming into the room and sitting in my lap, "Would you like to call and invite your wife, Joey? We'd love to meet her."

"Are you sure about this, Kate?" Joey carefully asked, "We wouldn't want to put anyone out, nor do we want to inconvenience you guys in any way."

"Nonsense," Kate sweetly smiled, handing him the telephone, "Give her a call...like I said, we would absolutely love to meet her."

"She's right," I added, "Oh, and be sure to have her bring your little sister, Angela, too, we would love to have her here as well

"That's very kind of both of you," he smiled, "I never realized that there were such nice people like ya'll living here in our hometown..."

~~~~~~

THAT EVENING

The table had been beautifully set, thanks to Kate, Sara and Tabitha, and the aromas emanating from the kitchen had me salivating. I didn't know what Kate was cooking, but whatever it was, it smelled absolutely heavenly. All at once the doorbell rang, making me hop up to answer it.

"Keep your seat, Mark," Joey grinned, "It's just my wife, Leigh, and my baby sister...I'll get it."

"Okay then," I grinned, "Thanks Joey..."

~~~~~~

"Ladies, Mark," Joey announced, a stunningly beautiful strawberry blonde on one arm, and a very pretty little dark haired cutie on the other, "Please allow me to introduce the love of my life, Missus Leigh Raymer, and this little sweetie is our baby sister, Angela." Then he turned to me and said, "Leigh, Angie, this is Mark Powers, the guy we I was telling you about earlier today."

All of a sudden, Angela quickly walked up to me, and placing her little arms around my neck, quietly sniffled, "Thank you, Mister Powers; thank you for putting that monster in jail," and then she buried her face into my chest and began to quietly weep.

"I've been so afraid that he was going to come back and kill me," she cried, her voice still somewhat muffled from her face being buried into my chest. Then she looked up at me with those beautiful, but sad, brown eyes and said, "But now I can sleep better at night, thanks to you."

"Don't cry, Miss Angela," I softly told her, reaching into my back pocket, withdrawing my handkerchief and wiping the tears from her pretty little face with it, "You're safe now, and I'm happy that I was able to do that for you so; no more tears, baby girl. Besides, my name is Mark and not Mister Powers, okay sweetie?" 

"Okay, Mark," she smiled sniffling, "Would you care if I used your restroom? I really need to wash my face before my make-up starts running and I end up looking like a scarecrow." 

" Of course," I smiled, turning and Kate," I asked, "Would you be kind enough to show our guest of honor to the restroom?"

"I most certainly will," Kate gently replied, taking her hand, "Come with me, Angie sweetie. I'll show you where everything is, and I'll even help you redo your make-up if you'd like. How does that sound?"

"That sounds great," she began to smile, "And you can call me Angela. I'm almost eighteen ya know," as the two of them disappeared down the hallway, happily chatting like magpies.

I turned back to find that there were tears in everyone's eyes, as Joey walked up to me and placed his arms around my neck.

"Thank you, my friend," Joey tearfully told me, "I haven't seen her smile like that in a very long time, and you're the reason why." 

"He's right," Leigh wept, putting her arms around the both of us, "You're a good man, Mark, and there are no words to describe what you've done for our family."

~~~~~~

Meanwhile, as Kate helped Angela with her make-up, she looked at Kate and said, "You're Mark's girlfriend, aren't you?"

"I'm his fiancée," Kate tenderly replied, "And I love him very much."

"I can see why he loves you, too," she smiled, "You're very pretty."

"Thank you, Miss Angela," Kate warmly told her, "You're very pretty yourself." 

"Thank you, Miss Kate," Angela preciously replied, "I hope you don't mind me saying this, but I think Mark's very handsome, and one day I hope I can find a guy just like him."

"I think you're a very sweet young lady," Kate tenderly smiled, "And you can call me just plain old Kate."

"Thank you, Kate," Angela sweetly replied, "Would you guys care if I came to visit ya'll from time to time?"

"Of course not, baby girl," Kate gently told her, "Make sure that you call us ahead of time to let us know that you're coming, okay?"

"I will," Angela grinned, "My Mom taught me to do that. She said that it showed good manners to be considerate of others."

"Your Mom sounds like a pretty smart lady to me," Kate grinned, "I'll bet that she's pretty, too, because of the fact that you're so pretty."

"I know that you're telling me the truth when you say that, Kate," she sadly replied, "Because I felt so ugly after I got...after it happened. I still have nightmares sometimes, too."

"Now that that evil monster is in jail you can sleep better, sweetheart," Kate soothed, "If you ever need to talk about it, I want you to call me...and I don't care what time of the day or night it is either, okay baby girl?"

"Okay, and thank you for being so nice to me, Kate," Angela slightly sniffled, hugging Kate, "I'm glad I met you...I know that Mom means well...but sometimes she just doesn't understand what I'm talking about."

"You're more than welcome, Angela," Kate softly replied, returning Angela's hug, gently patting her on the butt, making her giggle, "We'd better get back so that we can feed these men of ours, huh?"

"You're so right," Angela giggled, "I don't know about Mark, but my brothers always get really cranky and start acting like a bunch of babies when they're hungry..."

~~~~~~

When Kate and Angela returned from the bathroom, Kate smiled at me and told me, "Mark honey, I need you to warm up the grill and get it ready to put some steaks on it, okay?"

"No problem," I grinned, standing up, "How does everyone want their steaks cooked?"

"I know I can't speak for you, Mark," Joey grinned, "But you're in Nashville and I don't know of anyone around here who doesn't eat it cooked medium rare, but still a little bloody," Nick and Zach both grinning as they nodded their heads, while Leigh just rolled her eyes and laughed"

"I knew I liked you guys," Sara knowingly grinned, "I like mine the same way, Mark."

"So does Tabitha and Kate," I smiled, "Not to mention that I do, too."

"Hell yeah," Joey chuckled, "That makes me like you even that much more, Mark."

"See, I told you, Kate," Tabitha giggled, "My cousin is not only cute, but he's smart, too."

"I know that," Kate teased, "After all, he started dating me, didn't he?"

~~~~~~

The girls pitched in, baking the potatoes and making the salad, not to mention that Tabitha made us a nice batch of margaritas, remembering to make certain that Angela's was a virgin margarita. 

"I understand, Mark, and it's alright," Angela knowingly grinned, "Leigh doesn't drink so, Joey will ride back with her, which means that I'm going to have to drive Nick and Zach back home."

~~~~~~

As I was out on the back deck cooking the steaks, Leigh brought me a margarita out and set it down on the table next to me. Let me take a moment to describe Leigh; she looked very similar to Kate, with the exception of her hair color. Still though, they were built almost the same, and I had to say that she was very pretty herself.

"Thank you, Ms. Leigh," I smiled, "That was very nice of you to bring me my drink."

"You're welcome, Mark," she sweetly smiled, "Can I ask a favor of you?"

"Of course," I grinned, "What can I do for you?"

"Well, Kate has told me some pretty amazing things about you," she replied smiling, "I just want to know if they're true."

"I don't know what she told you," I chuckled, "But I'll try my best to answer your questions as best as I can."

"Kate told me that you had a black belt in Karate," she said, "Is that true?"

"Yes, it is," I smiled, "I've been studying the martial arts since I was very young, and it really helped me to learn how to concentrate better, especially when I was in school."

"Wow," she chuckled, "No wonder you were able to take David Linder's ass down."

"I didn't have to do very much where that was concerned," I humbly replied, "I simply gave that idiot enough rope to hang himself with, and then he did the rest."

"And you don't realize the impact that it made on my family," she warmly replied, "I know that my husband thanked you; but I also want to thank you as well."

"You're more than welcome," I told her, nodding toward the house, "I'm just glad that that sweet little girl in there was able to find peace...that's more important than anything else."

"Ya know Kate was right about you," she softly said, "You really are a sweet man, and I can see why she loves you so much."

"I love her, too," I gratefully said, "I don't know where I'd be if it weren't for my Katie."

However, before Leigh could elaborate any further, the time had come to pull the steaks off of the grill so as not to overcook them."

~~~~~~

Dinner went well; even more so because of the fellowship of having met some new friends. And after everyone had left, both Sara and my cousin, Tabitha, were tickled shitless at having met Nick and Zach. I could tell that they were happy and it made me feel good for them. Besides, I thought that it was time that both of them had the opportunity to meet some really nice guys, and that's what Nick and Zach were, making me silently give thanks to God for it, too.


Kate Pt. 02



Joey and Leigh made it a point to invite us over to their house soon so that they could reciprocate the fellowship they'd both enjoyed with Kate and I, and we were both excited at the prospect. However, the icing on the cake, for me at least, was having had the chance to meet little Angela. I thought she was one of the sweetest kids I'd ever met. And while I truly felt awful about what had happened to her, I still took comfort in the fact that she came out of it with her mental faculties still in tact, thank God. I also took satisfaction in knowing that I'd been the one who'd taken down the monster that had hurt her so badly; fucking David Linder. What a piece of shit, huh? 

~~~~~~

Chapter Two

I hadn't heard from Uncle John as of yet, and to be honest, I was beginning to get a little concerned, because this was out of character for him to not at least let me know something. Still though, I wasn't really worried though, because my Uncle John had yet to fail me thus far, and I felt that everything would be alright, one way or another.

After I got over being so pissed off about him shooting my tires out I simply smiled, taking it all in stride, knowing that he was only trying to protect my stubborn, sometimes arrogant ass. Kate had even commented about it when I mentioned him after the Raymer clan had left the house.

"You shouldn't get so pissed off, Mark," she told me, desperately trying not to smile, "He's just trying to protect you ya know."

"Maybe so," I said, "But did he really have to shoot my tires out?"

"I'm not taking his side, or your side of this argument, but I can't say that I blame him, Mark," she honestly replied. You were acting like a hot headed teenager, and you weren't going to take "No" for an answer."

"Yeah, you're right," I chuckled, at the memory of it all, "Remind me to apologize to him later."

~~~~~~

I'd just finished helping Kate clean the kitchen up when the telephone rang.

"Hello," I said, after answering it.

"I'm sorry for shooting your tires out, kid," Uncle John calmly said, on the other end, "But you left me no choice, Mark."

"You're right, I was wrong," I humbly replied, "I'm really sorry for the things I said to you, Uncle John."

"Don't sweat it, kid," he chuckled, "You're still my favorite nephew ya know."

"What a load of bull shit," I laughed, "I'm your only nephew."

"Maybe so," he said, his tone of voice indicating that he was smiling, "But you're still my favorite nephew, regardless."

"So; tell me," I eagerly asked, "Did you catch up with Kara Wilkins?"

"I did," he triumphantly replied, "But I need you to come downtown and identify her SUV as the one that drove by your house. Is that okay?"

"Of course it is," I happily told him, "I'll be there just as soon as I can get there."

"Okay, kid," he grinned, "I'll see you soon," and then he hung the phone up, as did I.

~~~~~~

CRIMINAL JUSTICE CENTER NASHVILLE TENNESSEE 30 MINUTES LATER

"Hello Mark," Uncle John smiled, as he met me at the front door of the police station/jail, "Did you have any trouble getting here?"

"No sir, not at all," I replied, "Can we go look at the car now?"

"The people in the Crime Lab are still processing it right now," he said, "But you and I need to talk about a few things first, okay?"

"No problem," I said, "Where are we going to go talk?"

"You two can use my office," replied an all too familiar voice behind me. I turned around to find Police Captain, Kevin Braid standing there grinning like a school boy, "Hey, Mark. Your Uncle tells me that you've been through some major shit lately, son." 

"Hey, Kevin," I excitedly grinned, as we shook hands, "How the hell are ya?"

"I'm okay," he chuckled, as he led us to his office, "The question is, how're you?"

"I'm good to go," I replied, "Things have been a little hairy around my house, but it's nothing we can't handle."

"I'm glad to hear that," he chuckled, and then got right down to business, "Before we go to my office, I need you to do something for me if you don't mind."

"I don't mind at all," I smiled, "What can I do for you, Kevin, ooppss...I mean Captain Braid?"

~~~~~~

He took Uncle John and I down a long corridor, which it was clear to see by the titles on the doors, had interrogation and observation room on both sides. Then at the end of the hall, he opened a door that had "Observation Room Four" painted on it, leading us in and then closing the door behind us. In the room was a small table with a telephone sitting on it, as well as three chairs around it, and then a two way mirror on the wall to my immediate right.

"What're we doing here?" I asked.

"I'm going have five suspects brought into the room on the other side of this mirror," Kevin began, "And I want you to identify anyone that you recognize. Can you do that?"

"Sure," I said, "Who am I looking for?"

"I'm sorry, but I can't tell you that, Mark...it's procedure," he quietly replied, "We want you to be able to identify the suspects that you recognize without knowing who you're looking for ahead of time. It's better that way, and if you identify who we suspect is responsible for what happened at your house, it will make a more solid case in court."

"I understand, Kevin," I told them, "I'll do my best...I promise."

Kevin reached for the phone, and then after dialing a number, said "Okay, bring em on in."

Five women came into the room and lined up against the far wall facing us. Imagine my shock when I saw not only Kara Wilkins, but at the far end of the line up stood Madeline Linder; both she and Kara wearing scared looks on their faces. I immediately pointed them out to Kevin and Uncle John, calling them by name, and the moment we were finished; four female Police Officers escorted the five women out of the room.

~~~~~~

Kara Wilkins wasn't in her vehicle when the attack on you took place, but she was in the company of Madeline Linder when we picked her up. Kara claims that she had an air-tight alibi, however, Madeline Linder tested positive for gunshot residue on not only both hands, but all over the front of her body.

"What did I ever do to them," I asked, "And why did they shoot at me?"

"Because of his association with Mike Dodge, all of David Linder's bank accounts were frozen by the IRS," Uncle John informed me, "The only thing that I can think of as to why Madeline attacked you was out of revenge. Besides, a MAC-Ten automatic pistol and an AR-Fifteen assault rifle were both found in Kara's SUV, which is enough to get Madeline Linder Twenty-Five years, minimum, in the penitentiary ...and she's going to be tried in a Federal court so; she'd better have a very good attorney."

"Why Kara Wilkins is in Police custody if she's got an alibi?" I asked "Is it because her SUV was used in the drive-by shooting at my house?" 

"That's right, kid," Uncle John proudly grinned, as he patted me on the back, "Way to go, Mark, you're getting smarter every day."

"I guess it happens," I teased, "Especially because I live with Kate."

"I've got to agree with you there," Kevin grinned, "She's a good girl, Mark; maybe the last of her kind."

"Yeah, she is," I smiled, and then I suddenly remembered sweet little Sara, "But I don't think she's the last of her kind, though; there are still a few more out there..."

~~~~~~

After having a cup of coffee and talking with Kevin and Uncle John for a moment, Kevin received a phone call telling him that the Crime Lab had finished processing Kara's vehicle, and that we could also take a look at it whenever we were ready. So; Kevin led us to where Kara's car was located.

"I need to ask you not to touch it, Mark," Uncle John told me, "Just in case the folks in the Crime Lab need to come back and look at it again."

"I don't need to touch it," I replied, "This is definitely the vehicle that was used in the shooting."

"Are you certain?" Kevin asked me again, "I want you to be positive."

"I'm absolutely certain," I told them, "Without a doubt."

"Alright then," Kevin victoriously grinned, "That's all we need for now. Thanks again, Mark."

"You're more than welcome, Kevin," I chuckled, "I'm sure that Kate and Carolyn would really love to see you so; why don't you come by the house as soon as you can, okay?"

"I'd love to," he grinned, "But it's going to have to wait until this investigation is over. We have to strike while the iron is still hot ya know."

"I totally understand," I replied, "Just come whenever you're done..."

~~~~~~

When I got back home that night, it was almost ten o'clock. I was beginning to get rather sleepy, but I wanted to make sure that Kate, Sara, and Tabitha had been made aware of what had happened.

"Holy shit, Mark," Sara excitedly grinned, "I would've loved to have seen those two bitches in a line-up."

"Me, too," Kate grinned, "I never have like Kara Wilkins' skank ass, and Madeline Linder has always been a condescending old cunt."

"She sure has," Sara giggled, "I could never understand why either."

"I'll tell you why," Kate indignantly snorted, "It's because she has money that she acts like that, fucking bitch."

"Madeline wasn't born into money like she wants everyone to think," Sara told us, "Her parents were lower middle class, but from what I understand, they were really nice people."

"I guess it just goes to show," I interjected, "Having money fucks some people up, doesn't it."

"It sure does," Kate said, then turned to me and said, "Please promise me that you won't become one of those people, Mark, okay?" 

"I promise, Kate," I softly smiled, "I promise you with all my heart that I won't ever act like that."

"He won't, you guys," Tabitha told Kate and Sara, standing on the tips of her toes to hug me and kiss me on the cheek, "Marky has always been a sweetie, and he could never act like that...besides," and then she began to impishly giggle, "He knows that I'll kick his ass for him if he does," and then the three of them fell into fits of girlish laughter.

"Yeah, right," I chuckled, "Whatever..."

~~~~~~

That night when she and I lay down to go to sleep, Kate leaned over, and after gently kissing my lips, softly told me, "I love you, Mark...ever since the moment I met you."

"That's a lie and you know it," I began to laugh, "The very first time we met you called me an asshole."

"No, I didn't," she teased, "I called you a long haired asshole."

"Get some sleep, girlie," I chuckled, tweaking her nipple and making her squeal like only she can, "We've got a busy day tomorrow."

"Good night, baby," Kate softly purred, "I love you, Mark."

"I know you do," I softly replied, "And I love you, too..."

~~~~~~

5:30 THE NEXT MORNING

I woke up that morning, and I noticed that the sun was just beginning to peek over the eastern horizon. I wasn't awake for any reason in particular; I just woke up earlier than usual, that's all. However, this gave me the opportunity to take the time to think about everything I'd been through since I'd moved to Nashville. And when I took a look at the events of the not so distant past, I came to the realization that I'd taken down a major drug dealer, as well as a rapist who preyed on underage girls. But what was most prevalent in my mind back then was how my life began to change the day that I met Kate.

In the short time I'd known her, I came to realize that she had become my whole world, everything else be damned. I'd never known such sweetness before and I took a moment to thank God for the blessings I'd received when he placed us in each other's lives. The fact that she loved me in spite of myself even made it better. 

Yeah, I know it may sound sappy to some, but that's the way I feel. If anyone wants to call it saccharine, or syrupy sweet, I happily invite them to kiss my ass. Besides, I can't help the fact that I've got a kind heart. I'm also not trying to insult anyone either, but it is what it is, and with the way the world is these days, wouldn't people prefer that someone be nice, as opposed to acting like all the rest of the idiots that we're forced to deal with on a daily basis?

~~~~~~ 

I went into the kitchen and turned on the coffee pot that I'd prepared before I went to bed the night before. As the coffee was brewing I decided that I would make breakfast for everyone. Besides, it was Sunday and my cousin, Tabitha had to make the drive back to Chattanooga, Tennessee later that afternoon, because she had to work the next day.

~~~~~~

The first thing I did was make enough batter for everyone to have at least two waffles each. And after placing the batter in the refrigerator, I preheated the oven because I was also going to make some home made biscuits, as well as some sausage gravy to pour over the top of them. My grandmother had taught me how to make biscuits when I was a little fella, and it just so happens that "Biscuits & Gravy" is one of my favorite things to eat. Hell, anyone who is from the South feels the same way that I do; just ask them if you don't believe me.

Anyway, by the time I'd finished making the biscuits and got them ready to put in the oven, it was going on 6:30 am. I wanted to wait before baking the biscuits, as well as putting the batter in the waffle iron, until the sausage was ready so I could use some of the grease to make the gravy with. Besides, I wanted everything to be hot when everyone sat down to eat.

As I began to fry the sausage, I felt a pair of arms snaking their way around my waist, as Kate pushed her tee shirt covered, unfettered breasts against my back and sent near paralyzing chills down my spine when she lightly started to kiss the back of my neck, moving my hair out of the way in order to do so.

"Mmm," she softly purred, "Good morning, handsome."

"Hi baby girl," I teased, "It's about time you got up."

"Oh, shut up," she laughed, playfully smacking me on the ass, "This is the first time I've seen you up this early in a long while, Mister Smart Ass."

"Whatever," I chuckled, "Would you like some coffee?"

"You know I do," she smiled, "But I can get it myself so that you don't burn our breakfast," speaking of which," she said, making her way to the coffee pot, "I can see that you've been very busy this morning."

"Tabitha is going back home today," I told her, "And I wanted to make sure that she didn't leave here hungry on her way back to Chattanooga."

"Aw, that's sweet, Mark," Kate softly replied, "I can tell that you and her were really close growing up."

"Don't get me wrong, there were times I felt like strangling her," I grinned, "But yes, we were very close; and I love her a lot."

"She loves you, too, honey," Kate knowingly smiled, as she sipped her coffee, "You should've heard some of the things that she told me and Sara last night while you were gone to meet Uncle John."

"Is that right?" I chuckled, "So, what did she have to say?"

"Alot of things, actually," Kate said, "But it's nothing that I didn't already know about you anyway."

"Uh huh," I chuckled, "Well, be that as it may, I'd still like to know what she said."

"You leave her alone right now, Mark," Tabitha giggled from behind me, as she walked into the kitchen, "We took the time to have some girl talk while you were gone last night, and that means that what we said is none of your business, turd."

"Who're you calling a turd?" I playfully spat, "Besides, you don't have a damn bit of room to call me anything ya little sow."

"Mark," Kate scolded, "Do you realize what you just called her?"

"Yep," I laughed, "I called her a little sow...a female pig."

"No wonder you two fought like cats and dogs, too, when you were little," Kate replied, "You better never call me anything like that; or I'll kick your ass for it."

"Oh, no," I laughed, teasing the both of them, "I'm so afraid."

"You better be," Kate laughed, "Or else I'll catch you when you're in the shower and throw ice cold water on your balls."

"Go right ahead," I chuckled, "All I have to say is that you'd better not be anywhere near when I get out of the shower."

"You won't do a damn thing, Mark," Sara replied smiling, suddenly appearing in the kitchen, "Because I'll give you a wedgie while you're sleeping."

"Is that right?" I asked, as Sara nodded her head, "Well good luck trying, because I sleep naked, girlie."

"That's all the more reason for you to be that much more careful then," Sara knowingly giggled, "You're liable to lose something else, smart ass."

"Oh, no you don't, Sara," Kate naughtily giggled, "You're talking about messing with my toys now; and that's not about to happen, Miss Thing."

Needless to say, Kate's last remark was followed by a cacophony of female laughter which echoed throughout the kitchen, allowing me the opportunity to finish making breakfast for all of us.

~~~~~~

"Holy cow, Mark," Sara smiled after tasting her breakfast, "I never realized that you could cook this well."

"Thank you," I appreciatively smiled, "That means a lot to me, Sara; especially coming from someone who cooks as well as you do."

"Thank you, Mark," Sara thoughtfully replied, "That's very sweet of you to say such a thing."

"It was nothing," I smiled, reaching across the table and gently patting her hand, "I was just telling the truth, that's all."

"See what I mean," Tabitha told Kate and Sara, "I told you he really was a sweetie once you get past all that macho horseshit that he's so full of."

"I don't know about macho," Sara began teasing me again, "But I agree with you, Tabitha, that Mark is full of horse shit sometimes," and I said nothing as they all laughed, simply shaking my head; grinning as I continued eating my breakfast.

~~~~~~

The girls wouldn't let me lift so much as a finger when it came to cleaning the kitchen up. Instead I was ordered to relax and take it easy for the rest of the morning so; while they cleaned up, I spent the early morning hours sitting in the hot tub, letting its therapeutic jets ease my sore muscles, and free my mind for a while, regardless of how short lived it was...

~~~~~~

I'd been in the hot tub for a couple of hours when I heard the phone ring.

"Hello," Kate smiled, answering the phone, "Oh, hello, Joey...yes, he is; hang on and I'll get him for you.'

The next thing I saw was Kate bringing me the phone, and with a bright smile on her beautiful face, she handed it me and said, "Here, honey, it's Joey Raymer and he wants to talk to you."

"Hey Joey," I grinned, almost salivating as I watched Kate's beautiful ass as it naturally swayed from side to side while she was walking back into the house, "What can I do for you this morning, my friend?"

"How's it going, bro," he pleasantly asked, "Do you have any plans for tomorrow, Mark?"

"No," I grinned, "Or at least none that I can think of. Why, what's up?"

"Me and Nick want to come over there tomorrow to start on the repairs to your house," he chuckled, "And don't even think of saying no; because if you do, I'm going to be forced to sick my wife, my baby sister, as well as Kate and Sara on you."

"Damn, Joey," I laughed, "What ever happened to playing fair, man?"

"It is what it is so; deal with it," he laughed, "Besides, you have to let me do this for helping my baby sister out."

"I don't understand," I bewilderedly replied, "How did I help her out?"

"Let me try and explain something to you," he began, "Last night after we left your house, Angela went to bed the moment we got home, and it was the first time since her assault that she slept the whole night through without waking up screaming from the God awful nightmares that she used to have," and then I could hear his voice beginning to break as he continued, "You have to let us come over and do this for you...you just have to...please?" and by this time, I could hear him sniffling, which absolutely made my heart break wide open at the thought of that sweet little girl waking up in sheer terror.




Kate Pt. 02



"Alright," I grinned, relenting, "But only on one condition."

"Okay," he chuckled, "What's your condition?"

"It's an easy one," I grinned, "You have to at least let me help you guys."

"That again, huh," he laughed, "Alright then, what time is good for you?"

"How about eight o'clock tomorrow morning?" I asked, "That way Kate and Sara can make us a killer lunch, okay?"

"You can fill in for Zach, because him and Dad will be out finishing up another job tomorrow," he smiled, "We'll see you in the morning then. So; take care, brother."

"You, too," I happily replied, "Be sure to tell that pretty wife of yours that we all said hello...oh, and the same thing goes for little Angela, too."

"I sure will, Mark," he warmly said, "But don't be surprised if she wants to come with us."

"Are you kidding me?" I told him, "She's one of the sweetest kids I've ever known, not to mention the fact that she stole mine and Kate's heart the minute she walked through our front door last night."

"It makes all of us very happy to hear you say that, brother," Joey humbly replied, "And Mom and Dad wanted us to send their utmost regards to you, Mark...thanks again for everything you've done for my family. I can't even begin to tell you how much what you did means to our entire family..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Three

That afternoon as Tabitha was getting into her car to head back to her home in Chattanooga, Tennessee, she leaned over, and after placing her arms securely around my neck, she looked at me smiling, and then ever so tenderly told me, "Thank you, Mark; thank you for everything you've ever done for me," tears beginning to fill her eyes as she leaned over and gently kissed my cheek and then got into her car...

~~~~~~

That night as I lay in bed next to my beautiful Kate, she leaned over in her sleep and snuggled up next me and after a long sigh, gently placed her arm across my chest and continued to slumber, not to wake until the next morning.

~~~~~~

As promised, Joey Raymer and his younger brother, Nick, were at my kitchen/utility door at 7:30, which meant they were a little early.

"Good morning, fellas," I smiled, "I didn't expect you guys for another half hour."

"I'm sorry, Mark," Joey knowingly smiled, "But after I tasted your fiancée's coffee the other day, I just had to have another cup before we stared working this morning. I hope that's okay."

"Are you kidding me? Of course it's okay," I chuckled, opening the door wider to let them into the house, "As a matter of fact, Kate's in the kitchen putting on a fresh pot as we speak so, come on in, guys..."

~~~~~~

"I'm really looking forward to getting started," I excitedly told Joey, "How long do you think it will take us to get the house repaired?"

All of a sudden I heard the doorbell ring, meaning there was someone at the front door; and after getting up to answer it, I was pleasantly surprised when I found not only Uncle John standing there, but Kevin Braid as well.

"Hey guys," I happily grinned, "What a nice surprise...come on in. We're in here having some coffee before we get started making repairs to the front of the house this morning. Why don't you join us?"

"That sounds good to me," Uncle John grinned, "But I hope that Kate's making the coffee instead of you."

"No offense, Mark," Kevin chuckled, "But I have to agree with John on this one."

"Damn," I groaned, "My coffee isn't that bad, is it?"

"Yep," Kevin and Uncle John simultaneously laughed...

~~~~~~

"Well, I'll be damned," Kevin grinned, the moment he saw Joey and Nick sitting at the kitchen table, "If it isn't the Raymer boys...how're you fellas doing?"

"Captain Braid," Joey grinned, standing up to greet him, "It's good to see you, sir."

"You, too," Kevin smiled, shaking his hand, "How is Angela doing these days?"

"She's doing well," Joey gratefully smiled, "Especially since Mark took David Linder's ass down."

"He sure did, didn't he?" Kevin proudly smiled, "How are your parents doing? Tell them that I said "hello" if you don't mind."

"I will," Joey replied smiling, "They'll be very pleased to know that you asked about them."

"So, are you boys going to help Mark repair the front of his house?" he asked, "I know that Mark couldn't have found any better craftsmen than you two to help him."

"Are you kidding, Captain? It's the least we can do," Nick proudly replied, "Especially with all things considered."

"You guys can stop with the "Captain" stuff," he grinned, "Call me Kevin from now on, okay guys?"

"No problem," Joey grinned, "Thanks, Kevin."

"So, ya'll are going to fix the front of your house, Mark?" Uncle John asked.

"Yeah," I smiled, "Isn't that nice of them to want to do that?"

"Come on, Mark," Joey knowingly chuckled, "It's the least we could do after what you did for our little sister."

"I really didn't do anything," I humbly said, "I just helped put a pervert in jail, that's all."

"Maybe so," Joey quietly replied, "But I can't begin to tell you what it means to our whole family; especially my little sister, Angela.

"I'm Mark's Uncle John," he told them, seeing my face beginning to turn red "And my nephew was glad to do it..."

~~~~~~

When I walked outside with Joey and Nick to help them work on the front of the house, a delivery truck with the MID-SOUTH RESTORATIONS logo painted on its doors, began to slowly pull into my driveway. I saw that the truck's bed was filled with the materials that it was going to take to repair the front of my house which had been shot to pieces a couple of days ago.

"Which one of you men is Joseph Raymer Junior?" the driver politely asked, after he'd parked and exited his truck, "I need your signature on this invoice, please, so that I can give you your receipt."

"That would be me," Joey grinned, as he approached the driver, "How much is the total?"

"Let me see here," the driver replied, looking through the accompanying paperwork, "Here we are; I've got eighteen thousand, three hundred, forty-two dollars, and sixty seven cents. Does that sound about right?"

"Whoa, wait a minute," I protested, "Come on, Joey, I can't let you do that. It wouldn't be right."

"Too late, my friend," he chuckled, "It's already done."

"Why would you do this?" I worriedly asked, "That's a lot of money."

"It's nothing," Joey plainly told me, fighting the tears that were beginning to fill his eyes, "You can't put a price on a human life; can you, Mark?"

"I guess not," I quietly told him, "But I still can't let you spend that kind of money either."

Suddenly I saw a red Ford F-250 pick-up truck, with its bed covered, pulling into my driveway, with an older man in the driver's side, and Joey's younger brother, Zach, in the passenger side.

"I'll tell you what," Joey knowingly grinned, "My Dad's here, I'll let you talk with him about it," and then he walked toward the delivery truck to help unload it.

~~~~~~

"Mark Powers," Mr. Raymer smiled, his hand extended as he walked towards me, "I'm Joseph Raymer Senior, and it's damn nice to meet ya, son."

"You, too, Mister Raymer," I politely replied, "But it's not neces..."

"Mister Raymer's ass," he gently interrupted me laughing, "The name's Joe, and that's what I want you to call me, okay?"

"Alright, Joe," I kindly replied, "But I've got a bit of a problem, sir."

"What kind of problem?" he jovially asked, "Maybe I can help you with it."

"You certainly can, sir," I respectfully told him, "I believe in getting right to the point so; I'll tell you. You shouldn't have spent over eighteen thousand dollars on my house, Joe. That's way too much money, and while I mean no disrespect, sir, I have to be honest when I tell you that I'm not really comfortable about it."

"I'll tell you what, Mark," he gently smiled, "Why don't we go inside and talk about it, okay?"

"Okay," I respectfully smiled, "But please tell your boys to stop working while we talk, if you don't mind."

"No worries, Mark," he grinned, and then nodding at Joey, he said, "Hang on for a minute, boys..."

~~~~~~

I introduced Joe to Kate and Sara, as well as my Uncle John; and like Joey, he already knew Kevin Braid so; we sat down and Kate placed two cups of coffee in front of us. I asked Kevin and Uncle John for a little privacy, and they both willingly went into the den to watch the television...

~~~~~~

"It's not that I don't appreciate the reason why you and your boys want to repair my house, I do, and I'm extremely grateful, Joe," I began, "But I can't let you spend that kind of money, sir. I would never in a million years try to offend you so; please tell me that you understand this."

"I understand completely, Mark, and I'm not offended at all," he gently smiled, sipping his coffee, but there's something I want to tell you, if you don't mind taking the time to hear me out."

"Go ahead, Joe," I told him, "I'm all ears..."

"It's like this Mark," he began, "I've worked very hard all of my life to provide for my family. A few years back, I got false accused of tax evasion by the IRS."

"I know," I politely interrupted him, "And it just so happens that Carolyn Meyers' daughter is my fiancée, Kate."

"Well, I'll be damned," he laughed, "If you know about that, then you know that Carolyn flat out refuse to let me pay her for her services so; this is my way of paying it forward. Please let me do this for you, son. You put the monster in jail that almost killed my baby, and therefore I'm indebted to you for it."

By this time, I could see the tears beginning to rain down that kind old man's face, and in doing so, it touched me very deeply, almost to the point that I began to feel a little guilty for denying him this small thing he felt compelled to do. Still though, I absolutely was not going to allow him to pay for the materials with his hard earned money. However, I suddenly had an idea that might benefit us both. And in doing so, I decided to ask him to do something else instead.

"I'll tell you what, Joe," I grinned, "When you do a job, you also charge your customers for labor, correct?"

"Of course I do," he laughed, "I won't allow my boys to work for free."

"Alright then," I smiled, "If you feel the need to pay me back for whatever you feel it is that I've done for you and your family, then allow me to pay for the materials and you can provide the labor as a means to pay what ever debt you feel like you owe me, fair enough?"

"Damn, Mark, you're good," he began to laugh, "You should've been a lawyer, kid."

"Does that assuage your conscious, Joe?" I asked, "In other words, do we have a deal."

"Fair enough," he smiled, as we shook hands, "It's a deal."

"Good," I smiled, patting his shoulder. "KATE," I shouted down the hallway, "WOULD YOU PLEASE BRING ME MY CHECKBOOK?"

~~~~~~

After I'd reimbursed Joe for the materials, we went back outside and resumed working. With the addition of me Joe, and Zach, we helped Joey and Nick off load the materials, neatly stacking them into my garage where they would be kept out of the weather for the time it took to finish the job.

However, you can only imagine my surprise when we pulled the cover off of the last of the materials, to find a piece of bullet-proof glass that was the exact same size as my front window. 

"Holy shit," I gasped; followed by the laughter of Joe and his sons, "No wonder this stuff cost over eighteen grand."

"That's not all of it, Mark," Joe began to laugh, as he pulled the cover off of his own truck, "We're gonna put a layer of Kevlar underneath the lumber just to make sure that you're safe. What do you think about that?"

"I'll tell you what I think," I laughed, "I think you guys rock..."

~~~~~~

It only took Joe and his sons a little less than 6 hours to get the old lumber off of the front of my house and put the Kevlar on. By that time it was nearing 2:30 in the afternoon.

"Why don't you guys take a break?" I asked them, after going into the house and returning with four pitchers of ice cold lemonade, as Kate brought out some large plastic cups full of ice, "It's hotter than hell out here."

"Thank you, Mark," Joey smiled, wiping the sweat from his brow with a handkerchief, "I wont tell you that the lemonade doesn't look good right about now."

"Great," I smiled, "Why don't we all go out back on the deck and drink some lemonade where it's nice and cool?"

"Hell yeah," Joe smiled, walking up behind us, "That sounds great to me...come on boys, let's take five..."

~~~~~~

"I can sure tell that you're a southern girl, Miss Kate," Joe chuckled, drinking his lemonade, "This tastes just like the lemonade that my Granny used to make when I was a little boy."

"Uh huh," Joey teased, winking at his brothers, "And that was right around the time that the Confederacy attacked Fort Sumter, wasn't it, Dad?" which of course elicited laughter from all of us.

"Ha ha, smart ass," Joe grinned, "You're about as funny as a fart in church, boy..."

~~~~~~

By the end of the day, around 5:00 in the afternoon, everything was completed, save for the replacement of my front window. To say that it looked great would be a huge understatement. Everything that had been done, at least up to that point, made my house look brand new. All that needed to be done was replacing the window, and then bring some painters in to cover the new lumber with a fresh coat of all weather latex paint.

And when I asked Joe if he knew of some reputable painters, he simply looked at me, and wearing a huge smile, said, "The cost of the materials included the paint, as well as the painting, too, Mark so; leave it to me, old buddy."

"Yes, sir," I grinned, as I shook my head knowing that to argue with him would be a lesson in futility at this point, "After all, you're the expert."

"That's right, my friend," he chuckled, "You catch on quick, son."

"I sure do," I conspiratorially grinned, "That's why you're going to bring your whole family out here this next weekend, because I'm going to have a big party to celebrate after all of the work gets done."

"That sounds like a good idea," he excitedly replied, "What do me and the Missus need to bring?"

"Nothing really," I knowingly grinned, "Just your whole family." "Leigh and Angela were right about you," he kindly smiled, "You really are a good man, Mark."

"Nah," I smiled, shaking his hand, "I'm just a guy who's thankful to have the friends that God has blessed me with; nothing more, nothing less."

"I can understand that, son," Joe quietly replied, patting me on the back, "Because I feel the same way, too..."

~~~~~~

Once Joe and his sons had cleaned up and headed out, it was nearing five-thirty. Kevin had already gone home, leaving Uncle John, Kate and Sara, who were sitting at the kitchen table talking when I walked back into the house.

"Those guys have done a hell of a job out there, Mark," Uncle John smiled, "I still can't believe they put Kevlar beneath the lumber. That's pretty good thinking on their part."

"That's nothing, Uncle John," I proudly replied, "Did you see the bullet-proof glass that's going where the front window used to be?" 

"No kidding?" he chuckled, as I nodded my head, "Damn, these people don't do anything half assed around here, do they?"

"They sure don't," I grinned, "They're even putting a steel plate on the back of front door when they come back tomorrow...not bad, huh?"

"Not at all," he seriously replied, "Do you think I could get them to come and do the same thing to my house?"

"I don't see why not, especially in your line of work," I grinned, "But be prepared to pay good money for it."

"I can understand that," he smiled, "But you have to pay good money for good quality these days. Hell, I can't wait to see what it looks like when they get finished."

"I know," I grinned, looking like a kid at Christmas, "I can't wait either..."

~~~~~~

After I'd taken a shower and shaved, I put on some clean clothes and walked back into the kitchen to find Kate and Sara cooking supper, and Uncle John at the kitchen table having a soft drink.

"You're staying for dinner," I smiled, "Aren't you?"

"I don't see why not," he teased, "Kate cooks a hell of a lot better that you ever did," which, of course caused both Kate and Sara to girlishly giggle, once they'd heard what Uncle John said.

"Yeah, right," I laughed, "Don't forget that Domino's Pizza™ still makes deliveries, smart ass."

"Seriously though," he said, suddenly changing the subject, "I've found some evidence that incriminates Madeline Linder so; you might want to think about that."

"What do you mean?" I asked, "What kind of evidence?"

"Circumstantial evidence, mostly," he replied, "But I think that it's a good thing that the front of your house is covered in Kevlar, because I've got a very foreboding feeling that this shit with Mike Dodge isn't over yet."

"Jeez," I groaned, "Just when I thought I was done dealing with that asshole and his partner, his partner's wife turns up on your radar. Shit, that's all I need...dammit."

"Relax, kid," he smiled, "You can't see them, but there are six U.S. Marshalls that are within a hundred feet of your front door, and they're just waiting for someone to fuck with you."

"I sure hope so," I quietly replied, "Oh; I've got a question to ask you."

"Let me guess," he knowingly grinned, "You're probably wanting to know what we found out about Kara Wilkins, aren't you?"

"Yeah," I replied, "That's exactly what I wanted to know."

"The DEA thinks she's ignorant of what Mike Dodge has been up to," he began, "But according to Linda Dodge, she thinks that Kara and Mike have been sexually involved with one another."

"You know what they say," I reminded him, "The wife can always tell when something isn't right with her husband."

"I agree with you," he replied, "That's why I need to ask a favor of you, Mark; you, too, Kate, especially because Linda Dodge is your mother's sister."

"It's up to Mark," Kate said, walking over to the table and placing her arm around my shoulders, "I agree with whatever decision he makes."

"Alright then, here it is," Uncle John began, "I need to talk to Linda Dodge on unofficial terms, in an unofficial place; preferably right here at your house, Mark."

"That's fine with me," I told him, "But you need to understand that the first time things start to get hairy around here," and then quickly I pulled my Walther PPK .380 out and set it down onto the table, "I'm going to shoot first and ask questions later; agreed, Uncle John."

"Let me ask you something," he sternly said, "Do you have some kind of death wish, Mark?"

"I think you know me better than that, Uncle John," I firmly replied, my hand still on my weapon, "But I've already risked my life once for the DEA, and that was to take Mike Dodge's criminal fucking ass down when I went to South America. I'm not even going to consider doing something like that here, especially because Kate and Sara will be here. However, if the shit that I've been through so far has taught me anything, it's to wish for the best, but be prepared for the worst. If you want me to help you, it's going to have to be on my terms, or not at all...Now...do we have a deal, or not?"

"Jesus Christ, Mark," Uncle John quietly replied, fear very clearly written across his face, "You scare the hell outta me sometimes, kid."

"Good," I growled, "That means that whoever shot up my house must be terrified of me so; I repeat the question, Uncle John. Do we have a deal, or not."

"It seems that I've got no choice," he relented, but clearly not wanting to, "Of course we have a deal."

"Alright then," I said, "But I want to do this after Joe Raymer finishes my house, okay?"

"I agree with you on that one," he suddenly grinned, shaking his head, "I'm glad that you're on our side, Mark."




Kate Pt. 02



"I'm not on anyone's side," I quietly seethed, pulling Kate and Sara into my arms, "I'm on my side, and don't ever forget that."

"You need to remember that I'm still your uncle, boy," he began to growl.

"As long as you're interrogating any suspect in my house you're DEA as far as I'm concerned," I reminded him, "Anything beyond that is trivial."

"What about your allegiance to your family, Mark," Uncle John asked, a hurt look on his face, "Doesn't that mean anything to you at all, son?"

"Of course it does, Uncle John," I replied, "But until this shit is finished once and for all, the only family I recognize right now is Kate, Carolyn and Sara. The rest of my family died when I lost my father in Vietnam, and then when my mother passed away in her sleep during the summer I turned eighteen, because of a broken heart from losing my father. Don't get me wrong, Uncle John; I love you, Tabitha, and Grams very dearly; but it has to be this way for now. Surely you, of all people, can understand that, can't you?"

"Of course I can, Mark," he kindly told me smiling, "And believe it, or not; I think that's pretty smart of you to think that way, too."

"I'm glad," I smiled, hugging him, "Right now though, business is business, okay?"

"Okay, kid," he laughed, gently smacking the back of my head with his hand, "You win...for now..."

~~~~~~

Chapter Four

Kate, with Sara's help of course, made homemade meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, with green beans and black eyed peas for dinner that evening; and to say that it was delicious would be an understatement. That was the thing I absolutely loved about having two women living in the house with me. While I'd come to love Sara dearly, I was in love with Kate; however, they were both excellent cooks and I never knew from one day to the next what we were going to have for dinner, man, what a delight.

~~~~~~

Once we were finished eating and the kitchen was clean, Uncle John got ready to leave. However, right before he walked out the front door, he looked at me and dryly said, "Don't forget about the deal we made, Mark."

"Oh, I haven't forgotten about it," I quickly replied, "You just make sure that you hold up your end of the deal..."

~~~~~~

Sara had gone to bed a little earlier than usual, claiming that she wasn't feeling well. Actually, and because of the knowing smile on her face, I think she simply wanted to give Kate and I some time to ourselves after all that had happened over the past days, and she was right, too. And like I just stated only a few moments ago, I loved Sara and this was only one of the many reasons why.

~~~~~~

"So, tell me, Mark," Kate smiled, as she cuddled up beside me on the couch, "Would you like to tell me why the Raymers put Kevlar beneath the wood on the front of the house, as well as why they're going to replace the front window with bullet-proof glass?"

"Beats the hell outta me," I stupidly grinned, "But you have to admit that it's a pretty good idea after everything that's happened, yes?"

"Oh, Mark," she began to cry, "You know that I love you more than anything, but are we going to have to live the rest of our lives in hiding like this? I don't want to have to be looking over my shoulder every time we go out anywhere. Please tell me that you understand what I'm talking about."

For reasons that I couldn't explain at the time, I got angry with her, and in doing so, I looked at Kate and frostily told her, "I can't help what's going on right now, but if you feel like you can't, or don't think you can handle it anymore, you can leave anytime you want to, dammit. Besides, you and I both know that this shit didn't start happening until I went to work for your Aunt's husband; whom, if my memory serves me correctly, didn't hire me for my abilities. He hired me to more or less be a stud service for you."

"Go to hell," Kate hatefully replied, slapping me sharply across the face.

"Uh huh," I sarcastically spat, rubbing my cheek where she'd slapped me, "I guess the truth hurts. Doesn't it, Kate?" and then I quickly stood up and stormed out through the back kitchen door into the garage, slamming it behind me. Then after walking around to the driver's side door of my car, I got in, pushing the remote control, opening the garage door while I stuck the key in the ignition switch and started my car's engine.

Right as I pulled out of the garage, as well as unbeknownst to me, Kate came into the garage in an attempt to dissuade me from leaving. However, I pulled out of the driveway and was gone before I even knew she was there.

"I'm so sorry, baby," she softly cried, as I drove off, "Please forgive me, Mark. I love you more than anything in the world..."

~~~~~~

TEN MINUTES LATER

"Where do you think he might've gone, Kate?" Sara asked, as the two of them drove around in Kate's car looking for me, "He couldn't have gone too far."

"I don't know," Kate tearfully sniffled, "But I've never seen him that angry before...not ever..."

~~~~~~

I aimlessly drove around downtown Nashville for what seemed like hours, remembering the argument I'd had Kate. And after giving it some serious thought, I began realize that I'd started the whole thing, and that Kate had only been telling me how she felt. I also realized that the whole thing was my fault, too. I mean, after all, hadn't I told her in the beginning of our relationship that I would do whatever it took to protect her, even laying my life down for her if that's what the situation called for it. I mean, how much more callous could I have been to act to her the way I had when all she did was tell me that she was afraid?

"Dammit, Mark," I chastised myself aloud, "Smooth move, you dumb ass," and knowing that she would more than likely be worried sick about me; I turned and pointed my car toward home, praying that Kate would find it in her heart to forgive me. If she did, I made a promise to God right then that I would spend the rest of my life making it up to her, regardless of the outcome.

~~~~~~

"Can you think of anywhere else he might be, Sara?" Kate worriedly asked.

"No, but I'm sure he's alright, sweetie," Sara reassured her, "What you want to bet that he's at home waiting for us...and probably wondering where we are?"

"I sure hope so," Kate sniffled, looking out the passenger window of Sara's car, "It would literally kill me if something happened to him..."

~~~~~~

The first thing I noticed when I got home was that Sara's car was gone, making me immediately worry that either Sara, Kate, or both of them had gone out to look for me. And knowing Kate and Sara like I did, I smiled realizing that sounded just like something they would do so; in order to keep myself busy, I began to make some hot chocolate, taking my time in order to have it ready for them to drink the moment they arrived back home...

~~~~~~

"MARK," Kate loudly cried, walking through the front door, "MARK, WHERE ARE YOU?"

"I'm in the kitchen," I smiled, standing at the stove. Thank goodness I'd just turned it off, taking the pot off of the burner to let it cool down a bit. Because the moment I turned around, I thought that Kate was going to knock me down, as she launched herself into my arms, slamming against me, knocking me three or four steps backward as she did so.

"I'm so sorry for slapping you, Mark," Kate hysterically cried, kissing me all over my face, "Can you ever forgive me?"

"Please don't cry, Kate," I gently replied, "I should be asking for your forgiveness. Besides, I was the one who started raising hell with you in the first place...I was at fault...not you, okay?"

"I plead nolo contendre," she smiled, immediately calming down as she began wiping her eyes, "It's a legal term that means no contest."

"I know what it means," I chuckled, wrapping my arms tightly around her, "And I love you."

"Mmm," she softly replied, her face buried in my chest, "I love you, too, Mark..."

~~~~~~

Not only had it been a long day that day, but because of the disagreement I'd had earlier with Kate, it had made for an even longer night. Still though, it was around 2:00am when Kate and I finally made it to bed; and the moment I felt her naked body against mine, we slowly and tenderly made love; and afterward, I finally relaxed and fell into a gentle, warm slumber, my beautiful Kate lying right next to me in my arms...

~~~~~~

THE NEXT MORNING 10:00 AM

I was awakened by the aroma of something wonderful emanating from the kitchen, wafting down the hallway and into my room. Because I opened my eyes to find the place beside me in the bed empty, I could only assume that Kate and Sara were making breakfast. My thoughts were confirmed when I heard both of their voices happily chatting as they worked...

~~~~~~

Good Morning, sleepyhead," Kate grinned, handing me a fresh cup of coffee the moment I appeared in the kitchen, "It's about time you got out of the bed."

"Whatever," I teased, "I would've slept a whole lot later if you two hadn't woken me up with all of the noise you were making."

"That's bullshit, Mark and you know it," Sara giggled, "I told Kate that the minute we started cooking, you'd be awake so; don't even try to lie, buster," as she and Kate continued laughing.

"Yeah, yeah," I playfully groaned, "So; what're you two making? Whatever it is, it smells great."

"See there," Sara knowingly smiled, "I told you, didn't I, Katie?"

"Yep," Kate snickered, "You sure did."

"Told her what?" I asked, "What're you two talking about?"

"It's like this, honey," Kate sweetly began, "Sara and I were talking about you this morning, and when I told her that I wished you were up, but I didn't want to wake you; she grinned and told me that if we started breakfast, your stomach would save me the trouble having to wake you up all by itself, and she was right, too," as she and Sara fell into an almost uncontrollable fit of girlish laughter.

"Leave me alone," I chuckled, "What're you two making anyway."

"You'll find out in a minute," Sara teased, "Ya grumpy bastard," as again the girls started laughing.

"I'm glad you two think this is so amusing," I told them, "And just so you know, Miss Sara, "I'm not a grumpy bastard; but I can be one if you'd like me to."

"Uh oh," Kate giggled, "We'd better not push him too hard, Sara. I've seen him when he's being grumpy."

"Yeah, right," I laughed, pulling Kate into my lap, making her delightfully squeal, "I've never once been grumpy to you, and you know it, Kate." 

"Oh really," Sara giggled, "Then if you weren't being grumpy, then why didn't you guys get to bed until two o'clock this morning?"

"That's easy," Kate replied, gently kissing my lips, "It's because I was acting like a spoiled brat."

"What else is new?" Sara laughed, "You act like that's something that Mark and I have never seen before," and of course this time, I was the one who fell into an uncontrollable fit of laughter...

~~~~~~ Later that day, around one o'clock, Joey and his father, Joe Sr., both arrived at the house to remove the piece of plywood I'd used to cover what used to be my front window. Imagine my surprise when Angela climbed out of the truck from the back seat, smiling and waving at me.

"Hi, Mark," she grinned, "I hope you don't mind me coming over here with Dad and Joey. I wanted to see you."

"Hi, pretty girl," I smiled, "I don't mind at all. I'll bet Kate and Sara would like to see you, too."

"Good, I would like to talk to Sara," she sweetly giggled, "My brother, Nick, really likes her ya know."

"Is that right?" I knowingly chuckled, taking her by the hand, "Come with me and I'll lead you inside so that you can tell her. I think she might enjoy hearing about that," and then I winked at her father and brother and told them, "I'll be right back, fellas."

"No worries," her father chuckled, "Me and Joey can start taking this piece of plywood off your front window..."

~~~~~~

"Hey, Sara," I smiled, as Angela and I walked into the kitchen to find Kate and Sara having some coffee, "I've got someone here that wanted to come to talk to you; especially you, Sara."

"Well, hello there, Miss Angela, "Kate sweetly grinned, standing up to hug her, with Sara following suit, "How're you today, sweetie."

"I'm fine, thank you," Angela smiled, "My brother, Nick, has the biggest crush on you, Sara."

As the girls began to chat, I saw light braking through the front of the living room, meaning that Angela's father and brother had removed the plywood. I used that as my cue to leave and let the girls talk amongst themselves, giving Kate a kiss before I went back outside...

~~~~~~

"Is there anything I can do to help?" I asked, as I watched Joe Senior and Joey put the new piece of glass in place of where the old one once was.

"Not really," Joe smiled, while Joey was anchoring the glass in place, sealing it afterward, "I think we've about got it covered, but thanks for asking just the same."

Once the new pieces of outer trim had been nailed in, and painted, I looked at Joe Senior and told him, "I know you guys wanted to do this for no0thing, but I can't let you do that, and there's no way I'm going to let you either."

"I'll tell you what," Joe smiled, patting my shoulder, "If you feel like paying for something, then why don't you make a contribution to Saint Jude's Hospital for Children? Lord knows those folks need all the help they can get, especially these days."

"I agree," Joey smiled, "We've been making contributions to them for a long time now."

"I can do that," I smiled, "Let me get my checkbook..."

~~~~~~

After all was said and done, I handed Joe Senior a check for twenty thousand dollars that was made out to the previously mentioned charity. Me, Kate and Sara stood in my driveway smiling as they drove away, thankful for the work they had done.

~~~~~

The Raymers hadn't been gone for more than twenty minutes before Kate's mother, Carolyn showed up with Linda Dodge, her sister and Kate's Aunt in tow.

"Hi, Mom, hi Aunt Linda" Kate grinned, hugging her mother and aunt, "What're you guys doing here?"

"Hi baby," Carolyn smiled, "Mark's Uncle John called and asked Linda to meet him here. I'm her legal counsel."

"Please, tell me that you're not part of this, Aunt Linda," Kate sadly asked, "Please?"

"I don't know what Mark's Uncle told you," she tearfully replied, "But I swear on my life that I'm not, baby girl."

"If you say so then I believe you," Kate said, "Besides, you've never lied to me...not once."

I'd remained silent until Carolyn looked at me and asked, "What about you, Mark, do you think Linda could be guilty of anything where Mike Dodge is concerned?"

"You're an attorney, Carolyn," I said, "It doesn't matter what I think. It only matters what can be proved, but in answer to your question, no; I don't think Linda is guilty of anything. I think Mike Dodge is a manipulative sonofabitch that deserves to hang for what he's done."

"See there," Kate sweetly smiled kissing my cheek, "I told you he was smart, didn't I?"

~~~~~~

We'd been visiting with Kate's mother and Aunt for a little bit less than ten minutes when Uncle John rang the doorbell.

"Uncle John," I emotionlessly said, greeting him at the front door, "I was wondering when I was going to hear from you."

"Can I come in?" he asked, "There are some things that we...that I need to talk to you about." "Sure," I cooly replied, opening the front door, allowing him entrance into my house, "Come on in..."

~~~~~~

When Uncle John walked into the den where we all had been sitting, the whole room went as silent as a tomb. He waited until I was back beside Kate on the couch before he spoke.

"Let me start this conversation by telling you all how sorry I am that things got to this point," he began, and then addressing Kate's Aunt Kinda, he told her, "You'll be pleased to know, Missus Dodge, that you're cleared and are no longer considered a suspect in this case."

"It's about damn time," she angrily replied, "I tried to tell you that in the first place."

"I understand, and I'm terribly sorry," he said, then he turned and looked at me, "But Madeline Linder is still out there somewhere, Mark, and you folks need to be made aware of it."

"Let the bitch come after me again," I snapped, reaching behind me and withdrawing my Walther PPK, "She shows her face around here again and I'll blow her head off...you can count on it."

"Trust me, Mark," he said, "It won't do you a bit of good to get pissed off."

"You want me to trust you after all the shit I've been through, not to mention worrying Kate to death?" I replied, in a hostile tone of voice, "Besides, I way beyond pissed off at this point so; consider yourself informed. If I so much as catch a glimpse of Madeline Linder, I'm going to shoot first and ask questions later. It's the DEA's fault that all of this shit happened to begin with."

"Look Mark," he told me, "I understand why..."

"NO, you don't understand dick, Uncle John, and that's what pisses me off the most," I disgustedly spat, "Federal Agencies...what a waste of the taxpayer's money."

"I'm really sorry you feel that way, kid," he dejectedly replied, "I'd better go...I hope that one day we can mend the rift between you and me, kid," and then he turned and left, quietly closing the door behind him...

~~~~~~

That night as I lay next to Kate, I was awakened by the sound of someone moving through the house. I knew it wasn't Sara, because I would've heard her opening her bedroom door. No, there was definitely someone in my house who wasn't supposed to be there. So, pulling my weapon from beneath my pillow, I slowly got out of bed so as not to wake Kate, and then quietly opened my bedroom door, silently making my way down the hall.

The house was still dark, and when I got to the kitchen; I detected movement in the den. I squatted down so as not to be in the direct line of sight, and then, as silently as the fog, made my way toward the intruder...

~~~~~~

"Don't move, asshole," a female voice told me, placing a cocked pistol to the back of my head, "Drop the gun, or I'll kill you where you stand," and then suddenly I felt a sharp pain as I was hit at the base of the skull, making me not only drop my weapon, but also knocking me down onto the floor, but not unconscious.

I decided to act like I was out cold, and that's when I clearly heard Madeline Linder's voice say, "I've got him covered. Go get that bitch girlfriend of his and bring her in here."

"Okay, Aunt Maddie," a voice I recognized as Kara Wilkins' replied, "I'll be right back...

~~~~~~

Once Kara was gone, I waited for Madeline to drop her guard, and the moment she did so; I made my move, by quickly reaching up and grabbing her hand that held te weapon she'd used to hit me with, and then I wrenched it free, but not before introducing her temple to the heel of my left foot. 

Once she lay on the floor, out cold, I might add...lol...I quietly drug her into the kitchen, where I took a roll of duct tape out of my utility drawer, and then bound her hands together in fro9nt of her.

I could hear a scuffle going on down the hall, but as opposed to taking the risk of getting Kate injured, or, God forbid something worse. I quietly made my way to where my dojo was, retrieving four Shiriken throwing stars, and half a dozen steel darts.

Right before I rounded the corner where Madeline lay out cold in the kitchen, I heard Kara's voice say, "Aunt Maddie, are you alright?" 

"OH, NO," she began to loudly wail, "WHAT DID HE DO TO YOU?"

"I hope he killed the bitch," Kate hatefully spat, beginning to laugh.

By this time I was peeping around the corner, still undetected by Kara, as she raised her weapon, pointed it at Kate, and snarled, "Just for that, I'm gonna kill you, you fucking bitch."




Kate Pt. 02



However, as she was pulling the hammer back on her weapon, I threw two Shiriken stars, which caught her right on the hand holding her gun. She screamed, dropped the weapon, and before she had time to even move, I was on her, knocking her out with one punch...

"Are you alright?" I asked Kate, immediately taking her into my arms, "Stay right here while I call the police."

~~~~~~

While we were waiting for the police, Sara came through the front door, having been out with Nick Raymer. And after she entered the kitchen, she saw the two bodies that were lying in the floor unconscious.

"Holy shit, guys," she grinned, "What did I miss?"

I turned from Kate and was just about to explain everything that had happened when I heard Kate screaming, "LOOK OUT, MARK; SHE'S GOT A GUN!"

I turned just in time to see Madeline Linder on her knees, aiming my own weapon at me, as she evilly hissed, "Say goodbye; shithead."

But before I could react, I heard three consecutive shots ring our from behind me, as Madeline's chest exploded with each shot fired. After she hit the floor, I looked behind me to see Sara holding and FBI issue, Colt, .45 automatic pistol in her hands.

All of a sudden, the police stormed through the front door wearing tactical uniforms, which indicated that they were members of a SWAT Team.

"FREEZE," they yelled, aiming their assault rifles at Sara, "DROP YOUR WEAPON."

"Easy officers," Sara calmly replied, slowly reaching into her purse and withdrawing a badge and ID, "I'm undercover DEA, and I've been assigned to protect these people...

~~~~~~

"So, you're an undercover DEA Agent, huh?" I angrily asked, "I'll bet Sara Dawson isn't even your real name, is it?"

No, my real name is Julia Monahan," she softly replied, "And if it means anything; I'm very sorry, Mark."

"Please tell me that you're not a part of this, too, Kate," I asked, tears beginning to fill my eyes, and when she didn't reply, I knew I had my answer.

However, before I could continue, Kate grabbed my arm, and with tears raining down her face, cried, "I was at first, but then somewhere along the way I fell in love with you, Mark, I swear."

"Oh, really," I spat, "Was that before, or after we fucked," and again she went silent, not being able to look into my eyes.

"Uh huh...I'm going for a drive," I hatefully told the two of them, "And when I get back, I want both of you out of here, do you understand me?" and before they could reply, I turned and walked away.

~~~~~~

Chapter Five

Once again I found myself driving aimlessly around Nashville. I was not only in shock at what Kate had done, but because I was still somewhat numb, the pain hadn't yet begun to set in. However, I told myself right then and there, that I was not going to let myself get all upset about this. Hell, I should've known that Kate was full of shit the first time I met her for the very first time in the lobby of the building her mother's was in, when her true colors were showing...

~~~~~~

I decided to leave Nashville, Tennessee and never look back. After talking to Grams and apprising her of what all had happened, she was the one who suggested that I move back to Key West, Florida; the one place that I remember being the happiest.

I took two weeks to go down there and look for a place that I could either lease, or buy outright, somewhere that didn't have the memories that would surely haunt me if I'd stayed in Nashville....

~~~~~~

I found a nice place on Sunset Key Drive that was well within my price range; and after paying cash for the house, I told the realtor that I would be moving within the next three weeks. Of course she was very nice, asking me if there was anything else I might want done to the house before I arrived.

"Yes, I would," I cordially replied, "I want a twelve foot, privacy fence put around the entire property."

"No Problem, Mister Powers," she smiled, "I'll have it done before you get here..."

I'd hired some movers the moment I returned, taking only my clothing and my hand weapons out of the house, not wanting to remain in that house any longer than I absolutely had to; letting the movers take care of everything else...

~~~~~~

FOUR MONTHS LATER

I'd just returned from deep sea fishing with some friends, when my phone rang. It was my realtor in Nashville calling to let me know that my house had been sold, and that the money would be in my bank account within the next 48 hours. I thanked her for her time and wished her the very best of luck, hanging the phone up after ward...

~~~~~~

That afternoon I took a nice hot shower, leaving me feeling somewhat refreshed, until I heard my phone ring again.

"Hello," I answered.

"Hi, Marky," Tabitha said, on the other end, "How're you doing, cuz?"

"I still have some bad days," I wearily smiled, "But I'm getting better as each day passes."

"I'm glad to hear it, sweetie," she tenderly replied, "I've been very worried about you for a while now...so has Daddy."

"I'm okay, I suppose," I told her, "Speaking of you father, how is he?"

"He's wondering if you'll ever be able to forgive him," Tabitha began to cry, "He's really torn up about what happened, Mark, and I can't take seeing him like this anymore."

"Look, Tabs," I sighed, "Tell him that I understand the he was just doing his job, and I'm not mad at him. Hell, he's my blood just like you are."

"You tell him," she cried, "He's standing right here."

"Hi, Mark," I heard Uncle John say, "Can you ever forgive a stupid old man that turned his back on his only nephew?" and for the first time in my life, I heard my Uncle begin to cry, which tore at my heart worse than anything I'd ever felt before, "I'm really sorry, Mark, and it's killing me knowing that I've hurt you...I swear, I never meant for things to turn out the way they did. Please tell me that you forgive me, son," as he bitterly wept, "It's killing me, Mark...it really is."

"It's alright, Uncle John," I gently told him, "I'm over that shit. I'm the one who's sorry for turning my back on you when I should've trusted you...I'll tell you what. Why don't you and Tabs load up and come down here? I'll pay for the tickets," and by this time I could barely see my hand in front of my face for the tears that were clouding my eyes.

"That's the thing," Uncle John began to chuckled, still sniffling; "Tabitha and I are at the airport, here in Key West, I mean, your Grandmother told where you'd moved to, she just wouldn't give me anything other than your phone number."

"Some shit never changes, does it, you crafty old dog?" I laughed, "Take a cab to this address," and after I gave him my address, I hung up with a warm smile on my face, the first true and genuine smiled I'd worn in quite a while...

~~~~~~

"Wow, Marky," Tabitha teased, as I escorted her and Uncle John into my house, "If I'd known you lived in a house this nice; I would've come to see you a lot sooner."

"Come in," I smiled, hugging her, "There are two spare bedrooms. Take which ever one you want."

"Thanks, Mark," she sweetly replied, kissing my cheek, "You've always been such a sweetie."

"How're you doing, Uncle John," I smiled, hugging him and trying desperately not to let the tears that were in my eyes fall, "It's good to see you."

"You, too, kid," he replied, his voice faltering, "I've missed you..."

~~~~~~

That night after everyone had settled in, I grilled some steaks and lobster tails on the new gas grill I'd bought. Tabitha was kind enough to make a salad, and because I'd put them in the oven the moment my family arrived, I now had three hot, piping baked potatoes that were ready to serve the minute the food came off of the grill.

"Damn, Mark," Uncle John smiled, "Everything looks so good; I'm not really sure I'll be able to eat it all."

"Eat what you can," I happily grinned, "I'll put your left-overs in the refrigerator, and you can have it for breakfast."

"I'm glad you were able to bounce back, Mark," he sadly told me, "Doing shit like that was what I hated the most about my job."

"Why don't you quit?" I suggested, "Hell, Uncle John, I'm sure you've got enough time in to be able to retire, don't you?"

"It's funny you should say that," he knowingly smiled, "Because two and a half months ago, I did exactly that...I retired."

"I'm glad to hear it," I smiled, "How do you feel now?"

"Not too bad," he retrospectively told me, "At least I can stand to look at myself in the mirror these days."

"I'm glad to hear that," I smiled, patting him on the shoulder, "I really am."

"Aren't you gonna ask about Kate?" Tabitha quietly said, "Aren't you even the least bit curious as to how she's doing?"

"Not at all," I coldly replied, ""Her and Sara...I mean Julia, are probably right back in business again, pulling the wool over the eyes some other poor bastard, who, like me, was stupid enough to fall for their bullshit."

"Julia Monahan quit the agency right after the shit that went down at your house, Mark," Uncle John said, "Nobody knows where she is."

"Kate had a nervous breakdown the night you left, Mark," Tabs told me, "She just got out of a mental facility about a week ago, but I'm not real sure if she's going to make by herself."

"Is that why you're here?" I defensively replied, "Do you think I honestly care?"

"Yeah, I know you do," Tabitha sniffled, "I can tell that you still love her. It's written all over your face; and don't you dare try and deny it either."

Don't get me wrong," I told them, "I'm very happy that you two came to see me; but that's in the past, and that's exactly where I want to keep it," and then I arose from the table and walked out onto the back patio to hide the tears that began to flood my eyes.

After a moment, Tabitha came and stood beside me, wrapping her arm around my waist and laying her head on my shoulder, just like she used to do when we were little and I was upset about something.

"She still loves you, Mark," she softly told me, hugging me closely, "You still love her, too...I can feel it."

"Is that right?" I sadly asked, "And just how could you possibly know that, Tabs?"

"Because we've now each other all our lives, Mark," she gently replied, "We were so close growing up that I can tell when you're hurting...give her a second chance. You did it for me, and now I'm asking you to do the same for Kate, please?" as a lone tear slowly trickled down her pretty little cheek."

"I'm sorry, sweetie," I sniffled, "I just can't."

"Nobody is perfect, Mark," she told me, "Do you remember what you said to me after I got out of rehab, when I felt so bad for all the awful shit that I'd done when I was on drugs?"

"Not really," I lied, "At least I don't remember."

"We both know that you're lying, but I'll tell you anyway," she understandingly smiled, "You told me that everyone, regardless of who it is, deserves a second chance."

"I'm sorry, Tabs," I told her, trying and failing miserably to keep from crying, "I just can't. Please try to understand that."

"No, I can't understand," she said, turning to look me in the eyes, "You're going to have to tell me why, Mark."

"Because I'm afraid," I openly wept, "Are you happy now? I'm afraid."

"Shh," Tabitha gently soothed, taking me into her arms, "It's alright, sweetie...and it's okay to be afraid..."

~~~~~~

That night after everyone was asleep, I tossed and turned in my bed, not being able to shaker the thoughts of Kate, that were by now, racing through my mind, I had so many unanswered questions. "Was she okay...did she need anything?" and last but certainly not least, "What could I do to help her?"

Tabitha had been correct when she told me that I was still in love with Kate. Hell, ever since I moved back to Key West, there hadn't been a single night that I hadn't dreamed and/or thought of Kate. I guess that's why I was so devastated when she pulled the stunt she'd pulled in Nashville. I no longer cared why. The only thing I cared about was wondering if I was ever going to see her again, and because I knew that she was in trouble, I had no choice but to follow my heart...follow it back to Nashville, regardless of whatever the consequences were, if any, that might be awaiting me...

~~~~~~

The next morning over breakfast, I told Uncle John and my cousin, Tabitha, of the decision I'd arrived at the night before, and before I cold elaborate any further, Tabitha fell into happy tears, telling me, "You're making the right decision, Mark," she sniffled, "You won't be sorry you did this."

"You're the main reason I'm doing this, sweetheart," I earnestly smiled, kissing her cheek, "Thank you, Tabitha, for making my stubborn blind ass see the light."

"It's because you helped me when I was down, Mark," she sweetly replied, happy tears rolling down her pretty face, "But. You're welcome just the same."

They stayed for another two days, and then with happy smiles on both of their faces, I bid them goodbye at the departure gate of the airport...

~~~~~~

After catching the red-eye flight out of Miami the following evening, I had mixed feelings when my plane touched down in Nashville at five o'clock that morning. By the time I picked up my rental car, it was nearing seven am. I wanted to take enough time so as not to arrive at Carolyn's house, where Tabitha told me Kate was staying, too early. So; with that in mind, I took the time to eat a nice full breakfast before I drove to reclaim my destiny. I only hoped that she was going to be as happy to see me, as I had mixed emotions...

~~~~~~

AN HOUR LATER

It was almost nine o'clock in the morning when I pulled into Carolyn's driveway, slowly pulling up to her house. I got out of my rental car, and ten cautiously approached the front door. Imagine my surprise when Carolyn opened the front door before I had the chance to even knock.

"Mark," she softly wept, quickly opening the front door and pulling me into her arms, "I'm so glad you're here baby boy."

"How is she, Carolyn," I fearfully asked, "How is Kate?"

"I want to ask you something before I tell you anything," she softly replied, "Why are you here?"

"I'm dying inside, Carolyn," I began to weep, "I tried to stay away from her, but I just can't...I love her."

"She loves you, too, sweetie, she's never stopped loving you," Carolyn suddenly smiled, taking a piece of tissue and wiping my eyes, "I don't want her to know you've been crying when you see her so; come on in get yourself together...she finally went to sleep for the first time in a long time last night; and she's not up yet..."

~~~~~~

"I want you to know that Kate feels terrible about the way things happened," Carolyn softly spoke, as we sat at her kitchen table drinking coffee, "But the only reason she did what she did was because she was trying to protect me. She never expected to fall in love with you."

"She refused to answer a question that I asked her that night," I told Carolyn, "And that's why I left like I did."

"Yeah, I know; Kate told me everything," Carolyn said, "And, while I know that it might sound a little crazy, there's a reason why she couldn't give you the answer you wanted."

Okay," I slowly replied, "I'm really trying to understand, Carolyn, but if you want me to truly be able to understand, ten you're going to have to tell me what that reason was. I think I deserve to know at the very least."

"You're right, Mark," Carolyn began, "Katie was little when her father was killed so; once she got herself back together, she told herself that she had to be strong me, and remain that way regardless of the consequences to herself. I told her that it was nonsense and I assumed she would grow out of it," as she wiped her eyes, "But I was too busy trying to hide my own pain with my work that I never saw that she didn't; and so; here we are."

"Oh, my God, my poor Kate," I cried, tears of guilt rolling down my face once more, as my heart literally broke for her, "I can't begin to imagine how tough that must've been for Kate, especially being so young...Now I feel like a real horse's ass for not sticking around and giving her a chance to explain before I just walked away like some kind of coward."

"Aw. Mark, baby, please don't beat yourself up about this," Carolyn sweetly told me, tenderly wiping the tears from my eyes again, "I don't blame you or Katie. I blame the God damn DEA for filling her head with all the bullshit they told her about her Aunt Linda's husband so; if you want to blame someone, blame them."

All of a sudden I heard a voice behind me that I could never forget in a million years, softly whisper, "Mark? Mark is that you?"

I turned around to see my beautiful Kate standing there looking like she'd been fighting a losing battle, but those beautiful blue eyes of hers, which hadn't lost their affect on me, sparkling as brightly as they did the first time I ever saw her.

"Kate," I wept, rushing into her arms, pulling her tightly against me as she reciprocated, "Please forgive me, baby. I'm so sorry for everything I said that night."

"You were forgiven before you ever said them, my love," she wept, "Please tell me that I'm not dreaming again."

"Does this feel like a dream, baby?" I asked, and before she could reply, I gave her the deepest, most soul filling kiss I'd ever given, or she'd ever received.

"You're here, you're really here, Oh, my God," she cried. Then suddenly pushing me away from her to arms length, but not letting go of me, she cautiously asked, "Before this goes any further, I want to ask you why you're here?"

"Because I love you, Kate," I wept, "I tried to live without you, but I died a little every day I was away from you."

"Oh baby," she sniffled, quickly kissing my lips, "I fell apart the night you walked out of my life, and like you, I've been dying a little bit every day, too."

"Not any more," I told her, holding onto her as if she were going to suddenly disappear, "I'm never going to let go of you again...not ever..."

~~~~~~

Epilogue

After staying in Nashville for a few more days, I took Kate back to Key West with me. She and I were married less than six months later, and the best part of all was having everyone who loved us there with us on that day. We never heard from Julia Monahan again, but that still doesn't mean that we didn't forgive her, we did. Two years after we married, Kate presented me with an eight pound, six ounce baby girl who we named Lila, and like her father, was born right here in Key West..

I'm so thankful that Lila looks like Kate instead of me, because she is the most beautiful thing I've ever seen, almost as beautiful as her mother. That was twenty years ago, and today we sit in the audience watching our daughter walk across the stage to receive her high school diploma; and we couldn't be any more proud of her than we are now.

THE END